Unitas and Confex end partnership

In a statement, Unitas Wholesale managing director Darren Goldney explained the split.

“Today I have written to all suppliers confirming that Unitas Wholesale and Confex Ltd have ended their association whereby Confex had a ‘group’ membership with Unitas Wholesale. Moving forward we believe collaborations must add value to all parties and this one no longer does.”

Unitas Wholesale is a 170-strong member-owned group with a collective turnover of more than £8.5bn. The arrangement between Unitas and Confex predated Unitas Wholesale and was originally formed between Landmark Wholesale and Confex Ltd, however, rolled over on the formation of Unitas Wholesale.

“We are excited to be growing in 2020 and to consistently accelerate our journey to develop a ‘selling‘ culture and capability programme,” added Goldney. “We believe direct interaction and engagement with individual members who are all similarly committed, is a great route. We thank Confex for their partnership over the years and wish them success for their future endeavours.”

In response, a Confex spokeswoman said the business will “relish the opportunity” that the departure from Unitas provides.

“Confex recently announced the launch of 275 new foodservice own brand lines under the Core branding which will be ready for Jan 2021. This will be a focused competitive range that we believe will be a real winner for our members.

Confex future strategy also 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.”

In March 2019, Confex revealed a three-year strategy for the business which included a focus on digital.