This year marks a landmark moment for Bestway Wholesale, the UK’s leading independent wholesaler, as it celebrates 50 years of service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting independent retailers.
Founded in 1975 with the registration of Bestway Wholesale Limited and the opening of its first warehouse in Acton, West London, the business has since flourished into a multi-billion-pound enterprise.
As the business celebrates five decades of excellence, it also honours the legacy of a man whose vision transformed the Wholesale sector and whose life’s work continues to inspire future generations.
A visionary and pioneer in the wholesale sector, Sir Anwar laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected and successful family-owned businesses in the UK. His founding principles – delivering the right range, at the best price, with exceptional service – remain at the heart of the business today. Bestway was established by independent retailers, for independent retailers, and that mission continues to define its purpose.
From achieving £12 million in turnover within just 18 months, to receiving a knighthood in 1999 for his outstanding contributions to the Food Wholesale Industry, Sir Anwar’s achievements have been nothing short of inspirational. Under his leadership, the company has continually evolved – launching the best-one symbol group in 2002, acquiring Batley’s in 2005 to strengthen its wholesale footprint, adding Costcutter Supermarkets Group in 2020, and expanding further in 2024 with the acquisition of Adams Foodservice.
Today, the wholesale business is led by Dawood Pervez, managing director, and continues to build on his family’s legacy of agility, innovation and customer-first focus.
Speaking of the 50th anniversary, Dawood says: “It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come – from modest beginnings to becoming one of the UK’s leading wholesalers. This milestone – celebrating half a century in business – is a testament to the hard work, integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the business.
“My father’s vision was simple but powerful: to offer greater value through lower prices and better availability – a mission that remains at the core of everything we do today.
“He created a business that is an engine for social mobility and an opportunity for migrant communities seeking to build a life in the UK – offering them purpose, a path to prosperity, and the chance to add lasting value to British society. The power of ‘shopping local’ remains a a force for societal good today.
“Thanks to the vision of my father and his family partners, the business rapidly grew through both organic development and strategic acquisitions. Today, we are proud to be the 7th largest family-owned business in the UK and the 13th largest privately owned company.”
2025 will be a year of celebration and appreciation for Bestway colleagues, retail partners, and suppliers. The anniversary year kicked off in January with Bestway’s long-standing ‘Thank You’ event – a cornerstone of Bestway’s customer engagement for over a decade. The in-depot and online campaign offered retailers exceptional deals on leading brands and products to thank retailers for their continued support and loyalty.
The ‘thank you’ theme continues across the year, with 50 weekly celebratory trade campaigns, including special Golden Days and Golden Weeks. These will feature exclusive promotions, limited-edition product launches, targeted discounts, competitions, and high-value prizes – all designed to drive footfall, increase sales, and boost profitability for Bestway’s retail customers.
Celebrations will culminate in December with a Christmas Advent-style promotion, offering 50 one-day-only festive deals – a fitting finale to a year of giving back.
Key supplier partners supporting the anniversary campaign include AB Barr, Budweiser Brewing Group, Cadbury’s, Carlsberg Britvic, Coca Cola Euro Pacific, Heineken, Imperial Brands, JTI, Mars Wrigley, Red Bull, Walkers and Yazoo.
In July, Bestway will mark its 50th anniversary with a landmark celebration at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. Hosted by Founder Sir Anwar Pervez OBE HPk and The Lord Choudrey, CBE SI Pk, Chairman of Bestway Group, this prestigious event will bring together colleagues, long-standing supplier partners, and friends of the business to commemorate five decades of success, innovation, and enduring legacy in the wholesale and retail sector.
