Today's Group set to increase on-trade efforts

The Today’s Group is the largest wholesale buying group in the UK with buying power in excess of £5.7billion, but it has traditionally focused its effort on retail.

Bill Laird, managing director of the Today’s Group, said: “Following the demise of Waverly TBS in 2012 there are now very few established routes to market for manufacturers, which is an unhealthy position for us all.

“We have created a new presence in the sector providing licensed outlets with a wider choice and range of our services via our members, who collectively represent £500m.”

The group now has 27 on-trade members including Tanners Wines, ABV Wholesale, Edwards Beers and Minerals, Small Beer and Young’s.

The Today’s Group’s recent focus has been on creating infrastructure, re-establishing supplier relationships and building market recognition.

“2015 is an exciting year for us and we already have a number of new initiatives in place and are working with both our members and our suppliers to ensure our offer to the trade is considerably better and more attractive,” added Laird.

The company also hinted at a potential retail club for pubs.

New appointment​

Francesca Sabin, who previously worked as a group buyer for H B Clark, has been appointed the new head of the Today’s Group’s on-trade division, which is the fastest developing division of this kind in the sector.

She said: “I look forward to working with our members and suppliers to drive the on-trade business forward – we are developing really interesting ideas in terms of how we can further support our on-trade members and our customers.”

Sabin takes over the role from Steven Graham, previously chief executive of National Drinks Distributors for 16 years, who is retiring.