Unitas adds new food wholesaler to network

Explaining the decision to become Unitas members, DLS director Pedram Salahshouri said the firm hoped to gain “valuable insights”​ while retaining its independence.

Established in 1988, DLS offers an extensive range of frozen, chilled and ambient products across categories including meat and poultry, fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables, potato products, dairy and eggs, bakery, drinks, desserts and condiments.

The business has recently expanded its operations under the guidance of general manager Sonal Sarvaiya, opening an additional 180,000 square foot facility in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.

This site will complement its existing 55,000 square foot facility, which is also in Stockton-on-Tees.

“Joining Unitas allows us to leverage the extensive benefits of the UK’s largest independent buying group, including enhanced purchasing power, competitive promotions, and access to innovative marketing support,”​ added Salahshouri.

“This collaboration will enable us to maintain our independence while gaining valuable industry insights and networking opportunities. We are excited to work alongside other independent wholesalers and suppliers to foster mutual growth and success in the foodservice sector.”​

£8bn buying collective power

Based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Unitas said that it now operates the “largest network”​ of independent cash and carry and delivered wholesalers in the UK, while its current membership base has the collective buying power of £8bn.

The benefits offered to members include competitive promotions, cost saving services, networking and marketing support, digital solutions and data insights. In the 2024 Advantage Report, Unitas was named as suppliers’ favourite retail wholesaler for overall performance, partnership and execution.

Commenting on the news, Unitas trading director Cheryl Hope noted: “DLS is a great addition to the Unitas membership. It’s expanding, with a commitment to excellent service, operational efficiency and innovative technology. We have a lot to learn from each other and I’m delighted to welcome the DLS team into the group.”​

In other news, Glebe Farm Foods has claimed that its PureOaty Barista product has the lowest carbon footprint among oat drinks on the UK market.​​