GREASE BUSTER
Busts grease, not your budget
C ntents
Bestway’s festive campaign is running until 2 January.
Chetan’s new depot in Southend has sustainability as its USP.
FEATURES
Talking Point
Creed Foodservice highlights the trends it believes will shape the foodservice market in 2025.
FWD Gold Medal Awards
The FWD’s annual awards, held last month, celebrated achievements by businesses and individuals.
Spotlight Tracey Redfearn, head of marketing at Country Range Group.
Behind the Scenes
Chetan Wholesale is back with what is claimed to be the wholesale trade’s first net-zero depot. Brothers Bipin and Nitin Mandalia talk to Siobhan Kielty about their new venture and plans for the future.
In Focus
Bestway has donated more than £44 million to good causes since 1987 when the Bestway Foundation was established.
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McClures joins Country Range
McClures, of Windermere in Cumbria, has joined the Country Range Group.
Previously a member of Sterling Supergroup, McClures is CRG’s fifth new member in 2025, taking the total in the group to 15.
McClures is a familyowned business that was set up by Bill McClure in 1945. Initially selling Morecambe Bay shrimps from a hand cart in Kendal, the company’s success has been underpinned by the founder’s passion for offering the finest customer service, innovation and absolute choice.
Over the years, McClures has expanded, adapted, grown and championed local suppliers to become one of the leading suppliers to hospitality venues and public caterers across Cumbria and the North of England.
With an annual turnover of £27 million, McClures is
now headed by Bill’s son Keith and grandsons Ben and Matthew. It has a fleet of 40 vehicles, 160 employees, over 4,000 product lines and thousands of customers, including some of the UK’s most awarded chefs.
Keith McClure, executive chairman, said: “We’re excited to become part of the Country Range Group and are confident that their expertise, purchasing power and focus on continuous
improvement will enhance our portfolio, service and business as a whole, helping to fuel significant growth in the coming years.”
Country Range Group chief executive Martin Ward added: “It’s a huge honour to welcome McClures to the Country Range Group as the family-run foodservice wholesaler celebrates a special and mightily impressive milestone. With 80 years of trading experience behind
them, an incredible team and a reputation for putting customers first, we’re certain that our values, ambition and targets align perfectly.”
In other news, actor and comedian Rob Brydon has been announced as the host of the Country Range Group’s 2024 ‘An Evening With’ celebration, which will take place on 12 December at Frameless, the immersive art experience in London.
Ward said: “We love our events to be awe-inspiring and to take our guests on culinary and cultural journeys which is why we’re delighted to be at Frameless where works of art from the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt to name but a few are presented in ways never seen before. Having Rob Bryden MBE as host truly tops it off so we’re confident the event will be another masterpiece.”
‘We’re offering the very best deals’
Bestway Wholesale has launched its Christmas campaign, ‘Profit Express’.
The campaign, which will be live until 2 January, will deliver ‘all the magic of theatre and festive fun, ensuring exceptional visibility and engagement for the expected 80,000 retailers shopping the Christmas campaign’.
Aiming to build on last year’s success, when the business achieved an average 158% volume uplift on SKUs during the Christmas campaign, Bestway is doubling down on the promotions to help ease the pressure on customers over this peak trading period.
Inspired by the animated Christmas adventure film,
Polar Express, the campaign features a train with carriages that are specially conceived to inspire customer excitement and interaction and display the promotional offers in depots nationwide.
Large digital screens within depots will shine a light on special products, promotions and supplier content.
Bestway has also taken the Profit Express train to the digital realm. Its website will
be reflecting the festive spirit with a disruptive animated homepage and dedicated landing page.
In addition, creatively themed marketing digital communications will include emails, WhatsApps and competitions.
Kenton Burchell, trading director at Bestway Wholesale and Retail, said: “We are really excited by this year’s Christmas campaign and confident we’re offering the very best deals in the market. We’ve saved some top deals of the year for the biggest shopping season to help our customers to increase sales and optimise their margin and profit at this time.”
Improved conditions for Bidfood staff
Members of the GMB union and Unite the Union have voted to accept Bidfood’s revised pay offer, which will take the lowest rate of pay –currently £12 per hour – to £12.70 per hour.
A spokesperson for GMB told its members: “This year’s pay award was accepted by 60% of GMB members; this means that your back pay on all hours including overtime will be paid in your December pay.”
Unite and GMB had previously rejected Bidfood’s £12.50 per hour pay offer and were preparing options for a jointly coordinated industrial action ballot before Bidfood issued the revised proposal.
That offer addressed the issue of the lowest rate of pay across 10 depots and for the majority of cleaners and some PI [perpetual inventory] operatives, explained a GMB spokesperson. “For the rest of our members, the
offer remains as it was, a 50p per hour increase.”
Meanwhile, following campaigning from GMB members, Bidfood has agreed to implement a new freezer break standard.
“Bidfood have agreed that adherence to the British Frozen Food Industry standards on freezer breaks is the best way to ensure colleagues working in the freezer have adequate access to warm-up breaks, a warm rest area and free warm drinks,” said the GMB spokesperson.
“The BFFI standards are for a 10-minute break per
hour (after 50 minutes of work). The break should be taken in a warm area, and freezer workers should not be directed to do work elsewhere during this break. Free warm drinks should also be provided.
“We recognise there may be some local variations on this that align with or exceed these arrangements and where workers agree there is no reason these should not be maintained, as long as the principles of the above break schedule are adhered to.”
In addition, GMB reports that it has “long been pushing
Relaunch of cleaning own brand
Caterforce has relaunched its ProClean own-brand cleaning products range as Clene Guard.
