Co-op Wholesale has entered into a new five-year agreement with forecourt operator Ascona Group, ensuring continued grocery supply to its 62 UK sites.
The renewed deal will see Ascona customers continue to benefit from Co-op’s own-label range alongside leading branded products.
Founded in 2011 by CEO Darren Briggs, the company now serves more than 300,000 customers each week and has made significant investments in its network — including a £3m redevelopment of Machynlleth Service Station in North Wales last year.
Its recent acquisitions include Kirkburn Service Station in East Yorkshire and Ridgeway Service Station in Hastings.
“Ascona has been one of the standout growth stories in the forecourt sector over the last decade, and we are delighted to extend our partnership for a further five years,” said Co-op Wholesale sales and partnerships director Paul Webster.
“Our shared focus on quality, value and community makes this a natural collaboration, and we look forward to supporting Ascona’s ambitious plans as they continue to expand and invest across the UK.”
Ascona founder Briggs added: “Ensuring our forecourts provide our customers and the local communities in which we operate with a first-class roadside retail destination is at the heart of what we do at Ascona, which is why we choose to partner with operators like Co-op Wholesale.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with Co-op Wholesale, who are one of our key suppliers to our forecourts across the country. Today, all of our 62 forecourts are supplied with grocery and Co-op branded products by Co-op Wholesale. Our partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years, and we look forward to continuing our work together to serve our customers.”
In August, Co-op joined forces with forecourt operator EG On the Move to open a new roadside forecourt and convenience site in Stowmarket, bringing together fuel, food, and EV charging under one roof.
The 24-hour site, located on the A1308 Needham Road, was the first to launch following last year’s trial locations and forms part of Co-op’s wider plan to expand joint sites later this year.