The wholesaler’s new ‘hub’ structure was said to have given depot managers flexibility with localised promotions, while online sales were boosted by a new website for its Best-one symbol group.
Further wins for Bestway included Depot Manager of the Year, won by Atif Raza from its Leeds branch, while Salih Sheikh took home the Young Wholesaler trophy in recognition of his work in “revolutionising” the company’s digital offer.
Martyn Parkinson, brand director at Booker’s Premier symbol group, won the gold medal for customer business development.
Judges said he had a “keen eye for identifying areas of development” and had been a big hit with retailers.
JW Filshill was named as the wholesaler making the “best use of data and insight” over the past year, in recognition of the way it combined sales figures and customers’ EPoS data to create an accurate core range and better service.
Booker picked up the award for Green Wholesaler, thanks to its achievement in cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% – its 12th consecutive year-on-year reduction.
In the supplier awards, there was a trio of wins for Coca-Cola, named as the brand making best use of data and insight, as well as overall Retail Brand of the Year.
Coke Energy was recognised as Best New Product for the retail sector.
The FWD Gold Medal awards were held yesterday evening (28 November) at Old Billingsgate in the City of London.
