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SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS GEORGIADES OF AC GEORGIADES

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR CASH & CARRY/DELIVERED WHOLESALERS

AUGUST 2026

Exclusive!

W NE

East N West Cash & Carry celebrates two decades of successful trading

CHANGE AT THE TOP

Naser Khan replaces Dawood Pervez as MD Meet me

CATEGORY INSIGHT

4Back to School/Freshers 4Catering 4Big Night In 4Paper Products 4Tobacco &

Next‐Generation Products

A complete range of everyday paper essentials combining softness, strength and outstanding value.

Contents

August 2026

This month don’t miss... 04 16

Kitwave acquires Bristol-based Charles Saunders Foodservice.

Booker allows customers to pay with American Express.

Sysco GB becomes Zero Carbon Forum’s first wholesaler member.

ESSENTIALS 04

Industry News

FEATURES 10

Behind the Scenes East N West Cash & Carry has grown over two decades thanks to a focus on competitive pricing, reliable supply and personal service, led by co-founders and brothers Jateen and Kavit Lakhani.

Spotlight Chris Georgiades, managing director of AC Georgiades, which operates from two sites – in Morpeth and Stevenage – was always expected to run the family business.

Chris Georgiades (left) of AC Georgiades enjoys a day at the races with Dan Dunster (centre) from CCEP and colleague Geoff Pearse.

CATEGORY INSIGHT 18

Big Night In Consumers continue to shop for at-home entertaining.

Back to School/Freshers The beginning of a new academic year offers an ideal opportunity for wholesalers and their customers to target students and parents.

26 28 32

Catering Update Paper Products Tobacco & Next-Generation Products

Publishing Director Martin Lovell Managing Editor Kirsti Sharratt Contributor Siobhan Kielty Media Sales Manager Clare Phillips Address Winlove Publications Ltd PO Box 366, East Grinstead, RH19 4ZE LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/martinlovell-98419436/ linkedin.com/company/cash-andcarry-management-incorporatingdelivered-wholesaler ISSN 1352-254X

Tel (01342) 712100 Email mail.winlove@btconnect.com Website cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

August 2026

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Kitwave acquires Charles Saunders Hot on the heels of its acquisition of Kirkcaldy-based wholesaler Fife Creamery, Kitwave Wholesale Group has acquired Charles Saunders Foodservice. Established in the 1950s as a fishmonger on Bristol’s Baldwin Street, Charles Saunders has grown to become one of the largest family-owned foodservice companies in the South West. Charles Saunders has continued to increase its regional presence in recent years through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The business now joins Kitwave’s foodservice division alongside Creed Foodservice, Total Foodservice, WestCountry Food Holdings and Fife Creamery. Under ownership of

Fruit fillings Country Range Group has introduced a new selection of Fruit Fillings. The fillings come in 2.5kg tubs in cases of two and are available in Bramley Apple, Red Cherry and Strawberry variants. Created for caterers of all sizes and expertise, they’re particularly ideal for costsector kitchens like nurseries, schools and colleges as the new school year begins, says Country Range.

August 2026

Kitwave, there will be no changes to Charles Saunders’ depot, operations, sales or head office teams, and the existing leadership team remains in place, with Darren Gaulton appointed as executive director and Kim Carwardine as managing director. The business will continue to trade under the Charles Saunders brand. Customers and suppliers will continue working with

the same teams and contacts, with no change to the way the business operates day to day. As part of the acquisition, Charles Saunders will also become a member of Country Range Group. Darren Gaulton, executive director at Charles Saunders, said: “The business has enjoyed significant growth over recent years while remaining true to the values

that have made Charles Saunders what it is today. Becoming part of Kitwave represents the next stage in that journey. “Our priority has always been to ensure the business is well placed for long-term sustainable growth. This partnership gives us an excellent platform to continue to build, invest further in our people and continue delivering the exceptional service our customers expect.” Ben Maxted, CEO at Kitwave Wholesale Group, said: “Charles Saunders’ customer-focused approach and strong family values make it an excellent fit for the Kitwave Group. “The acquisition further strengthens our foodservice division and supports our long-term growth strategy.”

Caterforce refreshes branding Caterforce has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the ambition, strength and shared purpose of its independent wholesale membership. As Caterforce celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the group felt that its corporate branding was ready for an update. The milestone provided the ideal opportunity to introduce an identity that better represents Caterforce today and its ambitions for the future. The new logo will be introduced across the group’s communications and platforms over the coming weeks. Gary Mullineux, managing director of Caterforce, said: “Caterforce has a strong history and a clear

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role in supporting independent wholesalers. Our refreshed identity better represents the ambitious businesses that make up our group today, as well as the collective strength we create by working together.” Lucy Boland, marketing director, said: “The new logo is simple but meaningful.

The two interlocking Cs reflect Caterforce and Collaboration, while the chain they create captures the connectivity and resilience at the heart of our membership. We wanted an identity that feels modern, distinctive and true to the values that bring our members together.”

Gary Mullineux with the refreshed logo.

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Naser Khan takes over as Bestway MD Bestway Wholesale has announced that Naser Khan, formerly chief operations officer, has replaced Dawood Pervez as its managing director. Pervez moves to the role of chairman. Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, chairman emeritus of Bestway Group, said: “These appointments have been made on merit. Both Dawood and Naser have dedicated more than two decades of service to Bestway. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to our values.” He added: “I have every confidence that they will continue to drive the business forward, build agile and high-performing teams, and ensure we remain well positioned to succeed in an

Chef contest Creed Foodservice has opened entries for its annual Care Chef of the Year competition, inviting chefs from across the UK care sector to showcase the talent, innovation and compassion that define professional care catering. Now in its fourth year, the competition reflects Creed’s commitment to the sector, where it has supported care providers for many years with specialist expertise, menu development and tailored foodservice solutions. This year’s challenge invites chefs to create a twocourse dining experience on the theme of ‘Movie Classics: Bringing iconic films to life through dining’. For competition details, visit: https://about.creedfoodservice.co.uk/care-chefof-the-year-competition/

ever-changing marketplace.” The appointments form part of a wider evolution of Bestway Wholesale’s leadership structure, designed to support the scale and complexity of the business as it continues to grow in wholesale, retail, catering and foodservice. Bestway has also confirmed a number of further senior appointments. Dan Lewis has been

named as sales director, with responsibility for leading Bestway Wholesale’s national sales operation and strengthening customer engagement across independent retail and wholesale. He was formerly director of Bestway Vans Direct and Bestpets, and has worked at Bestway for nearly nine years. His appointment reflects the company’s ambition to align sales more closely with

Naser Khan

Dawood Pervez

Adams joins Sterling Sterling Supergroup has recruited Adams Foodservice, located in Worthing, West Sussex. This is the seventh new member for Sterling this year. Adams Foodservice is a family-run foodservice wholesaler serving customers in South East England. The business supplies a comprehensive range of fresh, chilled, frozen and ambient products to the hospitality, catering, education and care sectors.

The business, run by father and son Ali and Suley, combines the personal service of a family-owned business with efficient logistics and a modern distribution network. Suleyman Ali said: “At Adams Foodservice, we’ve always believed that business is about more than just supplying great products, it’s about building lasting relationships. “As a family-run business, we’ve built our reputation on trust, reliability, and treating our customers, suppliers, and employees like part of the family. That’s why joining Sterling Supergroup feels like such a natural fit. Their commitment to supporting independent businesses and fostering a strong family culture mirrors our own values.”

trading, retail and marketing. Zahir Fazaldin has been promoted from property & logistics controller to property & logistics director, with responsibility for Bestway’s estate portfolio, property development, logistics strategy, sustainability and environmental efficiency. Adina Bejenaru has been recognised as IT director, continuing to lead Bestway’s technology strategy, digital infrastructure, cyber security, systems integration and business continuity. Together, these appointments complement the existing executive leadership team, including Kenton Burchell (trading director), Charles Abraham (foodservice director), Jamie Davison (retail director) and Ashar Rehman (operations director).

Great Taste JJ Foodservice has won its first-ever Great Taste Awards. Three JJ own-brand products – NSFIL Premium King Prawns, Tabaki Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Rice Majestic Sushi Rice – were awarded a Great Taste Star.

Products are judged purely on taste, quality and flavour by an independent panel of food experts. JJ’s own-brand range accounts for over 38% of the company’s total turnover.

www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

August 2026

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Booker CEO

Booker Group has appointed Geoff Byrne as CEO. He brings extensive experience in senior leadership roles to Booker, most recently as CEO of Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland, where he led a period of sustained growth, investment, and market share gains. Byrne (above) is replaced as CEO of Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland by Andrew Yaxley, who previously

served as CEO of Tesco Ireland from 2015 to 2018. Yaxley subsequently joined the Tesco Group leadership team as chief product officer before becoming CEO of Booker in December 2020. Byrne said: “Booker is a fantastic business with a unique position in the market, and I’m excited to work with colleagues there to build on its many strengths.” In other news, Booker is now allowing its customers to pay with American Express cards in branches and online. The enhanced agreement follows the successful introduction of American Express acceptance across Booker’s symbol group retail estate. Budgens, Londis and Premier stores began accepting American Express as a payment method in 2023.

