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Payment delays by Tesco found to breach UK Groceries Code

Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Christine Tacon has told Tesco to introduce significant changes to its practices and systems.

Retail chain Tesco acted unreasonably when delaying payments to suppliers, often for lengthy periods of time, according to the UK’s grocery watchdog.

Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Christine Tacon has told Tesco to introduce significant changes to its practices and systems.

After “a thorough investigation” covering 25 June 2013 to 5 February 2015, she found Britain’s largest supermarket seriously breached a legally-binding Groceries Supply Code of Practice that protect groceries suppliers

In a press release, the GCA said the adjudicator was concerned about three key issues:

  • Tesco making unilateral deductions from suppliers,
  • the length of time taken to pay money due to suppliers,
  • and, in some cases, an intentional delay in paying suppliers.

Her five recommendations are:

1: Money owed to suppliers for goods supplied must be paid in accordance with the terms for payment agreed between Tesco and the supplier.
2: Tesco must not make unilateral deductions.
3: Data input errors identified by suppliers must be resolved promptly.
4: Tesco must provide transparency and clarity in its dealings with suppliers.
5: Tesco finance teams and buyers must be trained in the findings from this investigation.

In her report, Tacon said an example of delays in payments arising from data input errors included “a multi-million pound sum owed to a supplier as a result of price changes being incorrectly applied over a long period. This was paid back by Tesco more than two years after the incorrect charging had begun.”

In regard to duplicate invoicing, generally in respect of promotional activity, she said she saw “examples of large amounts owed to suppliers, of which money owed for duplicate invoices formed part of the total, including…nearly £2 million which took over 12 months to be repaid.”

Tesco says it’s sorry & has already made big changes 

Responding to the report’s release, Tesco said in a press release that it accepts the findings of the report and is committed to continuing to build trusted partnerships with suppliers.

Tesco CEO Dave Lewis said that in 2014, Tesco undertook its own review into certain historic practices, “which were both unsustainable and harmful to our suppliers.”

“We shared these practices with the Adjudicator, and publicly apologised. Today, I would like to apologise again. We are sorry,” he said.

After a comprehensive review of how it works with its 3,000 UK suppliers, Tesco says it has implemented 14 significant initiatives to improve the way it works with suppliers and how it runs its business.

The company said that new initiatives included it becoming the first UK retailer to publish its payment terms with its suppliers, resulting in a fair, transparent and consistent approach across its supply base. “The move introduced payment terms of 14 days for hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK,” it said.

 

 

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Latest technology helps Alfil Logistics protect perishables

Alfil Logistics has multimodal perishables platforms in Murcia, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Dubai and Shanghai.

The multimodal operator is known for its innovation in order to provide the most efficient use of resources for the client’s benefit.

The use of smart glasses is just one of the ways in which Alfil Logistics has innovated to maximise the maintenance of fresh produce quality between origin and delivery point. With the augmented reality the glasses provide, this Spanish multimodal logistics leader also aims to increase both the safety and quality of its worldwide logistics operations, general director Jaume Bonavia has told ED.

Alfil Logistics has multimodal perishables platforms in Murcia, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Dubai and Shanghai. It provides regular services by sea, air and land (road and rail) in Europe, Northern Africa and further abroad. Destinations include China, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Canada and the US. “There are also door-to-door logistics services by sea and air in the Middle East,” Bonavia said.

Founded in 2000, Alfil has become a benchmark in the logistics industry in Spain and last year won the El Vigía prize there for best multimodal logistics imitative. With its multimodal logistics capacity, it finds the best combination, according to current needs, of trains, trucks and ships to meet clients’ demands and enhance their processes efficiency. The company has access to extensive infrastructure, including part of Spain’s rail network, a large fleet of trucks, and the possibility of using sea transport to deliver goods. Rail access is included inside its multimodal facilities. It currently operates more than 1,000 trucks a day, 15 entire trains a week and 100 sea shipments a week,” Bonavia said. “We also have tax and customs warehouses to offer our customers an international service.”

Commitment to quality, sustainability

To guarantee its clients with the highest safety and quality in its operations, Alfil Logistics has the main certifications, such as ISO 9001, OEA and the UNO Association’s Seal of Excellence in Transportation. “We have recently obtained the ISO 14064-1 certification, which measures the carbon footprint and enables emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) to be controlled and managed. This allows us to provide added value to multi-modal shipments, which are already more environmentally friendly,” Bonavia said. Alfil Logistics’ other sustainability initiatives include the use of LP gas for its forklifts and solar panels and LED lights in its warehouses.

