It would be a huge understatement to say we could have ever predicted accurately, the wide array of social and business factors that Covid19 has and continues to throw at us.  Since mid CY20, every department within Almo has been working tirelessly to deliver on the following key deliverables:

·        Keeping our staff safe and healthy

·        Making sure we do not compromise the health of our dealers’ staff

·        Securing as much inventory as possible helping keep our dealers in the game, to meet available consumer demand

·        Hiring additional warehouse staff and securing additional space to meet the unpreceded & inconsistent flow of inventory we have had to manage.

·        Making sure our LTL carriers continued to view Almo as one of their key customers, making our shipments to dealers an ongoing priority

Over the past 12 months (and probably not a big surprise), fees assessed to us (across our network of LTL carriers) has risen significantly. Indications are not reflecting any visible relief on the near horizon.  Also, due of ongoing vendor supply chain challenges, we have been forced to secure additional outside storage space to augment our existing warehouse foot prints.

Until now, Almo has absorbed a vast majority of the related cost to serve increases associated with all these logistics, freight and labor increases. Unfortunately, this is no longer feasible.  As such ( effective Tuesday February 1, 2022), it is necessary for us to implement a new Almo freight policy:

As always, Almo’s commitment remains to keep our supportive dealers in the game and do everything prudently possible to help you grow and prosper, while not comprising on the value propositions you have come to expect from us, especially during these challenging and extremely unique times.

If there are any questions related to the new policy, please reach out to your local Almo Sale Management contact. We thank you for your understanding during these most unprecedented business times.  May the new year bring only the best of health, happiness and continued success on both personal and business endeavors.

First off, I hope everyone is healthy and I want to personally thank you all for your support this past 2021. We had a record year and personally my large territory had an incredible sales performance. Especially given all that continues to go on we are really producing huge gains thanks to all your support. I really appreciate all you do for me and our brand. As always if you ever need anything at all please reach out and I will do my best to support you.

Attached you will find a letter in regards to our upcoming price increase on March 1^st. Unfortunately, I think right now is just a product of our environment and I am sure you will see similar price increases from many companies in our industry. Parts suppliers continue to have their issues and this impacts what they charge us for our needs. It’s a shame but right now that seems to the concerns that are hurting our industry. Either delays on parts or higher prices on items that are needed just seem to be the situation we are all experiencing. Hopefully this will improve over time but right now it forces us to have to raise our pricing.

I don’t have the pdf price list yet but I should in the coming weeks and I will send that over as soon as I have access to it. The Excel attached does not have costs but will have the new UMRP prices and the model numbers. I can send costs depending on your program just ask me if that is something you need for your business.

Lastly, I know one area that is driving our sales is the fact that we can get you products. Attached are our latest lead times and they continue to improve with most ranges at 3-4 weeks with custom items at 5-6 weeks. Also keep in mind we often have stock on SS units getting you an item in a week or less. You can check with our office sales@bluestarcooking.com or myself as we don’t hold stock but if you request it and need it fast we can often accommodate you depending on our situation.

This will be a difficult year to achieve higher sales then we did during this last record year but hopefully the roll we have been on will continue. Again I can’t thank you enough for your trust in me and our brand.

If you have any questions at all or if you need the cost pricing for your account please just send me a message.

Have a great week and stay warm its super cold out there.

Also I know everyone continues to ask about our DF ranges. As of right now they are still in the prototype phase with my best guess being 3^rd to 4^th qrt of this year for their release.

Jess- Please post to the intranet as well.