Parfetts in Sheffield wins Wholesale Depot of the Year Award

Parfetts has won this year’s Wholesale Depot of the Year Award at the 34^th Asian Trader Awards, for its depot at Shepcote Business Park, Sheffield.

Kevin Hollinrake, minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, was the chief guest at the event, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in London on Wednesday,  celebrating the most innovative and successful retailers from the UK’s independent grocery sector.

The Shepcote depot is totally focussed on the retail side of the cash and carry and has a strong offering to convenience retailers. It offers regular three weekly promotions, POS material coupled with advice to help drive sales which include training on NPD, merchandising advice and planograms.

The depot has an active retail club and also hosts an annual festival championing cash and carry with 900 SKUs on promotion and suppliers presenting new products and promotions.

Tony Johnson, manager of the Parfetts Shepcote Sheffield depot, truly values every customer who walks through the doors. He is an absolutely tireless leader, running weekly manager’s specials and regular three weekly promotions.

Turnover at the 70,000 square foot depot for the last year was up by an amazing 16 per cent, and in spite of ongoing supply disruptions, Tony has kept shelf availability at 95 per cent, and is proud that while building out delivery, it has remained a true cash and carry.

In all, 13 retailers were honoured in different categories at the event, with the top award going to Glasgow retailer Shamly Sud, who was crowned the Asian Trader of the Year 2022.

Four new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted, along with Parfetts, recognising wholesalers and suppliers who play an incredible role in the supply chain.

Ram Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to Steve Keil, Director of Tactical Trading at Booker Wholesale.

Hollinrake, who was appointed minister last month, said he looks forward to developing a closer association with the sector.

“Small businesses are the very foundation of a dynamic, productive economy that creates employment, and brings huge benefits for the consumer. I’m determined to make it easier to start and grow business in this country by improving access to business finance, providing better advice and support and offering incentives to invest and grow.

“I am relishing working with independent retailers, promoting your needs across the government. I promise you, now we are on your side.”

Winners List:

Asian Trader Ram Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Keil, Director of Tactical Trading at Booker Wholesale

Asian Trader Awards

Asian Trader of the Year: Shamly Sud, Racetrack Pitstop Premier, Strathclyde

Responsible Retailer of the Year Award supported by JTI: Mayaur (Dee) Sedani, One Stop, Stoke on Trent

Wholesale depot of the Year Award supported by JTI: Parfetts Cash & Carry, Stockport

Convenience Chain of the Year Award supported by Dr Beckmann: Jayaseelan Thambirajah,  MSP Noble Group, Cambridgeshire

Vape Convenience Retailer of the Year supported by BAT: Girish Jeeva Premier Barmulloch Glasgow

Bakery Retailer of the Year Award supported by Warburtons: Michael Atherden & Paula Lafferty, Nisa, Bury

Next Gen Award: Rushi Patel, Londis Rushi Stores, Berkshire

Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Kris Naveretam, Londis Burbage, Wiltshire

Food to Go Retailer of the Year Award: Faz Latif One Stop Premier, Methil Fife

Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez: Amrit Singh, Nisa Local, Walsall

Symbol Convenience Retailer of the Year Award supported by Bestway: Nithy & Sue Nityanandan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey

Off Licence of the Year Awards supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Neha Phoughat, Shera’s Premier, Birmingham

Impulse Retailer of the Year Award: Peter Juty, Costcutter Culverstone, Kent

Local Hero Award supported by Kurkure: Jenny Donaghy, Spar, Llandrinio, Powys

Product and Manufacturer Awards

Convenience Snacks Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Kurkure, PepsiCo

Convenience Soft Drinks Bottled Water and Juices Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Relentless Zero Sugar, CCEP

Convenience Confectionery Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Cadbury Caramilk Buttons, Mondelez

Convenience Vape and Next Generation Product Brand of the Year: Nordic Spirit Spearmint, JTI