Our Timeline
Our journey is built on experience, collaboration and ambition.
The Wholesale Group may be new in name, but it’s built on decades of industry expertise and shared values.
This timeline highlights the key milestones that brought us to where we are today, charting the evolution of Confex and Fairway Foodservice, two trusted names in wholesale, and the pivotal moments that led to the creation of a buying group shaped for the future. Together, we’re stronger, more connected, and ready to champion the next chapter for independent wholesalers.
2025
Ewood Foods join the group.
2025
The Wholesale Group is formed 1st January 2025.
2024
Confex Group turnover reaches £3.46bn.
2023
Confex CORE reaches £10mm turnover, Confex Group turnover reaches £3.16bn.
2022
Confex launches CORE own label with sales in the first year £6mm. Confex Group turnover reaches £3bn for the first time in the same year it celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2020
Confex moves offices to Upper Rissington, Gloucestershire. Nicky White and James Loffet retire with Jess Douglas & Tom Gittins taking over as Confex Directors.
2018
Martin Williams becomes the first Confex Chairman and the first Confex Member Board is inaugurated.
2016
Confex Group turnover hits £2bn. Rebrand.
2015
First Confex Growth Incentive abroad with a 4 day trip to Villamoura, Portugal.
2014
Jess Douglas joins as Head of Digital to advance Technology across the Group.
2013
In August, Confex runs its first Member Incentive with a day at the Goodwood Races. Confex offices relocate to Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
2012
Confex celebrates its 40th anniversary.
2010
Confex runs its first Trade Show at the Welcombe hotel, Stratford-on-Avon.
2009
Tom Gittins joins as Business Development Manager to further develop the foodservice category.
2008
Central Distribution set up.
2005
Member promotions and mail outs are first offered electronically.
2002
Central Payment Scheme for Nestle is established.
2001
Confex offices relocate to Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
2000
First website goes live.
1995
Confex sees significant recruitment to encompass 200 wholesalers and £1.7bn Group turnover.
1990
The Group diversifies into the Foodservice category.
1982
Confex grows to 92 wholesalers and £1bn Group turnover.
1972
Confex is founded by Julien Loffet & Sidney Lumley with 55 wholesalers and £500m turnover.
2024
Fairway celebrates its 40th anniversary.
2022
Coral Rose joins as MD.
2019
Rebrand.
2015
Fairway Foodservice announce collective turnover of £556 million and move to new offices in Huddersfield.
2014
Fairway celebrates its 30th anniversary.
2013
Rebrand.
2009
Collective turnover £191m.
2002
Philip Ineson retires as Chief Executive and is succeeded by Chris Binge. Collective turnover £110m.
2000
Rebrand.
1998
Chris Binge joins as Purchasing Director.
1997
Fairway Frozen Foods Ltd becomes Fairway Foodservice Plc.
1992
Rebrand.
1991
Own Brand launched.
1990
Held the first Fairway Product Review Trade Show.
1989
Philip Ineson appointed as Chief Executive.
1987
Charles Saunders joins.
1986
First office lease and name change to Fairway Frozen Foods Ltd.
1984
Independent Frozen Food Distributors Ltd is formed with 5 wholesalers.
