Move aims to give retailers a boost
CO-OP Wholesale says it is expanding its own-brand offer across key growth and mission-led categories, such as “dinner for tonight” and food to go, in a bid to further support independent retailer partners.
The Nisa franchise operator says the increased range follows strong retailer demand for greater choice, improved margins and access to a nationally trusted convenience brand.
To provide independents with an advantage in the “dinner for tonight” mission, the Co-op’s dine-in own-brand “Served” range is launching into the wholesale channel.
Co-op Wholesale says the mission has become the growth engine of convenience retail, citing WorldPanel data that shows it is up 6% year-on-year and worth more than £18billion.
Its food-to-go range has also been upgraded and has been “designed to help independents win” in a category forecast to have hit £24billion in 2025, with growth of 3.3%, according to Lumina stats.
Key additions include value‑add SKUs, limited‑edition flavours, and the top-performing triple sandwich format. A refreshed Premium tier also brings market‑led flavours that help independents meet rising expectations without compromising on operational simplicity.
The wholesaler has also added 100 Co-op SKUs across bakery, meats, core canned goods and other everyday essentials.
Own-brand sales reached £468million in the convenience market in 2025, up 1.8% year-on-year, according to World Panel.
Co-op Wholesale customer director Martin Swadling said: “Shoppers want inspiration, speed and quality without compromise, and independents are uniquely placed to deliver that.
“The opportunity is to think beyond single products and build shopper loyalty by solving the daily dinner dilemma and food on the go, with ease and excitement. Independent retailers deserve access to the quality and innovative products that drive growth.
“And with the trusted quality and responsible sourcing credentials of Co‑op own-brand behind us, by partnering with Co-op Wholesale, independents have a real opportunity to win in these missions by making everyday decisions easier for their shoppers.”
Meanwhile, Co-op Wholesale has appointed Robbie Moore as its new trading director in a move it claims is designed to expand its trading capabilities and reinforce its position as a trusted partner for suppliers and customers.
He brings extensive experience across wholesale and convenience retail, having held senior roles at Spar, Costcutter, and Morrisons before joining Bestway – and has played a pivotal part in driving growth, strengthening supplier partnerships, enhancing customer value across wholesale and convenience retail channels.
In his new role, he will focus on strengthening supplier partnerships, enhancing product and promotional offers, and driving sustainable growth.
Moore said: “This role is about delivering real value to customers while building sustainable growth with our suppliers. I look forward to working with the team to drive innovation and execution across the wholesale channel.”
