Unitas announces Connect Awards for members and suppliers

More than 650 wholesalers and suppliers attended the Unitas Connect Awards, the group’s annual celebration of the outstanding people, products, initiatives and achievements of the past year.

Hosted by TV presenter and comedian Paddy McGuinness, the awards evening raised more than £20,000 for Unitas Wholesale’s chosen charity, Bluebell Wood, a Doncaster-based children’s hospice.

The award winners:

Retail Member of the Year: Parfetts

The judges said: “Praised by suppliers for its collaboration, innovation and development, Parfetts has continued to challenge itself and the status quo. The result has been a significant expansion of its retail symbol estate, and the successful integration of the Birmingham branch.”

Jim Cummiskey (second on right), CEO of Fáilte Foods, accepts the Foodservice Member of the Year award.

Foodservice Member of the Year: Fáilte Foods

The judges said: “Scoring highly for collaboration with suppliers, this multi-season business has seen exceptional growth in a challenging market, while investing in its premises and people.”

Standard & Specialist Member of the Year: Regal Wholesale

The judges said: “Through its onboarding of Reckitt, Regal Wholesale demonstrates what true collaboration and partnership looks like, particularly through investment in their people and digital, all culminating in a phenomenal year-on-year sales increase.”

On-Trade Member of the Year: Small Beer

The judges said: “This wholesaler’s keen participation in Unitas Wholesale events and programmes is reflected in good scores across the board from suppliers. A new digital wines portfolio has resulted in double-digit growth, streamlining the management of new, current and delisted ranges.”

Member’s Employee of the Year: Jay Gore, Robinsons

The judges said: “Jay has helped the business go from strength to strength, building a highly qualified team, improving efficiencies and developing great relationships with suppliers and customers. He has also positively impacted local businesses, defended local culture and maintained the local economy.”

Rising Star of the Year: Lee Bindley, Regal Wholesale

The judges said: “Professional and passionate about wholesale, Lee displays dedication, skill and a proactive approach which has driven a 50% increase in supplier investment over the past three years and improved stock turnover performance by 40%. Lee has also introduced a range of innovative solutions to improve efficiencies right across the business.”

Environment & Sustainability Award: JW Filshill

The judges said: “JW Filshill has implemented its sustainability strategy through numerous innovative initiatives, not only investing in its own operations and workforce but actively engaging with suppliers and customers to ensure all aspects of the supply chain are considered.”

Digital Innovation Award: Direct Line Supplies

The judges said: “We’re observing brands utilising AI to innovate their marketing by combining storytelling, personalisation and nostalgia with cutting-edge tools. Direct line Supplies’ use of AI to provide tailored solutions to customers is highly impressive.”

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: Wanis International

The judges said: “Wanis International actively celebrates diversity within the workplace, embracing its rich blend of backgrounds and broad range of ages and embracing diversity as a strength when serving customers and the community. Talent within the business is recognised and nurtured on the basis of ability and potential, and this powerfully inclusive culture is recognised by both employees and customers in satisfaction scores.”

SUPPLIER AWARDS

Foodservice Own Brand Product of the Year: Whitby Seafoods Ltd – CK Breaded Scampi

Retail Own Brand Product of the Year: Aston Manor Brewery – Black Storm 500ml

Brand Campaign of the Year: Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I – Blucozade Campaign

Service Provider of the Year: TWC Group

On-Trade Supplier of the Year: Molson Coors Brewing Company

Foodservice Supplier of the Year: Unilever Food Solutions

Licensed Supplier of the Year: Concha Y Toro UK

Impulse Supplier of the Year: KP Snacks

Grocery Supplier of the Year: Princes Foods