About FWD

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) represents the interests of UK wholesalers trading in the food, drink, tobacco, household and related non-food products markets who supply independent retail outlets and caterers of all types.

Its prime role is to represent the wholesale industry in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels, emphasising the wholesale mechanism as the most efficient distribution channel between manufacturers and retail and catering end users.

As well as promoting and defending the interests of its members, FWD also supports the interests of their independent retail and caterer customers.

The wholesale grocery, tobacco and alcoholic drinks market, together with related non food categories, is defined as the total value of goods distributed by wholesalers to retail establishments and catering end users.

In 2004, the sector was valued at £16.7 billion (Source: IGD), split between cash & carry and delivered wholesalers. The independent retail sector is made up of over 50,000 independent stores,
including unaffiliated and affiliated independent grocers, off licences, confectioner/tobacconist/newsagents, plus independent garage forecourts and convenience stores belonging to small chains.

The foodservice sector covers catering end users operating in both cost and for profit sectors. This includes catering establishments such as restaurants, hotels, guest houses, fast food outlets, takeaways, public houses, wine bars, cafes, staff catering (including works canteens), snack & sandwich bars, institutional outlets such as hospitals and healthcare, schools, armed forces and prisons, and all aspects of the leisure industry. This sector has a purchase value estimated over £8.7 billion (Source: FWD Estimates /Horizons). Smaller specialists are progressing well, particularly in oriental and ethnic foods, frozen foods, delicatessen, bakery, fresh fish and garden produce.

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