Buying group Unitas has announced year on year growth in both retail and on-trade in its recently organised supplier event.
The announcement came during the Unitas Wholesale Senior Supplier Briefing, where the group revealed impressive growth figures despite a challenging year for the wholesale sector.
The buying group stated that it achieved a 2 per cent growth in retail and a 5.1 per cent year-on-year increase in on-trade sales, both surpassing overall market performance.
Managing Director John Kinney shared that the group delivered a 17 per cent revenue increase for its members in 2024, with a staggering 35 per cent growth since its formation in 2018.
“While there is no doubt 2025 is going to be a tough year with rising costs, these examples prove how this channel remains an efficient and excellent route-to-market for our suppliers’ products, and those suppliers who work with us to drive awareness and distribution really do reap the rewards,” said Kinney.
To further reward member engagement, Kinney announced an additional £2 million bonus fund, aimed at incentivising participation in group-wide promotions, materials, and events.
Among the standout partnerships were PepsiCo Walkers’ Flamin’ Hot activation which delivered £300000 of sales at the Unitas trade show, and Suntory’s Blucozade which saw Unitas members exceeding all expectations and selling out in the first six weeks of launch to deliver an additional £1.7m in sales.
Trading Director Cheryl Hope praised Swizzels for its fabulous digital execution across depots and members’ digital platforms and Premier Foods’ summer BBQ activations which delivered a huge 92 per cent value and 106 per cent volume growth.
Data from TWC showed that Unitas had outperformed the convenience market in Biscuits (+ 82 per cent), Confectionery (9.1 per cent) Crisps, Snacks and Nuts (+2.2 per cent) and Soft Drinks (+6.8 per cent). Vape and reduced risk were up 32.5 per cent and RTDs up 9.2 per cent.
Interim Chairman Dr Jason Wouhra OBE added, “Our size and scale means that from corner shops to hospitality, our wholesaling members are at the forefront of the food and drink industry – and the UK economy as a whole.”
The event was received positively by suppliers who were quick to praise the group’s collaborative approach.