The relaunch is designed to offer an easily identifiable brand, and a feature of the new range is its colour-coding system – each product is colour-coded for specific areas or tasks, helping operators to quickly identify the right product for each environment.
According to Caterforce, this system improves efficiency, reduces the risk of cross-contamination and allows teams to maintain hygiene standards across various zones, such as
kitchens, dining areas and bathrooms.
Rebecca Woollam, ownbrand marketing manager, said: “Clene Guard provides a highly-effective solution
for safer working in the back of the wagon”.
In response, it says that, “Bidfood are now drafting a risk assessment to cover this area of work. GMB reps will be involved in this risk assessment and will be making recommendations. At our recent health and safety meeting with Bidfood, GMB called for a clear demarcation in the back of the wagons to prevent pallets and cages from being loaded all the way to the back of the wagon – we want to see a clear workspace for drivers.”
GMB added that, following its calls to further improve the safety of drivers, “Bidfood will now be improving their delivery point risk assessment process. Drivers will be able to use Q Drop to identify where a delivery point requires a risk assessment. This risk assessment will be carried out in conjunction with suitable GMB representatives.”
Bigger reach
Turner Price is taking its Cater Expo (caterexpo.co.uk) to three venues in 2025.
With the aim of reaching more existing and prospective customers, the wholesaler is hosting the event at York Barbican on 25 March; Pride Park Stadium in Derby on 12 June; and Connexin Live Arena in Hull on 1 October. This follows the success of its first event in Sheffield in March 2024.
that empowers hospitality businesses to maintain impeccable hygiene standards effortlessly, allowing their guests to dine with complete confidence.”
New symbol format for high-footfall areas
Parfetts has launched a new symbol format, Shop & Go, aimed at forecourts and shops with a large commuter customer base.
Shop & Go joins Parfetts’ existing symbol formats: Go Local, Go Local Extra, and the off-licence focused The Local.
Shop & Go has a bespoke product range and dedicated promotions. It will service specific shopper missions, emphasising impulse, confectionery, snacks and soft drinks. It also offers food-togo, beers, wines, spirits and specialist ranges, including car care and maintenance.
The first two Shop & Go stores are in Bristol and Hull. Ambassador in Bristol is a small traditional forecourt format, while Three Ways in Hull is a hybrid convenience and forecourt store. Parfetts has several more stores in development.
Diary date
SPAR Scotland’s 2025 tradeshow and awards will take place on 25 September in Aviemore.
Head of marketing Paula Middleton said: “The theme of our 2025 event is ‘Inspiring Success’ which will look to motivate participants to unlock their full potential and push the boundaries through innovation, systems, technology and NPD.”
Muresh Seevaratnam from Ambassador in Bristol said: “Parfetts has an excellent reputation for value and backing their retailers. I’m pleased to be one of the first stores in the country to adopt the Shop & Go symbol, and the initial reaction from the community has been great. The busy promotional programme will be a big benefit to the business in the future.”
Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “Shop & Go is a new symbol format for stores in transient areas, such as forecourts, train and bus stations, high-footfall city centres and commuter areas.
“We developed the format in response to growing demand from our retailers. The whole team has worked hard to develop a store format that brings something
new to the market and is backed with a busy promotional programme to support margin.”
Parfetts is growing rapidly with the launch of an eighth depot in Birmingham last year and over 1,300 retailers in its symbol estate.
Noel Robinson, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “As an employeeowned business, Parfetts continues to invest in its service. It has made significant investments in enhancing its digital order capture system, both desktop and app, to drive efficiency for retailers.”
Parfetts depots function as cash & carries from 6:30am to 6:30pm and then handle delivery and clickand-collect orders overnight.
The wholesaler is also expanding its Go Local ownlabel range, which will reach 200 lines by the end of the year.
Waste management award
Sysco has won a sustainability accolade at the Green Apple Awards.
Sysco picked up the Retail & Wholesale Waste Management Green Champions award for the work it has undertaken across its British sites to improve sustainability. This includes increasing recycling rates of materials like wooden pallets, cardboard and shrinkwrap as well as redistributing surplus food to charities that support local communities.
The award recognises Sysco’s work since 2019 to cut waste per £m turnover by 15.2%, while increasing recycling and reuse rates from 83% to 88%. Initiatives included extending the life of
the company’s wooden pallets, halving the volume that go to waste.
Across the Sysco network, improved lifecycle management has reduced surplus goods and improved
donations. Donation partnerships at every site have contributed to millions of meals given to good causes, including more than 13 million meals through FareShare.
This work is critical to achieving Sysco’s environmental targets, contributing to its ‘Global Good Goal’ to create $500 million of good to its communities, of which food donation is a significant part.
Sysco is also helping to reduce waste at its customers’ sites by training its own chefs and sales teams in techniques and ideas that deliver more sustainable meals, alongside new products that help to control waste.
Booker has confirmed the launch of its fourth colleague network – Disability at Booker.
It joins the Race & Ethnicity, Women@Booker, and LGBTQ+ networks already in operation at the C&C/wholesale business.
“Our networks are here to help us celebrate our differences, amplify the voices of our diverse colleagues and where allies can show their support. A huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing our new network to life,” said a Booker spokesperson.
The company has also
been accredited as a Disability Confident Committed employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme that encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
The Booker spokesperson said that the accreditation is part of its work “to positively shift attitudes towards disability within the industry and our commitment to create a great place to work for everyone”.
MADE FOR THE IN THE KITCHEN
Nisa has launched a new ‘3 for £4’ mix-and-match frozen food deal, which is running through to 2025.
The promotion enables customers to choose any three qualifying products for £4 and replaces Nisa’s former ‘5 for £6’ Freezer Filler offer.
