Confex

Confex functions as a buying alliance and is based in the UK. Confex started operating in 1972. Nowadays, the firm works with over 240 members. Confex is a private company and an associate of the Landmark Wholesale group.

Confex settles competitive deals with suppliers which benefit all its members. The business also helps in marketing strategies and supporting its members with incentive and discounts. Furthermore, the central distribution gives members flexibility in terms of the quantities they order. 

Confex has partnered with American Express. The partnership benefits members in terms of special payment terms and rewards. 

The members that work with Confex include wholesalers, cash & carry stores, vending operators, food service businesses such as cafes, restaurants, catering companies, etc. 

The business’s turnover has reached € 2.5 billion.

The company offers products in the following categories: 

• Drinks: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Savory Grocery: crisps, snacks, nuts, etc.
• Sweet Grocery: chocolate, sweets, biscuits, tea, etc.
• Dairy: a range of dairy products such as yoghurts
• Frozen Food: ready-meals, sauces, desserts, etc.
• Chilled & Fresh food: fish, seafood, ready-meals, etc.
• Personal care: a variety of personal care products
• Household: a range of cleaning products

Confex currently works with over 200 suppliers which include Nestle, Mars, Twinings, Cadbury, Volvic, Rio, Red Bull and Ferrero. There are over 1000 brands available. 

Confex also introduced its own brand, CORE which consists of food and non-food products targetting wholesalers dealing in the HoReCa sector. 

In order to become an official supplier of Confex, one should meet the following requirements:

• First and foremost, they need to pay a launch fee.

• The suppliers should provide relevant and interesting products.

• Having the ability to deliver in pallets and able to ship directly to the members.

• They should be having their own sales representatives in the UK.

• Having their own warehouses is a plus point, also they can ship to Confex’s central distribution which costs 7.5%.

• The supplier should be willing to sell into UK independent wholesale.

• The minimum turnover for suppliers should be 200,000 euros and they are requested to offer their buyers a loyalty bonus of 2% based on their operating turnover.

In order to conduct their deliveries, a fleet of 3517 vehicles are available. In relation to the logistics solutions, the firm partnered with Yearsley Logistics (largest UK frozen provider of supply chain solutions) hence ensuring the smooth running of the supply chain.