Parfetts in talks to leave Unitas by end of 2026

Unitas Wholesale and Parfetts are in final talks on an agreement which will see Parfetts leave the buying group at the end of next year

The proposed split comes as Parfetts aims to grow turnover to more than £1bn in the next three years. Part of that plan is its new Southampton depot which opened earlier this month.

If agreed, the partnership will end on 31 December 2026 but until then, Parfetts will continue to trade under Unitas supplier terms, to ensure a “seamless transition for suppliers and customers”.

Speaking at the Unitas annual conference, Unitas CEO John Kinney said the move is a “natural progression”.

“Our role is to give Unitas members the support they need to evolve and expand, and we recognise that some mayeventually choose to operate as standalone operators outside a buying group model, and we wish Parfetts well,” said Kinney.

“We will continue to provide a fitter, fairer and faster service for our wholesalers. Over the last five years we have delivered a 35% increase in distributable revenues, and our priority is to the members who remain within Unitas to ensure we continue to deliver growth for them, year on year.”

“We thank Parfetts for their long-standing membership and contribution to the group and wish them well as they take this next step in their growth journey.”

Commenting on the plans, joint managing director at Parfetts, Guy Swindell said: “We’re thankful for the support and connections we’ve built through Unitas which have helped to shape our growth journey so far. However, as we approach2,000 symbol stores under our Go Local fascia and with a growing national network, our ambitions now naturally extend beyond the buying group model.”

“Our growth has been phenomenal, and we want to continue to maximise value for our suppliers. As an employee-owned business, we can clearly demonstrate ROI and move quickly whilst aligning closely with the needs of our suppliers.”

Noel Robinson, joint managing director at Parfetts, added: “We already enjoy strong supplier relationships, with successful execution of initiatives across our cash and carry, online and retail platforms recognised bythe industry, but we’re ready to go further, working hand in hand on joint strategies and category innovation.”