Parfetts has plans to double its own label range to 500 lines by 2026, helping retailers fill gaps in the chilled, frozen and bakery categories.
Speaking to Better Wholesaling ahead of the firm opening its ninth cash and carry in Southampton on 3 September, trading director Cheryl Hope said: “Own label is a key part of our range as it offers retailers up to 60% profit margin. At the moment, we have 250 Go Local lines spanning across all categories and we’ve just extended our range of medicines.
“We have nappies being introduced alongside an expansion of our cupped confectionery. I’ve identified 45 lines that will launch by the end of this year, whether they’re extensions of existing products or brand-new ranges entirely.
“A lot will be in bakery and confectionery as growth areas. Morning goods and cakes are big opportunities. In household, we’ve just launched washing up liquid but there are further opportunities in key growth categories such as health and beauty. I’ve got a personal ambition to double the size of the Go Local range over the next 18 months.”
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Fresh, chilled and frozen are other areas that Hope has identified as important for retailers. The wholesaler currently has a drop shipment partnership with chilled and frozen specialist Eden Farm Hulleys.
She added: “Retailers are telling us they want the breadth of range that will stand up to their competition, especially on chilled and frozen. We’re working closely with our partner Eden Farm Hulleys and there will be some exciting developments coming up. Over the next three to six months, we’ll extend the range of fresh in both depots and our Go Local stores.”
Hope joined the firm in July and has outlined plans to bolster relationships with suppliers to open up new product opportunities. She explained: “Collaboration with suppliers has always been important and I want to work with them. We want to identify what opportunities there are in new products and outline where retailers really need support.
“I want to also strengthen the team I’ve got to ensure we’re putting the right resources in growing product categories for retailers. I’m working with multiple teams to deliver even more value and strength promotions.”
The opening of Parfetts’s new Southampton depot will expand its reach, allowing it to serve more retailers in the south of England and Greater London, through both cash and carry and a delivered wholesale service.
