Nisa joins FWD to add weight to wholesale lobbying

Nisa Retail has joined the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, adding its weight to the trade association’s lobbying power on behalf of wholesalers to convenience stores and independent retailers.

Nisa, which was acquired by Co-op in 2018, supplies over 1,400 retail partners with more than 4,500 stores, of which 1,000 are Nisa symbol stores. Adding the £1.5bn-turnover group to its collective representation means FWD can speak to Government with the full support of the retail wholesale sector, as well as adding value to its Bringing Wholesale Together supplier networking programme.

The Nisa business was previously an FWD member as part of Nisa-Today’s prior to their decoupling in 2011. Nisa is the second new member to join FWD this month, following Reynolds Foodservice, reflecting the work the Federation has been doing on Covid-19 this year.

Sales Director Steve Leach said: “The Nisa business has a strong history and reputation in the wholesale industry and so we’re delighted to join the FWD, returning to an organisation we have enjoyed a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with over the years.

“We hope to share experience and best practice with our peers through the leading trade association for wholesalers to provide greater benefits to our partners and other wholesalers across the UK.”

James Bielby, Chief Executive of FWD, added: “Nisa has been the missing piece of the jigsaw since the de-merger of Nisa-Today’s and we are delighted to have them back alongside their colleagues in wholesale. In these uncertain times our greatest strength is to be able to call on the experience and advice of the entire sector, and to be able to take their concerns and requests forward to Government with one voice.

“We are also delighted to welcome Nisa as part of Co-op, with its Co-operative Wholesale Society heritage.

“Everyone at FWD looks forward to a new relationship which benefits both Nisa partners and the wholesale sector.”