The Wholesale Group’s first tradeshow attracts more than 190 suppliers

The Wholesale Group’s first tradeshow, held last month at Cheltenham Racecourse, attracted more than 190 suppliers and 180 executives from wholesale members.

Jess Douglas, joint managing director commented: “To see so many members and suppliers come together to discuss plans for the coming months, share the latest product innovation and take advantage of our on-the-day deals was wonderful. The energy throughout the day and evening was incredible and a great way to cement our plans for the group moving forwards.”

Coral Rose, co-chair of The Wholesale Group, agreed: “We are delighted with the tremendous turnout of members for the show, all proudly representing independent family-owned businesses in foodservice and retail wholesale. The event successfully generated significant value to all these businesses demonstrating our collective scale while creating valuable connections with our suppliers.”

Following the tradeshow, The Wholesale Group presented awards to suppliers and members in recognition of engagement and performance with Confex during 2024.

Thompsons Foodservice achieved double success as Foodservice Member of the Year and Green Wholesaler of the Year.

“The Wholesale Group Awards showcased the best of independent wholesale,” said Tom Gittins, joint managing director. “Across the board we saw outstanding achievements from both our members and suppliers, with awards spanning retail and foodservice across all product categories, with winners represented across delivered, cash & carry, export, direct to consumer, residual and events. These awards remind me how lucky we are to have such a strong group with best-in-class partners, the perfect recipe for future growth.”

The winners:

Own Brand Member: Waterside Foodservice

Social Media Member: Cress Co

Foodservice Member: Thompsons Foodservice Ltd

Frozen Member: Holland Bazaar

Retail Member: WowBoxMe

New Member: Rowan International

Green Wholesaler: Thompsons Foodservice Ltd

Service Supplier: Worldpay

Digital Supplier: Swizzels

Foodservice Supplier: Unilever Food Solutions UK

Chilled & Frozen Supplier: Lutosa

Non-Food Supplier: Robinson Young

Retail Supplier: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Own Brand Supplier: Caterers Choice

The Wholesale Group will be holding a foodservice fair in Stratford upon Avon on 11 September and an annual conference in Tenerife on 9-12 October.