Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.
Latest Stories

E-commerce changing landscape for wholesalers

E-commerce changing landscape for wholesalers

iStock image

Pooja Shrivastava
By Pooja ShrivastavaJan 15, 2025
Pooja Shrivastava
See Full Bio

E-commerce has become a central channel for wholesalers, with a significant portion of foodservice and retail operators now shopping exclusively online, shows a recent report.

According to Lumina Intelligence’s new UK Wholesale Online Report 2024, wholesalers should prioritise eB2B strategies that deliver seamless digital experiences and ensure product visibility.

Economic pressures continue to challenge spending growth in the sector. However, targeted offers, loyalty programmes, and operational efficiencies are being used to drive more frequent purchasing and boost customer retention.

The report showcases how wholesalers such as Hancocks and Parfetts have modernised their platforms to enhance user experiences, while initiatives like Mason Foodservice’s adoption of advanced logistics software have reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Lumina Intelligence further emphasises the importance of digital engagement, noting that online order frequency is increasing.

Suppliers can take advantage of this trend by implementing clear and targeted promotions on digital platforms, including personalised ads and push notifications, to capture operator attention.

Branded searches dominate the retail segment, while foodservice operators face higher search failure rates, underscoring the need for suppliers to provide comprehensive product data and align their marketing with trending search terms, such as sustainability-focused keywords.

Retailers are also more likely than foodservice operators to make impulsive purchases, presenting opportunities for suppliers to maximise conversions through compelling promotional offers, digital banners, and strategic new product placements.

The report identifies several key opportunities for the future, including the expansion of digital loyalty initiatives, such as Sugro UK’s e-loyalty scheme collaboration with b2bStore, which rewards digital purchasing behaviours to drive customer traffic and sales.

Mobile commerce continues to see strong growth, making app optimisation and mobile-specific strategies critical for wholesalers and suppliers alike.

Additionally, there is increasing demand for sustainable products, including compostable packaging, presenting suppliers with opportunities to lead in the eco-conscious market.

lumina intelligenceuk wholesale sectorhancocksparfettsuk wholesale online report 2024

Related News

Breweries forced to switch to cans as EPR glass levy to raise cost
Industry News

Breweries forced to switch to cans as EPR glass levy to raise cost

iStock 1282162238
Industry Reports

Prices to rise in response to increased National Insurance costs

More for you

Asda revamps leadership team

An Asda On the Move store

Photo: Asda

Asda revamps leadership team

Asda has announced a revamp of its leadership team as the beleaguered retailer refocusses on its mission to “satisfy the daily and weekly shopping needs of ordinary working people and their families who demand value”.

The retailer said Liz Evans will take up the position of chief commercial officer, non-food and retail, leading its large store operations on a permanent basis, alongside her continued leadership of the George clothing brand.

Keep ReadingShow less
iStock 1458055720
iStock image
iStock image

New report highlights key trends shaping grocery retail

As UK and European retailers gear up for 2025, the grocery sector is poised for transformation, driven by renewed focus on fundamental retail practices, new revenue opportunities, and the growing demand for health and sustainability initiatives., highlights a new report.

A new report from IGD outlines six key trends that are set to shape the future of the grocery sector across the UK and Europe.

Keep ReadingShow less
a branch of the Nationwide Building Society
Photo: iStock

Cash makes a comeback: Nationwide reports rise in ATM withdrawals for third straight year

Cash usage is thriving as withdrawals ratcheted up for the third year in a row since the pandemic, data from Nationwide showed. The recent surge comes as many people opt for cash to budget at a time the cost of living remains high.

Britain’s biggest building society recorded around 32.8 million cash withdrawals from the 1260 ATMs at its 605 branches last year – a 10per cent increase on 2023. The average amount of cash taken out on each withdrawal from Nationwide ATMs was £112 last year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nisa retailer Mike Sohal delivers prepared meals for the vulnerable in Warrington

Nisa retailer Mike Sohal delivers prepared meals for the vulnerable in Warrington

Nisa retailers unite to support flood-hit communities

Three Nisa retailers have joined forces to bring much-needed relief to their local communities in the aftermath of severe flooding over the New Year period.

Each retailer has donated £1,000 through Making a Difference Locally’s (MADL) ‘A Moment in Time’ initiative, ensuring a total of £3,000 goes directly to supporting those impacted by the floods.

Keep ReadingShow less
Co-op launches search for new brands to add to c-stores shelves
Representative iStock image

Co-op launches search for new brands to add to c-stores shelves

The search is underway for innovative and exciting new suppliers to join Co-op’s Incubator programme, known as The Apiary, and the opportunity to work with the convenience retailer towards a listing on its shelves.

Applications are now open for Co-op’s Incubator programme which is designed to enable early stage businesses become retail ready. Successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight, advice and support on all aspects of the product journey, and also participate in a supplier community network which further facilities learning and growth.

Keep ReadingShow less