All Symbols, Fascias and Buying Groups articles
-
Analysis & FeaturesCo-op and Southern Co-op merger: what does each side stand to gain?
It is Co-op Group’s first merger since 2009 and Southern Co-op’s first since it became a regional co-op in 1969. So what does each stand to gain?
-
NewsGo Local Wholesale bolsters retail team to support 500 new stores a year
The wholesaler, formerly known as Parfetts, said the larger team would provide more support to its 2,000 existing stores, while helping the business recruit around 500 more every year
-
NewsOne Stop doubles down on franchises as company-owned estate shrinks
According to its latest accounts at Companies House for the year ending 28 February 2026, the convenience retailer expanded its franchise arm from 354 to 385 stores
-
NewsCJ Lang hosts depot open day to tempt independents into Spar fold
It said the event would provide non-Spar retailers the chance to explore its depot operations, learn about its wholesale offer, and meet the team
-
NewsCo-op launches Business Partners banner for B2B propositions, led by Katie Secretan
The new division will house its wholesale, franchise, vending and independent Q-commerce propositions under “one clear umbrella”, creating a “stronger and more consistent identity for how we support business customers and retail partners”
-
NewsRD Johns switches buying groups from Unitas to TWG
The business said the decision followed a review of its buying group arrangements, describing it as the “best fit for the future direction of our business”
-
Comment & OpinionThe wholesalers that survive to 2030 won’t be the biggest. They’ll be the problem solvers
Buying power no longer sets wholesalers apart. Now it’s about solving customer problems, says Kaan Hendekli, chief operating officer at JJ Foodservice
-
NewsBestway hires 23 territory sales managers to boost retailer support
The new managers will work with retailers to understand their business’s individual needs, identify opportunities for growth, and provide practical recommendations that can make a ‘measurable difference to store performance’
-
NewsFormer Spar retailer boosts weekly sales 22% after Select & Save switch
Since joining the symbol group almost a year ago, chilled and frozen margins have also risen, by 12% and 20% respectively
-
NewsOne Stop slashes prices on 37 everyday lines in new value push
Dubbed ‘Prices Kept Low’, the campaign is cutting the price of 37 everyday lines by up to 17%
-
NewsOne Stop backs franchisee delivery sales with order aggregation platform
The technology, provided by Deliverect, enables franchisees to manage and fulfil orders from Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats and Snappy Shopper through a single device
-
NewsParfetts to rebrand to Go Local Wholesale as it targets £1bn in sales
The change brings the wholesaler under the same name as its Go Local symbol estate
-
NewsCo-op unifies franchise and wholesale operations as contract value doubles
The new division will see the wholesale arm’s existing business development and account management teams expanded to service both channels
-
NewsBooker in ‘very healthy place’ despite sales fall, says Tesco CFO
Tesco blamed the ongoing decline in tobacco sales and lapping ‘exceptionally’ strong growth in foodservice last year for Booker’s results
-
NewsUnitas targets scale, data and unison in wholesale overhaul
Incoming CEO David Cooke told The Grocer that negotiating terms was no longer enough to keep the buying group ‘healthy and relevant’ for the next 10 years
-
NewsCo-op Wholesale drops Peckish to focus on Snappy Shopper
Peckish launched in February 2025, backed by a £1m first-year investment, and had ambitious plans to sign up more than 1,000 independent stores within 12 months
-
NewsUnitas launches first own-label confectionery range under Local Living
The Local Living confectionery range spans Fizzy Mix, Giant Fizzy Strawbs, Mini Pencils, Tangy Mix, Sour Snakes and Party Mix
-
NewsParfetts signs up 41 symbol stores after southern expansion
The employee-owned wholesaler launched the 113,000 sq ft site in September 2025 as its ninth depot overall, giving it a major foothold across the south coast and London
-
NewsAF Blakemore ramps up Snappy Shopper partnership as customer numbers rise
The rollout takes its online estate to 167 stores, all of which are company-owned
-
NewsAF Blakemore CEO Carol Welch steps down
She joined in 2023, succeeding Jerry Marwood, having previously been Odeon MD for UK & Ireland and Europe commercial officer for six years