Parfetts to leave Unitas Wholesale at end of next year

Noel Robinson (left) and Guy Swindell, joint managing directors of Parfetts.

Parfetts is to leave Unitas Wholesale on 31 December 2026.

Until that date, Parfetts will continue to trade under Unitas supplier terms.

Unitas CEO John Kinney said at the Unitas annual conference: “This move is a natural progression. Our role is to give Unitas members the support they need to evolve and expand, and we recognise that some may eventually choose to operate as stand-alone operators outside a buying group model.

“We will continue to provide a fitter, fairer and faster service for our wholesalers. Over the last five years we have delivered a 35% increase in distributable revenues, and our priority is to the members who remain within Unitas to ensure we continue to deliver growth for them, year on year.”

Kinney added: “We thank Parfetts for their long-standing membership and contribution to the group and wish them well as they take this next step in their growth journey.”

The decision comes as Parfetts continues to expand its national presence, with turnover expected to pass £1 billion in the next three years.

Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, said: “We’re thankful for the support and connections we’ve built through Unitas which have helped to shape our growth journey so far. However, as we approach 2,000 symbol stores under our Go Local fascia and with a growing national network, our ambitions now naturally extend beyond the buying group model.

“Our growth has been phenomenal, and we want to continue to maximise value for our suppliers. As an employee-owned business, we can clearly demonstrate return on investment and move quickly whilst aligning closely with the needs of our suppliers.”

Noel Robinson, joint managing director at Parfetts, added: “We already enjoy strong supplier relationships, with successful execution of initiatives across our cash & carry, online and retail platforms recognised by the industry, but we’re ready to go further, working hand in hand on joint strategies and category innovation.”

Along with Dhamecha, Parfetts is one of Unitas Wholesale’s largest members.