Co-op Wholesale has extended its grocery supply contract with forecourt operator Ascona Group for a further five years, securing the partnership for all 62 of Ascona's UK sites. This renewal builds on the collaboration first forged in 2020, ensuring that customers across Ascona’s estate will continue to benefit from access to Co-op's own-label range alongside leading branded products.

Founded in 2011 by CEO Darren Briggs, Ascona Group has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s leading independent forecourt operators. The company now serves over 300,000 customers each week through its expanding portfolio. Recent significant investments include a £3 million redevelopment of Machynlleth Service Station in North Wales, a project that also earned recognition at the Nisa Exhibition where it was named Forecourt Store of the Year. Other acquisitions in 2024 include the Kirkburn Service Station in East Yorkshire and the Ridgeway Service Station in Hastings, with the group continuing its strategic expansion across the country.

Paul Webster, Co-op Wholesale’s sales and partnerships director, described Ascona as “one of the standout growth stories in the forecourt sector over the last decade,” and welcomed the partnership extension, highlighting their shared commitment to quality, value, and community focus. Darren Briggs acknowledged the importance of Co-op Wholesale as a key supplier and noted that the relationship has strengthened over the years, underlining their goal to provide "first-class roadside retail destinations" to local communities.

Ascona has distinguished itself by tailoring forecourt offerings to local needs, incorporating elements like extended product ranges, food-to-go options, and enhanced facilities such as laundrettes and car washes. These innovations have resonated well with customers, particularly as forecourts adapt to changing consumer habits and the broader shift in UK mobility infrastructure. The company’s growth trajectory is underpinned by a broader market consolidation, with Ascona noted for acquiring family-owned sites and maintaining existing teams to preserve service continuity.

In August, Co-op Wholesale expanded its forecourt collaborations by partnering with EG On the Move to launch a multi-service roadside site in Stowmarket, featuring fuel, food, and EV charging services. This initiative aligns with Co-op’s wider strategy to modernise and diversify forecourt offerings, reflecting evolving customer demands and the government’s green economy ambitions.

Ascona, which is ranked among The Sunday Times’ 100 fastest-growing businesses, continues to garner industry accolades. Its Green Garage service station won Regional Forecourt Trader of the Year in the West Country and Wales for two consecutive years, demonstrating the company's operational excellence and visionary retail approach. Meanwhile, Nisa reports robust growth within the forecourt segment, with sales up nearly 30% over three years and an expanding estate that now includes nearly 400 sites nationwide.

The extended supply deal with Co-op Wholesale fits into Ascona’s broader vision of delivering high-quality, convenient retail experiences that meet the evolving needs of motorists. With ongoing investments and strategic partnerships, Ascona is positioning itself at the forefront of the UK forecourt sector’s transition toward sustainability and enhanced customer service.