Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Co-op and Bestway strike new deal to back independent retailers

The tie-up ensures that Costcutter stores will continue to benefit from Co-op Wholesale’s full-service convenience model

Co-op and Bestway strike new deal to back independent retailers

Dawood Pervez (L), managing director at Bestway Wholesale and Katie Secretan, managing director of Co-op Wholesale

Pramod Thomas
By Pramod ThomasSep 06, 2025
Pramod Thomas
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
See Full Bio
Follow:

A NEW partnership has been formed between Co-op Wholesale and Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) to support independent retailers across the UK.

Goes beyond the standard supply deal, it aims to bring the combined expertise and resources of both businesses together, helping local retailers compete in an increasingly tough convenience market, a statement said on Thursday (4).

Katie Secretan, managing director of Co-op Wholesale, welcomed the move. She said: “I am delighted to announce this new agreement which goes further than just a supply deal; we are jointly focused on true partnership as the key ingredient for mutual success, as we collectively support independent retailers to grow through our market leading propositions.”

The deal ensures that Costcutter stores will continue to benefit from Co-op Wholesale’s full-service convenience model, including access to Co-op’s well-known own-brand products.

Dawood Pervez, managing director of Bestway Wholesale, which owns Costcutter, said the agreement builds on a strong existing relationship. “The continuation of our collaboration will see Costcutter stores continue to benefit from the market-leading full-service convenience model from Co-op Wholesale, including access to the iconic and best in class Co-op own brand products. Both businesses are committed to working together to continuously improve the offer, supporting retailer growth in an evolving market,” he said.

Bestway Wholesale, part of the Bestway Group, is one of the UK’s largest independent food and drink wholesalers. Founded in 1976, the company has grown to operate 62 depots across the country and generates a turnover of around £3 billion. It supplies more than 100,000 retailers and 7,000 symbol and franchise operators, as well as running over 200 of its own company-owned stores.

The group also manages brands including Costcutter, best-one and Bargain Booze, and services a wide range of businesses in retail, catering, foodservice and specialist pet supplies.

co-op wholesalecostcutterdawood pervezbestway groupbestway

Related News

foreign investors India market
Business

New book explains how foreign investors can enter Indian market

Tata-somerset-plant
Business

Government hands Tata £380m for Somerset battery plant

Anil-Agrawal-vedanta
Business

Anil Agarwal: Open up India's defence manufacturing to private sector

iran-war-fish-and-chips
Featured

Middle East war puts Fish and Chips shops 'under threat'

More For You

UK Recession fear

Some forecasts suggesting the risk of a recession in the latter half of the year if pressures continue to build

iStock

Recession fears grow in UK as Iran conflict threatens £35bn economic hit

  • Energy shock linked to Iran conflict may shrink UK economy by £35bn
  • Recession risk grows if oil prices spike further
  • Interest rates expected to rise as inflation pressures build

The UK economy is staring at a potential £35bn setback, with recession fears building as the Iran conflict drives up energy prices and inflation. Fresh warnings from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research suggest the fallout could slow growth sharply and leave households and businesses under renewed financial strain. The energy crisis linked to the Iran conflict has become a central concern, with inflation pressures and rising borrowing costs threatening to reshape the UK’s economic outlook.

Brent crude has already climbed to around £89 ($111) a barrel, and in a more severe scenario, it could reach £112 ($140). That kind of increase could push inflation above 5 per cent, significantly higher than earlier expectations, and force stronger intervention from the Bank of England. The knock-on effect could be a slowdown in economic activity, with some forecasts suggesting the risk of a recession in the latter half of the year if pressures continue to build.

Keep ReadingShow less