The Co-op is rebranding Nisa to Co-op Wholesale as it looks to “reaffirm its commitment” to the independent retail sector.
It means its B2B partners will now purchase through Co-op Wholesale. The Nisa fascia on convenience stores will remain the same, however.
The Co-op said the move aimed to drive increased value for independent retailers, while fuelling expansion ambitions into broader corporate B2B markets.
It drew on Co-op’s 160 years of wholesale heritage, it added.
As part of the “new era” for Nisa, Katie Secretan has been named Co-op Wholesale MD. She joined Nisa in January 2024 as director of sales and retail.
The Co-op said Secretan had been instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for retailers and corporate partnerships, as well as building the foundations to support the businesses ambitious growth targets.
“We’re clear that this is more than just a supply relationship,” said Secretan. “Co-op Wholesale is backed by a business built on purpose and we’ll use our platforms to champion what matters most to our diverse partner base, as we know that we can make greater impact when we work together.
“Under Co-op Wholesale, we’re already making significant growth opportunities through corporate accounts as well as traditional retailers, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Co-op MD for B2B and growth Jerome Saint-Marc said: “Our commitment to all our partners remains as strong as ever, to ensure their businesses drive profitable growth now and for generations to come.
“Our move to Co-op Wholesale is a strategic step forward for us and one we’re immensely proud of. It’ll allow us to deliver expansive growth and operational excellence for our B2B partners, bringing them the products they need, at the right price, when they need them.
“With a new leadership team, strategy and vision, we have one clear goal and that is to drive growth by bringing the best of Co-op to our partners. And following the expertise, drive and passion we’ve witnessed from Katie in the last year, I am delighted that she will be stepping into her role to power the business forward.”
Co-op confirmed to The Grocer that it will continue to serve retailers from Nisa’s depot in Scunthorpe, and that there will be no job losses as a result of the rebrand.
Co-op bought Nisa for £137.5m in 2018.
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