Dash deliveries SPAR Scotland has launched SPAR Dash, a new home delivery platform powered by Snappy Shopper. The launch reflects SPAR Scotland’s commitment to making neighbourhood shopping more accessible, combining the service of local SPAR stores with the speed and convenience of digital ordering. Through the SPAR Dash platform, customers can browse thousands of everyday essentials, fresh food, household products, meal solutions, and a range of hot food and freshly prepared drinks, with deliveries made directly from participating local SPAR stores. The platform has been designed to strengthen SPAR Scotland’s store network by helping stores reach more customers, increase

online sales and meet growing demand for convenience shopping at home. SPAR Scotland CEO Colin McLean said: “Our customers increasingly expect convenience that fits around their busy lifestyles, and this platform allows us to deliver exactly that while continuing to support our local communities through our companyowned stores and our independent retailers.”

Parfetts employees given 4% bonus Employee-owned wholesaler Parfetts has awarded staff its maximum annual sales bonus of 4% after delivering a record turnover of £807 million, up 10.6% on the previous year. The performance marks another year of sustained growth for the business, which has more than doubled sales over the past six years and is well on track to achieve £1 billion annual turnover within the next three years. The bonus forms part of Parfetts’ employee ownership model, which also includes an annual profit share. Joint MD Guy Swindell said: “As an employeeowned business, the success we create belongs to our colleagues. Rather than 06

August 2026

Joint MDs Noel Robinson (left) and Guy Swindell.

distributing profits to external shareholders, we reinvest in the business and reward the people who make that success possible. “That gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most: investing in our people, depots, technology and retail proposition, while continuing to deliver outstanding

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service for independent retailers. We’re happy to recognise everyone’s contribution with the maximum 4% sales bonus.” Joint MD Noel Robinson added: “This result reflects the strength of our employee ownership model and the commitment of colleagues across the business.”

Parfetts has continued to strengthen its position through investment in its symbol estate, own-brand range and delivered wholesale network. The business is approaching 2,000 symbol stores nationwide and recently achieved a milestone with the rollout of its newest symbol format – the launch in Corby of its 25th Shop & Go store in the UK. Over the past 12 months, Parfetts has expanded into Scotland for the first time with its delivered wholesale service, while continuing to grow its symbol group presence north of the border. A major focus has also been the continued investment in its Southampton depot, which is driving expansion in London and the South East.

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Initiative tackles labour shortages Sysco GB and not-for-profit training organisation Road to Logistics have been named Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Company of the Year at the 2026 Multimodal Awards. The award celebrates the impact of a joint programme delivered at Sysco London, which was designed to open the door to logistics careers for people who would not normally get the opportunity to enter the sector. Logistics remains one of the least diverse workforces in the country, and people face barriers to employment including long-term unemployment, homelessness, care experience and neurodiversity. At the same time, employers across the sector continue to face acute labour shortages. Road to Logistics and Sysco GB set out to tackle both challenges through a new, inclusive approach to recruitment and training. Working together, the organisations designed dedicated logistics training

programmes delivered onsite at Sysco London. Each programme combines sector-specific training, RTITB-accredited forklift truck qualifications, employability support and mentoring, and also removes barriers that often prevent people from succeeding in traditional recruitment processes. Interview preparation, assessment centre formats and employer expectations are built directly into the employability training, helping learners gain confidence and familiarity. Participants

also receive one-to-one mentoring from the start of the programme through to 12 months after entering employment. Across three cohorts at Hemel Hempstead, 30 individuals completed the programme and 90% secured employment with Sysco GB. The participants reflected the programme’s commitment to inclusion: every participant was unemployed when they joined, with the majority experiencing longterm unemployment and several having experienced

homelessness and living in supported accommodation; a significant proportion were identified as neurodiverse; and a quarter were from ethnic minority backgrounds. Katrina Simpson-Haines, HR director at Sysco GB, said: “Winning DEI Company of the Year is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses rethink how they recruit and who they reach.” In other news, Sysco GB has become Zero Carbon Forum’s first wholesaler Supplier Member. The Forum has already brought together competing operators including Burger King, KFC and McDonald’s to tackle shared operational challenges. Working pre-competitively through the Forum, operators have reduced direct energy emissions by 52%, identified over £5 million in energy savings and strengthened business resilience. The Forum is now applying that same collaborative approach across the supply chain.

Record number of entries for CCM Awards The CCM Chefs’ Own-Brand Awards 2026/27 have attracted a record number of entries from a wide range of wholesalers and buying groups. This marks nine years of successive growth since the awards were launched in 2018. The awards are run in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs – the leading chefs’ association in the UK. Heading up the judging panel is Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs. He has been involved with the CCM

awards since the beginning. Green is joined on the panel by Jason Gordon,

catering manager for the General Medical Council, and Matt Owens, executive

Judges (l to r): Jason Gordon, Andrew Green and Matt Owens.

head chef of Thomas Franks – also experienced judges. As always, the judging will be conducted in blind tastings. Feedback will be given on each product tested with the aim of raising the bar even further in ownbrand development for the benefit of wholesalers, their customers and consumers. Judging will take place the week commencing 24 August, and the winners of the awards will be announced at an exclusive awards lunch on 7 January 2027.

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August 2026

[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]

Super Savers kff, the Kent-based regional foodservice wholesaler that is part of Sysco, has launched a new Summer Super Savers promotion. The initiative offers foodservice operators access to more than 40 seasonal essentials designed to support menu profitability during the peak trading period. The selection has been chosen to help chefs manage rising costs while maintaining quality and consistency. Running during the summer, the campaign features high-volume lines including burgers, salad mix and foodto-go packaging.

Festive advice Bidfood has launched its Christmas range of more than 700 products, with advice for operators to focus on offering value while catering for different generations. It says that older consumers tend to seek a traditional and dependable festive experience, while millennial diners take a more experience-led view of value, and younger consumers – particularly Gen Z – are driving demand for more creative and flexible festive menus.

August 2026

Future Leaders Index launched Food & Drink Wholesale UK, better known as FWD, has launched a Future Leaders Index to promote careers in wholesale. The FWD Future Leaders Index gives under-35s working across the wholesale sector a platform to shape the industry’s future. According to a new report launched by FWD, the wholesale sector can play a key role in tackling youth unemployment. The report was launched at FWD’s Wholesale Star Awards at the House of Commons earlier this month. The report reveals that while awareness of wholesale careers remains low (80% of respondents identified this as a barrier), every young professional surveyed (100%) said they would recommend a career in the sector. The respondents also

highlighted on-the-job experience (68%) and clear progression routes (58%) as two of wholesale’s greatest strengths in attracting and developing talent. Once they are working in wholesale, respondents identify the support of managers (86%) and mentors (70%) as key to their career development. Lyndsey CambridgeWilson, head of external affairs at FWD, said: “We need to champion the

Some of the winners of the Wholesale Star Awards.

NDN B-2-B Portal Industry challenges, supplier collaboration, and the launch of the NDN B-2-B Portal were key discussion points at the recent National Buying Consortium (NBC) Conference in Budapest. It was the group’s second annual conference, and it was sold out. David Lunt, group managing director, said: “There are so many challenges that we all face and we know that the only way to overcome them is by working together. Over the last two to three years we have consistently delivered incremental financial benefits for our members whilst delivering real growth for our supplier partners. “Our bespoke approach

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breadth of careers our sector offers – whether that’s in logistics, technology, finance, operations, sales, marketing, HR or leadership. “We need to be in more schools, colleges and universities promoting the opportunities we have for the taking. We want to ensure that the next generation of talent not only know about the opportunities in our sector, but make a conscious choice to choose our sector.”

to our suppliers for a routeto-market solution – NDN – is one of the most in-demand services that we provide. The launch of the NDN B-2-B Portal is a major step forward in ensuring that the access our members get to the brands we supply is as seamless as possible.” Clare Spindler, NBC’s business development manager, added: “We have been very busy with both membership and customer account queries in the past year.”

50 new jobs Harlech Foodservice is creating 50 new jobs and is on course to achieve record sales of £75 million. The Gwynedd-based wholesaler has increased turnover by 25% in the past year after opening depots in Caerphilly and Telford to support growing demand in South Wales, the North West and West Midlands. The family-run business is planning a £3.5 million expansion of its headquarters in Llanystumdwy near Criccieth, including new warehousing, freezer facilities and more delivery vehicles. As a result, the number of people working for the company is expected to rise from 320 to 370 over the next few years.

