UK supermarket chain Asda has confirmed that it left the EMD buying group at the end of 2017.
The retailer joined the alliance in January 2016, however, a statement released by EMD says that Asda has made ‘significant changes’ to its buying model since then.
It adds that Asda is now prioritising direct relationships with its suppliers, and has strengthened its international sourcing arm and its leverage through parent company Walmart.
"EMD was the right partner for us at the time and they helped us strengthen our own buying capabilities,” said Andrew Moore, Asda’s chief merchandising officer.
“Our approach has evolved over the last few years but we regard EMD as a great organisation and leave having enjoyed a positive relationship with them.”
Buying Power
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, EMD is the largest buying group in Europe and represents a cumulated consumer turnover of approximately €184 billion in Europe and Russia.
The group cooperates in buying private label products globally, and negotiates agreements with producers of branded products at transnational level.
Its members include Groupe Casino, NorgesGruppen, Woolworths, Axfood, Dagrofa, Kaufland and Markant.
In November, Russian retail giant Lenta became the latest company to join the retail alliance.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
