Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has launched a new initiative in partnership with wholesalers to donate the equivalent of up to 300,000 meals to FareShare, the UK’s leading food redistribution charity.
Running until 6 January 2025, CCEP will donate the equivalent of five meals to FareShare for every Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 6 x 2L pack purchased during the promotion across 108 Booker participating wholesale depots, up to a maximum donation of 100,000 meals.
In addition, throughout December CCEP will donate the equivalent of five meals to FareShare for every Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 12 x 500ml pack purchased during the promotion across 100 Unitas and Bestway participating wholesale depots, up to a maximum donation of 200,000 meals.
The promotion will be supported by depot standees, pallet shrouds and digital screens, alongside digital assets that wholesalers can share through their own communication channels.
This activity coincides with CCEP’s recent milestone of providing 7 million surplus soft drinks to FareShare since 2017.
The promotion also runs alongside Coca-Cola’s commitment to donate the equivalent of one meal per person that attends the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tour. Coca-Cola aims to donate the equivalent of up to a total of 1 million meals via FareShare this festive season.
“We are so grateful to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for their continued support for FareShare. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it,” Kirsty Ford, head of fundraising at FareShare, said.
“Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities. From homelessness shelters and afterschool clubs to refuges and older people’s lunch clubs, these groups are all working harder than ever to provide people with essential support services.
“By purchasing Coca-Cola Zero Sugar products this winter, wholesalers can help people affected by the cost-of-living crisis come together through food and access vital services. Coca-Cola’s generous support for FareShare makes a huge difference in helping us make the food go further.”
Ruth Fawcett, associate director for wholesale & convenience at CCEP, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with our wholesale customers to support FareShare in their mission to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste, especially during the festive season when no one should go without a meal.
“Through this promotion, we hope to make a meaningful difference to communities, and it’s fantastic to see so many of our wholesale customers already getting behind the initiative. Their support will have a real impact in tackling hunger across the UK this Christmas.”
Bestway Wholesale is kicking off 2025 with its flagship “Thank You” event where exceptional deals are offered to its retailer customers, taking the lead with BOGOFs, Buy One Get One Free Offers and big savings with 50 per cent+ PORs on leading brands and products.
The “Thank You” promotional campaign has been a tradition for the Bestway business for over 10 years. It rewards customers for their continued loyalty and is high profile across the 60+ depots nationwide, as well as online activation for all retail and catering customers. From 10 January, the campaign is running for a three-week period in order for retailers to benefit from the amazing deals, for longer and has been designed to bring Bestway customers and supplier brands closer than ever before.
2025 is a huge milestone for Bestway as it marks the 50th anniversary of the business, founded by Sir Anwar Pervez, who established his first wholesale depot in 1975.
At the centre of this year's in-depot display is a golden celebratory LED-lit arch crowned with a bold “Thank You” banner. Customers are welcomed through the glittering archway into a captivating and memorable shopping experience starting with phenomenal value on amazing Buy One Get One Free Offers (BOGOF) offers and Buy Two Get One Free offers across many top brands across leading categories and key footfall drivers.
Not only do customers get to enjoy special theatre in-depot, but they also experience further savings and the opportunity to purchase top-selling brands at extraordinary prices
Bestway has also taken this flagship celebration campaign online with a full home-page take-over designed to focus on the key brands featured within the campaign and drive customers to browse and purchase great online deals. The homepage directs customers through to a landing page where all the deals are featured.
Bestway also has a robust and well-rounded communication plan across all of its retailer communication channels to ensure they hear the news about these deals and encourage them to shop online or visit their local depot.
Bestway Wholesale Group Trading Director, Kenton Burchell
“We’re excited to come back with our ‘Thank you’ event where we have the opportunity to bring exceptional deals for our customers,” said Bestway Wholesale Group Trading Director, Kenton Burchell. “We are excited to launch our first major promotional campaign of 2025, which is the first of many celebratory events for our 50th anniversary.
“This campaign is not only a chance to thank all of our customers for their incredible support over the last 50 years but it’s powerful opportunity for us to set the tone for the year ahead.
“We know that retailers have been affected by economic volatility and Bestway is here to support them. Our aim is to provide our retailers outstanding value offers that deliver relevant support to drive the best possible start to 2025, whilst also thanking them for their loyalty during 2024.
“We’re leading the way in offering our customers these remarkable prices in order to help them make better margins and ultimately, enable them to grow their business. Last year’s campaign saw an unprecedented 40% sales uplift which we are hoping to beat this year.”
E-commerce has become a central channel for wholesalers, with a significant portion of foodservice and retail operators now shopping exclusively online, shows a recent report.