“I’M TOO

FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FOR YOUR SHELF”

GIVE THEM GIVETHEM BIGFLAVOUR FLAVOUR BIG

Focused on exceptional service As it celebrates two decades of successful trading, East N West Cash & Carry looks ahead with optimism and an intention to remain small enough to care yet large enough to supply. In 2017, we launched Peepal, our own-label ethnic product brand. More recently, we joined The Wholesale Group.

ast N West Cash & Carry was founded 20 years ago in Barking, Essex, by brothers Jateen and Kavit Lakhani to support independent retailers, convenience stores and hospitality operators with competitive pricing, reliable supply and personal service. From the initial 15,000 sq ft premises, the family-run business has grown to operate from a 65,000 sq ft depot and serves customers across the UK and oversees, investing in range, delivery capability and digital ordering while retaining its relationship-led approach. Cash & Carry Management spoke to the brothers, who still lead the business, about the operation they have built over the past two decades and their plans for further growth.

What are the benefits of being a familyrun business? Family ownership helps the business make decisions quickly, maintain close customer and supplier relationships and retain the personal service valued by independent customers.

What have been the major milestones since the company’s formation? In addition to expanding the Barking operation, we have increased our range to around 12,000 lines and developed a delivery operation to support customers beyond the cash & carry.

How are you performing this financial year versus last financial year? The business is trading ahead of the previous financial year. We do not publicly disclose profit figures but remain focused on sustainable, long-term growth.

August 2026

What have been your most recent developments? We have focused on making ordering and customer support more efficient. We have introduced the B2B ordering app, improvements to the digital ordering platform, WhatsApp ordering and an AI-powered customer assistant.

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What size is your range and what product categories does it include? We offer around 12,000 lines across ambient grocery, South Asian and world foods, soft drinks, confectionery, snacks, household, health & beauty, catering

East N West fast facts Turnover: £41.5 million (year to March 2026); £37.5 million (2025); £38.2 million (2024) Location and size of depot: Barking, 65,000 sq ft Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 4pm; Sunday, closed Number of lines: 12,000 Number and types of customers: 4,000 retail and hospitality customers Number of employees: 55 Delivery fleet: six Mercedes or DAF 18-tonne lorries and four Mercedes Sprinter delivery vehicles Directors and their job titles: Jateen Lakhani and Kavit Lakhani, both cofounder & manager

now worth over

LIPTON IS THE

£100M*

NO.1 RTD TEA BRAND IN THE UK**

*NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB, Total Soft Drinks, Total Lipton Ice Tea, Britvic Defined, Value MAT w/e 22/11/2025 (£70.1m) + CGA foodservice & Leisure, Lipton iced tea MAT 14.06.2025 (£34.6m) **NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB, Total Ready To Drink Tea, Cold Hot Drinks, Britvic Defined, Value Share MAT w/e 22/11/2025. **Recommended Retail Price.

[ BEHIND THE SCENES ] supplies and foodservice products. Ethnic foods, particularly South Asian foods, remain an important specialism, alongside a broader convenience and foodservice offer. The range will continue to evolve in response to customer demand, emerging supplier opportunities and category trends. What types of customers do you serve? We supply a wide range of trade customers across the UK, including independent convenience stores, supermarkets, off-licences, forecourts, restaurants, takeaways, cafés, caterers, and other foodservice businesses. Our focus has always been on helping independent businesses to compete and grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace. What percentage of your sales come from cash & carry, delivery and export? Approximately 50% of sales come from delivered wholesale, 40% from cash & carry, and 10% from export. Delivery growth reflects customer demand for convenience and digital ordering, while the Barking cash & carry remains important for customers who value in-person purchasing and immediate availability. Do you have a minimum order and what are your lead times? Delivered orders generally have a minimum order value of £1,000. Most customers can access next-day delivery, subject to location and cut-off times. The operation runs six days a week, with the focus on reliable availability

Kavit (left) and Jateen Lakhani, brothers/co-founders of East N West Cash & Carry.

and responsive delivery for independent customers. How do customers place their orders? Customers can order through the online platform and mobile app, telesales, the sales team or an account manager. Online/app orders account for 50% of

East N West launched Peepal – its own-label ethnic product brand – in 2017.

August 2026

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orders, telesales for 15%, and walk-in purchases for 35%, showing that customers value both digital convenience and personal contact. How important is technology to your business? Are you using AI? Technology is central to improving the customer experience, from the B2B ordering platform and mobile app to warehouse and logistics systems. The business is using AI to support customer queries and improve access to product and account information. The aim is to make the operation quicker and more accurate, while ensuring that technology complements – rather than replaces – personal service. What about environmental, social & governance (ESG)? What measures are you taking? Sustainability is an increasing focus for the business. Current activity includes optimising delivery routes, reducing waste, increasing recycling and improving operational efficiency.

The cherry on top, with Sicilian Lemon

STOCK THE UK’S NO.1 PREMIUM CARBONATES DRINK*

[ BEHIND THE SCENES ] What benefits do you offer your workforce? Our 55-strong team is central to the service we provide. We aim to offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for training and development, and a collaborative culture in which colleagues can build long-term careers. What is your USP? Our differentiator is the combination of family-business responsiveness with the range, buying power and delivery capability customers expect from an established wholesaler. We aim to give independent retailers and hospitality operators practical support, dependable stock availability and flexible ordering, rather than a one-size-fits-all service. What plans do you have to develop the business? The focus is on sustainable growth: expanding the customer base, developing digital capability, broadening the range and strengthening delivery support. We will continue to review opportunities that improve service for independent retail and hospitality customers, while retaining our responsiveness. How are you managing current market challenges, and how are you helping your customers deal with these issues? The wholesale market continues to face challenges, including rising costs, changing consumer demand, and increased competition. We manage these by working closely with our supplier partners, investing in technology to improve efficiency, and

A total of 40% of sales come from C&C, 50% from deliveries, and 10% from export.

maintaining a flexible approach to our operations. Most importantly, we support our customers by offering competitive pricing, a reliable supply of stock, expert product advice, and dependable deliveries. We understand the pressures independent retailers face, so our aim is to be more than just a supplier – we strive to be a trusted business partner, helping our customers adapt, grow, and succeed in a changing market. What benefits do you gain from being a member of The Wholesale Group? Being a member of The Wholesale Group brings significant benefits to both our business and our customers. It strengthens our buying power and

Some of the 55 team members with co-founders Jateen and Kavit Lakhani.

August 2026

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gives us access to market-leading suppliers, exclusive promotions, and valuable industry insight, enabling us to offer an even better range and more competitive pricing. Just as importantly, it allows us to collaborate with like-minded independent wholesalers, share best practices, and stay ahead of market trends. Ultimately, our membership helps us deliver greater value, choice, and service to our customers while supporting our long-term growth. How do you intend to celebrate your 20th anniversary? Reaching 20 years is an opportunity to thank customers, suppliers and employees who have supported the business since 2006. We are exploring potential customer and supplier initiatives, including the possibility of a trade day. How do you view the future for the business? We are very optimistic about the future. Independent retailers continue to play a vital role in local communities, and we see significant opportunities to support their growth. While the business will continue to evolve, one thing will never change – our commitment to exceptional customer service. We will remain small enough to care, yet large enough to supply, ensuring we continue to be a trusted wholesale partner for many CCM years to come.

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[ SPOTLIGHT ] Chris Georgiades, managing director, AC Georgiades enjoy myself. Whether that’s with my family or friends, I like to keep myself busy and active. I play a lot of tennis – I love it. Between tennis and padel I would play every day if I could. Football is also a passion of mine; I don’t play often any more but still love/hate supporting my team Newcastle United!

‘I’m very outgoing’ What have been your biggest achievements in work and outside of work? The biggest achievement in my life is without a doubt being a father. It is one of the toughest yet most rewarding things a person can do. It requires copious amounts of determination, patience and calmness, which I’d like to say echo throughout my persona, but possibly not the patient part! In the working world my biggest achievement is becoming managing director of the family-run soft drink wholesale company AC Georgiades. Although running the company was my path throughout my childhood, nothing is guaranteed and I‘ve had to earn and warrant being good enough to achieve this role. For more than 28 years, AC Georgiades has been a trusted name in the UK’s beverage industry, and we recently joined The Wholesale Group, which has led us to extend our product portfolio to include crisps and confectionery as well as soft drinks. Who has been the biggest inspiration to you? The person who stands out the most is my Grandad – he taught me the importance of hard work, motivation and 16

August 2026

responsibility, which I believe to be impeccable characteristics to be successful in any format of life. His sense of humour and general personality had the biggest impact on me. He taught me to treat everybody with respect, but he also taught me how to handle myself and to resolve difficult situations. What were your ambitions when you were growing up? I always wanted to be where I am at now, running the company. It was pressed on me from a very young age that this is what was intended for me. When I was about 10 years old, getting my school photo taken, I got asked the same question and I stated ‘I want to be a businessman‘ – a strange answer for a 10 year-old when all my friends replied ‘pilot’ or ‘footballer’. What are your interests outside of work and how do you maintain a worklife balance? To maintain a work-life balance you need to focus – focus on what you are doing then and there. This then allows you to be as efficient as possible to free up time. In that time I’m a very outgoing person. Yes, I work hard but I also like to

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How would you describe your personality? Definitely resilient: one of the biggest aspects of running a business is learning how to deal with problems, process them and get them resolved. I’m also determined. Very determined. If I want something, I’ll do everything in my control to achieve it. If you won a holiday, where would you go and who would you take with you? This is a tough one. I always love going back to Greece but, on a hypothetical note, if we could take the long-haul flight out I’d choose Mexico or Japan. Of course I would take my family, but if they weren’t available I would be happy to go with friends. What would people be surprised to know about you? I’ve sold an uncountable amount of soft drinks in my time but I don’t like soft drinks. Well I don’t drink them anyway. CCM Sorry, Coca-Cola.

