Food & Drink Wholesale UK
The trade association for food and drink wholesalers in the UK
As the trade association for UK food and drink wholesalers, we bring together nearly 640 wholesalers with 127 suppliers and 50 service providers, creating a powerful network of expertise, collaboration, and shared ambition.
Food & Drink Wholesale UK represents the people and businesses powering the nation’s food and drink supply chain. We champion our members’ interests at every level, from government to grassroots. Whether it’s influencing policy, tackling industry challenges, or driving innovation, we’re here to make sure wholesale is heard, understood, and valued. With insight, advocacy, and a commitment to progress, we’re shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for wholesale, and for the communities we serve.
Eight of our members are buying groups, representing over 630 independent wholesalers between them and total sales of £18bn. Buying groups combine their members’ buying power for economies of scale, and provide merchandising, marketing and services support.
Our members sit at the heart of the UK’s food and drink supply chain - keeping shelves stocked and businesses running across shops, pubs, restaurants, schools, care homes, hospitals and workplaces. Wherever food is served, a wholesaler is behind the scenes making it happen.
We unite wholesalers, suppliers and service providers to unlock growth, improve efficiency and share expertise. From technology and logistics to insight, data and consultancy, our service provider members support the sector at every stage.
We also work closely with manufacturers to help their brands succeed in wholesale, building strong, commercially focused partnerships that deliver real results.
As the voice of wholesale, Food & Drink Wholesale UK connects the people, ideas and insight that keep the supply chain moving - and growing.
Bringing the Wholesale Channel Together
FWD connects the wholesale sector through a packed calendar of events designed to inform, inspire and unite. From networking opportunities to high-level insight, our events help you get the most from your membership.
Our flagship conference, FWD LIVE!, showcases the latest research, sector trends and policy updates. We also celebrate excellence at the prestigious FWD Gold Medal Awards, the industry's biggest night of the year.
Exclusive events like the Business Lunch and Parliamentary receptions give members the chance to influence and connect with key stakeholders, while Wholesaler Evenings offer focused networking with category buyers.
We champion inclusion through the growing Diversity in Wholesale Conference, and welcome new faces with our Introduction to Wholesale and Foodservice sessions.
Regular webinars, Member Days, and the Bringing Wholesale Together series ensure there’s always an opportunity to engage, learn and collaborate - wherever you are in the channel.