Wincanton extends five-year fulfilment deal with Nkuku

Wincanton has announced the extension of its omnichannel partnership with Nkuku, a retailer of ethically sourced and handcrafted homeware, for a further five years.

Under the terms of the extended agreement, Wincanton will continue to provide business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) fulfilment services from its facility in Northamptonshire, covering the receipt, storage, and dispatch of products directly to Nkuku's eCommerce customers as well as its retail partners.

The collaboration between the two companies commenced in 2022 and has delivered a consistent performance across three peak trading periods. In 2024, Wincanton processed over 135,000 orders for Nkuku, achieving a delivery punctuality rate of over 95%.

Nkuku, founded in 2003 by Alistair and Alex Cooke, operates as a certified B Corporation and collaborates with suppliers and artisans worldwide. The company emphasises supporting traditional craftsmanship through ethical sourcing and the use of sustainable materials.

Wincanton, with a significant history in the supply chain solutions market, was acquired by GXO Logistics. The acquisition was subject to a review by the Competition and Markets Authority, which allowed for integration subject to certain conditions regarding Wincanton's grocery warehousing business.

The extension of the fulfilment partnership aligns with Nkuku's strategy to scale operations while maintaining its focus on ethical practices and traceability in its supply chain. Wincanton's service model has supported Nkuku in this approach by providing tailored, scalable solutions responsive to fluctuating demand.

Operational continuity

Carl Moore, Managing Director – eFulfilment at Wincanton, commented on the renewed agreement:

"We are delighted to extend our relationship with such a fast-growing brand like Nkuku, which has become one of the UK's most purpose-driven retailers. Our partnership has a strong cultural fit and is truly collaborative, and we look forward to supporting the company's ethical and environmental commitments through our own ongoing investment in sustainable operations. Together, we're building a resilient platform for growth to support Nkuku's ambitions."

Nkuku's operational achievements have been attributed, in part, to the ability of its logistics provider to adapt services as business requirements evolve, particularly during peak trading periods.

Chris Wilson, Operations and Impact Director at Nkuku, remarked on the significance of the relationship:

"Wincanton has consistently delivered outstanding service over the past three years, and we are thrilled to be extending our partnership for a further five years. Their team has developed a deep understanding of Nkuku's operational needs, and together we've built a seamless, collaborative relationship. This renewed commitment reflects the strength of our shared values and the success of working as one integrated team to deliver on our supply chain ambitions."

Nkuku's recent developments

Nkuku's expansion over recent years has been supported by an investment from Bridges Fund Management, a specialist in sustainable and impact investing, which acquired a majority stake in March 2021. This investment enabled Nkuku to grow its operations, with a continued focus on its ethical commitments and refinement of its impact measurement and management practices.

The company now operates with a team of approximately 77 employees, offering a range of homeware products crafted from sustainable and natural materials. Sales are conducted primarily through its online platform and a flagship store in Devon, with an increasing presence in wholesale and B2B channels.

Fulfilment and sustainability

The ongoing partnership with Wincanton will support both firms' environmental goals. Wincanton has stated that its approach to sustainable operations aligns with Nkuku's values and ongoing commitments.

The extended contract is expected to enhance further Nkuku's ability to meet customer demand and adapt to market changes while maintaining high operational and sustainability standards.