Welcome to the August issue of Wholesale Manager. New research from ELFBAR, a leading smoking cessation brand in the UK, shows that the majority of UK vapers now use reusable devices and are purchasing refills following the single-use vapes ban – indicating a positive shift toward more sustainable vaping behaviours. The survey of 6,000 UK vapers and smokers, conducted by Opinium in July 2025, is the latest in a series of ongoing studies since June 2023 that examine smoker behaviour and public attitudes to vaping-related issues. The findings reinforce vaping’s crucial role in helping smokers quit and signal consumer calls for better recycling access.
Fresh Direct, the UK’s leading provider of foodservice fresh produce, has reported a jump in British sales as more food businesses look to support home-grown food. Over the past year, Fresh Direct has seen overall sales of British-sourced products leap by almost 10%, with some categories up by more than a quarter. The company has reported that premiumisation is at the heart of the increase, with British berries, Isle of Wight tomatoes and Chef’s Choice potatoes seeing particularly strong sales.
Bidfresh, one of the UK’s leading fresh produce wholesalers, is delighted to announce the acquisition of both Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand. This strategic move further strengthens Bidfresh’s position as the UK’s foremost fish and seafood wholesale distributor and marks the first acquisition under the leadership of Andy Farnworth, who became the wholesaler’s Managing Director last summer.
Excellent operations management is indispensable for organisational success in today’s complex and competitive environment. It enhances efficiency, reduces costs, improves quality, supports risk management, promotes sustainability, and leverages technology and people to create value. Wholesalers that invest in developing strong OM capabilities are better positioned to adapt, compete, and thrive in a rapidly changing world, writes David Gilroy.
When it comes to Back to School, wholesalers should prioritise making lunchboxes easier for parents and selling snacks that can provide an energy boost for break or lunchtime play. As a lunchbox staple, sandwiches are another important category to consider during the busy school season and wholesalers should look to offer as much variation as possible, according to our Back to School feature.
While economic pressures are beginning to stabilise, shoppers are still making savvy decisions about where and how they spend. As a result, the appeal of the “Big Night In” remains strong, offering consumers the chance to enjoy premium experiences at home without the price tag of a night out. Social media also plays a role, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok fuelling home cooking trends.
Enjoy reading the issue.
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