Bestway has increased store numbers in its Best-one fascia by 125 over the last month following Palmer & Harvey’s (P&H) collapse and growing interest in chilled and own-label products.

The wholesaler claims to have also received queries from more than 1,000 retailers interested in joining the symbol group. Bestway was unable to provide details on total store numbers as RN went to print, but confirmed its annual sales have grown year-on-year by 19.6%.

Meeta Raja, of Best-one Raja Stores in Leicester, said: “I haven’t gone to another symbol group in the last three years because I find the prices offer the best value at both wholesale level and for our customers.

“They’ve definitely been investing a lot in chilled and own-label over the last year and this is reflected in my sales. I’ve seen an annual increase of more than 10% across my chilled and frozen category.”

Tony Holmes, Bestway Wholesale sales director, added: “Our investment in chilled, fresh and own label has helped. Retailers appreciate the support we have placed behind their stores.