Welcome to the March issue of Wholesale Manager. The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has asked Wholesale Manager’s readers to sign its petition, asking the Government to grant food and drink wholesalers bespoke financial support. The petition, which can be signed at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/574623 says: “Food and drink wholesalers are crucial to supplying hospitals, care homes and schools and are a lifeline for vulnerable communities. They are also integral to the post- pandemic economic restart. Despite this, they have been excluded from much Government support and face sector-wide closures.”
Well done to the Scottish Wholesale Association, which has embarked on the first phase of an ambitious project designed to help members and the wider wholesale sector become greener and more sustainable, and ultimately decarbonise the wholesale food supply chain and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, if not before. The SWA will focus on distribution fleets – with a particular focus on Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) and Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies – in this first phase of the Decarbonisation of the Wholesale Industry Project.
In January, Parfetts appointed Gurminder Athwal as Trading Director to support its plans as it continues to expand its depot network and Go Local symbol group. ‘Gurms’, as he is known throughout the industry, brings a wealth of experience after 20 years at Hyperama. Gurms told our Who’s Who in Wholesaling page what he will be working on and how he plans to grow the business in 2021.
Since the start of Covid-19 ‘togetherness’ has become an even more important part of the nation’s routine, as shoppers are spending far more evenings at home. This could mean the ‘Big Night In’ will be as popular as ever this year – and pladis has a range of NPD to help wholesalers drive sales. On our Supplier Spotlight page, Scott Snell, Vice President of Customer at pladis UK & Ireland, explains what effect Covid-19 has had on the biscuits category and what trends are driving the market.
Kervan G?da has grown to become Turkey’s largest soft candy producer and exporter, with offices in the UK, USA, Germany and Russia. Having achieved year-on-year growth since it was established in 2015, the UK office now distributes the Bebeto and Dexters brands to more than 12,000 retailers across the UK. Stuart Johnston, UK Managing Director, is interviewed on our Supplier Spotlight page about the company’s NPD and marketing activity and about the vision for Bebeto to become one of the world’s top five sugar confectionery brands by 2023.
National Buying Consortium is a member-owned group giving wholesalers access to the best opportunities suppliers have to offer. The group does not charge fees of any kind, allowing members to receive 100% of the income generated from suppliers’ terms. On our Who’s Who in Wholesaling page, Managing Director David Lunt explains the benefits of joining the group.
Enjoy reading the issue.
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