Unitas celebrated the best of the best at its annual awards where the UK’s largest wholesale buying group recognised and rewarded shining examples of innovation, excellence and achievement.
In front of 650 guests at Liverpool’s International Convention Centre, Unitas CEO John Kinney, assisted by comedian Jason Manford, shone the spotlight on the members and suppliers who had excelled during 2025.
“It is always my greatest pleasure to host our awards evening and celebrate the success of those individuals, members and suppliers that have delivered outstanding results not just for the group, but for the wider wholesale channel,” he said. “This year, the standard was higher than ever before, so I know how hard it was for the judges to pick this evening’s winners, and I would like to congratulate everyone shortlisted as well as those who have taken home awards.”
This year, the highly coveted Retail Member of the Year award went to United Wholesale Scotland in recognition of its success during 2025, including the opening of its new London depot, symbol group expansion plans and sustainability drive.
United Wholesale Scotland also won the Member Initiative of the Year for its Rainham depot opening. Describing the move as ‘an unmistakable declaration of intent’, judges praised the new depot as a template for the future of cash and carry wholesale. Jason Butler, Head of Operations at United Wholesale Scotland, also picked up the Members’ Employee of the Year award.
The Foodservice Member of the Year award went to Country Fare. The Bournemouth-based family-run wholesale business scored highly with suppliers for its ability to build mutually beneficial partnerships that always put the customer first.
Drink Warehouse Group was named On-Trade Member of the Year in recognition of its partnership with the Unitas central team to deliver truly impressive results, while Premier Exports was named Standard/Specialist Member of the Year following its expansion and significant uplift in sales. Own Brand Member of the Year was awarded to Lioncroft Wholesale for its own-brand depth of range, sales volume, depot and online activations and marketing to customers and consumers.
Recognising its commitment to sustainability, the judges named Chetan Wholesale as the Environmental Sustainability winner, while Regal Wholesale took home the AI Excellence in Wholesale trophy – a brand new category for 2026. The Rising Star award was presented to Pricecheck Buyer, Beth Jones.
An Outstanding Contribution award was also presented to KP Snacks’ Bill Lattimore in recognition of his 40-year career in wholesale.
The event, held on Wednesday 11 March, also celebrated suppliers’ activity, support and partnership with members and the Unitas central team, with awards presented to CCEP, Carlsberg Britvic, Calbee, Caterers Choice, Nestle Food and Beverages, PepsiCo, Refresco, Swizzels Matlow, Sazerac and Unilever Food Solutions.
Unitas Chair, Dr Jason Wouhra OBE praised the event and all of its winners: “There is no doubt that our channel is facing plenty of challenges at present but evenings like this, which showcase the very best of wholesale, are incredibly inspirational. In addition to celebrating our members, the Unitas awards are also an opportunity to shine a light on so many fantastic examples of how suppliers are actively engaged in supporting our sector, and I hope these inspire others to do the same and make the most of the brilliant opportunities there are in the channel.
“Listening to the success stories shared tonight, it’s abundantly clear that Unitas members lead the way when it comes to vision, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all of this year’s worthy winners.”
The full list of member winners is here:
Environmental Sustainability in Wholesale Chetan Wholesale
Ai Excellence in Wholesale Regal Wholesale
Member Initiative of the Year United Wholesale Scotland for its Rainham depot opening
Members’ Employee of the Year Jason Butler, United Wholesale Scotland
Rising Star Beth Jones, Pricecheck International Brand Partners
Own Brand Support Member of the Year Lioncroft Wholesale
Standard/Specialist Member of the Year Premier Exports London
On Trade Member of the Year Drink Warehouse Group
Foodservice Member of the Year Countryfare
Retail Member of the Year United Wholesale Scotland
Supplier awards:
Foodservice Own Brand Supplier Caterers Choice for Caterers Kitchen Tomatoes
Retail Own Brand Supplier Calbee Group for Local Living Snacks and Refresco Drinks for LSV
Brand Campaign of the Year PepsiCo for Cheetos and Dinamita
Engagement Excellence Award CCEP for Share a Coke
Service Provider of the Year Insynq
On-Trade Supplier of the Year Carlsberg Britvic
Foodservice Supplier of the Year Unilever Food Solutions
Licensed Supplier of the Year Sazerac
Impulse Supplier of the Year Swizzels Matlow
Grocery Supplier of the Year Nestle Food and Beverages
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