UK-based Co-op Wholesale has signed a long-term agreement with Roadchef, an operator of service areas on UK motorways, to expand its motorway retail presence.
The move is significant for Co-op Wholesale as it follows the company’s transition to wholesale operations and aligns with its strategic goals to expand its presence in the business-to-business sector and to provide Co-op’s offerings through reliable partnerships.
Co-op will introduce its product line to eight stores formerly run by Spar, extending private label goods to motorway services throughout the country.
Co-op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan stated: “This is a huge moment for us as we enter our new chapter as Co-op Wholesale, and we’re delighted to be working with all the team at Roadchef. We’re looking forward to bringing a fresh approach to these stores, catering to the needs of all these customers and making sure they can access an award-winning own brand range whilst on the move.
“The beauty of our flexible wholesale model means we’re able to work cross-functionally with the teams at Roadchef to select the right fascia and proposition for their locations, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
The initial phase of store launches is scheduled between June and September 2025, with both parties actively exploring additional prospects for collaboration.
Roadchef attracts more than 52 million visitors each year and is committed to improving its facilities.
The new alliance with Co-op Wholesale is an important step for Roadchef in elevating customer satisfaction by offering more variety and convenience ,and enhanced product quality.
Roadchef retail, procurement and supply chain director Kevin Whitehouse stated: “The complete offer from Co-op Wholesale really resonates with what we’re trying to achieve at Roadchef, and we chose to partner with them due to the strength of their own brand range and distribution network. Our customers are looking for great quality products on the go, and this is exactly what we’ll be able to offer through Co-op Wholesale.”
In fiscal 2024 (FY24), Co-op wholesale segment experienced a downturn, with revenue decreasing 5.5% to £1.4bn from £1.5bn in FY23.
