FWD column: We must not be overlooked

Wholesale is critical to supply chain and must contribute to policy discussions, says FWD Chair Dawood Pervez

The National Food Strategy presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK to rethink how food is grown, distributed and consumed.

For wholesalers, this strategy isn’t just policy, it’s the framework within which we operate, innovate and deliver. Our role is pivotal in ensuring that the system is not only efficient but also fair, sustainable and resilient.

FWD has developed a roadmap for resilience in the UK food supply chain which sets out proposals for a food strategy that works for everyone, with objectives that align with the government’s priority areas.

Healthy foods

Accessible and affordable healthy food is central to the goals of the National Food Strategy. FWD’s proposal includes involving wholesalers in the design of public food policies in a bid to ensure practical delivery.

The Food Strategy may propose mandatory reporting of healthy and unhealthy food sales, meaning we may see a shift in focus toward healthier options, something we must be ready to react to. The sugar tax on soft drinks introduced in 2018 presented margin pressures in the sector and it’s recently been announced that milkshakes and lattes could be included too, meaning wholesalers must
prepare to adapt once again.

Wholesalers must support retailers with price incentives and in-store promotions for healthier choices. By making nutritious food more appealing, we can help support UK public health goals. We must not forget that our channel sells treats, mainly as singles, which should be considered carefully in the context of multipacks.

Food security

The government must treat food as a strategic national priority and acknowledge our sector as a key component. Nearly half of UK food is imported, so global disruptions such as tariffs, bans and supply chain volatility present significant risks and, often, wholesalers absorb these shocks without warning, underlining the need for a more resilient food system.

FWD is calling for a coordinated food resilience strategy that includes investment in modern infrastructure, contingency planning and strong partnerships between government and industry. By recognising and supporting wholesale, the government can safeguard food security for the future.

Environment

The National Food Strategy aims to reduce the environmental impact of food committed to supporting UK net zero targets, and investing in greener fleets and depots. We must, however, work closely with suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing of products.

While Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Scheme policies can drive positive environmental outcomes, they must be designed in a way that is practical, affordable and consistent for the businesses expected to implement them.

The National Food Strategy proposes environmental impact labelling on products, meaning that it is likely we will see a rise in demand for sustainably sourced products as consumers make more informed choices.

Economic growth

At its core, the National Food Strategy aims to ensure economic growth. While wholesalers are ready to invest in a more robust, sustainable and efficient supply chain, growth is often halted by structural barriers, excessive costs and a lack of joined-up policy.

Our calls

As part of the roadmap, FWD is calling for an exemption for food and drink wholesalers from proposed business rates increases, recognising wholesale’s low-margin, high-volume operational model and our strategic role in the national food supply.

Wholesalers must not be overlooked in the implementation of the National Food Strategy, and we are pleased that the sector is represented, as Bidfood CEO Andrew Selley has a seat at the table.

Personally, I remain convinced that the key to the long term success of a food strategy is teaching children about food production, nutrition, healthy eating habits and appreciation for cuisine.

Andrew Selley Dawood Pervez Deposit Return Scheme economy Environment extended producer responsibility food security FWD FWD column Government National Food Strategy