Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Labour victory presents challenges and opportunities for wholesale channel, says Unitas MD

Labour victory presents challenges and opportunities for wholesale channel, says Unitas MD
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Labour Leader Keir Starmer celebrates winning the 2024 General Election with a speech at Tate Modern on July 05, 2024 in London, England. Labour is on course to win a landslide victory in the 2024 General Election. Starmer addresses the nation promising Country first, Party second. (Photo by Ricky Vigil/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Following the Labour Party's electoral victory, John Kinney, managing director of Unitas Wholesale, has responded to the potential impact of the party's manifesto on the wholesale sector.

Kinney highlighted several challenges outlined in the Labour manifesto, including increases in the Minimum Wage, a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, restrictions on fast food outlets near schools, and potential controls on high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products and ultra-processed foods.


“Independent wholesalers’ ask of this brand-new administration is that it listens to those of us who can help turn these pledges into effective measures that achieve their stated aims,” Kinney said.

iStock 1427246403iStock image

While expressing support for the government's objectives of better pay for low-income workers, healthier food options for children, and meaningful sustainability targets, he asked the new government to “lay out a legislative programme that is effective, practical and proportionate.”

Kinney pointed to the delays in implementing Deposit Return Schemes for drink containers as a cautionary example of the consequences when the government acts without sufficient consultation with industry stakeholders. Conversely, he highlighted the success of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, attributing its effectiveness to extensive collaboration, practical choices, and achievable timeframes.

“We would like the government’s proposals to be evidence-based and economically viable to implement, and not to unfairly penalise our members and their customers,” he said.

“Unitas Wholesale is the biggest wholesale group, representing a significant proportion of food and drink sales into retail, foodservice, on trade and the public sector. Our members are good at innovation and change, they react and adapt quickly and their voices should be heard.”

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less