Independent wholesale trade profile reports available

With suppliers showing increasing interest in BoP (base of the pyramid) market penetration, independent channel knowledge has become paramount. "Suppliers demand insight into the channel as a whole, as well as more specific information on the individual players," explains Kate Shirley, research analyst for new channels at Trade Intelligence. "These reports will provide them with that knowledge."

The reports are the outcome of a 12-month research process, engaging with South Africa's leading independent wholesale and buying group players to provide a clear perspective on the independent wholesale channel.

Report highlights

• Insight into four major players within the SA Independent Wholesale Trade - Unitrade Management Services (UMS), The Independent Cash & Carry Group (ICC), the Buying Exchange Consortium (BEC), and Elite Star Trading (EST)
  
• A view of channel dynamics, growth imperatives and marketing opportunities
  
• An outline of implications and opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers, from operations to shopper marketing

In conjunction with the trade profiles, the company has also produced a sector overview report for the independent wholesale and retail channel, which highlights trends in the sector, the resulting market impacts and a comprehensive list of opportunities for suppliers arising out of these trends.

"The independent wholesale channel continues to adapt in an ever-changing and fiercely competitive trading landscape," says Shirley. "It is now imperative for suppliers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their key wholesale customers. The fight for the lower-LSM consumer is becoming more competitive, a market segment where independent wholesale has traditionally enjoyed a stronghold and comprehensive understanding. With the top-end market becoming ever more saturated, it makes sense for suppliers who want to see real growth to seek insight into independent wholesale, a channel that has been defined as the 'true' route-to-market to the BoP. The team is proud of these reports, as they represent the tools that suppliers and manufacturers need in order to develop a winning wholesale strategy."

Available in data-rich PowerPoint decks, with supporting photographic material, the reports are presentation-ready and can be easily inserted by users into their own channel presentations. The five reports can either be bought individually or together in the form of a 'strategic pack'.