In terms of other goods, Alfil Logistics ships by air to Dubai, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and by ship to:

  • Santiago de Chile
  • Dubai    
  • China: Shanghai, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Ningbo, Xiamen
  • Melbourne
  • Kuwait        
  • Damman  (UAE)
  • Mariel (Cuba)
  • Altamira (Mexico)
  • Douala (Cameroon)
  • Incheon (Korea)
  • Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)    
  • Tripoli (Lybia)
  • Tunisia
  • Karachi (Pakistan)
  • Jordan
  • Mersin (Turkey)
  • Algiers (Algeria)
  • Singapore
  • Manila (the Philippines)
     

http://www.alfillogistics.com/

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A record year at BelOrta

BelOrta’s new tagline – ‘redefining fruit & vegetables’ – expresses its mission: to redefine the standards within the fruit and vegetable landscape, says BelOrta commercial manager Jo Lambrecht.

The leading Belgian supplier will present its new tagline and a wall of innovations at Fruit Logistica.

Last year was a standout one for BelOrta. It achieved record turnover of €400 million by providing the highest quality and innovative fruit and vegetable varieties day in and day out. And it goes into this year with a new message. “From 2016, we shall add a new tagline below our company logo,” explained BelOrta commercial manager Jo Lambrecht. “This tagline, ‘redefining fruit & vegetables’, expresses our mission: to redefine the standards within the fruit and vegetable landscape,” he said. In a rapidly changing market environment, BelOrta completely re-invents itself and is always looking for a higher level in all areas of its business.
 
For the second time, BelOrta will have its own booth at Fruit Logistica, in hall 6.2 A-04. This year, BelOrta is adding a wall packed with its innovations from 2015 and upcoming launches for 2016. BelOrta focuses on innovation and is continually searching for consumer-desirable products and packaging, innovative growing techniques, storage systems and modernised logistics processes.
 
Working to improve air connections
 
With a 60 ha investment project around the location of the BelOrta facilities in Mechelen, BelOrta’s goal together with the Antwerp province’s authorities is to create a large logistics and agronomic park in order to include all of the supply chain activities in one single location. Direct access to the highway will be created soon to improve the road connections. Another project has been started up to facilitate daily logistic connections between the Rungis wholesale market, Brucargo (Brussels airport) and BelOrta. “BelOrta aims to increase its airfreight operations as well,” Lambrecht said. 
 
The widest vegetable assortment and a world of specialities
 
“The garden of Europe” today offers more than 150 groups of produce for retail, catering industry professionals and the food industry. Traditional varieties, organics and speciality tomatoes have been the latest 3 categories with the largest Interested to see our Wall of innovations at Fruit Logistica? Visit us in Hall 6.2 A-04 or contact us via sales@belorta.be or +32 (0)15 565 617 Focus on innovation Wide range of fruits & vegetables Experts in product, production & market knowledge www.belorta.be 16073-EN-V2-ad Eurofresh-217×305.indd 1 12/01/16 10:23 Jo Lambrecht increase in items this season. “Several retail customers want some distinctive or sometimes even exclusive items,” Lambrecht said. 
White beans, yellow turnips, jumbo parsnips, topinambours, young ferns, black salsify, black radishes (both long and round types), as well as kale and flower sprouts are among the traditional and new variety selections to seduce both the culinary experts and ordinary consumers with more exclusive flavours and healthy selections. “Our range of kale already includes a wide selection such as green kale, purple kale and the palm variety,” explains Lambrecht. From 2016 onwards, the packaging of the Flandria tomato line will be renovated. All segments (Baron, Prince, Princess, Elite, Romared and Prunella) are getting a new fresh, even look, each with its own colour. The new style guarantees a wider recognition of Flandria tomatoes in the vegetable section.
BelOrta also offers a very large assortment of organic fruit and vegetables today, with over 60 items. Among the more successful varieties this season are the Belgian endives and greenhouse vegetables. “We will increase our organic greenhouse production significantly in 2016,” Lambrecht revealed. 
 