Nisa has seen a 17% yearon-year increase in its retailers buying into the freezer deal promotion.
Jack Matthews, partner at Bradley’s Supermarkets, said: “It’s important to remember that frozen is a value-driven category. A leading offer is crucial in this space.
“Switching the mechanic
to a ‘3 for £4’ deal should help us drive sales as it makes the offer more appealing to a wider range of customers. It also provides greater flexibility in the products they choose.”
Generational priorities
Creed Foodservice has announced the trends it believes will shape the foodservice market in 2025.
Adapt to Survive is the key macro trend identified by Creed Foodservice as operators address the uncertainty in the eating out market.
The wholesaler’s insights team is led by insights manager Anna Clapson, who said: “It’s an interesting period, as we’re seeing glimmers of hope as consumer confidence slowly starts to return, but equally operators are still facing economic and operational challenges. That’s why we have anchored around the core macro trend of ‘Adapt to Survive’ as everything stems from this.
“We’ve also taken a slightly different approach by linking back to the generations. We’re aware those working within the care sector are catering for a very different audience from those in schools. Equally, pubs and restaurants are also facing their own unique challenges, and so we wanted to help operators understand how important the different trends are to their own consumers.”
The six trends identified by Creed, which is now part of Kitwave, are:
Consistent Quality: Nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers are quality-led and a further 86% think quality has a price, with consumers increasingly happy to pay more for higher quality.
“Although key for all consumers, we see this trend as a high priority amongst Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials in particular,” noted Clapson. “Operators are emphasising quality through item descriptions on menus.”
Personalised Experience: With consumers still watching their expenditure, when they do eat out, they want to have dishes exactly how they like them.
“Nearly two-thirds (62%) of consumers are experience-led and this is a high priority for the younger generations (Alpha and Z), driven largely by them seeking experiences they see on social media. Operators are looking at
ways to elevate their guests’ experience, drive loyalty and leave them wanting to come back for more,” said Clapson.
Customisation is key, she added. For example, Dovetale in London offers a knickerbocker glory cart, which is brought to diners at their table and the desserts are made to their specification. Reshaping Value: With the extended period of economic volatility, consumers are reshaping their own version of ‘value’. Whilst lower ticket items will always appeal, there is also more emphasis being placed on perceived value for money – something that is a priority across all generations.
An example of meeting this demand comes in the form of meal deals like pizza and a drink for students to encourage footfall on quieter days.
Future Planet: 63% of consumers are very sustainability-conscious and nearly half of grocery and foodservice professionals are prioritising sustainability initiatives in their businesses (Lumina).
“Brands are wise to shout about their eco-efforts, as this does play into
consumers’ purchasing decisions,” said Clapson. An example of this trend is Wildfarmed regenerative flour making its way into retail and restaurants. Choose Health: A key consideration for operators will be bringing solutions that deliver not only on taste and value but also nutrition, with 42% of consumers very health conscious (Lumina).
This is being played out across all sectors and is considered a priority amongst all the generations. It is a trend being seen in pubs and bars, with the opening of Manchester’s first-ever alcohol-free bar and café, Hinterland.
Harnessing Digital: Over a third of businesses (37%) are prioritising digitalisation in the next 12 months (Lumina), and with AI systems and robotic equipment on the rise, digital is a key trend next year. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the top priorities for Gen Z and Alpha.
Digital plays a big role in attracting consumers, with 36% doing online research when finding new places to eat out and 73% checking the menu out online before their visit (CGA).
Gold Medals celebrate ‘remarkable talent, dedication and success’
More than 900 people from across the industry attended the FWD Gold Medal Awards at Old Billingsgate, London, last month.
Comedian Tom Allen hosted the event, where a total of 25 awards were presented to wholesale and supplier businesses, including seven awards for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance over the last year.
Parfetts took home the Best Retail Wholesaler award for the second year in a row, and Henderson Foodservice secured the Best Foodservice Wholesaler title.
In terms of the sheer number of awards, Creed Foodservice was the main wholesale winner, picking up three trophies, while Britvic was the dominant supplier winner, collecting four awards.
FWD chairman Dawood Pervez remarked: “This has been another year with its fair share of challenges and they seem to keep coming – a new Government, new business policies, new paths to navigate – but we have been making sure that wholesale remains front and centre with our new leaders.
“Tonight is all about honouring our industry. It’s where we celebrate remarkable talent, dedication and success from wholesalers and our partners in supply. I’m told our judges had their hands full with so many high-calibre nominations and I’m proud to see just how high the bar has been raised.
“Let’s celebrate each other’s achievements and look forward to even stronger success in the year ahead.”
A raffle during the evening raised more than £12,000 for FareShare. CCM
2024 FWD Gold Medal winners
Wholesaler awards:
Retail Wholesaler
Parfetts
Foodservice Wholesaler
Henderson Foodservice
On-Trade Wholesaler
Freemans Event Partners
Wholesaler with Turnover up to £50m
Dunns Food and Drinks
Diversity in Wholesale
Creed Foodservice
Best Use of Data & Insight
Bestway Wholesale
Sustainable Wholesaler
Bidfood
Wholesale Star
Gemma Grierson, Forrest Fresh Foods
Wholesale Manager
Sabrina Carvalho, Costco Wholesale
Customer Development
Julie Stamm, Henderson Foodservice
Star Driver
Adam Briscoe, Bidfood
Emerging Talent
Joe Oliver, Creed Foodservice
Telesales Star
Bronwyn Horwood, Creed Foodservice
Supplier awards:
Best Use of Data & Insight
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Best Service Provider
TWC
Service to Wholesale
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Best New Retail Product
Tango Sugar Free Mango, Britvic
Best New Foodservice Product
McVitie’s Gold Billions, pladis
Best Marketing/Promotional
Activation
Mars Wrigley
Sustainable Supplier
Britvic
Emerging Talent (Supplier)
Isabelle Stedman, Budweiser Brewing Group
Licensed Brand
Asahi, Asahi UK
Foodservice Brand
Pepsi, Britvic
Grocery Brand
Monster, CCEP
Diversity in Wholesale (Supplier)
Britvic
Guy Swindell and Noel Robinson pick up Parfetts’ Retail Wholesaler trophy.
