Unitas announces annual conference for suppliers

Unitas is inviting suppliers to its Annual Conference which is set to take place in Athens from 15th – 19th September 2023, following a period of investment and growth of its wholesaler members.

The conference will present a perfect opportunity for suppliers to identify opportunities for growing their brand’s sales in the wholesale channel, and build relationships with members of the independent wholesale buying group.

Reports quoted Unitas MD John Kinney as saying that there’s a real buzz in the independent channel.

"That’s where we see the growth. When I speak to our Foodservice and On Trade members, there is a real buoyant optimism that they’re picking up business," Kinney said.

Meanwhile, Simon Hannah of JW Filshill added that people are shopping more in convenience.

"It is smaller basket spend, but it is more regular and more footfall, and that’s the opportunity for us. When shoppers are tight for cash, they’re going to shop more locally. Convenience is the new loyalty," Hannah said.

The group stated that its Annual Conference offers market insights, channel-specific discussions, and opportunities to build business and personal relationships. There will be one-to-one Meet the Member sessions scheduled throughout the weekend, and a series of social events and excursions.

The announcement comes a week after it was reported that retailers ordering from Unitas wholesalers will soon benefit from faster, more secure, and more convenient payment methods due to a partnership with EchoPay.

Customers that use the new service will have the chance to win vouchers each month as part of its ‘VIPayer’ initiative – the world’s first open banking rewards scheme. Each month EchoPay and Unitas will give away five prizes of up to a £100 voucher. In December, one £500 voucher will be up for grabs. Each transaction over £50 retailers send will count as one entry into the competition.

The service is currently rolling out across Unitas Wholesale members and has already integrated with United Wholesale Scotland, Small Beer Wholesale and ABV Wholesale.