According to Lumina Intelligence’s new UK Wholesale Online Report 2024, wholesalers should prioritise eB2B strategies that deliver seamless digital experiences and ensure product visibility.
Economic pressures continue to challenge spending growth in the sector. However, targeted offers, loyalty programmes, and operational efficiencies are being used to drive more frequent purchasing and boost customer retention.
The report showcases how wholesalers such as Hancocks and Parfetts have modernised their platforms to enhance user experiences, while initiatives like Mason Foodservice’s adoption of advanced logistics software have reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction.
Lumina Intelligence further emphasises the importance of digital engagement, noting that online order frequency is increasing.
Suppliers can take advantage of this trend by implementing clear and targeted promotions on digital platforms, including personalised ads and push notifications, to capture operator attention.
Branded searches dominate the retail segment, while foodservice operators face higher search failure rates, underscoring the need for suppliers to provide comprehensive product data and align their marketing with trending search terms, such as sustainability-focused keywords.
Retailers are also more likely than foodservice operators to make impulsive purchases, presenting opportunities for suppliers to maximise conversions through compelling promotional offers, digital banners, and strategic new product placements.
The report identifies several key opportunities for the future, including the expansion of digital loyalty initiatives, such as Sugro UK’s e-loyalty scheme collaboration with b2bStore, which rewards digital purchasing behaviours to drive customer traffic and sales.
Mobile commerce continues to see strong growth, making app optimisation and mobile-specific strategies critical for wholesalers and suppliers alike.
Additionally, there is increasing demand for sustainable products, including compostable packaging, presenting suppliers with opportunities to lead in the eco-conscious market.
Plans are well under way for the return of the Scottish Wholesale Association’s new-format Annual Conference, taking place in Aberdeen on Thursday, 5 June – and tickets are now on sale.
The event, which adopts a different format to the SWA’s previous well-attended weekend conferences, and this year moves out of the central belt to the north-east of Scotland, will focus on new trends and market insights in the wholesale industry with the wider theme centred around Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement.
Kaizen, meaning “change for the better”, will help the industry explore topics such as the importance of technology within wholesale, along with the use of data and AI (artificial intelligence) within the sector to bring efficiency and improved insights to wholesale operations.
Other discussions will explore DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) in the workplace, plus sustainability, creating value, and maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-changing and fast-moving wholesale industry.
Another key component of the one-day conference, which is being held at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa near the River Dee on the outskirts of Aberdeen, is an exhibition featuring some of Scotland’s finest produce, as part of the SWA’s commitment to a strong, resilient, local supply chain.
The exhibition will showcase food and drink producers which have participated in the SWA’s Delivering Growth Through Wholesale (DGTW) and Wholesale Local Food Champion programmes.
Colin Smith
“We’re ringing the changes with our new-format Annual Conference which returns for the first time since 2019," said SWA chief executive Colin Smith.
“As we strive to ensure that our Annual Conference remains relevant to members and suppliers – their time is at a premium so we must provide a platform for networking and create an environment that is conducive to encouraging discussion and sharing information – we will use Kaizen as the lens through which we will look to the future.
“What does a thriving Scottish wholesale channel look like, now and in the coming years, and what steps should we take to make it a reality? With the support of the renowned Kaizen Institute, our conference – which will feature a mix of speakers and panel discussions – will seek some of the answers.
“SWA members have told us how valuable networking opportunities like this are to their businesses as they provide a rare opportunity to catch up with their peers and meet new contacts in a relaxed environment.
“Space is limited so please secure your spot today and be part of an event that promises to inspire and empower.”
For those SWA members travelling to Aberdeen the day before, there is a pre-conference BBQ and networking evening in Ardoe’s stunning gardens, overlooking the River Dee, on Thursday, 4 June, which attendees can book as part of the conference package.
One of Scotland’s oldest and most respected independent food and drink wholesalers, JW Filshill, is marking its 150th anniversary in 2025 with a raft of activity based around the theme ‘Delivering Success’ that champions sustainability, innovation, community, and wellbeing.
With a proud heritage spanning five generations, Filshill remains firmly rooted in its core values while embracing a bold vision for the future. From its origins as a confectionery manufacturer in Glasgow’s Gallowgate in 1875 to its position today as an award-winning wholesaler, Filshill has continually evolved to serve independent KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England.
The award-winning company, which relocated from Hillington to its purpose-built 120,400 sq ft distribution centre at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport in March 2023, aims to raise £150,000 for six charities which represent large demographics of the communities they serve as part of its anniversary celebrations.
