IGD has said that the wholesale channel in the UK is likely to grow by around 1.3% over the next five years, driven by the development of new clients using the channel, and positive sales figures.
The research and training firm noted at last week's IGD Wholesaling Summit that sales at UK grocery wholesalers rose 0.3% in 2015 to £30 billion, in spite of continued price deflation in retail.
“Now is the time for wholesalers and their partners to take the initiative and develop new growth opportunities," said IGD chief economist James Walton.
"We have noted a decline of symbol stores this year (by 0.7%), but this is rooted in short-term structural change and, once passed, we should see growth reassert itself."
Walton also praised the sector for working "much more closely" with suppliers and retailers; "engaging directly with each other and working towards the same goals which, in turn, is making wholesale a much more effective channel."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
