Italian co-operative retailer Coop Italia has posted a sales increase of 0.1% to €13 billion for the year ended 31 December 2012. At the end of the period of reporting, the Italian co-operative had a total network of 1470 outlets employing 55,800 employees and held a market share of 18.5%, up 0.1% on 2011's share. The retailer also has 111 Health Coop concessions, selling OTC drugs at 'affordable' prices. Coop's telecommunications venture, Coop Voice 'crossed the line of a million activations' during the year, according to Coop.
Sales of Coop's private label range - which offers a 'perfect synthesis between quality and convenience', according to Coop - increased by 12.6% to stand at €3.1 billion, constituting 27% of total sales for the period.
Noting that the results had been positive in 'a difficult year', Coop pointed to its new model of governance as a means to face future challenges with 'renewed determination'. The new model provides for a single board, replacing the dual system from 2008, which is to be led by Marco Pedrini, who is currently president of Northwest Consumers Coop. Pedrini, 54, replaces Vincenzo Tassinari who led the company for 25 years. (27 June)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
