Wholesaler Bestway on Thursday (May 15) announced that it is working diligently to soon announce "an improved offer for Costcutter retailers" after Co-op Wholesale decided not to extend the long-term supply arrangement to the symbol group.
It was reported in March that Co-op Wholesale will be ceasing supplying fresh, chilled and own-label to Costcutter stores from Jan 1, 2026, bringing an end to the long-term supply arrangement.
The present contract is ending on Dec 31 this year. It was initiated in 2018.
Bestway meanwhile has once again assured Costcutter retailers that efforts are underway to bring them an improved offer very soon.
During the recently held Bestway Retail Showcase 2025 which was attended by several Costuctter retailers, the wholesaler announced, "We understand how important this is for your business, and let me start by saying that we are committed to announcing our plans at the earliest practical opportunity. We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the final stages of this process.
"We have been conducting a thorough analysis of the market as part of an exhaustive process to ensure we deliver a supply partnership that is future-focused and tailored to your needs, creating the best possible offer for Costcutter retailers."
According to Bestway Wholesale, its aim is to:
- Strengthens the value and competitiveness we provide by delivering an improved offer for Costcutter retailers
- Improves the ease of doing business through more efficient processes and better service levels
- Enhances product availability, consistency, and responsiveness
- Drives the growth of the Costcutter brand in partnership with you, as we pursue our ambition to become the UK’s leading Symbol Group retailer network
"We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain fully focused on ensuring the best possible outcome for all our retailers," stated the wbolesaler.
Contrary to the media frenzy reports, some of the leading Costcutter retailers to whom Asian Trader spoke to earlier appeared unperturbed by the reports and are looking out for more details and clarification.
Most were assured that Bestway Wholesale will "iron out the supply issues" very soon.
