About
The Wholesale Group is the buying group for the future, established to champion independent wholesalers and support their sustainable growth. Launched on 1 January 2025, we are the only UK buying group that combines unrivalled retail and foodservice expertise, Central Distribution efficiency, and member-focused innovation.
L-R: Ann Smith, Sidney Lumley (Head of W.C.A.), Jean Bellis, Julien Loffet, unknown, unknown
Our Heritage
With decades of expertise rooted in the successful legacies of Confex and Fairway Foodservice, The Wholesale Group unites the best of two leading wholesale buying groups. This union celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and family-driven ethos that has long defined independent wholesalers. Together, we serve over 349,000 customers, representing more than 12% of the UK wholesale market with a collective turnover exceeding £4.47 billion.
What We Stand For
Our Mission
To empower independent wholesalers by providing innovative solutions, collaborative strength, and sustainable growth opportunities.
Our Vision
To lead the wholesale sector with integrity, technology-driven innovation, and unparalleled service.
Our Values
We prioritise respect, loyalty, and value for all stakeholders—members, suppliers, and customers alike. Guided by our commitment to excellence, we aim to transform the future of wholesale while upholding the highest standards of business practices.
Our Leadership Team
Meet our leadership team. Click through their names to learn more about them.
Our team powers the UK’s largest delivered buying group, proudly championing independent wholesalers.
With decades of expertise between Confex and Fairway Foodservice, The Wholesale Group unites the best of two leading wholesale buying groups and, as Joint MD, I’m extremely excited and honoured to be starting the journey of this new dynamic group. We are passionate about supporting family businesses and independent wholesale.
The sector has changed dramatically and it is crucial that we do things differently to support our partners. Driven by data and technology and with a crystal-clear focus on service, we will be the largest delivered buying group, the largest foodservice buying group and the second largest retail buying group in the UK. We look forward to a bright future!
Jess Douglas
Joint Managing Director
I am very excited about the potential for The Wholesale Group and very honoured to be able to help facilitate strategy and growth in my role as joint MD. In the rapidly changing world of Wholesale we will always be the home of Independent Wholesale, preserving and developing family businesses around the country. Our head office team is packed with industry experience and knowledge which we will all bring together to offer the best service and value to our members and suppliers.
I hope to guide The Wholesale Group to remain the largest Delivered and Foodservice Buying Group and we will also strive to become the largest retail Buying Group. We will continue to be driven by technology and data as we evolve and develop the Group. This is only just the beginning with very exciting times ahead!
Tom Gittins
Joint Managing Director
I have worked in food and drink wholesale for over 30 years and understand, and value, the importance of independently owned businesses to bring diversity and choice to customers and suppliers. The industry is changing dramatically, The Wholesale Group is here to champion Independent Wholesale and we are committed to supporting and developing family owned, independent businesses. We have an amazing, experienced team who are all mad about wholesale and will utilise data and the latest technology to provide our Members and Suppliers with an exceptional level of service.
It is a privilege to be part of The Wholesale Group and I am excited about how we can build on our current scale to positively impact and add value to more independent wholesalers as we continue to develop and lead the market.
Coral Rose
Co Chairman
Martin Williams
Co Chairman
Certifications & Awards
Future Plans
The Wholesale Group is dedicated to delivering growth and innovation for its members and suppliers. Our ambitions include; increasing group turnover to £5 billion, expanding our award-winning own-brand portfolio to £100 million, and advancing business efficiency with cutting-edge data insights and AI-powered solutions. We are building for the future with enhanced Central Distribution and category diversification to meet evolving industry needs.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
At The Wholesale Group, we are committed to fostering positive social and environmental impacts. Our initiatives focus on responsible business practices, community engagement, and sustainability, ensuring a lasting legacy of corporate responsibility. By integrating ESG principles into every aspect of our operations, we aim to create meaningful change for our members, suppliers, and the wider community, contributing to a healthier planet and a brighter future.