Henderson’s Mark Stewart-Maunder, Cathal Geoghegan and Kiera Campbell with the Foodservice Wholesaler award.
Freemans Event Partners’ Charlotte Parker and Tim Hobbs celebrate winning the On-Trade Wholesaler title.
Dunns’ Jim Rowan with the award for Wholesaler with Turnover up to £50m.
Tracey Redfearn, head of marketing, Country Range Group
Glass-half-full attitude
What have been your biggest achievements in work and outside of work?
My biggest achievement has been working for 34 years in the ever-changing wholesale industry in roles spanning IT, trading, commercial and marketing. I’m also proud to have mentored colleagues through to promotion and who are now in senior positions in the industry. Outside of work, I’m proud to be a stepmum to six daughters. I also learned a new sport this summer – I joined a ladies academy at a local golf club and I have now started my golfing journey! I have a sense of pride, too, in being a volunteer at a local hospice.
Who has been the biggest inspiration to you?
My mum. At 37 she was on her own and bringing up five children! Her resilience and hardworking attitude were second to none.
What are your interests outside work?
I regularly keep fit and have done since my early 20s. I currently do spin, pilates, yoga, Qigong, and walking, which I fell in love with during lockdown. More recently I became part of the ladies academy at my local golf club.
What were your ambitions when you were growing up?
I wanted to be an air hostess, until someone told me it was a glorified tea trolley lady!
How would you describe your personality and what approach do you take in business (and in life)?
In business, I work hard and play hard. I am always professional and enjoy mentoring colleagues. In life, I have a glasshalf-full attitude. I am loyal and friendly, and my partner calls me a social butterfly!
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced (in work or outside of work) and how did you overcome it?
I was unexpectedly made redundant, but I reached out to my network and fortunately was offered other opportunities. Outside of work, my mum passed away and then my brother: through grief you learn you should never take for granted time with your family – you should cherish time with them.
What is your favourite film and song/ piece of music?
Film: I have too many, including Love Actually, The Holiday, Pretty Woman,
and The Bodyguard. Book: Becoming by Michele Obama. Music: Town Called Malice by The Jam (it gets your feet tapping!).
If you won a holiday, where would you go and who would you take with you?
Back to New Zealand with my partner Stuart (pictured). We previously travelled down the Dart River in Funyaks!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
For a few years in a row, I dressed up as a ‘Munch Bunch Rozzy Raspberry’ and, along with colleagues, went to Humberside airport at 3am in the depths of winter to greet all the children who were visiting Lapland with the charity When You Wish Upon a Star. Besides spending a lot of my free time keeping fit, I enjoy a wide range of crafts, from ceramics painting to soft furnishings. My calligraphy and flower arranging talents earned me some good pocket money back in the day! CCM
34 wholesale years
After completing a Diploma in Business Studies at college, Tracey Redfearn took on a receptionist/telephonist role at a local firm. She then became computer controller at HLF before being appointed credit controller at South Humberside Newspapers. In 1990 she joined Today’s Wholesale Services, where she spent more than 23 years in various roles, latterly wholesale trading controller. In 2014, Redfearn moved to Nisa Retail where she was category management manager and then Heritage brand manager. She then rejoined Today’s – by that point Unitas Wholesale – as Plan for Profit category controller. After three years, she became head of marketing & communications before taking on her current role of head of marketing at Country Range Group in October this year.
Back with an industry first
With what is claimed to be the wholesale industry’s first net-zero depot, Chetan Wholesale has created a blueprint for wholesalers striving to adhere to best practice.
Chetan Wholesale has returned to the wholesale industry with an ambitious vision. Brothers Bipin and Nitin Mandalia have built what they claim is the first net-zero depot in the wholesale industry and plan to continue to make inroads into the market with another branch.
The sustainability credentials of the company’s new 18,000 sq ft Southend depot are its USP, and the business has the support and interest of wholesaler organisations such as the FWD and buying group Unitas.
The project has been accredited as ‘very good’ by BREEAM – a world-leading certification system used to specify and measure the sustainability performance of buildings. It’s undeniably the way of the future if wholesale is to keep up with best-practice demands.
The new venture is a testament to a close-knit family who are combining the
experience and knowledge of the first generation with the vision and drive of the second.
Bipin and Nitin came to the UK from Uganda with nothing, escaping the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin. They worked in The City of London until they were in a position to enter the wholesale industry, along with their two other brothers who are now retired.
In 1979, Chetan Wholesale began as a delivered wholesaler in Barking, Greater London, with a 75,000 sq ft premises. However, the increasing congestion in the London area led to the family’s decision to move their attention to Essex for the next stage of their wholesale journey.
After a brief hiatus when the Barking premises was sold in 2022, the ambitious brothers Bipin and Nitin decided to create an entirely new venture in the industry: a depot based on sustainability
that will adopt a modern approach to business.
The next generation of the family are also involved in the initiative. Kamal has been engaged with the building of the Southend premises, while Jay, who previously ran Nisa stores, has maintained contact with customers from the Barking branch and built relationships with potential customers.
The mutual respect and recognition of skill sets is evident from a conversation with the family. All are keen to praise each other’s strengths and they work as a tight unit. “We’re a good team,” said Bipin.
