Buying group urges Labour to hear wholesale voices

The managing director of the UK’s largest wholesale buying group, Unitas Wholesale, has shared his asks of the new Labour Government following this morning’s announcement of a new administration

John Kinney said: “The Labour Manifesto contained a few challenges for the wholesale channel, including Minimum Wage increases, a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, banning fast food outlets near schools, and the prospect of controls on HFSS products and ultra-processed foods.

“Independent wholesalers’ ask of this brand new administration is that it listens to those of us who can help turn these pledges into effective measures that achieve their stated aims.

“While we support the intention to establish better pay for the least-well-off workers, affordable healthier food options for children and meaningful sustainability targets, our challenge for the new government is to lay out a legislative programme that is effective, practical and proportionate. The delays to the Deposit Return Schemes for drink containers demonstrate what happens when government acts without sufficient consultation with stakeholders who have the experience and expertise to help shape effective legislation. In contrast, the success of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy was built on extensive collaboration, practical choices and achievable timeframes.

“We would like the government’s proposals to be evidence-based and economically viable to implement, and not to unfairly penalise our member and their customers.

“Unitas Wholesale is the biggest wholesale group, representing a significant proportion of food and drink sales into retail, foodservice, on trade and the public sector. Our members are good at innovation and change, they react and adapt quickly and their voices should be heard.”

General Election John Kinney Labour government New administration Unitas Wholesale