THE FACT-FINDING visits form part of Bakers Basco‘s ongoing strategy to identify and reduce the misuse of its Omega baskets and dollies, ensuring vital equipment remains within the bakery supply chain. The initiative follows the organisation’s increased operational activity in Northern Ireland, where more regular investigations have significantly improved equipment recovery rates.

On the Isle of Wight, investigators recovered 81 Omega baskets and one Omega dolly from unauthorised locations, while confirming that the majority of bakery equipment supplied to retailers was being returned to the mainland through the correct channels.

Meanwhile, the team’s first visit to the Isle of Man in 18 years resulted in the recovery of 253 Omega baskets and seven Omega dollies from unsecured locations. The investigation also highlighted the need for greater awareness of Bakers Basco’s role, with many businesses unfamiliar with the organisation due to the length of time since its previous visit.

Stacey Brown, investigations manager at Bakers Basco, said: “These visits were primarily about understanding how bakery equipment is moving around both islands and identifying where improvements can be made. It was encouraging to see good practices in many areas, but we also identified equipment being retained outside authorised supply chains. Returning to the Isle of Man and Isle of Wight after such a long period has provided valuable insight, and, as we’ve successfully demonstrated in Northern Ireland, regular engagement is the most effective way to reduce misuse and improve equipment recovery over time.”

Following the findings, Bakers Basco intends to increase the frequency of visits to the Isle of Man to improve awareness of the organisation and help prevent equipment from leaving the legitimate bakery supply chain.