The new Chetan Wholesale depot has been in the making since June 2022, when Jay found the Southend site. Planning permission was granted in January 2023, and with the requirements for new buildings focusing on sustainability, the depot has been built
with 43% of energy produced through the solar panels. It has eight EV chargers for customers and has been designed to run at net zero.
“Planning took around seven months and there were conditions attached involving net zero,” Kamal explained. “In your application, it helps to incorporate plans to reduce CO2. Through the panels and the EV chargers, we have done this.
“If you buy an existing premises, building regulations aren’t so strict,” he continued. “Other wholesalers are installing solar panels, but the wholesale sector has just witnessed the first depot created for net zero.”
Nitin added: “The difference here is the sustainable build, and we want to set an example to other businesses.”
This ground-breaking build was not necessarily the plan for the wholesale family. They had sold the Barking depot and found some land in Southend that set the ball rolling.
“The business is based on previous experiences and we’ve always been in and out of construction, but this has been a large-scale project and we’ve learned a lot,” Kamal pointed out. “It’s been a positive experience though, as we’ve had a good contractor with us. We’ve been fortunate.”
They have prioritised quality and sustainability in the build. “It’s an eyeopener and different from moving into a depot that is already there,” said Bipin.
The new cash & carry/wholesale operation is the business that Kamal says will “put them back on the map”. There is a strong returning customer base, as around 40% of their previous customers came from this area, while a well-chosen range, a dynamic marketing strategy and enthusiastic canvassing are expected to bring many new retailers to the store.
Categories include snacks, confectionery, tobacco, alcohol and soft drinks, with carefully selected stock that will best use the space available and make the most of the tight margins that wholesalers have to contend with.
Chetan Wholesale is a member of Unitas and will be listing the Local Living lines along with branded best-sellers. Supplier relationships have been retained from the Barking depot, with all the suppliers lined up ready for trading to commence in the next few weeks.
With the previous Chetan Wholesale depot taking up 75,000 sq ft, it has been necessary to select a more streamlined
offering for this smaller area. There will be an initial focus on core range when the depot opens, followed by an increase in lines as the customer demographic become clear. The focus is on opening for business and discovering the potential that awaits with the mix of the new and returning customer base, then having that conversation.
The delivered element of the business was around 10% at the Barking depot, but the plan is to grow this from the new location. The management predict that deliveries will account for about 20% of sales initially and they are currently looking for the right fleet of eco-friendly vehicles for the projected growth and sustainability ethos that marks their approach.
While aware that wholesale is not necessarily the most modern of business models, they believe that this is due to a lack of capital rather than vision. “Margins are low – that’s why wholesalers don’t reinvest in the depots,” Kamal explained. “You need to have a budget every year for the upkeep of the buildings. If you fail to do this, your depot starts getting dated.”
Jay has been generating support for the business with a feet-on-theground method, as well as contacts from the 4,000-strong customer base from the previous depot. “People will travel, because of the prices they will get,” Kamal said.
The site is close to a Booker branch. According to Bipin, this offers Chetan Wholesale an opportunity to complement rather than compete with Booker’s offering. There are lots of convenience stores, traditional newsagents and pubs and clubs in the area, so there’s plenty of custom to attract. Indeed, according to the family, potential new customers have been watching the progress of the build avidly and are ready to visit.
The plan is to be open by the end of the year, with the final operational requirement being the installation of the cloud-based till system. The 12 staff members have been recruited from the previous depot so a cohesive unit is already set up.
Promotional content and communications will be via WhatApp, digital
stream and e-commerce, with social media also coming into play. “Instagram and TikTok, anything on social media that we can use to our advantage, we will,” said Jay’s nephew Dhruv. “That’s where everyone looks nowadays. Even if you’re just scrolling you’ll see the ads and if you see something that’s affordable you’re going to go on the company’s website and see what other products they have.
“We have some concepts that we want to use to get the business out there with a new vision,” he added. Short is sweet here, and Dhruv is aiming to appeal to existing and prospective customers with brief, impactful interactions.
There is already an expansion plan that will be implemented once the depot is up and running smoothly. “Expansion will be big but it’s about getting it started at the moment,” said Kamal. “Because of the investment you have to be careful; you can’t go mad.”
Bipin and Nitin plan to open another branch at an as-yet-unannounced location, further expanding Chetan
Wholesale’s reach. “We’ve been handson for 20 years so the intention is to head up the management there,” Bipin explained. “We’ve got a good team and we’re ready.”
Jay Mandalia and his nephew Dhruv Mandalia review the new website.
AWARDS WINNERS LUNCH
Venue: The Royal Horseguards, Whitehall, London
Date: Tuesday 7 January 2025
Midday – Drinks reception, Churchill’s Bar 12.30pm – Lunch, River Room 1.30pm – Awards announcement
Giving back to society
Since 1987, the Bestway Foundation has donated more than £44 million to good causes in the UK and Pakistan as part of Bestway’s aim to allocate 2.5% of its profits to charity.
In addition to the focus and time given by Bestway directors to charitable endeavours, the group fosters a culture in which its employees are encouraged to give back.
Cash & Carry Management spoke to Bestway Wholesale’s managing director Dawood Pervez about Bestway’s philanthropic efforts.
Bestway is known for its philanthropy. Why it is so important to Sir Anwar and his fellow directors?
Sir Anwar and the fellow directors have remained cognisant of how fortunate they have been and how important social mobility has been to their journey. At the heart of the family’s and the Bestway Group’s corporate philosophy is the desire to help those less fortunate and to empower communities across the UK and Pakistan.
