Foodstuffs North Island has opened a new Gilmours Cash ‘n Carry store in Napier, giving local hospitality and foodservice businesses easier access to wholesale products, seven days a week.
The new 2,560 sqm store, located at 39 Edmundson Street, Onekawa, builds on the success of the fully stocked Gilmours warehouse, which has been servicing the region for the past two years.
Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island, said the new store reflects the co-operative’s deep commitment to the region.
“Hawke’s Bay has an awesome food scene, from cafes and restaurants through to producers and caterers. We’ve seen how the region continues to bounce back with energy and ambition after some tough years,” said Quin.
“Gilmours is here to back that energy. We’re proud to invest in a local wholesale hub that gives hardworking chefs, business owners, and community groups faster, easier access to what they need to deliver for their customers.”
With the new Cash ‘n Carry open, Gilmours customers now have seven-day access to a range of 4,500 products, including foodservice essentials, cleaning products, and bulk goods alongside the region’s existing delivery service.
“Our delivery service has always been strong, but this gives customers the option to shop on their terms, when it suits them,” said Peter Blackwell, Owner Operator of Gilmours Hawke’s Bay.
“We’re making it even easier for anyone running a food operation, from rest homes and bakeries to sports clubs, schools and marae, to get in, stock up and keep going.”
Since launching Gilmours in Hawke’s Bay, the business has created 42 new roles. Blackwell said that building a team with growth opportunities has been a priority from the beginning.
A familiar face in the community, Blackwell has been part of the Foodstuffs co-operative for 13 years and has led Gilmours in the region for the past decade. He’s hands-on in the business and often behind the wheel of the delivery truck himself, checking in with customers directly.
In 2024, Blackwell and his son, John, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, raising NZD 119,000 for the Foodies Foundation, a charity that supports Foodstuffs team members and their families during tough times.
“This business runs on relationships. We know our customers. We know what it takes to keep a busy kitchen humming. That’s why this new store isn’t just a building, it’s another way we’re showing up for the people who keep Hawke’s Bay fed.”
