THE UK’s wholesale sector has had a mixed 2020, with turnover growth for those serving the retail market failing to offset significant declines in turnover for foodservice wholesalers.
Lumina Intelligence’s UK Wholesale Market Report 2020 found the UK wholesale market grew by 2.8% in 2020, down from +4.4% in 2019.
The pandemic had a major impact on wholesaler performance last year, with retail wholesalers facing record levels of demand, resulting in strong growth.
Lumina Intelligence head of insight Blonnie Walsh said: “In line with what we are reporting for grocery retail vs. the hospitality industry, the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the wholesale market becoming polarised. Retail wholesalers have seen unprecedented demand surges, which, as well as causing supply chain pressures, has resulted in strong growth across the year.
“For hospitality, the picture is a lot bleaker, with the ever changing restrictions imposed since the start of the pandemic having a catastrophic impact on the industry.”
