Colruyt to source private labels cheaper via purchasing alliance EMD

As private labels are growing ever more important, Belgian retailer Colruyt Group is joining forces with European Marketing Distribution (EMD), an international purchasing alliance specialising in private label.

Better purchasing conditions

The partnership with EMD gives Colruyt Group access to a wider European network of private label suppliers, Chief Purchasing Officer Geert Roels says. This will also improve purchasing conditions: “This is good for Colruyt Group itself, but also for consumers as it will contribute to Colruyt Group’s ambition to offer affordable quality products within our brands Boni Selection and Everyday. For us, it is a nice addition in our sourcing policy.”

EMD is an alliance of retailers and buying groups in 21 countries, mainly in Europe but also in Australia and New Zealand. Together, they represent sales of 235 billion euros and a European market share of 14 %. Other members include Superunie, Kaufland, Markant and Globus.

Colruyt Group will also remain a member of the buying alliance AgeCore, in order to improve its negotiation position with brand manufacturers as well as private label manufacturers. Other members of that alliance are Coop (Switzerland), Conad (Italy) and Eroski (Spain).