Co-op Wholesale is expanding its own-brand range to better support independent retailers, with a focus on food-to-go and “dinner for tonight” options.
The wholesaler is introducing Co-op’s Served dine-in range to the wholesale channel, targeting the evening meal occasion, now valued at more than £18bn and growing at 6% year on year.
Co-op Wholesale has also enhanced its food-to-go range, a category forecast to reach £24bn and currently growing at 3.3%.
The expanded offer features more value-added lines, limited-edition flavours, and a stronger focus on high-performing formats such as triple sandwiches.
A refreshed premium tier has been introduced to help independent retailers meet rising shopper expectations without adding operational complexity.
Alongside its mission-led ranges, the wholesaler has added 100 SKUs to its Co-op own-brand portfolio across bakery, meat, canned goods and everyday essentials. The expansion aims to widen choice, improve margins and increase basket spend for independent retailers.
Co-op Wholesale customer director Martin Swadling siad: “Shoppers want inspiration, speed and quality without compromise, and independents are uniquely placed to deliver that.”
“The opportunity is to think beyond single products and build shopper loyalty by solving the daily dinner dilemma and food on the go, with ease and excitement.”
Co-op own-brand sales in the convenience market hit £468m, up 1.8% year on year, highlighting its ongoing role as a trusted growth driver for independent retailers.
Swadling added: “Independent retailers deserve access to the quality and innovative products that drive growth and with the trusted quality and responsible sourcing credentials of Co op own brand behind us, by partnering with Co-op Wholesale, independents have a real opportunity to win in these missions by making everyday decisions easier for their shoppers.”
