In a first-of-its-kind move for the logistics sector, leading distribution provider P W Gates Distribution Limited has partnered with Grocery Impact Limited, a retail consultancy founded by former supermarket buyers Joanna Walker and Jennifer Mazure, to launch a powerful new value-added service for food and drink brands.
This strategic partnership marks a significant shift, taking P W Gates beyond traditional warehousing and transport into the commercial arena, offering brands an all-in-one solution that combines robust logistics with expert retail strategy. It’s everything a growing brand needs to succeed in grocery retail, under one roof.
Why it matters:
For small and scaling brands, success in retail takes more than a good product, it takes operational excellence and commercial credibility. This partnership removes the guesswork and the gaps. Instead of juggling multiple service providers, brands can now work with a single team that understands the full journey, from warehouse to store launch and scale-up.
Joanna Walker, who founded Grocery Impact (formerly known as Purple Basil), has supported over 150 SMEs since 2015, from developing investor-ready business plans to winning and protecting retail listings. Jo delivers strategies that help drive business growth.
With decades of experience inside the UK’s major supermarkets, Jo and Jennifer (Co founders of Grocery Impact) have both worked alongside top brands including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, specialising in product development, buying and marketing. Their expertise has helped get great brands on the shelf, in the basket and on the map.
Chris Lynch, Development Director at P W Gates, commented:
“By combining our robust distribution network with Grocery Impact’s front-line buyer expertise, we’re offering a full-service solution that helps brands scale with confidence and precision – Delivering what we promise, together.”
He added, “This partnership allows us to support brands not only in operations but also to help them achieve long-term retail success. Many logistics providers stop at the warehouse door – we’re helping brands break into retail and stay there.”
Helping Brands Grow Faster and Smarter
P W Gates and Grocery Impact provide:
- End-to-end support from warehousing to commercial strategy
- Insight-led retail readiness and buyer engagement plans
- Data-driven growth strategies, grounded in consumer and market insights
- Access to an industry network and over a decade of proven success with 150+ brands
Joanna Walker, Founder of Grocery Impact, commented:
“We empower brands with the strategy to sell, scale, and succeed in retail. This partnership gives them the clarity, capability and credibility they need to grow.”
So what does this really mean for ambitious brands?
- One-stop solution saves time, money, and stress, no need to juggle consultants, warehouses and sales experts
- Faster route to retail success with real time buyer insight and access to decision-makers
- Retail readiness built in from day one, operations and strategy work hand-in-hand
- Credibility with buyers backed by a respected logistics provider and proven commercial experts
- A smarter scale-up journey with fewer mistakes and stronger foundations
We turn great products into success stories. Learn more about this partnership at: https://pwgates.co.uk/value-added-services-vas/ – https://groceryimpact.co.uk
About Grocery Impact
Grocery Impact is a retail consultancy led by former supermarket buyers, dedicated to helping food and drink brands scale successfully in UK grocery. The team has worked with over 150 brands to secure listings, build retail strategies, and drive growth.
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For more information about Grocery Impact & P W Gates Distribution Ltd
For more information about Grocery Impact & P W Gates Distribution Ltd: Contact Joanna Walker, Director Grocery Impact – Chris Lynch, Development Director P W Gates Distribution Ltd – groceryimpact@pwgates.co.uk