NEWS
6 ASIAN TRADER 18 APRIL 2025
Bestway Group confirmed it
is committed to support
Costcutter retailers to help
them thrive, said the
wholesaler, after reports
that Nisa is not extending the
long-term supply arrange-
ment to the symbol group.
Nisa, now rebranded as
Co-op Wholesale, will cease
supplying fresh, chilled and
own-label to Costcutter stores
from January 1, bringing an end
to the long-term supply
arrangement with The Co-op.
The present contract,
initiated in 2018, is ending on
December 31.
A Bestway spokesperson told
Asian Trader, “At Bestway, our
number one priority is support-
ing our customers and, in this
case, our Costcutter retailers.
“Like all businesses we are
looking to the future to remain
competitive in the market and
provide our customers with the
best ofer, to help our retailers
thrive.
“We appreciate your
understanding and will provide
additional information when
appropriate.”
Meanwhile, the ceasing of
Bestway Nisa contract has been
confirmed by a Nisa spokesper-
son.
It is understood that Bestway
is in talks with Sainsbury’s to
procure supplies for Costcutter.
Morrisons is also reportedly
being considered though
the wholesaler is yet to
confirm the details.
Costcutter retailers have
not received any formal
communication yet from
the wholesaler.
Contrary to media
reports, some of the leading
Costcutter retailers to
whom Asian Trader spoke to
appeared unperturbed by the
reports and are looking out for
more details and clarification.
The report comes amid as
Co-op rebranded Nisa as Co-op
Wholesale, marking a fresh new
era for Nisa.
Co-op Group has re-afrmed
its commitment to the
independent retail sector
through the launch of Co-op
Wholesale, led by Katie
Secretan.
Clarity from Group amidst supply arrangement fiasco
Bestway commits to
Bestway commits to
support Costcutter retailers
support Costcutter retailers
The British Independent
Retailers Association has
voiced serious concerns over
the latest figures from the
BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index
for March 2025.
Bira, which represents
over 6,000 independent
businesses across the UK,
highlighted that while
overall shop prices remain in
deflation, the acceleration of
food inflation poses signifi-
cant challenges for both
retailers and consumers.
According to BRC report,
food inflation increased to
2.4% year on year in March,
with ambient food inflation
increasing to 3.7% year on
year in March.
Fresh Food inflation
decreased to 1.4%.
“The retail market
continues to show a concern-
ing split with essential
categories such as food
showing increased inflation
while non-essential sectors
are forced into deflation to
drive sales,” said, Bira CEO
Andrew Goodacre.
“Food inflation has a
disproportionate impact on
consumer spending habits,
significantly reducing
demand for non-food items
that many independent
retailers specialise in.
“We’re facing what can
only be described as an
‘Atrocious April’ for inde-
pendent retailers.
“The Spring Statement
did nothing to bolster
consumer confidence. It’s an
‘Awful April’ for consumers,
but an even more atrocious
one for independent
retailers.”
‘Awful April’ for consumers
as food inflation rises
Unilever acquires
Unilever acquires
personal care brand Wild
personal care brand Wild
The FMCG major said this marks
another step in the optimisation of its
portfolio towards premium and high
growth spaces. Launched in the UK in
2020, Wild has built a loyal consumer
base through its DTC and retail model
with desirable, natural and refillable
products. The brand’s premium
deodorants, lip balms, bodywashes
and handwashes are powered by
plant-based ingredients and
packaged in unique plastic-free
materials. Unilever said Wild’s
growth, premium ofering and
position as No. 1 refillable deodorant
brand, make it a strategic addition to
its portfolio.
Two stores in Cornwall
Two stores in Cornwall
closed for illegal tobacco
closed for illegal tobacco
Truro Magistrates’ Court granted
closure orders for Saltash Smoke
Point and Zabka.
Devon and Cornwall Police
submitted two closure order
applications to the court after
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards
team supplied evidence of illegal
tobacco sales at both premises.
The application was supported by
intelligence from members of the
public that both shops had been
selling illegal vapes, and supplying
vapes to under 18s.
Elizabeth Kirk, team manager at
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards,
said: “I’m delighted that we have been
able to disrupt the illegal activity.
Cereal maker closes f
Cereal maker closes f
actory as sales decline
actory as sales decline
The manufacturer of Nestlé Cereals,
Cereal Partners UK (CPUK), has
announced plans to close its
Bromborough factory, putting
approximately 300 jobs at risk.
Production at the Merseyside site,
which produces Cheerios and
private-label rice crispies and
cornflakes, is set to move to another
facility in Staverton, Wiltshire, as part
of a £74 million investment plan.
CPUK also revealed that it will
cease production of supermarket
own-brand cereals at the end of its
current contracts.
Matt Denton, regional organiser
from the GMB union, expressed
concern over the announcement.