Grocer Gold Awards 2021: Regional Wholesaler of the Year

Parfetts hit £570m in sales for the year ended 30 June 2021, up 22% . And if the “unprecedented” growth was boosted by the pandemic, it was no flash in the pan, marking the wholesaler’s fourth year of sales growth amid ambitious plans to become a national wholesaler.

An impressive, sustained and adaptable response not only supported existing customers but helped add 150 net new fascias. It also added a third, off-licence-focused banner –  The Local – and invested £1.5m in improving infrastructure.

It also launched the Go Local own label launched in September 2020 with an initial range of 31 products, since expanded to 58 – which are outperforming branded counterparts in a number of areas.

And the employee-owned wholesaler’s rapid growth has benefited not only its bottom line but colleagues – all received a 4% bonus this year.

Shortlisted:

United Wholesale Scotland

‘Modernising the cash & carry shopping experience’ has been a focus for United Wholesale Grocer in the past year. The shake-up has included a raft of technological changes designed to enhance the shopper journey, including electronic shelf labels and LED screens for marketing and information.