A Simply Fresh retailer who will move to Budgens in the New Year has already begun receiving deliveries from Booker following the collapse of wholesaler Palmer & Harvey.

Avtar Sidhu, who runs Sukhi’s Simply Fresh, in Kenilworth, hadn’t received a supply from P&H for more than two weeks.

“It’s been a real firefight to fill the shelves, with fresh and chilled a particular challenge. Obviously, Co-op is taking over the supply side at Simply Fresh but this isn’t going to come to fruition until April, which isn’t helpful,” he said. Mr Sidhu’s decision to move to Budgens wasn’t just a response to problems with his current set-up, however. He also sees the symbol group as well-positioned to take on the future challenges and opportunities in convenience.

“Fresh and chilled and foodservice are going to fill the void of categories that are in decline. Threats like Amazon and Deliveroo have appeared, and traditional grocery is going to be hit hard over the next few years,” he said.

Mr Sidhu is looking to complete a full rebrand and refit by the end of January.