Unitas’ independent wholesalers are investing, expanding and seeing real growth – and are inviting suppliers to share their success at the Annual Conference in Athens, 15-19 September.
Speaking at the group’s recent Senior Supplier Briefing, Unitas Chairman Mark Aylwin said:
“Over the past 12 months, our members have opened more depots and invested more in leading edge technology than the rest of the wholesale market put together. They are embracing technological advancements to enhance efficiencies, while ever-more accessible data and technology is enabling them to compete head-to-head with the largest operators.”
Unitas MD John Kinney added: “There’s a real buzz in the independent channel. That’s where we see the growth. When I speak to our Foodservice and On Trade members, there is a real buoyant optimism that they’re picking up business.”
Simon Hannah of JW Filshill told guests: “We’re seeing just how much more people are shopping in convenience. It is smaller basket spend, but it is more regular and more footfall and that’s the opportunity for us. When shoppers are tight for cash, they’re going to shop more locally. Convenience is the new loyalty.”
Their comments were backed up by new data from TWC which shows Unitas performing ahead of the market for value and volume in both Out of Home and convenience.
The Annual Conference offers market insight, channel-specific discussions, and opportunities to build stronger business and personal relationships against the idyllic backdrop of the Greek capital.
With one-to-one Meet the Member sessions scheduled throughout the weekend, there are opportunities for wholesalers and suppliers to get to know each other in depth. Those relationships can be strengthened even further with a series of social events and excursions.
Presentations from wholesalers will explore how Unitas members are achieving better growth than their multiple rivals and aiming higher than ever on sustainability targets, diversity and wellbeing in the workplace, and customer service. The Unitas team will unveil strategic and category-focussed plans for the year ahead.
Expert speakers will explore the economic, legislative, environmental and technological landscape, and suppliers will be invited to join discussions on the Retail and Out of Home markets, fuelled by latest customer and consumer research.
John Kinney says: “While other routes to market are struggling in a volatile market, Unitas’ independent wholesalers offer flexibility, scalability and new opportunities, backed by all the resources and expertise of the Central Office. Wholesale is the place to be this year – and so is Athens.”
The Unitas conference takes place at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Athens from 15-19 September. Suppliers can find out more about the business agenda and social programme from their usual Unitas contacts or at unitaswholesale.co.uk/conference-2023.
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