German retail chain Kaufland is set to join the AgeCore international buying alliance, effective from 1 January 2025.
AgeCore's existing members include Belgium's Colruyt Group, Coop Switzerland, Italy's Conad, and Spain's Eroski.
Kaufland's decision to join the buying alliance was 'driven by shared values and a strategic alignment with AgeCore, aimed at collectively addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving retail landscape,' according to the retailer.
Moreover, the retailer believes that the 'alliance’s focus on long-term collaboration, sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation resonated with Kaufland’s goals.'
Part of Schwarz Group, Kaufland boasts over 1,550 stores across Germany and seven other countries, serving over 1.4 billion customers annually. Ninety percent of its assortment comprises food products.
In 2023, the retail chain generated a turnover of €34.2 billion.
'Long-Term Partnerships'
Dirk Depoorter, CEO of AgeCore, highlighted the importance of this collaboration and stated, “With Kaufland joining, we reaffirm our commitment to establishing long-term partnerships with our suppliers.
“We face demanding challenges in the coming years, and collaboration is key to developing sustainable solutions, driving digitalisation, and navigating economic uncertainties.”
He added that the alliance, which offers its services to 9,405 stores, has 8.6 million daily consumers, 47.6 million loyalty card holders, and serves the interests of both suppliers and consumers.
The five members of AgeCore are present in 15 European countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova.
Recently, Kaufland parted ways purchasing group European Marketing Distribution (EMD).
Elsewhere, EMD announced that it is expanding its operations by integrating all RTG International members, effective from 1 January 2025. The merger will see the addition of six German medium-sized retailers – Bartels-Langness, Bünting, Klaas & Kock, Kaes, Netto and Tegut – to the purchasing alliance.
