About FWD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is the trade body which represents cash and carry and delivered wholesalers operating in the UK grocery and foodservice markets.

The prime role of the FWD is to represent the wholesale industry in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels, promoting the wholesale supply chain as the most efficient distribution channel between manufacturers, retailers and caterers.

FWD members are the principal supply chain channel to more than 50,000 independent retailers and 350,000 catering establishments of all types. Members supply all food and drink categories, as well as tobacco and grocery-related non-food products.

In 2007 the sector was valued at £24.1 billion by IGD, split between cash and carry wholesalers (£8.3 billion), delivered grocery wholesalers (£8.3 billion) and delivered foodservice wholesalers (£6.3 billion).