The Bestway Group does this through the Bestway Foundation, which was established in 1987 by Sir Anwar as the charitable arm of the Bestway Group. The premise of the Bestway Foundation was to be funded by 2.5% profits of the Group. The work done by the Foundation is supported by each of Bestway’s subsidiaries which undertake charitable work of their own.
Why did Sir Anwar decide to focus on health and education, and is that still the focus of the Foundation?
The Bestway Foundation is focused predominantly on education and healthcare as these are the key factors that have the greatest impact on social mobility and advancement – a topic that is very personal to the directors. By focusing on these sectors, both independently and in partnership with
specialist organisations, Bestway believes in empowering disadvantaged sections of local communities by promoting economic regeneration and full employment.
The Foundation has supported local communities through engagement with universities, hospitals and charities. It has also established village schools, basic health units and medical dispensaries and set up foundations and scholarships in perpetuity for students to study at Oxford, Cambridge and Bradford.
At Bestway, we are extremely dedicated to our social responsibility and incredibly committed to giving back to the communities within which we operate.
Can you give an example of the support the Foundation has given to communities in the UK?
In June 2024, Bestway hosted its 31st annual Charity Race Day at Royal Ascot in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. A total of £100,000 was raised, and this followed a donation of the same amount to The National Brain Appeal in 2023. To date, the event has benefited 27 charities and raised over £3 million.
The Annual Ascot Charity Race Day is just one of the ways that Bestway Foundation gives back, and we are incredibly grateful to our supplier partners and colleagues for supporting this annual event and donating generously to ticket purchases, the charity auction and other fundraising activities.
Understanding that this year’s donation will help young people to challenge themselves to attain standards of achievement and endeavour in a wide variety of active interests – to serve their communities, experience adventure and to develop and learn outside the classroom – really aligns with the values of the Bestway Foundation.
Alex McDowell, DofE fundraising director, commented: “The money raised will support the charity’s Resilience Fund which offers free DofE places, bursaries or additional support for marginalised young people facing
The 2024 Race Day raised £100,000 for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Left to right: Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale; Ruth Marvel, CEO at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; and Lord Zameer Choudrey, CEO of Bestway Group.
barriers to participation including financial constraints, additional needs or caring responsibilities.
“The DofE equips young people with the skills, confidence and self-belief to help them take on today’s toughest challenges. We want to ensure every young person has the chance to take part, no matter who they are or where they live. This generous donation will enable us to continue reaching more young people with a life-changing DofE.”
Since 1987, Bestway has donated in excess of £15 million to charities in the UK alone.
Can you give an example of the support the Foundation has given to communities in Pakistan?
In November 2022, the Bestway Foundation launched a Pakistan Flood Relief Appeal with an ambitious target to raise USD1.5 million; this was exceeded as Bestway raised over USD3 million. This was entirely down to the hard work of its local teams and staff who contributed over 12,000 man hours to this relief effort.
Bestway provided over 20,000 ration bags and 21,000 cooked meals for 100,000 individuals; more than 20,000 water filtration units were distributed in 55 villages across the country, thus providing over one million litres of clean drinking water; in excess of 20 tonnes of medicines were airlifted from the UK and donated to the National Disaster Management Authority for the benefit of over 100,000 individuals; and a
further 3,000 people were provided with medical assistance.
Bestway also provided 5,000 tents across 53 villages for 100,000 individuals and, due to operational efficiencies achieved, it built and delivered 500 permanent new homes to flood-affected families.
The High Commissioner His Excellency Mozam Ahmed Khan thanked Bestway Group and, in particular, highlighted Sir Anwar Pervez and Lord Zameer Choudrey as beacons of hope for the people of Pakistan in their hour of need.
Approximately how much does the Foundation donate in a year?
Since inception, the Foundation has donated more than £44 million to charitable causes. In the last five years it has donated £6.1 million in scholarships to students of South Asian origin, more than £5.2 million to charities in the UK, over £2.2 million to hospitals and schools in the UK, and $52.4 million to other worthy causes.
In addition, more than $5.2 million has been given to natural disaster rehabilitation and relief efforts across the world and over £4.5 million has gone to special scholarship endowments at leading UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Bradford.
How involved in Bestway’s philanthropic efforts are its employees?
Bestway encourages employee participation in a variety of philanthropic activities, both through direct volunteer
efforts and in corporate fundraising events.
Key members of the team are involved in the organisation and running of the charity race day at Ascot. The team works with supplier partners and the family to ensure the smooth running of what is one of the largest corporate events in Bestway’s calendar.
Many of Bestway’s team also gave considerable hours to help with the Pakistan Flood Relief Appeal, raising funds, moving products, etc.
Bestway’s emphasis on social responsibility and community support is deeply integrated into its operations, fostering a culture in which employees are encouraged to give back. This reflects its broader mission to contribute positively to the communities it serves.
The directors at Bestway also give their time to other philanthropic causes by being trustees or in an advisory capacity.
Dawood Pervez is a trustee of Grocery Aid and the Bestway Foundation UK. Lord Choudrey is the founding trustee of Bestway Foundation UK, chairman of Bestway Foundation Pakistan and a trustee of Crimestoppers. Lord Choudrey is also chairman of King Charles III British Asian Trust’s UK Advisory Council and a member of King Charles III Pakistan Recovery Fund International Leadership Team.
a Bestway’s 2025 Charity Race Day at Royal Ascot will be held on Friday 20 June. CCM
Bestway’s Pakistan Flood Relief Appeal raised over USD3 million, and food was delivered to local governments and the Army.
Tyrrellbly Tasty Creme Egg contest
Mondelez International has launched a Cadbury Creme Egg competition in the run-up to Easter 2025, asking retailers ‘How Do You Display Yours?’
