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DEC. JAN. 2018
III
Marca by Bologna-Fiere, in Bologna
on 17 and 18 January 2018, with a
growth of exhibitors and brands.
Also CIC will participate in the event
this year, bringing its brand products
Qualitaly, Tavola Viva, Il Gelo, La
Carne, La Carta, Utility and Friggi
Qualitaly.
Ours is an important choice, which
falls at a time when the Cooperative
is trying to implement suppliers to
be able to produce more and more
branded products with the guarantee
to offer the seller an increasingly
complete range and impeccable
quality.
We hope to see you then at PAV/
HALL 36 STAND F11
AT PAGE 10
Qi Partners
Three generations,
one mission: excellence
in customer service
The ability to deliver even in the
inaccessible places represents the
characteristic of Nicolas S.R.L, a
point of reference for over half a
century in the Susa Valley (and not
only there) in the distribution of fresh,
dried and frozen food products
By Chiara Bandini
A strong rooting in the territory,
combined with competence,
professionalism and serious attention
to the quality of the range and the
excellence of the service. These are
the ingredients of the recipe that has
allowed Nicolas S.r.l. to become a
preferred choice for bars, restaurants
and hotels in the Susa Valley - and not
only there – as part of the distribution
of prime fresh, dried and frozen food
products.
For over half a century, the Nicolas
family has been at the helm, which
today sees three generations
involved: the founder, Joseph, the
two sons Maurizio and Piersergio,
and the two grandchildren Andrea
and Stefano, who have recently made
their entrance into company. Past
and future, in short, find a perfect
synthesis in these times which,
strong from a consolidated tradition,
now looks at the challenges of a
changing market. Treasuring the
experience and vision of its patron,
who tells us about the achievements
and strategies developed for the
growth of the activity.
Who are your main customers?
Our preferred partner is the Horeca
network, in all its forms: from hotels
to pizzerias, from bars to restaurants.
We address, in short, inside the world
of eating out, in particular in Val di
Susa, but not only there. We are also
active in the suburbs of Turin and in
the border valleys with France, which
represent an important growth area
for our business: to date, the turnover
from this border is worth about 30-
35% of our total business.
How do you gain and maintain
their trust?
We can count on a wide range of
products and the broad experience
and professionalism of our
employees. However, I believe that
our true flagship is represented by
customer service: we are able to make
a delivery anywhere. For those who
work predominantly in mountain
areas this constitutes a definite added
value. We are, in fact, also equipped
to reach the more inaccessible places,
such as those in which the Alpine
huts are located, through deliveries
carried out by helicopter and
snowmobile.
How is the Nicolas range made up?
We can satisfy the most demanding
customers thanks to a wide and
diversified portfolio of products that
is divided into three different areas:
frozen meat, bread, stuffed pasta, fish
products and vegetables; dry products
with cans and similar; and the fresh
products ranging from game meats to
local cheeses as well as the established
products of traditional cuisine. We
therefore ensure the supply of the
entire range of ingredients necessary
for the catering industry, in the
broadest sense of the term.
Who are your suppliers?
We use qualified producers selected
both at local level in Val di Susa,
so as to propose a varied choice of
local produce, and at national and
international level.
Your range is not strictly limited to
the food sector...
Our range also includes professional
products dedicated to cleaning and
hygiene of the premises that we
supply with food products. This
area has been the centre of recent
innovations with the inclusion in the
portfolio of a range of equipment and
tools dedicated to cooking and food
preparation.
How is the sales service
structured?
We use the collaboration of four
dedicated agents that ensure frequent
visits to our customers and are able to
expertly respond to the demands and
needs of those who work in Horeca.
What about delivery?
With a view to customer service,
home delivery is normally carried
out within one day following the
date of the order. And this is thanks
to a fleet of 4 owned vehicles -
renewed, moreover, only a little
more than a year ago -, which
guarantee the transport of goods at
dual temperature, so as to be able to
maintain properly during delivery -
both the fresh and frozen products. In
addition, we are equipped with a 4x4
that deals with deliveries in the most
inaccessible areas.
Overall, how is Nicolas organised?
The company structure, the
warehouse and the headquarters,
the staff...
Nicolas relies on a staff of 15 people,
including family members. There are
several duties covered: drivers, agents,
warehouse personnel and general
services. The headquarters, located
in the town of Susa, maintains a total
area of 4,000 sq.m, of which about
2,300 is covered.
Finally, what assessment can you
draw from association with the
Cooperativa Italiana Catering?
I was one of the founders of Cic,
of which I have followed the whole
journey of growth throughout
these years. A journey that I judge
more than positively: thanks to the
working group we are part of, we are
able to improve the purchases from
producers selected by the purchasing
managers of the Cooperative around
the world. The direction undertaken
by Cic is the right one and we can
only hope that it will continue along
this path.