Business graduate Chris Georgiades studied Business & Management at the University of Sunderland. He then travelled the world for a couple of years before starting working for the family business, AC Georgiades, as stock controller, gaining knowledge of the market whilst building relationships with key suppliers and customers. He was appointed senior manager in February 2020, a month before COVID-19 hit, and that set him up to become managing director in 2024.

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[ BIG NIGHT IN ]

Staying in pays for retailers The big night in fixture needs to keep up with current trends and budgets to ensure that cost-conscious consumers stock up for at-home entertaining in the convenience channel. he big night in is a lucrative category for convenience retail as shoppers opt to stay at home for their entertainment. Budget and premium options, planned and impulse formats, and cross-category promotions all help to elevate sales for the occasion. Wholesalers need to ensure that retailers can access the right range to merchandise the category effectively for their customer base. Aston Manor Cider offers a portfolio that covers quality and value with take-home formats to appeal to the big night in mission. “With eating and drinking out increasingly viewed as prohibitively expensive, 69% of occasions are now taking place in the home,” says Grace Anthony, head of marketing. “The big night in occasion allows shoppers to recreate a social experience at home, while giving wholesalers and retailers a real chance to grow basket spend through the right mix of drinks, snacks and meal deals.” The manufacturer is seeing strong sales in value and premium-value cider brands in the convenience channel. Knight’s Cider is the No.2 cider brand in the convenience channel (Nielsen) and the 8.4% abv Knight’s Vintage has sold 1.7 million units in the past year. “The brand is continuing to gain listings and distribution. With an rsp of £1.50£1.80, Knight’s Vintage offers a great margin for our retail partners,” Anthony states. Also offering value is the Crumpton Oaks range, which was extended last year with Strawberry and Berry variants. “With flavoured cider sales in the value sector growing by 11% (Nielsen), the launch couldn’t have been better timed,” says Anthony. “The flavours have sold more than half a million cans since launch.” To upgrade a big night in occasion, many consumers are choosing to elevate their serves. Spritzes and cocktails are popular, both in canned and freshly-made formats. Paragon Brands highlights the need for wholesalers and convenience retailers to stock and merchandise brands that enable shoppers to get creative and have a social experience. “Creating cocktails and spritz drinks in the home is a fun addition to proceedings,” says managing director Chris Jones. “There will be pockets of consumers grabbing a bottle locally on the way to the location and others who are making a more considered, planned purchase – either way, it’s about offering trending drinks that bring the enjoyment and feel like a treat.”

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For beer drinkers, BrewDog’s craft range includes the crowd-pleasing mixed multipack SKUs, while conveniencefriendly PMP four-packs of Lost Lager and Cold Beer have been added to the portfolio to benefit from the shopper preference for signposted value in the channel. “The big night in is highly adaptable and should reflect your local customer base. Both premium and value-led executions can work, using products that already sell well in store and clustering them into a clear occasion-led offer,” advises Georgia Ladbrook, shopper marketing manager – impulse. “Including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options ensures the occasion remains inclusive, with snacking playing a role across all shopper groups.” AG Barr also highlights the need for attractive non-alcoholic options for the big night in mission. “Soft drinks are key for these occasions, with a focus on bigger formats and multipacks driving big night in basket spend for most retailers. With one in five consumers choosing to avoid alcohol, retailers who have a range of delicious and interesting flavours in a variety of pack formats in the chiller will see the biggest uplift,” says a company spokesperson. “Low-calorie carbonates currently account for 55% of carbonates’ category value sales, growing faster than regular carbonates (Circana), so retailers should ensure to offer choice to cater to all shopper needs.” The manufacturer is providing for the thirst for fun flavours with its Barr Flava Explosion multipacks, available in Berry Blast and Peach Punch. Meanwhile, Rubicon Sparkling Tropical

[ BIG NIGHT IN ] and Rubicon Sparkling Cherry Burst are responding to taste trends in the flavoured carbonates segment. Also catering to the rising demand for cherry flavour is IRN-BRU Zero Cherry, exclusive to convenience retailers in a two-litre take-home format. Irn-Bru Ice Cream has also joined the permanent Zero range after a successful limited edition. As far as food is concerned, consumers are looking for great-tasting food that can be prepared with the least amount of effort, according to Kepak. “Rustlers can be prepared in less time than it takes to watch a commercial break,” points out Ross Davison, head of convenience. “As Rustlers products are more likely to be eaten during relaxing moments in front of a TV (Worldpanel), and with 73% of Rustlers shoppers agreeing that eating and drinking out is prohibitively more expensive (Savvy Shopper), Rustlers really is made for the big night in occasion.” Big night in snacking is also a huge opportunity in the convenience channel. “At-home sharing occasions are on the rise, representing a critical opportunity to drive category and retailer sales, and this trend shows no signs of slowing,” says Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse at KP Snacks. “As consumers look to economise while adding extra enjoyment to evenings spent at home, bagged snacks have an important role to play.” This year’s launch of McCoy’s Coated Peanuts, available in Flame Grilled Steak, Salt & Malt Vinegar, and Thai Sweet Chicken variants, is positioned as a great brand proposition for the sporting schedule. “Strong brand associations with major events significantly increase product relevance for shoppers, with 77% of sports viewers saying they notice brands surrounding sporting events (Bauer Media) and 58% planning to buy snacks around sporting events. McCoy’s is perfectly positioned to capture this demand as the official savoury snacks partner for the NFL in the UK and Ireland,” Graham says. Fini highlights the importance of sugar confectionery to the big night mission. “For wholesalers, the strongest opportunity lies in stocking a clear mix of price-marked impulse lines, larger sharing formats and resealable packs. This gives retail customers options for both everyday confectionery sales and higher-value big night in baskets,” says Steven Greaves, managing director UK&I. “Clear big night in signposting can help retail customers quickly understand which products work together, making it easier for them to recreate the occasion in-store. “In depot, the priority should be clarity. Wholesalers should make it easy for retail customers to identify bestsellers, NPD, price-marked packs and sharing 20

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New PMP Gumi Yum sweets World of Sweets has expanded the Gumi Yum range with two new £1.25 PMP bags. Gumi Yum Rainbow Ribbons and Gumi Yum Rainbow Tubes bring the brand’s colourful appeal into a high-impact bagged format, designed to drive impulse purchase, trial and repeat sales. The launch builds on the momentum of Gumi Yum Surprise, the interactive confectionery range that combines fruitflavoured gummy layers with a collectable toy inside. With toy collections including Minions & Monsters, Wildlife and Transformers, Gumi Yum has quickly established itself as a standout brand in kids’ confectionery.

formats, so they can make faster buying decisions and build a stronger in-store offer.” Also in sugar confectionery, Haribo has launched two new sharing bag variants. Haribo Balla Bites Z!ng are vegan, fizzy, fruit-flavoured gums with a soft fondant centre. Haribo Goldbears Sour feature the Goldbears texture inside but with a tangy sour coating. Both are available in convenience in a £1.25 price-marked pack. Mondelez International advises wholesalers and retailers to ensure they are ranging right for today’s consumers. “The key trend is value with a treat mindset. Shoppers may be careful with spend, but they still want indulgence in the evening occasion,” explains Susan Nash, trade communications manager. “Chocolate is the top choice for big night in, with standard chocolate growing by 8.1%, driven by sharing bags and tablets, up 4.7% and 11.8% respectively (NIQ). Candy is also in growth, with sours a standout: Sour Patch Kids is the fastest-growing candy brand over the past five years and is growing at 26.9% (Nielsen).” The supplier has extended its Oreo range with shareable NPD. Oreo Mini Snack Bags and Oreo Sharing Tray are now available in convenience and are predicted to add excitement to the big night in fixture. Hames Chocolates has introduced two products that sit comfortably in the big night in category: Milk Chocolate Giant Buttons and Milk Chocolate Caramel Giant Buttons. CEO Carol Oldbury says: “Big night in is not just about value; it is about accessible indulgence.” CCM

