The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Despite the much talked about credit crunch here in the UK, one water cooler wholesale company is reporting a large growth in revenues, customers and product offerings. According to company founder and owner Ian Devine, Kleena Coola, based in the West Midlands, has more than doubled in size in 2008 over 2007. The company now offers close to 100 lines, ranging from a silicone bung to a spillage cover with new products and ideas being added regularly.
The key, according to Ian Devine, is to offer exactly what the customer wants. “This has been the case many times, when customers phone and ask us to supply various goods, such as John Guest, filters and engineers' tools,” he said. Kleena Coola has now launched its new-look website. “Our intention was to make the site more user friendly,” added Dani Symonds, Kleena Coola’s IT Manager. “It will feature product groups, images, information, a shopping trolley facility, credit card payment system and easier navigation. The new site will be constantly updated and should connect with all water cooler staff,” shae added. Kleena Coola has recently introduced a range of own-label filters, offering sellers a bespoke item to pass onto customers. There are two types available: a one micron in-line and also a 0.5 micron quick change unit, both made by a leading US manufacturer and available for minimum orders of just six filters. Further additions to the range include heavy-duty bags made from thick vinyl to protect coolers on their way to customers. Kleena Coola also offers a 32-bottle rack cover made from the same multi-use fabric, with Velcro flaps and stacking holes.
The company has also listened to customer requests to supply Ebac’s replacement water trails covering the Easy, Emax, Fmax and Slim coolers. Customers are also able to order Beca-Bins.
The bin is designed to promote office cup recycling and is purpose-designed to collect used disposable cups and any waste liquid.
The standard Beca-Bin not only helps keep the workplace tidy but also reduces the volume of disposable cups by around 75%, lowering cleaning and waste management costs, while introducing the possibility of recycling.