Annual sales across the UK wholesale channel are forecast to be £29bn. Throughout recent years, the channel has been experiencing a transformation, with the popularity of delivered wholesale rising continuously. Retailer attitudes and behaviours towards their wholesalers continue to evolve and suppliers and wholesalers need to adapt in order to satisfy demand and generate footfall in a competitive environment.
Competition across the wholesale channel has been increasing over the last couple of years. Wholesalers are trying to broaden their offer and customer appeal, tapping into both retailers and foodservice operators. A lot of focus in the industry is currently on improving and upgrading the online ordering process. Customers are demanding a frictionless digital experience.
Retail customers are mostly opting to use online platforms as their main route to market, with few using phones. Albeit not as drastic, foodservice operators are moving in the same direction.
What this report tells you:
- Introduction to wholesale
- Market sizing & competitive landscape
- Focus on cash & carry wholesale
- Focus on delivered wholesale
- Website vs app behaviours
- Future outlook and disruptions set to impact the market in the coming years
Introduction To Wholesale
An overview of key market developments, economic conditions and hot topics impacting UK wholesale.
- Market and Competitive Landscape Insight into the market challenges and opportunities, alongside profiles of the nine market leading wholesalers, including turnover and capabilities.
Focus On Cash & Carry
A detailed look at the Cash & Carry consumer across retail and foodservice.
- What mission are they on?
- Which wholesaler do they visit?
- How often do they visit?
- How much do they spend?
- How satisfied are retailers?
- What is important to them?
Focus On Delivered
A detailed look at the delivered wholesale consumer across retail and foodservice.
- What mission are they on?
- Which wholesaler do they visit?
- How often do they visit?
- How much do they spend?
- How satisfied are retailers?
- What is important to them?
Web vs App
Highlighting the differences in delivered wholesale orders placed on websites vs apps.
- What is the difference in spend?
- What opportunities do apps offer wholesalers?
- How do retailer behaviours differ between the two platforms?
- How can suppliers and wholesalers better support each other to capitalise on the growing digital trend?
Future Outlook
A summary of innovation and forward thinking from around the industry. A look at the attitudes of industry professionals towards the future of the sector and trading conditions, as well as an overview of potential disruptors Deliveroo and Amazon.
2095 face-to-face interviews conducted in June- Sept 2019 in cash & carry depots
- 2420 telephone interviews conducted in June-Sept 2019 with delivered users
- Wholesalers participating in the study: Booker, Bestway, Unitas, East End Foods, Brakes, Bidfood, Hyperama, Henderson, Makro, James Hall, Appleby Westward, Creed, Dhamecha, Batleys, Parfetts, United, Nisa, Spar, CJ Lang and Blakemore