Hyperama boosts Caterforce buying power by more than £30 million

Nottingham-based C&C/wholesaler Hyperama has announced that its foodservice business has become a member of Caterforce, while its retail business remains with Unitas Wholesale.

In addition to Nottingham, Hyperama operates from Derby, West Bromwich and Peterborough and it owns the JK Foods ethnic food distribution business.

Marcus Singh, CEO of Hyperama, told Cash & Carry Management that the foodservice/catering element represents approximately £35 million of Hyperama’s turnover, which was reported as £138.1 million for the 12 months to 26 January 2020. However, he added: “The value that Unitas loses in revenue is tiny (approximately £2.5 million). This is because most of our catering business did not come from suppliers that had central terms with Unitas. Caterforce gains £30 million plus [in buying power].”

The addition of Hyperama to Caterforce’s membership, effective from 1 April, takes the group’s foodservice wholesale membership to eight.

Singh commented: “The past year has been an incredibly difficult one for all in foodservice and catering which brought into sharp focus our desire to be part of a buying group with a vision and ambition that supported our own. The team and I are looking forward to joining the Caterforce group and fully utilising its buying power, marketing expertise and the shared experience of its membership.”

Gary Mullineux, managing director of Caterforce, said: “It was clear from our initial meetings that the values held by Marcus and the team at Hyperama fully align with ours. We are absolutely delighted that they will be joining us in just a few weeks and expanding our membership during such challenging times.

“Hyperama will bring a new dynamic to the group, adding value to its members in an ever-changing market and, as a group, we look forward to supporting Hyperama with its ambitious plans for the future.”

Unitas Wholesale managing director John Kinney commented: “We are delighted that we will continue to work with Marcus Singh and the team at Hyperama on the retail side of their business – they are a longstanding member of Unitas Wholesale and formerly of Landmark Wholesale prior to the merger and we look forward to developing plans into the future.

“Whilst we are disappointed that Hyperama has made the decision to move the foodservice element of their business, we recognise and respect their requirement to obtain very specific support to meet the longer-term plans of the foodservice arm.”

Hyperama (0115) 985 1301