As part of investing in its brands to support its retail partners Britain, Musgrave is continuing to improve its supply chain effectiveness and efficiency. By the end of 2009 the business expects to save over 1.3 million road miles through utilising its backhauling network, compared to the 310,000 miles saved in 2007.

Says Phil Smith, Managing Director, Budgens and Londis: “This simple, yet effective way of reducing road miles and saving CO2 emissions is a winning formula for the business, our retail partners, supplier partners and the environment.“

Backhauling involves using the same vehicle, that has just delivered to a store, picking up products from a nearby supplier en route back to the retailer service centres (RSCs), rather than the supplier delivering stock direct to the RSCs on its own vehicles.

Throughout 2009 the business anticipates backhauling some 16 million cases from supplier to RSC, working with around 175 suppliers, compared to 42 suppliers back in 2007.

The 2009 SuperValu Best Kept Awards were launched recently with news of a campaign to get more young people involved in environmental projects.

At the launch of the prestigious awards scheme that acknowledges towns, housing areas, healthcare facilities and schools for their commitment to our natural and built heritage, organisers urged more young people to get involved and announced an increase in the prize fund available for schools.

The prize money for winning schools has more than doubled and is now £300 per school (up from £125), with runners up getting £120 (up from £65). The overall wining school receives an additional £200.

The Best Kept Awards are organised annually by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and have been supported by SuperValu and its independent retail partners across Northern Ireland since 2004. They attract hundreds of entries every year from towns, housing areas, healthcare facilities and schools hoping to gain recognition for their commitment to the environment.

The closing date for the SuperValu Best Kept Town, Village and Housing Area Awards is April 24. Healthcare Facility Awards close on May 29 and the Schools category is open until March 6. Entry forms are available from NIAC on 9040 3681 or visit www.niacbestkept.com for more information.