The Wholesale Group launches Jake AI for wholesaler and supplier members

The Wholesale Group has launched Jake AI, with the aim of transforming how its 255 independent wholesale members and supplier partners compete in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Produced with partner ShopAI, Jake AI is designed to serve as an intelligent bridge between suppliers and wholesalers. It enables brands to conduct analysis across the entire network, identify untapped opportunities and generate sales proposals, marketing plans and joint business plans on demand. Jake’s AI capabilities are focused on specific trading data to deliver ‘unprecedented wholesale industry precision’.

“The wholesale industry has always been built on relationships, data and quick decision-making, and with Jake AI, we’re taking this a step forward,” said Tom Gittins, joint managing director of The Wholesale Group.

“Jake represents a fundamental shift in how our wholesale members can access and utilise their data. Unlike traditional business intelligence tools that require technical expertise, due to its advanced modern language models, Jake can be used conversationally to make it easier than ever before.

“Members and suppliers can ask Jake questions such as ‘What’s driving the margin decline in frozen foods this quarter?’ and receive immediate insights that would previously have taken hours of analysis.”

According to Gittins, Jake’s reasoning capabilities extend beyond simple data retrieval. Jake analyses market trends, identifies promotional opportunities, and correlates sales patterns across the entire network of 255+ members. This collective intelligence creates competitive advantages that individual wholesalers could never achieve alone.

Ilann Hepworth, CEO of ShopAI, said: “This technological advancement positions The Wholesale Group far ahead of traditional wholesale models.

“The future of wholesaling isn’t about replacing human expertise with artificial intelligence, it’s about creating intelligent partnerships that amplify human capability. What sets Jake apart from other AI tools is its conversational interface which removes technical barriers, enabling any team member to access sophisticated business intelligence through natural conversation.”

He added: “Through Jake AI, The Wholesale Group is writing the playbook for the future, ensuring their members and suppliers remain competitive while setting new standards for the entire wholesale industry.”