Darren Goldney: We are the champions!

Unitas Wholesale sets out ambitious targets for success at supplier briefing

Champions for independents and brands – that’s the aim for Unitas as the new company embarks on its first year since forming.

The new business, which came about with the merger of buying group giants Today’s Group and Landmark Wholesale, identified as the home for brands at its supplier briefing hosted by Managing Director Darren Goldney and his senior management team.

The backbone of Unitas’s position is its 99.4% branded stock lines, which dwarves anything that many of its retail competitors – especially the multiples and discounters – can offer.

Speaking in front of a host of senior figures from some of the biggest brands, Goldney asked why suppliers wouldn’t want Unitas to grow and outlined how the merger not only benefits the two buying groups, but also manufacturers by reducing resource on attending fewer events, contact points and central payment.

As a result of efficiencies across the board, Unitas aims to protect independent retailers and small businesses by using its increased purchasing power to provide core ranging, extended availability and exclusive deals. And with Goldney pointing to trends suggesting that there is no longer ring-fenced retail and wholesale channels, there would be a much stronger focus on the end customer.

Aside from the retail arm of the business, Unitas Deputy Managing Director John Mills asked suppliers “not to pigeonhole us” and explained that there will be a big focus on the foodservice side too.

This will mean that there will be a spotlight on product integrity and the best possible promotions to make sure independent foodservice operators can get the best deals.

Mills added: “If we don’t do that, others will kill off independent foodservice operators.”

Darren Goldney independents John Mills Landmark merger suppliers Today's Unitas