Nisa-Today's says its focus on developing its supply chain and improving its central distribution are why it has enjoyed another record year of member recruitment. MD John Schofield says 63 companies joined the group's Nisa retail and Today's Group wholesale divisions in the last financial year. The 53 new Nisa members included home shopping pioneer Food Ferry, the Select and Save group and the eight-strong David's supermarket chain on the Isle of Wight. Its 10 new wholesalers include Knox C&C in Northern Ireland and GP Mace. On the downside, the group has lost Trademarket, which was bought by Booker, and the Day and Nite c-store chain, bought by T&S. Schofield said: "Further development of our central distribution operation, the continuing success of Nisa's consumer leaflet and the strong image projected by the Nisa fascia were all factors in attracting new members." He added: "New members have been lured to Today's by the positive stance we have taken in developing the entire supply chain, through initiatives such as the VIT Club." VIT (very important trader) offers a strong promotional package including exclusive deals and consumer leaflets every six weeks individualised to participating stores. The club now has about 500 members. The group's central distribution operation is showing value growth year on year of 18%, said Schofield. He added: "The dual temperature depot at Stoke is of huge benefit to our retail and wholesale members as it includes the provision of a drop shipment scheme to retailers trading through a Today's wholesaler. "Everything we do is driving growth through the independent trade." {{NEWS }}