Welcome to the August issue of Wholesale Manager. Extreme weather is becoming one of the biggest commercial risks facing hospitality businesses. UK agriculture alone is estimated to lose around £1 billion every year to extreme weather (Defra), while prolonged wet conditions reduced agricultural production by around 20% in 2024 (UK Government). Against this backdrop, Zero Carbon Forum has welcomed Sysco GB as its first wholesaler Supplier Member, extending the hospitality and brewing industry’s collaborative model into the food and drink supply chain at a time when droughts, flooding and heatwaves are affecting harvests, increasing price volatility and putting pressure on the availability of ingredients.
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Co-op Wholesale – the home of Nisa – has further strengthened its presence in the independent forecourt and convenience sector with the signing of expansive Scottish operator, RaceTrack Pitstop. The five-year partnership, which initially covers four stores across Glasgow, demonstrates Co-op Wholesale’s continuing focus on building a future-ready independent retail network through strengthening and supporting the sector’s growth. RaceTrack Pitstop – a multi-award- winning independent operator with 12 stores in and around Glasgow – is well known for its modern, well-run neighbourhood provision and will continue trading under its own name and signage with the addition of ‘Proud to Stock Co-op’ decals.
SPAR is sponsoring a Yorkshire Three Peaks Mega Event supporting the Lancashire and South Cumbria Hospices Together collaborative. Taking place on Saturday 5th September, it will see the 10 hospices across Lancashire and South Cumbria unite with one shared goal: to raise vital funds for hospice care in their local communities. Participants will tackle the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough – in a single day, covering 24 miles and 5,200 feet of ascent.
Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, has added another string to its bow with the announcement of another addition to its depot network in Durham. This latest estate development marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in long-term infrastructure and network growth and is expected to start operating this summer. Jon Mack, Business Unit Director, tells Wholesale Manager more about the depot and his goals for the business.
Retailers are navigating one of the most significant periods of change the industry has faced in years. AI is reshaping how teams work and how customers discover products, while economic uncertainty and new competitors continue to put pressure on margins and customer expectations. Success depends on the strength of the ecosystem behind the retailer: the ability to connect suppliers, systems, inventory, and fulfilment so the business can adapt quickly as the market evolves, writes Ed Bradley, Chief Growth Officer, Virtualstock powered by Logicbroker.
A new brand can look successful during its launch month. The supplier funds an introductory price, the wholesaler builds a display, the sales team pushes the line and retailers buy enough stock to qualify for the deal. The harder question arrives after the discount ends: will anyone reorder at the normal commercial terms, writes Yinghang Wu, founder of ChinaBrandPath.
Enjoy reading the issue.
George Simpson
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