SPAR South West showcased its continued growth and ambition at the 2025 Tradeshow & Conference, held on 3rd July at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay. The move to a larger venue reflected the event’s expanding scale, with over 140 independent SPAR retailers in attendance and more than 100 supplier stands hosted by regional wholesaler Appleby Westward.
Centred on the theme “RIO – Retail, Investment, Opportunity,” the conference highlighted SPAR South West’s forward-looking strategy and ambition across its network.
“Our tradeshow and conference reinforces SPAR South West's commitment to building lasting relationships between independent SPAR retailers, suppliers and community partnerships,” said Mike Boardman, Managing Director of Appleby Westward. “It’s about recognising success, exploring new opportunities and shaping the future of convenience retail together.”
The agenda featured senior leaders from Appleby Westward and SPAR UK, including Mike Boardman and SPAR UK Managing Director Michael Fletcher, alongside other senior leaders from across the business.
Mike Boardman addressed recent headlines, confirming that Appleby Westward Group (AWG) is in the process of seeking a new UK-based owner as part of a wider strategic realignment by parent company SPAR Group South Africa. He emphasised that operations continue unchanged and that the business remains committed to customers, SPAR retailers and suppliers during this transition.
“Appleby Westward is a strong and attractive business for a new owner, with great people, a robust wholesale and logistics infrastructure servicing more than 300 SPAR stores across the South West,” Boardman said. “Our focus remains firmly on supporting our retailers and driving forward together.”
Michael Fletcher provided a detailed market overview highlighting the importance of the SPAR own label range as a differentiator in the convenience sector. With over 750 own label products and more than 160 industry awards, the SPAR Brand continues to deliver value, quality and retailer exclusivity. “There is a big shift in consumer attitudes to own label and they are looking to buy more. Own label is as relevant in convenience as it is in supermarkets,” he said.
Ian Taylor, SPAR UK’s Retail & Brand Development Director, spotlighted growth in “food for now” and “food for later” categories as the future of convenience. He encouraged retailers to rethink space allocation and layout, whether through quick refreshes or full refits, to take advantage of these high-growth areas.
Joe Dooley, Trading Director at Appleby Westward, presented core strategic category pillars including off licence, impulse, food-to-go, fresh foods and flowers and vaping. “It is a challenging trading environment, but by working with our supply partners we can deliver our growth through marginal gains that add up to stronger sales and profitability across SPAR South West stores,” he said.
Steve Thomas, Interim Sales and Recruitment Director, called on retailers to embrace the collaborative SPAR family model: wholesaler, supplier and retailer working as one. He also stressed the importance of stocking the full depot range, activating marketing campaigns and boosting SPAR Brand visibility.
A new quarterly promotional campaign was launched, reducing wholesale costs on around 100 lines across all categories. These prices will be held for 12 weeks, with the range evolving seasonally. “We are backing our independent retailers with meaningful margin opportunities,” added Thomas. “This new campaign delivers long-term value through locked-in pricing, enabling stores to stay competitive while protecting profitability.”
The tradeshow featured a supplier exhibition including both major FMCG brands with regional producers such as Sofia’s Cupcakes, Trewithen Dairy, Denzel’s and Beavertown Brewery – reflecting the region’s focus on variety, quality and local sourcing, all key drivers of customer loyalty.
SPAR retailers also had the opportunity to engage with Appleby Westward’s category initiatives, product innovations, new planograms, marketing toolkits, digital tools and services such as Shoplink, designed to simplify ordering and drive delivery efficiency.
This year’s event also raised funds for SPAR’s national charity partner, Marie Curie, and Appleby Westward’s regional partner, FareShare South West. “Every penny we raise for Marie Curie makes a difference and touches every one of our communities,” said Steve Thomas. “We are incredibly proud of the support our retailers, customers and colleagues continue to give such vital causes.”
“The energy at this year’s event has been outstanding,” said Boardman. “Whether it’s new product innovation, store investment or the strength of our retailer relationships, everything we are doing is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for SPAR in the South West.”