The competition invites retailers to share their most innovative and eyecatching Cadbury Creme Egg displays.
Any retailer who shares an idea via the form on SnackDisplay.co.uk –Mondelez International’s trade-focused advice and information site – will be entered into a competition to win £1,000 worth of vouchers for first place. There are also four runner-up prizes ranging from £250 to £500 vouchers plus 25 x £25 vouchers for the remaining winners.
Official partner
BrewDog has announced an agreement with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to be the Official Beer Partner at Lord’s Cricket Ground, in a four-year partnership that starts in the new year.
The deal will see the ground become the first sports venue in the UK to hand over its taps to a craft beer brand.
The initiative incorporates a comprehensive range of BrewDog beers, all brewed in Britain, and will see over 450 draught taps pouring Punk IPA, Hazy Jane, Lost Lager, Wingman IPA, Black Heart Stout, Cold Beer Lager and Shore Leave Amber Ale, as well as Punk AF and Lost AF from the company’s alcohol-free offering.
A winter message
Pernod Ricard has announced the launch of a winter edition of its ongoing Malibu responsible drinking initiative ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’, after campaign partner Royal Life Saving Society UK revealed that more than one in four winter drownings involve alcohol.
The initiative sees a series of seasonal lifeguard towers – complete with jolly decorations – installed in popular inner-city drinking locations near water across London, Manchester and Bristol.
In partnership with diver Tom Daley’s knitwear brand Made With Love, the campaign’s lifeguards will showcase a limited-edition ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ knitted jumper design.
Veganuary ready
Swizzels is increasing production to meet the growing demand for vegan sweets in time for Veganuary 2025.
In January 2024, Swizzels saw a 34.1% increase in its vegan countlines, including Drumstick Choos, Love Hearts and Refreshers Choos, as well as a 38% increase in its hanging bags range and clipstrips, including Luscious Lollies, Scrumptious Sweets, and Curious Chews.
The sweet maker’s vegan Drumstick Choos and Refreshers Choos are now available in PMP formats.
In 2024, vegan claims in sugar confectionery have risen by 33%, compared to 17% in 2019 (Mintel).
KP Snacks is driving awareness of its premium crisp brand Tyrrells with a new festive campaign.
Running until the end of the year in print, social media and out of home, the campaign features the strapline, ‘Deck the bowls with something Tyrrellbly Tyrrellbly Tasty’.
Marketing manager Jane Jones says: “Through our new campaign, we are aiming to remind consumers of Tyrrells’ strong credentials, driving sales and penetration by encouraging shoppers to engage with the brand.”
The Tyrrells range is growing by 12.9% – ahead of the premium snacking segment (+6.7%, Nielsen).
Traditional recipe
Biona has introduced a new organic Thai Red Curry Paste with an rsp of £3.39.
Available from January, the new medium-hot curry paste is designed to bring the authentic flavours of Thailand to the UK kitchen. It has been created with a traditional recipe for a bold and vibrant taste and features organic ingredients, including chilli, garlic, ginger and lemongrass.
Unlike many curry pastes on the market that contain shrimp, Biona’s recipe is fully vegan. The recipe also replaces sugar with agave syrup, which will suit consumers looking for healthier options.
Recharging the category
The tobacco category is in the middle of significant legislative changes and crackdowns, which means it’s vital wholesalers and retailers are up to date with activity and compliance.
With legislation at the forefront of the vaping segment and lack of disposable income continuing to affect consumer behaviour, tobacco suppliers are working hard to ensure the category remains a reliable sales source in convenience.
Philip Morris has launched TEREA Pearls, an innovation that is compatible with the IQOS ILUMA. The range features technology that enables users to switch easily between traditional tobacco to a flavour with a single click.
“The TEREA Pearls range strengthens the flavour portfolio of IQOS ILUMA with a real tobacco alternative that elevates the heated tobacco experience in a market where demand for capsulated products remains strong,” says John Rennie, commercial director.
“With capsulated combustible cigarettes no longer available in the UK, capsulated heated tobacco products offer retailers a unique proposition for legal-aged nicotine users to seamlessly switch from traditional tobacco blends to unique flavour blends.”
The introduction of the tobacco blends Abora Pearl with strawberry and basil, Amelia Pearl with watermelon with menthol, Starling Pearl with green apple with menthol, and Twilight Pearl with blueberry with menthol caters to the top flavour preferences of adult nicotine users in the UK.
Imperial Brands highlights the importance of legislationcompliant products to keep delivering for today’s consumer. Ahead of the disposable vape ban, the manufacturer’s latest blu bar kit has been designed to bridge the gap between disposable and rechargeable, offering the flavour delivery and convenience of a disposable vape alongside the functional
Illicit products uncovered in Leeds
An undercover operation conducted by JTI in Leeds exposed 43 illegal products in 18 stores.
The exercise, which involved operatives making multiple test purchases across the city, has highlighted how rife illicit tobacco and vape products are in the area. Of the 18 stores visited, all had illicit tobacco or vapes available.
Operatives had no difficulties purchasing contraband vapes, with products obtained including one vape boasting a puff count of 15,000 – 25 times over the legal limit.
Half of the stores visited are known to be repeat offenders, having sold illegal tobacco during previous operations last year. Since the start of 2022, JTI has identified 59 retailers selling illegal tobacco or vapes in Leeds.
All evidence and information gathered has been made available to Trading Standards.
Cigarette
tax gap halved tax gap halved
A report published in September showed that HMRC has slashed the tax gap on illicit cigarettes and tobacco by more than half since 2005: the amount of estimated duty lost every year to tobacco fraud has now reduced from 16.9% in 2005 to 6.9%.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, HMRC also secured prison sentences totalling 148 years against 107 cigarette and tobacco fraudsters.
