Welcome to the May issue of Wholesale Manager. Moved by the heartbreaking plight of those in Ukraine, Hunt’s Food Group leant its support to those affected by the war by providing essential supplies and driving them to the Polish border. On 27 March, four of Hunt’s drivers Keith, Kev, Marick and Stirling embarked on a trip across Europe to deliver essential supplies. Two lorries were loaded with essentials including toiletries, nappies, and sleeping bags and drove them to a warehouse on the Polish border.
Diageo has announced the start of a programme to phase out the use of 183 million cardboard gift boxes from its premium Scotch portfolio around the world. Brands will include Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky and Bell’s Original Blended Scotch Whisky. Every year, nearly five million tonnes of cardboard and paper is packaging waste in the UK alone, and despite its ability to be recycled, increased demand has led to cardboard shortages.
KP Snacks announces measures to support retailers ahead of government HFSS legislation being introduced in October. To help retailers adapt to the regulations and easily identify appropriate products, KP Snacks is introducing product cases stamped with a newly developed KP Snacks non-HFSS flash. The clearly marked non-HFSS cases will support retailers by making it easier to navigate the wholesale aisle and locate products free from restrictions on positioning and promotions.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement delivered a 5% cut in fuel duty which one hopes will relieve pressure on the food and drink supply chain. An increase in VAT for hospitality settings, and no additional spend on public sector food contracts or measures to curb energy price increases could still cause significant damage. In a special report, WM asked wholesalers what the Chancellor’s Spring Statement will mean for the sector.
Parfetts’ Go Local Extra symbol group is enjoying a period of growth, with 20 fascias installed so far this year and another 50 currently being converted. The group gives retailers a package that is both simple and flexible. Steve Moore, Head of retail at Parfetts, tells our Who’s Who in Wholesaling page his plans to grow the Go Local Extra estate.
With the tobacco, vaping and next gen markets evolving rapidly, JTI is seeking to innovate to keep providing top service to all its trade partners. This is why the company has appointed Business Advisers, the biggest change to its sales force JTI has made in 20 years. Ross Hennessy, Sales Vice President JTI UK, tells our Partners for Profit page what trends are driving the tobacco, vaping and next generation markets.
Enjoy reading the issue.
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