Stock the UK’s

Biggest RTD

For further support contact: sales@globalbrands.co.uk *In the on trade, Source: NIQ ON PREMISE (CGA) MAT P02 2026

[ BACK TO SCHOOL/FRESHERS ]

Ready for a new term? After the flurry of sporting events and summer socialising, the next big opportunity in the convenience channel is the return to schools, colleges and universities. Siobhan Kielty reports.

he start of the autumn academic year is a big sales opportunity in the convenience channel as parents look to buy for packed lunches and higher education students shop locally for a new social schedule. Lunchbox choices have evolved over the years and the meat snacks category is now a notable part of the mission. Jack Link’s has a range of formats and flavours of its Peperami brand to ensure that it remains a must-stock in the convenience sector. “Lunchbox-friendly formats, food-to-go products and convenient protein snacks are all expected to see strong demand as routines return after summer,” says Shaun Whelan, head of convenience. “Products that can work across multiple shopper missions, such as lunchboxes, afterschool snacking and quick top-up shops, will be particularly important for independents.” The meat snacks category has doubled in value over the past five years and wholesalers should advise their retail customers to merchandise accordingly. “Availability, visibility and simplicity are critical. Retailers should make sure bestselling lines are always available and easy to shop, particularly core products like Peperami fivepacks, Lunchbox Minis and PMP single sticks,” Whelan says. “Brand-blocking products together at eye level can significantly improve visibility and help shoppers navigate the fixture more easily. “Secondary siting is also important coming up to back-to-school time. Merchandising products alongside sandwiches, lunchbox staples, soft drinks and meal-deal fixtures can help drive linked purchases and increase basket spend. “Clear PMP pricing is another strong mechanic in convenience, helping reassure shoppers on value while supporting impulse purchases and strong rate of sale.”

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The brand partnership between Peperami and Doritos is anticipated to add excitement to lunchboxes, attracting younger shoppers into the category while strengthening Peperami’s relevance for a wide range of snacking occasions. The partnership is being supported by a £3.5 million media campaign across social, digital, connected TV, influencer activity and shopper marketing throughout 2026, driving awareness, talkability, trial and repeat purchase across convenience, grocery, wholesale, cash & carry and discounters. KP Snacks highlights health considerations as a growing priority for lunchboxes. “With healthy snacking high on the agenda, parents will be conscious of the quality of the snacks they are purchasing,” says Stuart Graham, head of convenience and impulse. “At KP, we will always market our products responsibly, recognising that our ranges include products that appeal to, and are consumed by, children.” The manufacturer’s Pom-Bear brand contains fewer than 100 calories per pack, while its Space Raiders brand offers nostalgia and value. “Our mission is to deliver the right products at the right price points to meet consumer needs and support sales growth for our retail partners,” Graham adds. Snacks for lunchboxes also come from the belVita brand from Mondelez International. Biscuits are now worth £4.2 billion per year (Nielsen) and healthier biscuits are playing a central role. NPD from Mondelez includes belVita Honey & Chocolate Chip Minis, a lunchbox-friendly format with five 19g bags at 85 calories per pack. More NPD comes from the Dairylea cheese brand, which has added Dairylea Fruit Snackers with Strawberry Fruit Bites to its lunchbox line-up. The product contains cheese and crackers along with strawberry fruit bites in a convenient format. “The strongest back-to-school range should balance trusted family favourites with healthier, portable formats and well-chosen NPD,” says Susan Nash, trade communications manager. “Parents are looking for quick solutions that work across multiple missions, from packed lunches to breakfast top-ups, after-school snacking and food to go. For wholesalers, the role is to make it easier for retailers to attract these shoppers with new products and trusted brands. “Ultimately, back to school is about convenience, value and reassurance. By combining trusted brands such as Dairylea and belVita with clear merchandising and relevant NPD, cash & carries can help retailers build a fixture that supports busy families and turns seasonal demand into consistent sales.”

Right size, Right Price,

Great taste!

• SOURCE OF FIBRE • NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS OR FLAVOURS Reg, Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

[ BACK TO SCHOOL/FRESHERS ] Lotus Natural Foods is driving sales of fruit snacking with its BEAR brand. The range has seen a brand refresh with a bold new look and clearer fruit cues, along with a reduction in packaging materials. The supplier advises wholesalers and retailers to ensure they are abreast of current trends in advance of the backto-school mission. “Families are looking for ways to make their money go further without compromising on quality. With back to school just around the corner, we expect parents to shift towards snacks that are not only nutritious and enjoyable for kids, but also offer convenience, value for money and quick solutions,” says Stephanie Armstrong, BEAR marketing manager. In the biscuits category, Lotus Bakeries has a lunchbox favourite with its 16 x 2-pack Biscoff Snackpack. Again, convenience, portion control and a trusted brand make this an option as parents plan packed lunches. “Biscoff is both vegan and nut-free, so it is no surprise that this irresistible, caramelised biscuit has become a delicious yet convenient choice for the back-to-school season,” says Jo Agnew, marketing director at Biscoff UK. “The back-toschool period is always a chaotic time for parents, who will be looking for quick and convenient products that they know their children will enjoy. Here, familiar and trusted brands often provide a reliable lifeline.”

Freshen up ranges for Freshers University student socialising is a significant retail opportunity for local convenience stores. While there is a rise in teetotal young people, there are still plenty of young adults shopping the beers, wines & spirits category. The difference now is that they are shopping with raised expectations and purpose. Aston Manor Cider highlights the spike in sales for retailers near universities in September. Choices about product ranges made at this time could set the path for the rest of the academic year, dependent on their engagement. “Young people are incredibly important for convenience stores. While they may not have the higher spending power of older generations, they are statistically more likely to buy on impulse, be tempted by promotions and pick up new products they haven’t seen before (Lumina),” says Grace Anthony, head of marketing. “They are driven by treat and food-to-go shopper missions and so can be incredibly habitual if your store can fit around their lifestyle.” Cider has a firm foothold in the student market and Aston Manor brands Knight’s Cider and Crumpton Oaks are both said to be must stocks. Wholesalers should ensure that a range is available to enable retail customers to stock a wide mix-and-match selection in 24

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single grab-and-go formats, which was the best-selling format during last year’s Freshers’ period. For convenience retailers, Aston Manor suggests putting value as the top priority. “Within cider, our advice is always to focus on affordability. Take a critical look at your range and ensure that you are offering a slightly more affordable option across value, mainstream and premium tiers,” says Anthony. “That’s the best way of trading young adults up and driving your cider sales and overall category profitability.”

Global Brands has activity planned for the summer to capture back-to-university sales. “We’re supporting our cash & carry and delivered wholesale partners with targeted pointof-sale materials, impactful in-depot activation, and promotional campaigns designed to maximise visibility and drive rate of sale during key student trading periods,” says Holly Bolus, senior brand manager at VK. “By combining consumer demand generation with strong trade support, we’re helping wholesalers and retailers capitalise on the inevitable increased footfall and purchasing occasions that Freshers’ week and the academic year present.” VK brand activations include sponsorship of student societies and student-friendly independent venues, and a festival-themed Freshers tour targeting student unions that offers merchandise giveaways and brand engagement. Out-ofhome advertising and impactful PoS materials will also raise brand awareness. The supplier also highlights the need for retailers and wholesalers to ensure that they are stocking the right range for the right occasion. “It’s no secret that students love a bargain, so to stand out from the crowd, offering promotions on products like VK will capture their attention and cause a surge in sales,” says Bolus.

*Nielsen MAT May 2026

“It’s also vital to be aware of differing consumer needs and have a clear strategy in place to suit different occasions. Retailers should also remember to consider pack formats, whether it be single bottles for casual occasions or larger multipacks for group settings.” Also targeting party-ready students is vodka RTD brand Vogo. “Many students will be stocking up on portable, easy to carry, convenient drinks that bring the flavour and fun – either that they can consume on the way or take to the party or to drink in the queue for the club,” points out David Relph, commercial manager. “RTDs and shot-style drinks for quick consumption are key for these moments so retailers should review and refresh their ranges now in time for the new student intake.” In soft drinks, AG Barr’s IRN-BRU brand will be front-ofmind for Freshers thanks to its summer £8 million masterbrand campaign. The brand is also featuring a PoS-driven promotion that offers shoppers the chance to win £125 every 125 minutes by purchasing any IRN-BRU pack, and wholesale customers the chance to win a £125 cash prize by buying any five cases. “With high-impact sampling, unmissable promotions and continued investment behind the brand, we’re driving more shoppers than ever before to purchase, delivering another phenomenal year for the brand and our retail partners,” says Kenny Nicholson, IRN-BRU brand director. When it comes to snacking, young people want a range of options to fulfil their needs, from protein-rich foods and drinks to savoury and sweet treats. Grenade, the UK’s No.1 protein bar brand (Circana), has launched Grenade Soft Core, a range of 50g protein bars (rsp £2.95) with a soft core formulated to deliver a more indulgent way to enjoy protein. There are three flavours – Golden Caramel Flavour, Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavour and Double Chocolate – and each bar includes 15g of protein. Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley has strengthened its More to Share range with two new bakery-inspired flavours – Galaxy Millionaire Crumble and Galaxy Cinnamon Swirl – available in 160g blocks (rsp £3.25). The NPD gives retailers a new way to encourage shoppers to engage with CCM the category.

