Fortnum and Mason x Ford Pro Special Vehicles

Fortnum & Mason, a quintessentially British retailer with a legacy dating back to 1707, is famed for its high-end food hampers, fine wines and prestigious clientele. Operating out of its flagship store in Piccadilly, London, the brand’s identity is synonymous with quality and tradition. As it expands its services to include more direct-to-door deliveries, maintaining its brand prestige while embracing sustainability has become paramount.

The challenge

With increasing demand for local deliveries in Central and West London, Fortnum & Mason faced logistical hurdles.

Urban access and space constraints: Deliveries had to be made in congested urban environments with tight parking, height restrictions and limited depot space in Piccadilly.

Sustainabiliy mandate: Aligning with Fortnum’s green values, transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles was non-negotiable.

Brand aesthetics: Any delivery solution had to reflect Fortnum’s prestigious image – bulky fridge units and visible condensers were not an option.

Functional versatility: The vehicle needed to support event logistics, deliver rare high-value items and offer flexible route capability within a limited postcode range.

The brief

Initially, the team envisioned a high-roof, long-wheelbase van (L3H3) to accommodate diverse needs. However, space constraints around Fortnum’s base of operations and charging logistics necessitated a pivot to a more compact, electric-friendly format.

Crucially, the brief evolved to require an under-mounted refrigeration system – a design not commonly available on the selected electric platform. The solution needed to be sleek, discreet and in harmony with the Fortnum & Mason brand identity.

CoolKit’s Solution

CoolKit, working in partnership with FordPro, embraced the complexity of the brief as an opportunity for innovation…

Jonathan Mundy, Conversion Manager, Ford Pro Special Vehicles, commented:

“We’ve worked with a number of converters, but were delighted to work with CoolKit, who are a Ford Pro convertor and worked very hard to develop an innovative under-mount fridge condenser—perfect for Fortnum & Mason’s operation in central London. Moving in and out of tight spaces, it’s a very compact van and has the below 2m vehicle height, so it’s perfect for accessing underground car parks.”

Vehicle specification: The final configuration featured a first-of-its-kind E-Transit Custom electric van fitted with a GAH Lance U-LC150e under-mounted refrigeration unit  – maintaining full internal storage capacity while eliminating the bulky appearance of  traditional  roof-mounted systems.

Engineering excellence: There was no existing off-the-shelf solution for this request. CoolKit engineered, prototyped and delivered a brand-new conversion from scratch in just a few months.

Collaborative design process: Through ongoing consultations, CoolKit helped Fortnum’s team reassess practical needs – trading unnecessary height and length for manoeuvrability, charging feasibility and lower carbon footprint.

Discreet refrigeration: The van’s sleek exterior meant no one could tell it was refrigerated – helping the brand remain subtle yet luxurious in presentation.

Rapid turnaround: Despite the complex brief and evolving requirements, the van was delivered and operational within  a matter of months.

The impact

As Gordon Clark, Fortnum’s Logistics Lead, reflected:

“What you think you want at the start isn’t always what you actually need. CoolKit helped us explore that journey and delivered something remarkable – not just for Fortnum & Mason, but potentially for city logistics across the board.

“The collaboration has set a new benchmark for refrigerated EV conversions in urban retail logistics – demonstrating how partnership, agility and engineering innovation can redefine industry expectations.”

The solution delivered by CoolKit is set to be rolled out in service across London, reinforcing Fortnum’s sustainability credentials while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Brand integrity: The electric refrigerated van aligns with Fortnum’s prestigious aesthetic, proudly displaying the colours synonymous with the retailer while keeping its high-value payload at its optimum temperature.

Operational efficiency: The van supports doorstep deliveries of high-value goods – including rare spirits and fine hampers – within a realistic delivery range.

Event activation: With its bold wrap and electric platform, the van will appear at premium events like Goodwoof and Royal Ascot. These activations amplify brand visibility and reflect innovation in motion, creating an unrivalled holistic experience for Fortnum & Mason customers while adhering to sustainability targets.

Cameron Javed, Head of Fleet Sales at CoolKit, added: “We were delighted to get the opportunity to push the boundaries of EV conversions for such a historic brand.

“CoolKit is always looking for ways to innovate and provide tailored solutions for our customers, so to bring this concept to life with the iconic Fortnum & Mason branding on the van is really satisfying.”