‘UniCo is the UK’s only QSR and fast-food focused buying group’

In an exclusive interview with Cash & Carry Management, UniCo’s founder Ash Khan explains the rationale behind the launch of the new buying group and outlines its objectives.

UniCo – a members-owned buying group dedicated to ‘revolutionising’ the fast-food and quick service restaurant (QSR) industry – has been launched.

With a collective turnover of £500 million, the membership comprises Eagle Foods, Euro Food Group, Fresco Foodservice, Giro Foods, Major Foods, MS Foods, N&B Foods, and The Pentagon Food Group.

All eight are founding members of UniCo, which stands for United Cooperative Food Group, and Pentagon’s CEO Ash Khan (pictured) is the organisation’s CEO and chairman.

Khan told Cash & Carry Management’s managing editor Kirsti Sharratt what makes UniCo stand out in an already crowded buying groups sector.

Why did you decide to launch the new group?

Our members are all from a QSR and fast-food wholesale background, and these members have directly or indirectly created a multi-billion-pound industry over the last 40 years, which today contributes significantly to the UK economy with millions of jobs in this sector.

I feel that these wholesalers have been under-represented in the industry, and with their participation in buying groups such as Sugro and Unitas, they have been in the shadows of other members who are dominating the FMCG industry or mainstream foodservice sector.

Our members are actually operating in a unique space, and we recognised the need for a dedicated group that could address the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector, providing a unified voice and a stronger negotiating power in an industry which is highly fragmented.

Who is heading up the group and who is on the board?

I am currently heading up the group as the CEO & chairman (founder). The board includes key representatives from our founding members, ensuring that we have a diverse and experienced leadership team guiding UniCo.

When exactly was the group formed, and did you all know each other beforehand?

UniCo was officially formed on 19 April 2025, and many of us knew each other beforehand through various industry connections and collaborations.

Do you have any membership fees?

Yes, there are membership fees, which are structured to ensure that we can provide the best possible services and support to our members.

What are your objectives, and do you have plans and targets for the first year?

Our primary objectives are to enhance the purchasing power of our members, streamline supply chain operations, and foster long-term strategic partnerships with suppliers.

For the first year, we aim to recruit additional members, achieve significant cost savings for our members, and establish UniCo as an inclusive leading force in the QSR and fast-food sector.

As we continue to grow, our aim is to achieve a collective turnover of £1 billion.

What services do you offer your members?

UniCo offers a range of services including collective purchasing, access to a vast network of suppliers, logistical support, market research, training, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to help our members grow and succeed.

Do you have a central office or are the operations based at one of your members?

UniCo will be operating from a new HQ in Stoke-on-Trent from July 2025, but for now we are using our members’ facilities across the estate.

Do you have any events planned for the coming year?

We have several events planned, including our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and various networking and training sessions for our members. We are also organising a UniCo trade event where we will be inviting all our suppliers, members and the customers we serve in the QSR and fast-food sector.

What is UniCo’s USP?

UniCo’s USP lies in being the UK’s first and only QSR and fast-food focused buying group. We offer a unique combination of collective purchasing power, industry-specific expertise, and a member-owned structure that ensures all decisions are made in the best interests of our members.

How have suppliers responded to the formation of the group?

The response from suppliers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many suppliers see the value in partnering with a unified group like UniCo and are eager to work with us to provide the best products and services to our members.

Since you announced the launch, have you had any wholesalers approach you to join the group?

Yes, we have received interest from several wholesalers who are keen to join UniCo and benefit from our collective purchasing power and industry expertise; we will be announcing further members in the coming weeks.

Why should other QSR and fast-food wholesalers sign up to UniCo?

UniCo is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where our members can thrive. We believe in the power of unity and are dedicated to supporting our members every step of the way.

Our focus on the QSR and fast-food sector sets us apart and positions us as a leader in this industry. Together, we are set to achieve new heights and redefine the industry standards.

For more information on UniCo, visit unicogroup.co.uk or contact memberservices@unicogroup.co.uk

UniCo fast facts:

• Eight founding members

• £500 million collective turnover

• National distribution capability

• 20 Regional Distribution Centres, strategically located for optimal coverage

• 1.2 million sq ft warehouse space

• 150,000 pallet ambient storage

• 15,000 pallet cold storage

• 400 multi-temperature vehicles

• 2,000 suppliers offering a wide range of products