That was the message from CRG directors Colin Birchall and Mike Watson, delivered to a record attendance of 300 delegates at the group's annual conference.

Trading director Mike Watson told delegates that the group had achieve branded and own label sales increases of 12% and 15% respectively in 2005, and that growth had increase to 17% in both categories in the first half of 2006.

'Growth' was also the theme for the address by CRG managing director Colin Birchall. He said: "Our growth comes through focused hard work, attention to detail and making fewer mistakes than our competitors."

Birchall said there was "zero tolerance of poor standards and lack of resources in the increasingly demanding foodservice marketplace", and he concluded by telling members to "expect change, expect questions - and expect growth".

The conference also heard an overview of an independent customer satisfaction survey conducted among CRG member companies.

"The study revealed the strengths and weaknesses of CRG and compared the performance of member companies against our key competitors, 3663 and Brakes," said Birchall.

"It confirmed our members as top performers in the five key criteria of competitive pricing, having a comprehensive product range, reliability, ease of ordering, and order to delivery time. CRG also came out top in eight of the further 10 other areas covered by the research."

The CRG event comprised an 80-stand supplier exhibition, gala dinner and conference at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

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