Conviviality Retail to supply wholesaler P&H

Conviviality Retail, the retail arm of supplier Conviviality, is set to extend its reach after striking  a deal to supply booze to the UK’s largest wholesale cash and carry, Palmer and Harvey McLane.

The supplier has signed a two-year deal that will see its range of beers, wines and spirits, stocked by P&H, while the wholesaler will supply tobacco to Conviviality Retail in a reciprocal agreement.

It marks the first time that the retail arm of the business has undertaken to supply customers outside of its core franchisee-base and as such marks a signficant step.

A statement this morning said both groups had significant experience in sourcing and supplying these product lines and the agreement would enable each company to leverage their respective expertise to the benefit of customers and franchisees.

Conviviality Retail’s has around 1500 lines in its range, however the number of lines in the deal is not being disclosed.

David Robinson, the newly appointed MD of Conviviality Retail said the business was constantly looking at ways to ensure it provided the right range, service, support and pricing for its franchisees.

“This agreement will help us to maintain and further improve our ability to invest in future initiatives and pricing to provide our franchisees with more opportunities to strengthen their business. We look forward to working with the P&H team on this exciting initiative for both our businesses,” he said.

Martyn Ward, Managing Director of P&H, added that he was delighted with the “strategic collaboration” with Conviviality Retail. “We are confident it will benefit our respective businesses, partners and customers, and believe there is scope for growth in future years,” he said.

Conviviality Retail currently has around 716 stores, including 656 franchises which trade under Bargain Booze, Bargain Booze Select Convenience and Wine Rack fascias. Buying across the portfolio is headed up by Andrew Shaw, newly elevated from BibendumPLB, with a team of five specialist buyers in the retail arm, and a further thirty in the central buying team that operates across the wider business.

Palmer and Harvey claims to be the UK’s largest delivered wholesaler, with an annual turnover of more than £4billion. It serves multiple and convenience retailer, forecourts, and off-licenses and confectionery, tobacco and news (CTN) retailers and stocks an extensive booze range.