[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]
Informed campaign Brakes has launched a pricefocused campaign to help its hospitality customers. The initiative – informed by research into what matters most to hospitality customers – comprises more than 3,500 price cuts, many of which will be held for six months, plus a cashback style scheme and promotions.
In addition, customers are no longer required to meet a minimum order value. Customers will benefit from at least 10% cashback on key categories. They will be able to identify the products that will bring them the maximum benefit at a new site, brakescashback.co.uk. a Brakes (01233) 206000
DRS details Circularity Scotland, a notfor-profit body that represents drinks producers, trade associations and retailers, has been appointed the new administrator for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which is scheduled to go live in July 2022. Circularity Scotland will work with companies across the supply chain, including wholesalers, to deliver a system that is expected to collect at least 90% of drinks containers in Scotland. Meanwhile, the start of the planned deposit return scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland has been delayed until 2024. a enquiries@circularityscotland.com 06
April 2021
Aylwin on board Sample Box Mark Aylwin, former managing director of Booker’s delivered wholesale business, has been appointed non-executive chairman of Unitas Wholesale. He replaces Simon Hannah, managing director of JW Filshill, who remains on the Unitas board. The appointment of Aylwin (pictured) is designed to bring a new perspective to the business – he has worked in the food and drink industry for over 35 years, with experience across wholesale, retail, foodservice and the on-trade. Earlier this year, it was agreed by the board that now is the right time for the transition to a non-member chair. Unitas managing director John Kinney commented: “Mark is a great appointment for Unitas Wholesale and is a hugely positive move, demonstrating the strong
initiative
intentions of the group. Mark brings a wealth of experience to the role that will be incredibly useful as we drive the organisation into its next phase of development.” Aylwin added: “While there are a number of significant challenges in the out-ofhome market, I am excited to be joining the group at a time when I believe we can make a real difference to our Unitas Wholesale members and their customers.” a Unitas Wholesale (01302) 249909
Alcohol-free site
Dry Drinker, Britain’s leading retailer for alcohol-free drinks, has moved into wholesaling. The company has launched a new tradefocused site and is offering next-day delivery on orders placed before 5pm. Owner Stuart Elkington
www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk
said: “People now expect alcohol-free choices and yet, very often, there isn’t the choice available in cafés, bars, restaurants, clubs, etc. “We already have the supply chain in place so opening up in this direction is a natural progression for us.” Dry Drinker stocks more than 200 lines. It delivers six days a week up to 5pm, adopts a ‘no minimum or maximum order’ philosophy, and has an ‘order more – pay less’ scheme in place – trade orders of over £150 can be paid across four payments. In addition, customers signing up to Dry Drinker’s newsletter get 10% off their next order. a Dry Drinker (0203) 667 7222
Sugro UK has rolled out a new initiative, the Sample Box, in collaboration with one of its members, Approved Food – the UK’s largest online retailer of clearance food and drink at discounted prices. Packed with NPD from different suppliers, each Sample Box will help the suppliers concerned gain valuable feedback from wholesalers on the products.
Andy Needham, managing director of Approved Food, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to help bring this initiative from concept to launch successfully, and I’m sure that members and suppliers alike will appreciate the fantastic new products that will be delivered on a regular basis going forward.” Sugro’s head of trading & marketing Yulia Petitt added: “I am delighted with the launch of the Sample Box, which will be a fantastic opportunity for suppliers to showcase their products to wholesalers and to allow members to familiarise themselves with some exciting products and help with making purchasing decisions. “The new initiative will certainly lead to increased sales across the participating suppliers.” a Sugro UK (01270) 628728
