StarStock has launched as the first of its kind, one-stop-shop that enables independent pub, club, bar, hotel and restaurant operators across the UK to order directly from major drinks brands, saving them valuable time and money.
With operators now able to run their businesses restriction-free, there has never been a more important time to maximise margins, take control of costs and enhance supplier relationships. StarStock’s ethos is to provide on-trade operators with the greater buying transparency they need to succeed in today’s challenging marketplace.
The independent pub, bar and restaurant sector has been one of the very hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Industry data shows that the independent segment is now almost 10% smaller than it was pre-pandemic, with the closure of more than 6,500 sites.
StarStock is launching with the support of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), along with major brewers and drinks brands such as ASAHI UK, Bacardi, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, Britvic, Red Bull, Shepherd Neame, Theakston’s, Robinsons, Fever Tree, Kopparberg and a growing range of regional brewers. New brands are joining the site every week, providing operators with an increasingly broad and diverse choice of drinks suppliers.
Sam Ulph, founder & CEO of StarStock Group, said: “We are on a mission to help pubs, bars and other independent licensed businesses thrive, not just survive. The pandemic has shone a light on the value of local independent businesses to their customers and communities. Now, as they begin to recover and rebuild, it’s time to do things differently.
“StarStock disrupts what has, until this point, been an unmodernised supply chain model. Our platform enables independent operators to order all their favourite brands directly from the businesses that manufacture them – a genuine marketplace for the licensed trade. Our solution creates a much more transparent marketplace that gives value back to the operator and brand owner, along with the convenience of 24/7 ordering and national consolidated deliveries.
“We’ve got exciting plans for the future as we build new features and functionality to make the platform even more useful to our licensee customers, which includes exclusive food products and offers, alongside an extensive drinks selection. This will create a truly unique proposition that gives licensed operators access to a great range of products and promotional support that helps build their business and grow sales.”
Sam Rhodes, marketing Director at ASAHI UK, said: “ASAHI UK is delighted to collaborate with StarStock as its super premium and premium lager category partner. Its e-commerce platform will provide a valuable tool for the on-trade at this difficult commercial time, providing convenience and efficiency to customers whilst extending the reach of brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch and Meantime.”
StarStock has also partnered with GXO Logistics (formerly XPO Logistics/KNDL), a drinks logistics specialist in the UK and Europe. In addition to managing warehousing, order fulfilment and returns, GXO will oversee the delivery of products to venues that place online orders on the StarStock platform.
Gavin Williams, managing director, UK and Ireland, GXO Logistics, added: “We’re excited to partner with StarStock to support their groundbreaking B2B e-commerce platform with critical supply chain services. Our national food and beverage capabilities will help ensure a superior experience for StarStock users — from consistently reliable order management to the moment the delivery arrives at the local venue.”
