Boston Sword and Tuna gives up on Market Basket Management; says continuing as vendor impossible
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] Aug 19, 2014
Boston Sword and Tuna was the primary fish supplier for the Market Basket Chain. Tim Malley, CEO, has written an open letter about how they just can't continue, given the incompetent way the new leadership is running the store. The story he tells of a long time customer coming apart over disfunctional family issues is compelling. Malley says he spoke out because other vendors are likely suffering from the same level of incompetence. The following is Malley's letter:
We are one of several suppliers of fresh seafood to Market Basket- possibly the largest. We provide a variety of wild items typically found in retail markets throughout New England, including Cod, Haddock, Scallops, swordfish and tuna. The largest volume we provide is farmed Atlantic salmon from Norway- over 30,000 pounds per week. It is a great value for Market Basket customers, and has helped us grow our business with MB over the ten years we have worked together.
Part of why it is so affordable is that we commit to one-year contracts every year. It is a two-way contract, meaning we contract with our Norwegian partners to buy a set quantity at a set price for a full year, and Market Basket makes the same commitment to us. When Market Basket stopped accepting deliveries [The week of July 18th], the impact on us was significant. The wild product meant we were immediately buying 25-30,000 pounds per week less...
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