Mmm Danone - you can't switch on the TV nowadays without hearing that little jingle. And although the brand - backed by millions of pounds worth of advertising - has enjoyed massive success in the multiples, it has trailed behind in the independents. However trading controller Philip White says this is set to change as Danone has recently restructured its wholesale team in order to put much more of a focus on the sector. He admits that distribution of its dairy products is poor in cash and carry/wholesalers. "The maximum distribution we have is with Booker and that's just 43% which is less than half of its depots. Wholesale represents a big opportunity for us," he says.

With the smoking ban taking effect and the credit crunch causing people to count pennies, having a night in is fast becoming the new going out.

Spirits sales soar at Christmas with many consumers making their only purchase of the year, so it is vital that wholesalers are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity. Richard Jones, channel director for wholesale cash and carry at Pernod Ricard, says that availability is absolutely vital for wholesalers. They need to ensure they maintain stocks of the premium brands right up to Christmas, but when they should start to build their stocks varies from depot to depot. He says that some begin to see an increase in September with a slow build-up, while others may only see a rush in the final four weeks, but Pernod Ricard will work with individual wholesalers to help manage the situation and ensure they are not left with excess stocks.

Batteries remain a key purchase for consumers, as they power so many day-to-day items. And the ever growing number of high-drain devices has resulted in longer life batteries. The rechargeable segment is also seeing a rise in popularity as consumers begin to see the cost saving element as well as the green credentials.

While soft drinks, juices and waters have all made in-roads into the nation's range of refreshments in the last two decades, coffee and tea retain a fundamental role in the life of most consumers. But while sales volumes have remained broadly stable over that period, within the category there has been considerable change as the sophistication of consumers has developed, and health has become a prominent issue.

Snacks continue to be products that consumers want to buy, whether for an evening with friends or food on the go. And with the move towards sharing and premium it seems the trend is fixed for a while.

Consumer demand for healthy products has been good news for the juices and waters categories. In juices they get natural ingredients which, in some cases, count towards that healthy Holy Grail - the 'five-a-day' - while in water they get calorie-free rehydration. Yes, juices are full of sugar but often they are naturally-occurring sugars. And yes tap water is cheaper than bottled but it doesn't always taste the same and it's not always easy to access - especially when you are out and about.

There are a range of healthier options in the cakes and biscuits market, while they also remain a treat that consumers are happy to indulge in. If they are making the choice to treat themselves less, they want it to be a good treat when they get it.

Introducing new regulations restricting the selling or use of tobacco seems to be becoming an annual event, but campaigners warn the latest proposals will do serious harm to many independent retailers' businesses and therefore the wholesalers who supply them.

Household and toiletry products remain a key category with high household penetration and named brands each striving to provide the next innovation.