SPAR Slovenia has announced a long-term cooperation agreement with the agricultural cooperative Agraria Koper to boost the availability of Slovenian products in SPAR stores nationwide and consolidate its partnership with local fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers.
Agraria Koper
SPAR Slovenia’s customers purchased more local fruit and vegetables in 2021, with sales increasing by 11% compared to the previous year.
Agraria Koper agricultural cooperative was founded 70 years ago.
The production area of the 120 subcontractors involved in the cooperative stretch from Ankaran to the Dragonja Valley.
On an annual basis, Agraria Koper produces over 1,500 tonnes of fruit and vegetables.
Spar Slovenia 'This Is Us'
The new agreement is just one example of SPAR Slovenia’s long-term partnerships with domestic suppliers, the retailer noted.
It will give the retailer a competitive advantage in purchasing locally produced fruit and vegetables from the agricultural cooperative.
SPAR Slovenia showcases local suppliers through its ‘This is us’ project, with approximately 70% of the products sold in SPAR stores of Slovenian origin, which supports sustainable and eco-friendly methods of food production, shopping, and consumption.
Uroš Lozej, SPAR Slovenia’s head of food purchasing, said, "We have had an excellent cooperation agreement with Agraria from the start, and in recent years we have become their main partner. Every year, we increase the purchase of their crops.
"Last year it was 30% higher than in 2020. This means that we are fulfilling our commitment to offering products of Slovenian origin in our stores. At the same time, we are actively supporting Slovenian producers, offering quality food, reducing our carbon footprint, and shortening transport routes."
© 2022 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
