WholeStory is the official podcast of Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD), where members and other guests talk about the latest news and challenges facing the wholesale sector.
WholeStory 19.26: Rowan International - Shaping Change
Sarah Guest, Managing Director from Rowan International, joins us on the latest WholeStory podcast.
From finding new homes for surplus stock to tackling the red tape holding businesses back, Rowan International has a unique role in the wholesale supply chain. Sarah talks about the challenges facing the sector, why welcoming a local MP to its Basildon site matters, and how changes such as the proposed UK-EU SPS agreement could affect the movement of goods.
Sarah also shares her own unexpected journey into wholesale, why putting people at the heart of leadership pays off, and her work as an FWD Women Leading Wholesale Ambassador, championing women in leadership roles and encouraging others to recognise their potential.
9 Oct 2026
WholeStory 18.26:Descartes
When the pressure builds, what breaks first? For many wholesalers, it’s the final mile.
In the latest episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Zara Baker talks to Tom Lowe, Account Executive at Descartes, about what happens when delivery volumes suddenly ramp up, and why a route plan that works perfectly well at normal volumes can quickly start to creak.
From the summer heatwave to festive peaks, they explore how wholesalers can get more from the fleet they already have, the growing expectation for Amazon and Uber-style delivery experiences, and why every delivery is also a valuable source of data.
And with AI increasingly entering the conversation, Tom explains why the question isn’t simply “where can we use AI?”, but where can it genuinely add value?
24 Sept 2026
WholeStory: 17.26. White's Oats - more than just porridge
Oats may be a familiar cupboard staple, but how much more could they offer foodservice and wholesale customers?
In this episode of the FWD WholeStory Podcast, Zara Baker is joined by Colin Kiddell and Colin Ferguson from White’s Oats to explore how changing consumer habits are giving this humble ingredient a new lease of life.
They discuss the growing focus on fibre, natural and recognisable ingredients, convenience and protein-rich nutrition, as well as the influence of social media on trends such as overnight and baked oats.
But the conversation goes well beyond breakfast. From smoothies and snacks to baking, salads, grain bowls and even using oats as a savoury coating, the episode explores the opportunities for foodservice operators to think differently about one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen.
White's also share how they are working with customers and development chefs to create new applications, including a quick-cook steel cut oat, and why collaboration and innovation will be key to unlocking the next chapter for oats.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 4 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
8
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Host of WholeStory - An FWD Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
