It formally begins trading from September 17th and has inceased the workforce by 20%.

Norman Wemyss, Bidfood chief operating officer, said: “It is an exciting time for our team in Worthing. The new site has an array of features that are designed to better support the needs of customers, which will in turn aid the team in their mission to continue to grow Bidfood’s business and provide service excellence on the south coast.

“The site development is a great opportunity to help grow and support the local economy by providing new business opportunities along with more jobs.”

He said the depot had a range of food holding areas, including 25,000 sq. ft of ambient storage space, 13,700 sq. ft of freezer space, 1,800 sq. ft of chilled storage plus a 7,400 sq. ft chilled marshalling area.

“It has also been designed to incorporate a large customer experience centre, which is currently in planning stages.

“This will facilitate Bidfood’s work in partnership with food and drink suppliers to test and develop new products, as well as support with menu development and innovation for customers along the south coast.

“It will comprise a bar, deli, a fully operational industrial kitchen and non-food catering suite.

“What’s more, the new office will appeal to local customers by offering a Sunday telesales service to help streamline Bidfood’s customer service along the south coast, from Bognor Regis, to Winchelsea and as far inland as West Horsley in Surrey.”