Bestway Retail, part of Bestway Wholesale, the UK’s largest independent food and drink wholesaler, has confirmed the return of its flagship Retail Showcase 2026, promising its most impactful event to date as it brings together retailers, suppliers and industry experts for a day of insight, innovation and commercial opportunity.
Taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS) on Thursday 14 May from 10.30am – 4.30pm, the Showcase will build on the success of previous years, with more than 700 retailers and guests expected to attend. Representatives from Bestway Retail’s leading fascias – Costcutter, best-one, Bargain Booze and Xtra Local, will be joined by prospective retailers exploring opportunities to join the network.
The annual Showcase has become a key event in the independent retail calendar, providing retailers with direct access to supplier innovation, exclusive deals and practical support to help grow their businesses.
Designed to drive growth and unlock margin opportunities, this year’s event will feature 117 supplier partners spanning off-licence, impulse, convenience and business services.
The central theme for 2026, ‘World Cup Ready’, will see suppliers bringing the upcoming tournament to life through engaging stand activations, new product development (NPD) and category insight aimed at helping retailers maximise one of the biggest trading moments in the retail calendar.
Retailers can expect a highly interactive experience, with supplier stands offering games, competitions, product sampling and take-home items, alongside hundreds of exclusive on-the-day deals designed to deliver immediate commercial value.
Premium partners including CCEP, Mars Wrigley, Red Bull, Diageo, Phoenix2Retail, AG Barr, Philip Morris, Budweiser Brewing Group, Suntory and Walkers PepsiCo will showcase innovation across key categories.
At the heart of the event will be the Bestway Retail Hub, providing direct access to expert support and practical guidance. Dedicated teams will be on hand to support retailers across a range of areas, including:
- New Business – advising on store expansion and opportunities to join the Bestway Retail network.
- Marketing – offering support across convenience and off-licence, including digital and local activation strategies.
- Cash & Carry and Vans Sales – delivering operational and supply chain solutions.
- Store Support – helping retailers optimise performance and prepare for key seasonal trading opportunities.
The Showcase will also place a strong emphasis on actionable insight, with guidance on core ranging and category growth, alongside the latest solutions designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance in-store performance.
Retailers attending will have the opportunity to win a range of prizes throughout the day, including a £1,000 store credit for one winner and two runner-up prizes of £500, alongside additional giveaways across the event floor.
The event will conclude with a Festival After Party offering a relaxed setting for retailers, suppliers and the Bestway team to network, celebrate and continue conversations.
Dawood Pervez, Managing Director at Bestway Wholesale, said:
“We are delighted to bring back the Bestway Retail Showcase for 2026. This event represents a significant investment in our retailer network and reflects our ongoing commitment to helping independent retailers grow, compete and succeed.
This year’s focus on being ‘World Cup Ready’ is about unlocking opportunity, giving retailers the tools, insights and inspiration they need to maximise one of the biggest trading moments in the retail calendar. The Showcase brings together our suppliers, teams and retailers to deliver real commercial value.”
He added:
“At Bestway Retail, we are committed to going beyond supply. We are here to support our retailers with the expertise, partnerships and opportunities that help them thrive, and the Showcase brings all of that together under one roof.”