MEAT SNACKS BRAND

[ CATERING UPDATE ]

Demand for proven performers It’s no secret that the catering industry is feeling the pinch. Quality, reliability and value are the key components to attract and retain foodservice customers. oodservice operators are under constant pressure to keep costs low and quality high in an effort to maintain a healthy customer base. This is proving to be increasingly difficult in the current economic climate, so support from suppliers is more important than ever. From RH Amar, Italian tomato brand Mutti provides a range enabling caterers to create premium offerings quickly and conveniently. Two new products from the brand are tomato puree with basil and tomato puree with garlic, extending the flavoured range. Mutti is designed to meet a variety of kitchen requirements through its choices of formats and flavours, all made with quality ingredients based around Italian tomatoes. Core lines include finely chopped tomato polpa, peeled tomatoes, passata, ketchups and ready-made pasta sauces. Sabert Corporation Europe has introduced a new packaging format for Irish school meals provider Carambola. Pulp Ultra is 100% domestically compostable, oven-safe, freezersafe and portable. The formula is exclusive to Sabert and features no intentionally added PFAS. It consists of more than 95% bagasse fibres and is treated with a barrier spray coating. “Carambola needed a tray that was sealable, ovenable, freezable, and that could travel as well,” explains sales manager Matt Nash. “We had to get over a lot of hurdles to get to where we are today. We looked at every single material that is available to Sabert and Pulp Ultra just ticked all the boxes for the customer.” Also in the packaging market is the Caterpack brand, distributed by Robinson Young. The range focuses on providing a cost-effective, convenient solution for a variety of catering needs. “The catering disposables market has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, from changing legislation to the introduction of new materials and packaging formats,” says Kevin Day, Robinson Young’s head of brand & commercial partnerships. “Amid all that change, one thing has become increasingly clear: wholesalers and caterers alike are placing greater value on simplicity, availability and everyday value than ever before.” With the current pressures on the hospitality industry, it’s increasingly important for caterers to have access to proven performers in the packaging segment.

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“For wholesalers looking to maximise sales and profitability, the biggest opportunity often isn’t expanding the range. It’s increasing the volume through the lines that already earn their place. Focus on the products that sell every day, turn quickly and deliver consistent value, and both wholesalers and caterers will benefit,” Day advises. Caterpack’s ethos is to focus on maintaining a strong core range that fulfils the needs of foodservice operators, enabling their customers to pass on the security of consistency and value. “Packaging remains an important part of the customer experience. Whether it’s a coffee cup, food container or takeaway bag, the right packaging protects product quality, enhances presentation and helps operators deliver a professional service,” says Day. “As businesses continue to manage costs carefully, reliability and consistency have become just as important as price. That’s why Caterpack remains focused on dependable supply, competitive everyday pricing and a comprehensive range of catering essentials that wholesalers can buy with confidence.” While innovation is essential to ensure that the category keeps up with current consumer trends, stocking NPD should not be to the detriment of a solid core range. Many foodservice operators simply require good availability of familiar stock within budget from their wholesaler. “Every additional line carries a cost, whether that’s warehouse space, working capital or reduced availability of the products that really matter,” points out Day. “By concentrating on proven, high-volume sellers, wholesalers can improve stock turns, simplify purchasing and ensure customers can consistently access the prodCCM ucts they rely on.”

[ PAPER PRODUCTS ]

Strength in quality and value By offering quality products at different price points, wholesalers can help their customers cut through the choice in the paper products market and provide an appealing range.

n the competitive paper products category, a combination of quality, consistency and value is demanded by consumers, and wholesalers should therefore stock a range that offers their customers products that fulfil this demand. “It’s increasingly important for manufacturers to offer something different that’s valued by both the retailer and consumer,” says Rob Barren, senior national account manager cash & carry at Northwood Hygiene Products. “The challenge is to balance the consumer’s demand for quality products that deliver on sustainability and price.” With established brands including Freedom and Rhino, Northwood Hygiene Products’ portfolio includes a range of kitchen towel, toilet tissue and essentials. “We develop our brands based on customer demand, and feedback from customers tells us that quality, transparency and accreditation of products are especially important to them,” says Barren. “As a business, we are committed to product quality, product consistency and supply chain reliability and we focus on supporting the wholesale sector with high-quality, UK-manufactured tissue products.” He adds: “We’ll continue to invest in our Freedom Toilet Tissue and Rhino Kitchen Towel ranges, which satisfy customer demand for high quality, responsibly manufactured products.” As a supplier, Northwood Hygiene Products is dedicated to supporting its wholesale partners by delivering category expertise, product quality and private label development opportunities. “With demand for private label remaining strong as consumers seek to offset the rise in the cost of living, our private label offering enables customers to build margin and brand loyalty,” Barren points out. “Paper is a commodity product in a competitive category, which is why it’s so important to create a really strong

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identity for all our brands to immediately differentiate them on the shelves. “We actively support our brands with eye-catching pointof-sale materials, visually strong on-shelf packaging and tailored marketing support that helps the products stand out in the aisle and attract consumers.” Northwood Hygiene Products advises wholesalers to stock accredited products that provide customers with confidence in the product performance and specification. “The cash & carry and wholesale supply channels could help to highlight why consumers should pay attention to value, particularly within tissue products where product quality, performance and compliance can vary greatly,” says Barren. “It’s wise for consumers to look beyond price alone when weighing up value, because what may seem the best value product may well not be if the quality is inferior.” The company warns that there are still some unregulated manufacturers operating within the market, so it’s essential for wholesalers to stress the value of accredited products to their customers. Accreditation helps to reassure consumers that they are getting what they paid for in terms of sheet counts, dimensions and product specifications. CHSA accreditation, for instance, is an important standard not to be overlooked, says Northwood. “Suppliers should also offer a clear product hierarchy to cater Rob Barren: ‘We actively support our brands.’ for different customer needs and budgets. It’s also worth considering private label opportunities as a route to improved margins and stronger customer loyalty,” Barren adds. “It can pay dividends for suppliers to partner with UK manufacturers because they will often benefit from shorter lead times, greater supply chain resilience and consistent product availability,” he notes. “Furthermore, buying British means that products have had to travel less, which is more sustainable.” Over at Nova Tissue, the company is committed to developing products that meet changing consumer needs while helping wholesalers and independent retailers to grow profitable sales. “This year we have launched our new and improved Titan Kitchen Towel Twin Pack, giving shoppers even greater value with two extra-large, high-performance rolls in one pack,” says account manager Nick Witcher.

EED

S P EC

I FI

CHSA

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IO AT

STOCK THAT SELLS. ACCREDITED

High Quality. High Demand.

GREAT VALUE

UK MADE LOW PRODUCT FOOTPRINTS

WWW.NORTHWOOD.CO.UK/CASH-CARRY CUSTOMER.SERIVCE@NORTHWOOD.CO.UK

DRIVE MORE SALES

PRIVATE LABEL OPPORTUNITIES

[ PAPER PRODUCTS ] “We’re also expanding our Gentille Quilted range with a new 32-roll Luxury Mega Pack, responding to growing demand for larger pack formats that offer better value and cost per roll. “Recent Kantar data shows consumers remain focused on value, with around 28% of FMCG sales now taking place on promotion. Larger pack formats continue to perform strongly as shoppers look for products that offer better value for money, helping to shape our latest product developments,” Witcher explains. Alongside these recent launches, Nova Tissue has refreshed the packaging across its Cushion Soft and Gentille ranges with a brighter, more contemporary design, with the aim of creating stronger shelf appeal and improved brand recognition.

Supporting its wholesale partners remains a priority for Nova Tissue, which provides regular promotional activity, dedicated account management, category advice, and pointof-sale support to help cash & carries, delivered wholesalers and independent retailers maximise sales.

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Witcher adds: “While the market continues to face cost pressures, including rising transport costs driven by higher fuel prices and global uncertainty, we’re committed to working closely with our customers to keep prices as competitive as possible while continuing to invest in quality, innovation and service.” Nova Tissue’s advice to wholesalers is simple: offer a balanced range of pack sizes, give larger value formats strong visibility, maintain excellent availability, and use promotions to drive footfall and basket spend. “Tissue remains an essential household category, and products that combine quality, value and innovation continue to deliver strong results,” says Witcher. Nova Tissue has been manufacturing in the UK for more than 30 years. “We’re proud to manufacture in the UK and remain committed to building long-term partnerships that help our wholesale customers succeed,” he concludes. CCM

At Nova Tissue, we're Nova Tissue: committed to developing Innovation That Delivers Value products that meet changing

consumer needs while helping wholesalers and independent retailers grow profitable sales.

