Sterling Supergroup Looks Ahead to ‘The Next 60’ at Annual Conference
Sterling Supergroup welcomed members and suppliers to Old Thorns Hotel, Hampshire, from 16th to 18th September for its 60th Annual Conference & Exhibition. Held under the theme The Next 60: Technology, Insight and Opportunity, the event welcomed a record number of member delegates and supplier partners, reflecting the strong engagement and support across the group.
Throughout the conference, delegates received updates on Sterling’s strategy and priorities, including the unveiling of its new premium own-brand range, Diamond Selection by Sterling. The announcement provided an exclusive first look at the new brand, with further details to be revealed in due course.
A key feature of the event was the exhibition, providing members with the opportunity to engage directly with supplier partners, explore new products and discuss opportunities for growth.
The annual golf tournament, held at Old Thorns, once again proved a popular part of the event. Congratulations were extended to overall winner John Fearns of Duni Poppies, while thanks were also given to Tony Charalambous of T&L Wholesale for his continued support as Golf Captain.
The event also incorporated the group’s Annual General Meeting, a key part of the cooperative structure of the business, which is owned and governed by its members. The AGM ensures members have a direct voice in the buying group’s future direction and the opportunity to shape its continued success.
During the meeting, members appointed two new directors to the Board. Mark Wright, Purchasing Manager at FB The Wholesaler, and Grant Le Tissier, Managing Director of Manor Farm Foods, were welcomed onto the Board, bringing valuable experience and perspective from across the membership.
The conference concluded with the Gala and Awards Dinner, where achievements were recognised from across the group and its supplier base.
Award Winners
Member of the Year - T&L Wholesale
Supplier of the Year - Kiril Mischeff Ltd
Sterling Caterers Essentials Member of the Year - Reids Foodservice Ltd
Sterling Caterers Essentials Supplier of the Year - Délifrance (UK) Ltd
Sustainability Member of the Year - FB The Wholesaler Ltd
Sustainability Supplier of the Year - AB World Foods Ltd
Attendees also supported Sterling’s ongoing 60th anniversary fundraising efforts. Through the conference auction and tombola, a total of £5,800 was raised for its chosen charity partners, Hospitality Action, Action Against Hunger and FoodCycle.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise and thank the sponsors supporting Sterling's 60th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026. Their commitment has helped make this year of activity possible and reflects the valued support they continue to provide to the group.
Daniel Larkin, Chief Commercial Officer at Sterling Supergroup, said, "This year's Annual Conference & Exhibition felt particularly special as we celebrated Sterling's 60th anniversary. The fantastic turnout, the quality of discussion and the support shown for our fundraising activities reflected everything that makes Sterling what it is today. The theme of The Next 60: Technology, Insight and Opportunity were about looking ahead and ensuring we remain well placed to support our members for years to come. We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success."
As the buying group enters its seventh decade, the conference highlighted a business that continues to evolve while remaining true to the cooperative principles on which it was founded. With a clear focus on the future and the strength of its member-owned model, the group is well placed to support members through the opportunities and challenges ahead.
