FWD sets out priorities in election manifesto

Action on Brexit, the environment and crime among the challenges laid out for a new government to address in the FWD Election Manifesto

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has identified six priorities for the new administration which will protect the profitability of the wholesale sector and the 450,000 retail and catering businesses it supplies and supports.

These include pushing for a comprehensive, frictionless trade deal after Brexit which keeps tariffs or trade barriers to a minimum, showing restraint on National Living Wage increases, and introducing further measures to tackle alcohol duty fraud and sugar tax evasion.

With packaging producer responsibility rules likely to be under review in a new parliament, FWD is asking the new government to maintain the current exemption for distributors, without which its members would see cost increases of up to 300%.

It also believes that a mandatory allergens database is necessary to guarantee consumers access to full and accurate information on the potentially harmful ingredients in the food they purchase.

Following a decline in police response to incidents at members’ premises, which has led to tobacco and alcohol products being stolen from customers and distributed illegally, FWD is calling for the Home Office to commit greater resources to prevent crime and prosecute criminals who target wholesalers and their customers.

James Bielby, FWD Chief Executive, said: “We are asking for a fair playing field for this vital industry which supports public services, small businesses and remote communities. For wholesalers to thrive, legislation that affects them must be effective, it must be achievable, and it must be proportionate.

“We are therefore asking the government to join us in ensuring that future policy enables the sector to grow, thrive and importantly support our workforces, customers and communities.”

The full manifesto can be downloaded here.

Alcohol allergens Brexit catering crime FWD Government James Bielby manifesto National Living Wage packaging retail sugar tax wholesale