A look at what’s going on across the convenience channel
Spar’s FareShare meals
![Spar UK advert for the firm's partnership with food surplus charity FareShare which includes a bottle of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Spar branded Chopped Tomatoes, Penne Pasta and Red Kidney Beans as well as Robinsons Orange diluting juice.Text reads: We're funding One Million Meals this winter.](https://scottishgrocer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/A-Million-Meals-720x450px2.jpg)
SPAR UK is partnering with surplus food charity FareShare to provide the equivalent of a million meals across the UK, as part of the Giving One Million Meals | Spar project.
The campaign will run in Spar stores around the UK until 1 November. Suzanne Dover, Spar UK brand & marketing director, said: “Our partnership will see £250,000 donated and, for every £1 given, FareShare can redistribute enough food for the equivalent of four meals to people in need across the UK.”
Britvic and Coca-Cola are also part of the campaign, which will be supported with POS in-store.
Polly Bianchi, director of fundraising at FareShare, added: “The donation from Spar, with contributions from Coca-Cola and Robinsons, will make a significant contribution to our work getting good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, unitas to people who need it.”
Search is on for new Spar UK Boss
![Store front shot of Spar Market Crosshouse; a white building with Spar Market branding above its door with windows advertising fresh food products.](https://scottishgrocer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SPAR-Crosshouse.jpg)
SPAR UK is searching for a new managing director after Louise Hoste left to pursue fresh challenges last month.
Joining in September 2019, Hoste successfully steered the business through the pandemic.
Nick Bunker, non-executive chair, Spar Food Distributors, said: “Louise has been a highly valued colleague and we thank her.
“A search for a new leader begins as we remain focused on delivering our long-term strategy, driving profitable growth for our retailers and suppliers.”
Hoste added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spar UK and working with a great team.”
New guide to drive profits
![Page of Unitas' Plan for Profit guide, the image shows behind a counter with a range of alcohol products. Graphics across the page include bubbles with text inside. Text reads: Category Guide Licensed, Tobacco & Vaping 2023.Bubble 1: Identify category best sellers and core range Bubble 2: Planograms by store size and region Bubble 3: Category insight to boost sales.](https://scottishgrocer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PFP-Licensed-Cover-2023-Updated-Sept-1.jpg)
UNITAS Wholesale is helping its members’ retail customers capitalise on the trends in alcohol and nicotine products with its latest Plan for Profit Guide.
The 2023 Licensed, Tobacco and Vaping Guide is available in selected member depots and at planforprofit.co.uk for free.
Developed with category experts and the Unitas network of wholesalers, it is packed with regional planograms, bestsellers lists and market insight.
It is said to offer retailers a complete guide to ranging core convenience categories such as lager and beer, cider, craft ale, spirits, wine, tobacco and vaping products.