Welcome to the February issue of Wholesale Manager. Sysco GB, the UK’s leading foodservice supplier, has called on the Government to take greater action to address the significant employment challenges facing the wholesale sector. Launching its Paper, A Skills Strategy for the Wholesale Sector, Katrina Simpson-Haines, Human Resources Director of Sysco GB, said: “The wholesale sector is facing unprecedented challenges. We play a vital role in supporting communities across the country, but the skills crisis means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and train the next generation of workers.”
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Philip Morris Limited (PML), the UK and Ireland affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has conducted new research showing that retailers believe that while smoke-free alternatives are already firmly established across convenience retail, educating adult smokers on the options available is critical to unlocking the category’s further growth in 2026. The nationwide survey of 200 UK convenience store managers reveals strong optimism for smoke-free alternatives in the year ahead. Almost three-quarters (74%) of retailers are expecting consumer demand to increase in 2026 and 84% of this group plan to broaden their smoke-free range to meet this rising interest.
The UK soft serve market is booming, now worth £1.6bn, with 70% of consumers enjoying ice cream and soft serve out-of-home at least once a month, and sales growing year-on-year. A new industry trends guide from Comelle, The Soft Serve Forecast 2026, highlights the flavours, formats, and experiences set to reshape soft serve, shakes, and frozen desserts across the UK. The UK soft serve market is booming, now worth £1.6bn, with 70% of consumers enjoying ice cream and soft serve out-of-home at least once a month, and sales growing year-on-year.
Bidfood has promoted its long-standing and highly regarded Food Innovation Manager, Martin Eshelby, to the role of Culinary Director. Drawing on his extensive experience, he will showcase the business’s strong food credentials, whilst continuing to work closely with manufacturing brands, leading new product innovation, and supporting the development of Bidfood’s annual food and drink trends. Martin Eshelby, Bidfood Culinary Director, tells Wholesale Manager his goals for the new role and what he thinks will be the key food and drink trends for 2026.
The capital’s leading premium restaurant supplier, Woods Foodservice has acquired long established wholesaler John Mower in a multi-million-pound takeover. The move will create one of the UK’s largest, premium restaurant purveyors, with over 3,000 customers who share upwards of 90 Michelin stars. Darren Labbett, Managing Director of Woods Foodservice, tells Wholesale Manager more about the deal.
Trust is strengthened by delivering products, services and payments as this builds credibility over time. Clear pricing, honest communication and accurate invoicing reduces misunderstandings. Equitable treatment in negotiations, dispute resolution and payment time reinforces integrity-based trust, writes David Gilroy.
Enjoy reading the issue.
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