This year we have launched our new and improved Titan Kitchen Towel Twin Pack, giving shoppers even greater value with two extra large, high-performance rolls in one pack. We're also expanding our Gentille Quilted range with a new 32-roll Luxury Mega Pack, responding to growing demand for larger pack formats that offer better value and cost per roll.

Alongside these launches, we've refreshed the packaging across our Cushion Soft and Gentille ranges with a brighter, more contemporary design, creating stronger shelf appeal and improved brand recognition. Supporting our wholesale partners remains a priority. Nova Tissue provides regular promotional activity, dedicated account management, category advice, and point-of-sale support to help cash & carries, delivered wholesalers and independent retailers maximise sales. Recent Kantar data shows consumers remain focused on value, with around 28% of FMCG sales now taking place on promotion. Larger pack formats continue to perform strongly as shoppers look for products that offer better value for money, helping shape our latest product developments.

While the market continues to face cost pressures, including rising transport costs driven by higher fuel prices and global uncertainty, we're committed to working closely with our customers to keep prices as competitive as possible while continuing to invest in quality, innovation, and service. Our advice to wholesalers is simple: offer a balanced range of pack sizes, give larger value formats strong visibility, maintain excellent availability and use promotions to drive footfall and basket spend. Tissue remains an essential household category, and products that combine quality, value and innovation continue to deliver strong results. At Nova Tissue, we're proud to manufacture in the UK and remain committed to building long-term partnerships that help our wholesale customers succeed.

Get in Touch Email: info@novatissue.co.uk Website: www.novatissue.co.uk

[ TOBACCO & NGPS ]

Keeping on top of the market To maximise sales of tobacco and next-generation products, wholesalers and retailers need to keep abreast of consumer preferences while adapting to regulatory changes. he UK tobacco category is estimated to be worth more than £23 billion (Statista) and, despite numerous challenges including illicit trade and legislative restrictions, it continues to offer wholesalers and their retail customers a substantial sales opportunity.

Cigarettes and rolling tobacco According to Imperial Brands, cigarettes currently account for just over 73% of all tobacco product sales, with market share having risen by 1.8% year on year. Rolling tobacco’s share of the tobacco product market has dropped year on year from 28.8% to 26.9%. In the cigarettes/tobacco market, the most prominent trend – which shows no sign of slowing – is a market that is splitting into two distinct ends, reports Andrew Malm, UK market manager at Imperial Brands. “One is a large and growing segment focused on value and economy brands, fuelled by the cost-of-living pressures customers are facing. The other is a smaller but highly resilient and loyal segment dedicated to premium products.” In the cigarette sector, economy and value products generate 72.6% of cigarette sales, while the premium sector continues to account for just over 10% of sales. Meanwhile, premium tobacco products have seen their market share increase to just over 37%, compared with 36% one year previously, reflecting the continued willingness of some smokers to pay more for a trusted, high-quality brand. Players is Imperial Brands’ best-selling cigarette brand. It comprises Real Red, Bright and Green variants as well as the most recent addition, Players Max, which is designed to offer a longer and more satisfying smoke at an attractive price point.

Cigars The total cigar category is worth £350.8 million in annual sales. The cigarillo segment currently generates just over £178 million of that total, while the three other segments combined (miniature, small and medium/large) account for £170.3 million. The remaining £2.2 million is made up of handmade cigar sales (IRI). Prianka Jhingan, head of marketing at Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG), comments: “The cost-of-living crisis has helped shape the category over the last few years, with value brands and smaller pack sizes often increasingly in demand. It’s no surprise that price remains important because that search for value can often be a motivating driver of purchase for nicotine users.” 32

August 2026

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UK black market soars by almost 20% Philip Morris Ltd (PML) has shared the 20th iteration of its annual KPMG report into illicit cigarette consumption, which shows that the UK black market has soared by almost 20% to its highest level since records began. The analysis by KPMG revealed that, of total cigarette consumption in the UK, 13% of cigarettes are purchased abroad legally, while 32.3% are counterfeit or contraband. The findings show that illicit consumption rose by 1.5 billion cigarettes in 2025 (versus 2024), making it the second-largest illegal market in Europe, behind France, for illicit cigarette consumption by volume. Two new trends have been identified by PML as significant contributing factors to the boom in the UK’s illicit market over the past year: the rise of ‘front’ shops – retail outlets set up by organised criminal gangs – and the rise in factories manufacturing illegal cigarettes within the UK. The report estimates that more than 10 billion illicit were consumed in the UK in 2025, equating to more than £4.46 billion in lost tax revenue for vital public services. According to HMRC, the UK lost £1.7 billion in tax revenue in the financial year 2024/25 due to the illegal tobacco trade – a far lower figure than in the KPMG report. HMRC’s Measuring Tax Gaps report estimates that £1.3 billion was lost through unpaid tobacco duty, with a further £0.4 billion in VAT lost on undeclared tobacco. JTI maintains that the official estimate is far too low and does not reflect its own market data, test purchasing and local investigations. JTI’s pack swap survey, in which smokers are asked to show the pack they are using, suggests non-UK duty-paid products now account for around 42% of cigarette consumption and 61% of hand-rolling tobacco consumption. In test purchasing activity this year, the proportion of independent retailers found to be selling illegal tobacco was 27% in Croydon, 50% in Leeds, 53% in Birmingham, 54% in Bassetlaw, 61% in Grimsby, 71% in Bradford, 79% in Keighley, and 83% in Pontefract.

[ TOBACCO & NGPS ] Consumer demand for value is one of the key reasons that STG launched a 17-pack of its Signature Action cigarillo brand last year. This addition complemented the existing two 10-pack offerings, providing consumers with greater choice and value while featuring the same menthol flavour that has been synonymous with the brand since its launch in 2020. “With an rsp of £9.89, including a price-marked version, the 17-pack delivers exceptional value to consumers, positioning it as the most competitively priced option in the market,” says Jhingan. “It also offers an attractive margin for retailers, reinforcing our commitment to supporting our trade partners with high-quality, high-demand products.” Within the STG cigar portfolio, the company’s most important brand is Signature, which comes in both miniature and cigarillo sizes. “In the last few years distribution has improved, and sales have really shot up for our own Signature Action cigarillo brand,” Jhingan reports. “In fact, its sales have gone up by 31% since the same time last year, with adult smokers appreciating the great flavour and cheaper price point compared to other brands in the market.” Other key brands in the STG portfolio are Signature Blue, which is the fourth best-selling cigar overall, and Moments Blue, which is a popular brand in the value-for-money segment. The other ‘muststock’ brand is Henri Wintermans Half Corona, which is “by the far the UK’s best-selling medium/large cigar” and is often given as gift on special occasions like birthdays, Father’s Day, or at Christmas time.

Vapes The number of people who vape has overtaken those who smoke for the first time, according to 2024 data from the Office for National Statistics. It reports that 10% of people aged 16 and over use e-cigarettes every day or occasionally. This compares with 9.1% who said they smoke cigarettes daily or occasionally. Within the vapes category, fruit-flavoured vapes remain by far the most popular, being a choice for 83% of vape users, followed by menthol, mint and mint combination flavours (VapeHub). With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to have an impact on household budgets, customers will be looking for rechargeable devices where there is also a decent range of flavours for the refillable pods or cartridges, points out Andrew Malm, UK market manager at Imperial Brands. “This gives them the flexibility to try different tastes without having to continually re-purchase the device itself.” Imperial Brands recently added Sour Berry and Creamy Tobacco variants to its rechargeable blu bar kit range, taking the number of flavours available to 17. While the Sour Berry style was designed to offer a more 34

August 2026

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authentic flavour profile of wild berries in line with customer demand for less synthetic flavours, Creamy Tobacco was developed in direct response to the growing demand for tobacco-inspired options among users of pod-based systems – particularly former cigarette smokers who enjoy the taste of tobacco, as well as those who both smoke and vape, in the 2941 age group. Imperial Brands offers comprehensive marketing support for its products, including the blu bar kit range. This includes PoS materials, branded display options, and promotional campaigns to maximise visibility in wholesale environments. Malm adds: “Our field sales representatives work closely with wholesalers to implement tailored solutions that drive engagement and boost sales. “Additionally, we encourage wholesalers to highlight product deals and new launches through their websites and in-depot promotions. Featuring trusted brands like blu prominently not only enhances in-depot appeal but also signals to retailers that high-quality vape products are available to fulfil customer needs.” Imperial Brands’ partnership with wholesalers extends to staff training and supplying in-depth market insights. “By sharing up-to-date data and expert knowledge, we enable wholesalers to better understand consumer behaviours and optimise their stock accordingly – ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace,” says Malm. The company also keeps wholesalers informed about legislative changes. Following the launch of Apple, Mango, Watermelon, and Lychee last October, Juul Labs UK recently launched a new Peach flavour of JUUL2 pods to further strengthen its offering to adult smokers. “This launch serves to further Juul’s core mission – to transition the world’s billion adult smokers away from combustible cigarettes, eliminate their use, and combat

