In what has been described as a “proactive move to support independent retailers” across the region, the removal of the levies took effect from Monday 1^st September.

The company said the action reflects Co-op Wholesale’s recognition of the economic pressures facing local businesses, while also underscoring its long-term commitment to delivering value, stability and partnership to its Northern Ireland customer base.

Acknowledging that their service levels have not met the expectations of NI retailers in recent months, MD of Co-op Wholesale, Katie Secretan said the decision to scrap the levies was a “clear signal” of their focus and enduring commitment to these retailers.

“We’re determined to rebuild trust and deliver the service our retailers deserve,” added Katie Secretan.

Nisa retailer, Kenny Bradley who owns seven stores across Northern Ireland, welcomed the recent announcement, adding it comes after the tobacco price realignment earlier in August.

“It represents another positive step in supporting independent retailers,” Kenny told NR.

“Co-op Wholesale are working hard to address product availability challenges caused by Brexit, and we will continue to work closely with them to improve supply, drive growth, and strengthen our stores through collaboration and engagement.

“Food retailers in Northern Ireland have faced exceptionally challenging years due to numerous complex UK/EU agreements, which have disadvantaged local consumers through inflated prices and product shortages,” added Kenny.

“At times, goods have been withdrawn from sale altogether, and unnecessary food waste has occurred as trucks are turned away at customs – often over minor paperwork errors.”

Kenny added that ongoing uncertainty was causing difficulties for retailers here.

“Considering that the UK left the EU in 2020, it is deeply concerning that a UK Government minister has now confirmed the Irish Sea border for food and agricultural products will remain in place until at least 2027 – seven years after Brexit.

“This ongoing uncertainty continues to damage the local retail industry and should be a source of serious reflection for all those involved in the Brexit negotiations.”

Meanwhile, Noel Hadden, General Manager at Milestone Rathfriland, which is owned by Tom McAvoy, said any reduction in cost was good news.

“I think the removal of the levies is a welcome move, however volumes with NISA/Co-op have dropped considerably, this mainly being due to higher cost pricing with NISA/Co-op than many of the other local wholesale suppliers,” said Noel.

“This again is compounded further by the Windsor Framework, where many goods across ambient, chilled, and frozen supplied from GB are being restricted unless they have ‘Not For EU’ on the individual packaging, forcing retailers to source goods through an alternative supply route.

“Yes, any reductions in costs are very welcome but there is a lot for NISA/Co-op to contend with to sustain and grow any further business in Northern Ireland,” added Noel.

Katie Secretan said the removal of the levies is part of a broader strategy to enhance support for independent retailers and ensure they remain competitive and financially resilient in a challenging market.

“Co-op Wholesale will continue to monitor the economic landscape and work at pace to resolve product availability issues,” she added.

The levy position will be reviewed ahead of the start of 2026, in line with ongoing economic developments.

The post Scrapping levies ‘supports Northern Ireland’s independent retailers’ first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The move has been described as the start of a new opportunity, designed to bring together the collaboration and strength of both businesses and to unlock greater value for independent retailers.

Katie Secretan, Managing Director of Co-op Wholesale said it was more than just a supply deal, while MD of Bestway Wholesale, Dawood Pervez said it would support retailer growth.

“I am delighted to announce this new agreement which goes further than just a supply deal; we are jointly focused on true partnership as the key ingredient for mutual success, as we collectively support Independent Retailers to grow through our market leading propositions,” said Katie Secretan.

Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale added: “The continuation of our collaboration will see Costcutter stores continue to benefit from the market-leading full-service convenience model from Co-op Wholesale, including access to the iconic and best in class Co-op own brand products.

“Both businesses are committed to working together to continuously improve the offer, supporting retailer growth in an evolving market.”

The post Co-op Wholesale and Costcutter Supermarkets Group announce new partnership first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The action reflects Co-op Wholesale’s recognition of the economic pressures facing local businesses and underscores its long-term commitment to deliver value, stability, and partnership to its Northern Ireland customer base.

Katie Secretan, Managing Director of Co-op Wholesale said their Northern Ireland customers were a vital part of their retail portfolio.

“While we acknowledge that our service levels have not met expectations in recent months, this decision goes beyond financial relief, it’s a clear signal of our focus and enduring commitment to these retailers. We’re determined to rebuild trust and deliver the service our retailers deserve,” she said.

The removal of the levies is part of a broader strategy to enhance support for independent retailers and ensure they remain competitive and financially resilient in a challenging market. Co-op Wholesale will continue to monitor the economic landscape and work at pace to resolve product availability issues.

The levy position will be reviewed ahead of the start of 2026, in line with ongoing economic developments.

The post Co-op Wholesale removes levies for Northern Ireland retailers first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The latest report from Co-op shows mixed fortunes for the retailer, with a wholesale loss of £1m, compared to a £14 million profit in 2023 – put down to continued wider challenging market conditions, as well as their proactive support for partners with a significant price investment across hundreds of products.

Meanwhile, the report highlights it held Nisa’s market share at 11.9%, against a broader sector decline and they continued to see high levels of partners buying own brand, at 92% (compared to 91% in 2023).

The report comes following the news Nisa Wholesale was rebranding as Co-op Wholesale, with the Co-op Group stating this was a strategic move forward and would allow them to deliver “expansive growth and operational excellence”. Katie Secretan was announced as the new MD for Co-op Wholesale.

Elsewhere in the report, Co-op Group maintained revenue at £11.3 billion, with significant increase in group profit and further reductions in group net debt.

LONG-TERM FOCUS

Profit before tax was up by £133 million to £161 million (compared to £28 million in 2023), which the Group said was driven by increased operating profits and improved Funeralcare plan investment returns.

Meanwhile, a strong balance sheet was maintained, with total liquidity of £820m and net debt (excluding leases) down £27m to £55m – a 94% reduction in the last three years.

Chair of the Co-op, Debbie White thanked each colleague for their focus and hard work in delivering these results on behalf of their members.

“These results show that our strategy on delivering for our member owners, whilst also delivering long-term financial and operational progress is working,” she said.

“I’m particularly delighted we have increased our active membership by 22%. We continue to focus on long-term profitable growth, creating more value for all our member owners and the communities they live in.”

The post Co-op Group reveals profits amidst external headwinds in new report first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.