Founded in 1987, Kitwave is an independent, delivered wholesale business with approximately 2,100 employees and a network of 37 depots able to support delivery throughout the UK, specialising in selling impulse products (such as confectionery, soft drinks, snacks, ice cream), frozen, chilled and fresh foods, alcohol, groceries and tobacco to approximately 42,000, mainly independent, customers. Currently, the Group sells a broad portfolio of approximately 44,000 products.

The diverse customer base includes independent convenience retailers, leisure outlets, vending machine operators, foodservice providers, and other wholesalers, as well as leading national retailers.

Kitwave’s ability to provide low-value drops, with minimum orders values from as low as £100, ensures the Group is best placed to capture this market. The marketplace in which Kitwave operates was estimated to be worth approximately £31 billion in 2023. The Group has grown its share of the market through a series of acquisitions, enabling geographical expansion and product/market diversification. Notably, ventures into the Frozen, Chilled and Foodservice markets have all supplemented the original Ambient business.