The Scottish wholesaler has 268 independent retailers operating under the symbol group brands. Managing director Amaan Ramzan told Better Retailing that UWG had taken on the supply contract businesses of 80 unaffiliated retailers since its purchase of the Gateshead site. 

Blakemore sells Gateshead depot to United Wholesale Grocers

Ramzan said: “The purchase of the Gateshead depot took us south of the Scottish border and into a new market outside Scotland for the first time. We are helping these new retailers throughout the area to look at and develop opportunities such as food to go. 

United Wholesale Grocers begins expansion south of Scottish border

“They’re also being provided with marketing support from us, such as customised promotional banners for their social media pages.” 

Blakemore announced its decision to offload its wholesale business last April. UWG’s purchase of the Gateshead depot in May 2018 added to its existing cash and carry sites in Springburn and Polmadie.