Happy New Year and welcome to the January issue of Wholesale Manager. Pandemic shopping behaviours no longer persist as the UK returned to normalcy in 2022. Convenience store staples such as Elf bar vapes, Coca Cola and Monster energy drinks are among some of the fastest growing products this year. NielsenIQ data shows that more opportunities to socialise with friends and family as well as a return to the office, have led UK shoppers to embrace shopping ‘little and often’.
A campaign to raise awareness of crime in cash and carry car parks has relaunched in London with the backing of the Metropolitan Police. The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has published new leaflets and posters outlining simple actions retailers can take to keep their belongings safe: Always keep your vehicle locked, with nothing valuable visible inside; don’t leave your purchases unattended while loading; and be aware of anyone watching you.
Brakes has launched a comprehensive support package to help customers take advantage of Veganuary. With consumers increasingly considering plant-based options, both for meatreduction and sustainability reasons, this coming Veganuary is likely to provide operators with an opportunity to drive incremental income. Brakes has created a range of caloriecounted, nutritionally analysed menu options to add stand out vegan dishes to any menu.
Sugro UK is a unique buying and marketing co-operative of over 80 independent wholesale members with full nationwide coverage. The group combines the buying power of its membership to negotiate the best product pricing and availability with its network of suppliers on behalf of its members. Emma Senior, Managing Director of Sugro UK, who started in the role last July, tells our Who’s Who in Wholesaling page how she wants to continue the group’s 16 consecutive years of growth through strengthening relationships with members and suppliers.
Bestway Wholesale managing director Dawood Pervez is the new Chairman of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), taking over the post from Coral Rose of Fairway Foodservice in January. He has become the 61st person to head the trade association in its 104- year history. In a Who’s Who in Wholesaling interview, Dawood Pervez tells Wholesale Manager how he wants more people to understand the enormous contribution the wholesale sector makes to society.
Q Catering Supplies have been delivering a wide range of quality food and drink products to London and the South East for two decades. The firm’s new 22,600 sq. ft facilities, including the recent 11,000 sq. ft freezer installation, have allowed it to undertake a range review and endeavour to not only build its comprehensive range of core products but also make space for new, innovative lines. Steve Clarke, Managing Director Q Catering, tells our Focus on Foodservice page how he believes the firm will grow to be one of the largest independent wholesalers in the South East.
Enjoy reading the issue.
George Simpson
Group Editor
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