PE
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25 Belgian suppliers and a new booth at FL

Twenty-five suppliers of Belgian potatoes, fruit, vegetables and fruit trees will welcome you in Berlin at the VLAM booth at Fruit Logistica.

Belgian exporters will celebrate the success of the Flandria label, which in 20 years has evolved from a niche brand to one exporting 60 premium products.

Twenty-five suppliers of Belgian potatoes, fruit, vegetables and fruit trees will welcome you in Berlin at the VLAM booth at Fruit Logistica. Together with the auctions, they present a wide range of top quality products for the visitors. Find them in hall 6.2, stands B-04, B-05, B-06 and B-07. VLAM will be participating with a new booth concept: a bright, light structure in white, with a touch of yellow as a nod to the region of Flanders, combined with nice showcases for products. On top of the stand, modern video loops will attract our attention to the products and emphasize the benefits of Belgian products.

The companies attending are: Bel’Export, Boussier / Belfrutex, Calsa/Weiss, De Plecker – Lauwers, DBS / DBS Agro, Demargro, Devos Group, Dries Sebrechts Fruit (DSF), Frans Michiels Belgium (FMB), Gemex, Nicolaï Fruit, Pacbelimex, Vanco Belgium, Vergro and Fruithandel Wouters.

20 years of Flandria

Special attention goes to the Flandria label, which has existed for exactly 20 years. During this period, Flandria has evolved from a niche label for tomatoes and Belgian endives to one of the most important players on the European fresh market. Flandria offers more than 60 products and has a yearly produce of almost 600,000 tons. Seven potato suppliers are looking forward to meeting their customers: Bart’s Potato Company, Binst Breeding & Selection, Dauchy, De Aardappelhoeve, Pomuni, RTL Patat and Warnez. Also, two Belgian fruit tree growers will be present at the VLAM booth to show their products to an international audience: Johan Nicolaï and Carolus.

New customers for apples and pears

In 2014, Belgium produced 318,411 tons of apples and 374,325 tons of pears, an increase of 44% and 19% respectively in comparison with 2013. Since 2011, Belgian pear production has been bigger than apple production. Production of strawberries has come to 39,320 tons, up 9.5% in comparison with 2013, whereas apple exports dropped by 15% in 2014. The main export destinations were The Netherlands (24%), France (23%) and Germany (23%), followed by Russia (11%), the UK (4%) and Spain (2%). From January to August, 2015, apple exports increased by 26% compared to Jan-Aug, 2014. Their neighbouring countries remain the most important buyers: The Netherlands (26%), France (25%) and Germany (15%). Due to the boycott, exports to Russia have completely stopped, and Latvia (5%), the Czech Republic (4%) and India (3%) are the newcomers in the top 10. The year 2014 was excellent for pears, both for production (up 19%) and exports (up 34%).

For pears, Russia even remained the number 1 destination, representing a share of 23%, thanks to a very strong start of the season. The neighbouring countries followed far behind: The Netherlands (15%), France (10%) and the UK (10%). From January to August, 2015, exports of pears fell by 11% compared to Jan-Aug, 2014. This was due to the Russian boycott, which changed the distribution of the export destinations enormously. The Netherlands (16%), Lithuania (13%), Latvia (12%), France and the UK (both 11%) were the most important markets in early 2015.

Strawberry exports are rather stable and have hardly been affected by the Russian boycott . The Netherlands were the most important destination in 2014 (21%), followed by the UK (20%), France (19%) and Germany (7%). Belgian strawberries had a good start in 2015, with an increase of 31% from January to August 2015 compared to Jan-Aug 2014.

796,392 tons of premium vegetables

In 2014, Belgian growers produced 796,392 tons of vegetables for the fresh sector, an increase of 0.5% over 2013. Tomatoes are the absolute number one with production of 249,245 tons. Leeks (154,000 tons), carrots (81,000 tons), lettuces (almost 63,000 tons), Belgian endives (39,330 tons), white cabbages (31,500 tons), bell peppers (25,580 tons) and cucumbers (17,590 tons) are also the main products from the Belgian vegetable sector. Belgian exports of fresh vegetables rose in 2014 by 0.7%. Their neighbouring countries are by far the most important destinations for fresh vegetables: the French market took first place in 2014 with an export share of 40%, followed by The Netherlands (21%) and Germany (19%). From January till August, 2015, there was growth of 6% in comparison to Jan-Aug, 2014. Neighbouring countries France (38%), The Netherlands (21%) and Germany (21%) remain the top ranked and their volumes have even increased recently. Due to the boycott, exports of fresh vegetables to Russia completely fell away. This gave an opportunity to Latvia and Lithuania, two countries that gained remarkably in importance in Belgian exports of fresh vegetables.

