Parfetts is to end its long-term partnership with Unitas Wholesale on 31 December 2026, the buying group has revealed.
The announcement follows the opening of the English wholesaler’s first Go Local Extra store in Scotland on Lockerbie High Street in Dumfries and Galloway on 19th July, with the group sharing plans for nine more sites in Scotland by next Summer.
As the wholesaler continues to expand, Parfetts’ turnover is expected to pass £1bn in the next three years.
Parfetts currently runs nine depots across the Midlands, Southampton and the North of England and National Sales Controller, Joe Tindle, told SLR he believes there could be potential for a depot in Scotland further down the line.
Scottish stores are currently supplied by Parfetts’ Middlesbrough depot, which is over two hours away. “We’re always pushing boundaries to go up there,” said Tindle. “When there’s businesses there that want to work with us, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
The group has taken on a dedicated Retail Development Advisor, Arwel Carter, to recruit more Scottish retailers, with a focus on Dumfries and Galloway and the TD postcode (Galashiels) as well.
Speaking of the group’s decision to part ways with Unitas Wholesale, Parfetts joint managing director, Guy Swindell, said: “We’re thankful for the support and connections we’ve built through Unitas which have helped to shape our growth journey so far. However, as we approach 2,000 symbol stores under our Go Local fascia and with a growing national network, our ambitions now naturally extend beyond the buying group model.
“Our growth has been phenomenal, and we want to continue to maximise value for our suppliers. As an employee-owned business, we can clearly demonstrate ROI and move quickly whilst aligning closely with the needs of our suppliers.”
Noel Robinson, joint managing director at Parfetts, said: “We already enjoy strong supplier relationships, with successful execution of initiatives across our cash and carry, online and retail platforms recognised by the industry, but we’re ready to go further, working hand in hand on joint strategies and category innovation.”
Unitas CEO John Kinney said: “This move is a natural progression. Our role is to give Unitas members the support they need to evolve and expand, and we recognise that some may eventually choose to operate as standalone operators outside a buying group model, and we wish Parfetts well.
“We will continue to provide a fitter, fairer and faster service for our wholesalers. Over the last five years we have delivered a 35% increase in distributable revenues, and our priority is to the members who remain within Unitas to ensure we continue to deliver growth for them, year on year.”
“We thank Parfetts for their long-standing membership and contribution to the group and wish them well as they take this next step in their growth journey.”
