Development and innovation focus for The Wholesale Group

More than 65 suppliers attended The Wholesale Group’s first foodservice event earlier this month.

Held at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, the Development & Innovation Days included foodservice member meetings to discuss group, purchasing and marketing strategies for the year ahead, plus one-to-one meetings with suppliers and a mini expo.

John Hervin, managing director of Tyneside Foodservice said: “We met more than 65 suppliers during the event to discuss trends, innovation and take advantage of exclusive event deals. It was a great opportunity to network with other members to discuss how we can work together collectively and collaboratively to overcome challenges in the industry and support each other as a group.

“Everyone in attendance, both suppliers and wholesalers, agreed that The Wholesale Group offers long-term stability for the sector following a period of uncertainty, acquisitions and supply-chain challenges. Wholesalers have spent many years trying to become a one-stop shop for their customers and now we are delighted that we have an innovative buying group that offers the same for their wholesale customers, plus so much more.”

Suppliers also praised the event, with Naomi Ellis, marketing manager of Kara Foodservice, saying: “We held one-to-one meetings with 24 wholesalers which is superb engagement for a foodservice event. We now have new and exciting opportunities with members that we haven’t dealt with previously, and we’re looking forward to working with The Wholesale Group and utilise the exceptional marketing services they offer members and suppliers.”

Jess Douglas, joint managing director, said: “The three-day event was incredibly positive with so much energy and enthusiasm from both members and suppliers as they worked together in order to reap the benefits of this new group.

“We are already looking forward to our bigger-than-ever trade show on 20 March at Cheltenham Racecourse to cement the group even further.”

Following the event, food waste and hunger charity Fareshare collected all leftover goods which were redistributed to frontline charities in the area.