Sugro UK brings back Retail Sample Box after positive response

Building on the success of the 2023 launch, buying group Sugro UK today (5) announced the continued distribution of its innovative retail sample box, now being shared with Sugro member North West Wholesale's retail customers.

This initiative allows retailers to discover and evaluate an exciting array of new and upcoming products, ensuring they stay ahead in the dynamic marketplace.

Following the positive response and valuable insights gained from the initial launch, with 75 per cent of customers who received the box placing orders for the included products, the 2024 retail sample box now features an even broader selection of products. Retailers receive samples of the latest snacks, beverages, confectionery and other grocery essentials, sourced from both well-known brands and suppliers who are new to the wholesale industry.

The retail sample box provides a unique opportunity for retailers to experience products firsthand and offer direct feedback. This feedback is crucial for suppliers, enabling them to ensure they meet the market demand.

Sugro UK is proudly owned by its 90 plus independent wholesale members, with a combined turnover of over £2.5 billion. The group was recently voted No.1 across all buying groups according to the Advantage Group Survey.

Tom Lumsden, Director of North West Wholesale Ltd said: “We are thrilled to be one of the first wholesalers to distribute the retail sample boxes to our valued customers. The boxes include innovative new products from our trusted suppliers, highlighting the results of our ongoing NPD efforts. By offering these samples, we give our customers a unique opportunity to experience these offerings firsthand. At North West Wholesale, we believe in building strong relationships and providing products that meet our customers' needs and expectations.

"This initiative is our way of saying 'thank you' for your continued support and trust. We are proud to serve the North West and look forward to continuing to bring the best products to our retailers."

Yulia Petitt, Head of Commercial & Marketing added, “I am absolutely delighted to see the continued success of the Retail Sample box, which is a fantastic opportunity for the Suppliers to showcase their products direct to Retailers who are of course the final decision makers when it comes to purchasing stock. It’s fantastic to see more and more wholesalers getting involved in the Retail Sample Box initiative with O’Reilly’s, Youings’s and North West Wholesale’s Retailers all having the opportunity to see some fantastic products firsthand.

"We are delighted that for the second year running we have been voted number one buying group in the recent Advantage Report Survey UK, benchmarked against all other participating buying groups, with feedback being gathered across the extensive range of their Supply Partners.

"At Sugro, we’re committed to working with both Members and Suppliers on delivering new and exciting marketing initiatives to maximise sales growth and distribution opportunities across the wholesale and retail arena. With this in mind, we are now working on several very exciting projects for the remainder of the year and 2025 so watch this space!”