New excise duty on vaping products On 1 October 2026, the UK Government will introduce a new excise duty on vaping products, set at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml (22p/ml) for both nicotine and non-nicotine liquids. Wholesalers have a six-month window to transition their inventory: by 1 April 2027, every product sold must carry a valid Vaping Duty Stamp. Beyond this deadline, unstamped stock will be deemed illegal and subject to seizure. This shift creates an immediate operational challenge, requiring wholesalers, retailers, and suppliers to collaborate closely to clear non-compliant stock while managing the inevitable pressure on pricing and margins. Source: Juul Labs UK

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underage usage of our products,” says Richard Cook, commercial director. The new JUUL pods are available in two-packs (rsp £6.99) for all channels. While four-packs (rsp £14) are offered in select major retailers, Juul Labs is prioritising the two-pack format for wholesale and convenience sectors to drive repeat footfall and better align with high-frequency shopping habits. Retailers can obtain point-of-sale materials by contacting their local Juul Labs representative. “Fruit flavours now account for 48% of category sales, and 51% of adult smokers have a strong preference for fruit flavours to support their switching journey, so offering a wide range – but without duplicating flavours on offer – is key,” says Cook. JUUL2’s single fruit flavours were launched to satisfy the

growing consumer trend in flavours. “However, menthol and traditional tobacco flavours should not be overlooked as these are often the first off-ramp when it comes to adult smokers switching away from combustible cigarettes,” says Cook. In the tobacco and menthol segment alone, JUUL2 is the No.2 brand overall and holds the No.1 refill pod SKU with Crisp Menthol. In Juul Labs UK’s view, the key to success in the vapes category “is adopting and refining a balanced, long-term and responsible approach to the category rather than jumping on here-today, gone-tomorrow fads, or products that have limited longevity”, says Cook. “There is a significant opportunity to shift the focus from hardware to refill pods. Recent data from Talysis for Q1 2026 reveals that the transition to reusable formats is not yet fully realised; currently, standalone device kits are outselling refill kits,” Cook reports. “By actively promoting refill pods over new devices, wholesalers and retailers can help bridge this gap. This strategy not only secures a more consistent repeat-purchase cycle but also directly addresses the environmental concerns that triggered the single-use vape ban, positioning the industry as a more sustainable choice for the conscious consumer.”

UK consultation launched

Category-wide advice

The UK Government and devolved governments have launched a joint consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. The consultation opened on 10 July and will close on 2 October 2026. The proposals include: a plain white packaging for vapes and nicotine products, with limited branding and standardised product information a restricting flavour descriptions to simple, recognisable names, such as ‘Apple’, and banning names linked to sweets, desserts and alcohol a limiting vape devices to white, black or grey, with restrictions on branding, lights and digital screens a bringing the display of vaping and nicotine products into line with existing tobacco display restrictions a extending standardised packaging and health-warning requirements to other tobacco and related products a restricting heated tobacco devices to a standard darkbrown appearance. The consultation also seeks views on implementation timescales and the practical impact on businesses. The full consultation is available in this section of the UK Government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations The Scottish Government has also published a partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) covering the proposed display restrictions in Scotland in this section of its website: https://www.gov.scot/publications The Scottish Wholesale Association will be submitting a response to the consultation and will be contacting its members most directly affected to gather views and evidence.

According to Imperial Brands, to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market, wholesalers should focus on a few critical aspects: a Adapt to regulatory changes: The Tobacco & Vapes Act will introduce significant changes, including a generational smoking ban and stricter enforcement measures. In addition, all consumer advertising and sponsorship for vapes and nicotine pouches will be completely banned across the UK, taking effect on 1 June 2027. This applies to both out-of-home public advertising and online channels and is intended to bring these categories in line with tobacco. “At Imperial Brands, our working assumption is that instore consumer-facing materials will also be captured by the ban, although this is to be confirmed in guidance,” says Andrew Malm, UK market manager for Imperial Brands. “Whilst wholesalers need to be ready, they have plenty of time to prepare.” a Diversify product ranges: Include a variety of vape flavours, particularly fruity ones, which dominate consumer preference. Wholesalers should also consider stocking tobacco flavours to meet growing demand for more choice. a Stay educated: Develop a strong understanding of category trends, vaping terminology, and emerging products to better support retail customers. Wholesalers can request information through their Imperial Brands sales representative. a Engage retailers: Offer bespoke advice and guidance to help retailers stock the right products and meet customer demand.

August 2026

www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk

[ TOBACCO & NGPS ] More unannounced visits by HMRC HMRC has announced that it will make more than 30,000 interventions on the high street in 2026/27, aiming to dismantle criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation, and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes. The interventions will include unannounced visits, tax and organised crime investigations, seizures and warning letters. HMRC and its partners will carry out UK-wide investigations targeting the ‘controlling minds and enablers behind high street harm’, including those using vape shops and convenience stores as fronts for money laundering and tax crime. At last year’s Budget, the Chancellor announced a new team of 350 criminal investigators to tackle evasion by small businesses. These investigators have now been recruited and around half of their work is focused specifically on disrupting harmful high street businesses and the people behind them.

Cook points out that whilst the majority of major supermarket retailers have transitioned to mainly selling closed pod-based formats like JUUL2, the convenience sector in particular is heavily skewed towards larger formats like ‘Big Puff’. “These devices often contain a 2ml pod + 10ml refill and still use the same flavours and bright colours that could be considered to be more attractive to underage users and could come under more regulatory scrutiny,” says Cook. “Within convenience, whilst the volume of e-liquid sold is now up by 40%, value sales of e-liquid is down 22% partly due to the much lower price per millilitre of ‘Big Puff’ devices when compared to older disposables and other system types. “So if wholesalers want to drive value in the category they should be offering clearly defined ranges covering all sectors of smoking alternatives including vapour products, focusing on the best-selling SKUs in each sector. Stocking a proliferation of any products both in terms of flavours or devices is sacrificing space for higher margins and will not drive value in the category.” Juul Labs is committed to working with wholesalers to create value in the category. Cook explains: “We are investing in bay branding to signpost the category and JUUL products, and helping wholesalers to offer comprehensive and regulatory foolproof information for their customers as well as retailer category guidance which highlights core must38

August 2026

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stock lines and drives incremental growth. We also realise the value in offering customers promotional, margin-enhancing incentives and regularly do so with selected wholesale partners.” Juul Labs highlights the persistent threat of the illicit trade in vapes, siphoning valuable sales from the legitimate market. “With nearly five million illegal vapes seized in the last three years – including 1.3 million in 2025 alone – current figures likely only scratch the surface,” says Cook. “To safeguard the category’s potential, there must be greater investment in enforcement. Penalising those who stock illegal products or sell to minors is the only way to create a meaningful deterrent and ensure a level playing field for responsible wholesalers and retailers.”

Nicotine pouches Tobacco accessories supplier Republic Technologies UK has expanded its portfolio with the launch of ZIG, a new entry to the UK’s £198.2 million nicotine pouches market (www.grandviewresearch.com). Named with an affiliation to Republic’s established ZigZag brand, the ZIG range includes 8mg, 12mg and 17mg strengths across six flavours – Berry Cool, Citrus, Ice Mint, Peppermint, Power Mint and Tropical – all developed to align with key consumer flavour preferences identified through brand research. The rsp for each variant is £4.50. Flavoured nicotine pouches dominate the UK market, accounting for approximately 94% of revenue in 2024 (www.haypp.com). The research also showed that mint is the leading flavour choice, followed by fruit and citrus – flavours that are included in the ZIG range to generate maximum sales. Gavin Anderson, sales director at Republic Technologies, said: “At Republic Technologies we’re continuously adapting to the changes in tobacco and vaping legislation and supporting retailers with new products to fulfil shoppers needs. “Following the UK’s ban on disposable vapes, consumers are increasingly turning to alternative nicotine delivery systems (VYPR). We’re pleased to introduce ZIG to the market. Its bold, vibrant packaging and on-trend flavours are perfectly designed to deliver strong on-shelf standout in a busy sector. “This is the first time we’ve launched a product in the pouches market,” he adds. “Backed by an already trusted and established leader in tobacco accessories – Republic Technologies – we’re confident that ZIG will resonate with CCM shoppers and drive strong sales for retailers.”

LEADING THE PACK WHERE IT MATTERS MOST. JUUL2 is the #1 brand in vape for Menthol flavours in the UK retail vape market and the #2 brand for Tobacco flavours. (Source: Circana (UK) Ltd, Total Marketplace, E-Cigarettes by Brand, Flavours: Tobacco & Menthol, Value Rank, 12 WE 5 Apr 2026 )

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