Chosen by Filshill staff, the charities are:
· CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland)
· Dementia Scotland
· Cancer Research UK
· MND Scotland
· SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
· GroceryAid
As part of its community fundraising efforts in its 150th anniversary year, 150 Filshill directors, colleagues, customers, suppliers and family members will take part in the Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with over 178,000 people taking part since 2016. On 27th April in Glasgow, the company’s involvement will represent the Kiltwalk’s largest-ever corporate attendance.
In terms of Filshill’s sustainability goals, the company – which in 2020 pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 – can reveal that it has reached this target five years early, boosted by its relocation to the new Renfrew site, significant investment in electric HGV vehicles, solar panels, and transitioning to HVO fuel for all diesel-powered operations at Westway
During 2025, the wholesaler will also ramp up its commitment to corporate technology within the business and seek innovative solutions to boost efficiency across the business, including AI.
Simon Hannah, Filshill’s chief executive officer, has recently qualified as an AI trainer, and is keen to work with suppliers and customers to leverage AI for mutual benefit across data analysis and business processes as part of the company’s co-prosperity strategic approach.The company has also committed to investing in a software platform that will assist greatly in tracking Scope 3 emissions.
Meanwhile, Filshill will build on its established mental health and wellbeing agenda by providing training for 150 KeyStore customers to become mental health ambassadors in their communities, joining the company’s 35 existing trained mental health first-aiders to create a supportive environment for colleagues and customers.
In June, it will hold its second Filshill Family Wellness Day, to which all staff and their families will be invited to enjoy a day dedicated to fun, connection, and celebrating the people who make the Filshill family so special.
Culminating with a 150th Anniversary Celebration Dinner in Glasgow on 9th October, hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay with entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the year promises to honour Filshill’s remarkable journey while setting the scene for a future of ambition, growth, and positivity for the company.
Simon Hannah
Simon Hannah said: “Celebrating 150 years is an incredible milestone for the Filshill family. It’s a moment to reflect on our heritage while looking ahead with ambition and purpose. ‘Delivering Success’ captures our dedication to sustainability, technology, community, and wellbeing as we shape the future for the next generations of the Filshill family and beyond.
“We plan to collaborate closely with our customers, suppliers and other colleagues as we set the scene for the next stage of the Filshill journey. We’re proud of our heritage and the values that have guided us for 150 years. This year isn’t just about celebrating where we’ve come from – it’s about demonstrating our commitment to ‘Delivering Success’ for our people, our customers, and our communities as we move forward together in the future.”
World of Sweets, leading wholesaler, distributor and importer of confectionery, has raised over £18,000 for charity through the sale of its charity candy cups.
World of Sweets launched a new range of Bonds of London Candy Cups, in partnership with The Honeypot Children’s Charity, with 10 pence from each sale donated to the charity.
Honeypot is a national young carers charity and supports children aged between five and 12 years through a wrap round service of respite breaks, educational breaks, Wellbeing Grants and Memory Making Days.
Each year, 4,700 disadvantaged children can enjoy breaks away from their caring responsibilities, helping to build brighter futures for the young carers and allowing the children to create happy memories they will cherish forever.
The money raised will help the charity provide essential respite breaks and ongoing support for young carers.
The Candy Cups were designed around fantastical themes, encouraging children to use their imaginations. Among them were the Bonds Teddy Bears’ Picnic Candy Cup, Bonds Pirate Adventure Candy Cup and Bonds Magical Forest Candy Cup.
“We were so excited to launch this range of Candy Cups in partnership with The Honeypot Children’s Charity,” Kathryn Hague from World of Sweets said. “We are thrilled to announce that World of Sweets has raised a total of £18,498.32 for the charity during our partnership.
“This incredible achievement has been made possible by our retail customers, who have really supported the launch and continued to repurchase the Candy Cups for their customers to enjoy and raise awareness of the amazing work Honeypot does.
“We are passionate about bringing joy into the lives of children and young people across the UK and are committed to continue supporting causes like Honeypot.
“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Honeypot Children’s Charity for their incredible passion and collaboration throughout our partnership, it has been a privilege to work alongside such a committed team.”
Simmi Woodwal, chief executive of Honeypot, said: “All of us at Honeypot are immensely proud of the huge impact our partnership with World of Sweets has accomplished in the last few years. Just to put it into perspective, £18,498.32 is enough to fund 38 young carers on a respite break at one of our Honeypot Houses nestled in the countryside. This includes three days of food, activities, goodies and more.
"The beautifully designed charity candy cups have not only helped us to spread awareness of our cause to a wider audience, but have also engaged our young carers who loved the fun themes and tasty treats. Thank you to all at World of Sweets for your tireless fundraising and support of these amazing children. The impact you have made will last them a lifetime!”