In the same period, more than 1.3 billion illicit cigarettes were seized, worth more than £678 million in tax, along with handrolling tobacco worth £41 million.
Earlier this year, HMRC and Border Force published a new illicit tobacco strategy ‘Stubbing Out the Problem’, which set out a continued commitment to reduce the trade in illicit tobacco, with a focus on reducing demand and tackling the organised crime groups responsible.
Meanwhile, a survey of 12,000 adult smokers conducted by the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association showed that 83% have bought tobacco not subject to UK tax in 2024 and 21% routinely buy cheap untaxed tobacco through the internet and social media sites. Also, 74% claimed to buy cheap tobacco from ‘under the counter’ retail sources at least once a month.
advantages of a reusable vaping device. The replaceable pods deliver up to 1,000 puffs of flavour per unit.
The blu bar kit, which includes the rechargeable device and one pod in either Cherry or Pineapple, is available with an rsp of £5.99. The blu bar pod packs, which consist of two pods per pack in Cherry, Pineapple, Blueberry Sour Razz, or Watermelon Ice, also carry an rsp of £5.99.
The supplier recommends that to boost sales and raise brand awareness, wholesalers should look to promote vaping products and offers on their website and in depot, using PoS to increase visibility. Communication between wholesalers and retailers covering key consumer trends, NPD and merchandising strategies is also important.
In the tobacco sector, Imperial Brands continues to respond to current consumer needs, this time with a 40g pouch of Golden Virginia Original to cater to today’s adult smoker budget. It joins the established 30g and 50g sizes.
“There is enormous loyalty towards the Golden Virginia Original brand, and the 40g size has been introduced to provide increased options for Golden Virginia customers to
A recent seizure by HMRC.
enjoy their favourite rolling tobacco at a more affordable cost, without compromising on the quality they expect and are used to,” explains Yawer Rasool, consumer marketing director UK&I.
In the tobacco accessories category, Imperial Brands has unveiled limited-edition designs on a range of Rizla kingsize papers. The packaging is a result of a competition on Instagram that reached a global audience of more than two million people.
The Super Thin Silver Papers come in three designs which, when placed together, form an interpretation of Michelangelo’s sculpture David.
“Each pack works individually but also in combination with the other two to form a larger image. The design truly reflects the unique image of the Rizla brand, delivering the iconic look and feel that continues to appeal to millions of smokers worldwide,” says Rasool. “We believe the trio of designs will definitely catch the eye of customers to pick up a pack – or even all three!”
‘The demand for value products that still offer high quality continues to grow’
Yawer Rasool, Imperial Tobacco’s consumer marketing director UK&I
Imperial Brands has also introduced Paramount – a cigarette that is made with Virginia tobacco. To back the launch, the company is promoting Paramount through wholesalers and offering additional support to retailers to enable an attractive price of £11.50 per pack.
The brand has already been launched and well received in Europe and is expected to find favour with UK shoppers in the value sector, which has grown by 5% in the past year and now represents 30% of the UK cigarette market (ITUK). Paramount is available in kingsize and super kingsize formats.
“Many smokers of value products are open to trying new brands if the price is right. Given its success in key European markets, we anticipate strong demand for the Paramount brand across the UK,” says Rasool. “The demand for value products that still offer high quality continues to grow. Paramount will be our best-value product in the UK market.”
Prepare for new regulations Prepare for new
MPs have backed the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will ban sales of tobacco products and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
The Bill also includes restricting vape product advertising to bring it in line with tobacco advertising; flavour and packaging regulations; and powers to include a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products. Implementation is expected in 2027.
Meanwhile, the confirmed date for the disposable vape ban is 1 June 2025.
Supplier AquaVape offers the following guidance to wholesalers and retailers:
December 2024: Educate regular customers about the ban and suggest compliant alternatives. Train staff on new regulations and alternatives in order to handle customer queries confidently.
February 2025: Reduce orders of slow-moving disposables and focus on bestsellers. Increase stock of refillable and rechargeable devices.
April 2025: Limit disposable orders to essential bestsellers and order in smaller quantities but more frequently. Promote compliant alternatives – prepare for potential stockpiling.
June 2025 onwards: Ensure all stock complies with new regulations. Keep updated on upcoming changes to flavours or packaging laws.
Fuelling
serious crime in London
Recent data reveals that serious and organised crime in London is being fuelled by the black-market trade in illicit disposable vapes and cigarettes, according to one in three convenience store owners.
The data, commissioned by Philip Morris, reveals that youth tobacco and vape use, violent crime, and money laundering linked to the illicit trade are higher in London’s poorest communities. The cost-of-living crisis is seen as a contributing factor, with half of all shopkeepers citing economic hardship and the demand for cheaper products as drivers of illicit use.
These insights coincide with a KPMG report, commissioned by Philip Morris International (PMI), which highlights the national scale of the problem.
The UK ranks third among 38 European countries for illicit tobacco consumption. Nationally, while overall cigarette consumption has decreased, the use of contraband and counterfeit cigarettes is rising, with one in four cigarettes smoked now illicit.
Regional data shows significant variations, with 11 out of 12 UK regions reporting an increase in illicit tobacco consumption compared to the previous year. Scotland saw the sharpest rise, with one in three cigarettes now illicit – a 20% increase in just one year. In London, one in four cigarettes is now illegal.
TOBACCO-FREE** NICOTINE POUCHES
*Based on NielsenIQ RMS data for the Nicotine Pouches category for the 18-month period ending 30/12/2023 for the UK total retail market (Copyright © 2023, NielsenIQ).
**This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. For adult nicotine consumers only. For tobacco trade use only. Not to be left in sight of consumers.
