Confex has brought its membership up to 223 across 241 UK depots after bring in its eighth new member of this year with the addition of Rowan International.
Rowan sources and distributes FMCG brands, managing residual stock from the worldwide manufacturers in categories such as personal care, household and confectionery. Its turnover rose by 24% in 2022-23 to hit £56m.
Ben Winter, commercial director, Rowan International, said: “Following a market review of buying groups in the UK, Rowan decided that Confex was the best fit for our needs. We’re excited about benefitting from enhanced purchasing power and exclusive deals as well as gaining access to a vast network of suppliers. In fact, we’ve already been in contact with several new – and even some lapsed – suppliers to discuss how Rowan can help solve their excess stock problems.
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Tom Gittins, Confex chief executive welcomed Rowan to the group saying: “It’s been a fantastic year for Confex with eight new members joining the group in 2024 alone. We’re delighted that Rowan International has chosen to join us having carried out research, recognising the many benefits we offer in addition to our unwavering commitment to supporting our members’ growth plans.
“In the past four years, Confex has grown considerably. Our group turnover is now £3.36bn with more than 240 depots across the UK, and with plans to grow further. We’re delighted that our focus on diversifying our membership has really paid off for the group and has set us up for future success. Just like us, Rowan International is on an exciting growth journey which we know we can support and enhance, and so we’re perfectly placed to work together to achieve success.”
