Unitas and Confex split announced

Confex will no longer be a member of the Unitas buying group, a letter written by Darren Goldney has revealed.

The Unitas Wholesale Managing Director told suppliers the two groups would be going their separate ways, explaining the collaboration “no longer” provides value for both parties.

Despite being a buying group in their own right, Confex was a Unitas group member as a result of an agreement in place from when Landmark Wholesale existed.

A statement released by Unitas on Goldney’s behalf said: “Moving forward we believe collaborations must add value to all parties and this one no longer does.

“Unitas is a 170-strong member-owned group with a collective turnover exceeding £8.5bn, 320-plus supplier partnerships and a divisional approach with membership that accommodate retail-led, foodservice-led, on-trade-led and specialist members of all sizes.

“We aim to be efficient for suppliers to get to scale in one place and effective in being able to deliver sales platforms that grow business.”

Despite Confex’s departure, Goldney remains very positive about the progress Unitas is making and points to its relationship with foodservice group, Country Range, as an example of how they still want to work with other groups if it works for both parties.

“We are excited to be growing in 2020 and to consistently accelerate our journey to develop a selling culture and capability programme,” Goldney’s statement continued.

“We believe direct interaction and engagement with individual members who are all similarly committed, is a great route.

“For clarity, additional collaborations that can accelerate value such as Country Range Group, who has a shared vision for improvement and excellence in foodservice that Unitas Wholesale can complement, are still very much welcome.

“We thank Confex for their partnership over the years and wish them success for their future endeavours.”

Confex used the announcement as an opportunity to highlight the work they’ve been doing in recent months – including the launch of its own-brand foodservice lines – and are looking forward to what the next chapter holds for them.

“Confex has enjoyed a long relationship with Unitas but relish the opportunity that their departure from Unitas gives them,” said a Confex statement.

“Confex’s future strategy includes developing joint business plans with all of our leading suppliers, rewarding growth and discipline across the group.

“Therefore the timing of the departure is perfect for Confex and we look forward to a bright future as an independent buying group.

“Confex will continue to recruit new wholesalers into the group who share their vision for the future.”

buying group Confex Darren Goldney Unitas wholesale