The three biggest newspaper and magazine wholesalers have joined forces to launch a service designed to make it easier for food and drink suppliers to tell independent retailers about new products.

Menzies Distribution, Smiths News and Dawson News will next month launch Newsdropnetwork, which will deliver trade communications and direct marketing to independent retailers. The wholesalers claim the service will reach 34,000 independent retailers before 7.30am every day.

Companies including Cadbury, Müller, Costco UK, Gallaher Group and refrigeration supplier Husky are already using the network.

"Newspaper and magazine wholesalers deliver to independent retailers every day so this makes sense," said Charles Buik, sales development manager for Menzies Distribution.