Bestway is about to launch an audacious attack on the symbol group sector by launching its own voluntary operation ­ dubbed Best-One And The Grocer understands the cash and carry group has set a target of having as many as 200 retailers signed up as members of Best-One within 18 months. Bestway is staying tightlipped about the initiative ­ ahead of an official launch sometime next month. But it is likely Best-One members will be offered a full retail package so they can maintain a high standard of retail discipline. The big difference with the established players is that retailers joining Best-One will not pay a membership fee. It seems Bestway will use its network of depots to supply retailers and the group is about to start trials of dedicated delivery as it looks to compete with the service levels offered by rival symbol groups. Despite its membership target, Bestway is only looking to recruit high quality retailers. And it is believed the 500 independents who are part of the cash and carry chain's Best-in fascia scheme will not be automatically eligible for membership of its fledgling symbol group. Industry observers say the move, while ambitious, makes perfect sense for a company with an aggressive programme of new depot openings under way. Mace chief executive Mike Bowen said the move was "inevitable". But he said while Bestway's expertise clearly lay in supplying urban shops, it was unlikely it would offer as good a service as Spar or Mace could in rural areas. "It will cause a shakeup ­ it always happens when something new and exciting happens in the sector," he added. {{NEWS }}

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