Amazon-style launch for pubs aims to disrupt traditional wholesale market

StarStock describes itself as the first of its kind, acting as a one-stop shop for independent pubs across the UK to order directly from major drinks brands, a move the company claims will save operators time and money, as well as being able to order 24/7.

Company backing

The company is launching with backing from the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), and has alread signed up major drinks companies to the service, including Asahi UK, Bacardi, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, Britvic, Red Bull, Shepherd Neame, Theakston’s, Robinsons, Fever Tree, Kopparberg and a growing range of regional brewers, with more joining all the time.

Sam Ulph, founder and CEO of StarStock Group, said: “We are on a mission to help pubs, bars and other independent licensed businesses thrive, not just survive. The pandemic has shone a light on the value of local independent businesses to their customers and communities. Now, as they begin to recover and rebuild, it’s time to do things differently.

Genuine marketplace

Ulph added: “StarStock disrupts what has, until this point, been an unmodernised supply chain model. Our platform enables independent operators to order all their favourite brands directly from the businesses that manufacture them – a genuine marketplace for the licensed trade.”

Sam Rhodes, marketing director at Asahi UK, said: “[We are] delighted to collaborate with StarStock as its super premium and premium lager category partner. Its e-commerce platform will provide a valuable tool for the on-trade at this difficult commercial time, providing convenience and efficiency to customers whilst extending the reach of brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch and Meantime.”