Co-op Wholesale has launched the next evolution of its trade show event as it celebrates one year since it rebranded from Nisa.
The Co-op Wholesale Showcase took place today (22 April) at Co-op Live, marking the first time the wholesaler has hosted a trade show since 2023, when the annual event was held in Stoneleigh.
It aims to bring retailers closer with Co-op Wholesale’s suppliers as part of “our journey to getting the right commercial outcome for retailers”, said MD Katie Secretan.
More than 100 suppliers exhibited their products, which collectively offered 300 on-the-day exclusive deals for attending retailers. The event was split into four colour-coded zones focused on key shopper missions: food for now, food for tonight, top-up essentials, and treat.
Retailers were also invited to tour a mock-up store showcasing the relaunched Nisa symbol group. Positioned at the centre of the show, it demonstrated how different ranges and missions can be merchandised in-store, including hot food, bakery and meal deals within the food for now and food for tonight missions.
“It’s an opportunity to show how the Co-op brand can show up in the fixture and how our planograms work,” said Co-op Wholesale head of delivery Brogan Cook.
With Co-op Wholesale recently gaining full access to Co-op’s 2,400-strong own-label range, it also showcased some newly launched lines.
These included 300 new and improved summer lines, featuring picnic and deli products inspired by the Mediterranean, such as Spicy Spinata Salami and Whipped Feta Dip.
A new Mexican range has also been added to Co-op’s dine-in own-brand range Served, which the wholesale arm recently began supplying to independent retailers as it looks to capitalise on the premium dinner for tonight mission.
This range includes spicy rice, corn tacos, three bean loaded chilli and chicken empanadas. The Served range covers other cuisines such as Italian and British classics, and is moving into American and Mediterranean later this year.
Another element of the Co-op Wholesale Showcase was the launch of Talking Shop, which funnels insight and learnings from the 8,000 stores that Co-op Group supplies into a retailer-facing platform on the Co-op Wholesale website.
It highlights best-selling products, latest market trends, new lines and innovation, expert insights and practical support, creating an “all-in-one” insights platform to help retailers compete and grow their business, according to Co-op Wholesale.
New content will be communicated to retailers through social media and newsletters, which is expected to be updated twice a week.
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