2 million tons of potato exports

In 2014, the Belgian potato growers produced almost 3,690 million tons of potatoes (provisional data).

The Netherlands is in the lead as the most important buyer of fresh Belgian potatoes, with a share of 64%. Far behind in the list follows France (19%) and the UK (3%). The share of countries outside the EU rose to 4% in 2014. Belgian processed potatoes are also very popular abroad. In 2014, they exceeded 2 million tons of exports. Their neighbouring countries are the most important destinations, with France (23%), The Netherlands (15%) and the UK (15%) in the lead. Also outside the EU, Belgian processed potatoes are becoming more popular. In 2014, third party countries took a share of 21% of total exports. From January to August, 2015, exports increased further, mainly towards third party countries, representing growth of 32% in comparison with the same period in 2014. 

Responsibly Fresh: a collective sustainability label

The Association of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives (VBT) has been working for a number of years with the associated auctions on a sustainability project. A new report will be published next June, 2016, to give an update on the multiple activities. The process is underpinned by companies’ concern for sustainability on the one hand and the range of labels highlighting specific subsidiary aspects of sustainability on the other. The auctions have striven from the outset to adopt a proactive, individual and collective approach. After all, the associated growers are just as diverse in their business situations as the varied crops of fruit and vegetables they produce and collectively market. This diversity means that sustainable development cannot be accommodated within a limited set of criteria, but it is the objective of a whole spread of activities. Responsibly Fresh stresses the effort made by the collective of producers involved. The auctions add their own touches too, and it is this diversity that Responsibly Fresh also seeks to take into account while at the same time concentrating on the collective results.

From the outset, Responsibly Fresh has been focusing on four themes – low impact, biodiversity, proximity and food thrift. These are topics in which the producers and auctions have already made huge efforts, and in which there is room for progress.
Low impact: Being frugal with the means of production and applying comprehensive cultivation principles.
Biodiversity: Opting for varied cultivation and supporting scientific research into new varieties and growing techniques.
Proximity: The structure of the marketing cooperatives ensures a short, integrated chain, resulting in transparent pricing for producers, one-stop shopping for distributors and affordable quality for consumers.
Food thrift: Implementing tried and tested storage techniques, customer oriented portions and continuous anticipation of market demand. „

PE

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BFV a world leader with Sweet Sensations

bfv apples

Belgium’s leading fruit organisation diversifies with exclusive varieties and premium berries.

The world’s largest pear organisation, with 125,000 tons of conference pears marketed, also distinguishes itself at the upper end of the apple segment with exclusive varieties. BFV’s Joly Red, Belgica, Jonaplus and Truval Classic apples are making waves among retail customers in Europe and further abroad. The sweet and attractive Joly Red apple was introduced for the second year with 1,400 tons and the highest expectations. “Our production potential for 2016 is situated between 3,000 and 4,000 tons,” said Belgian Fruit Veiling CEO Filip Lowette. “We now see its market potential and are very confident in the future due to the very good response from retail chains,” he said. “We also see rising interest in some new markets, such as in Asia, for the Belgica apple variety.” Belgica is an early autumn variety, bicolour between Elstar and Gala, but sweeter than Elstar and with more character than Gala. Red Love, in the cooking segment, is another distinctive variety and appreciated for its exclusive red flesh, firmness and higher acidity. Jonagold and Jonagored, however, remain BFV’s main apple varieties, with 50,000 tons marketed from origin.

Increasing success with cherries and berries

The success of the bicolour pear Sweet Sensation is confirmed by the short marketing period ending before the end of the year with high prices. About 1,700 tons were marketed this season and BFV expects production to double this year.

But BFV has also become a benchmark in redcurrants, being the largest Belgian organisation providing this berry over a long period. “We market our premium fruit for 7 months, from June until December, thanks to advanced storage in modified atmosphere.” The cooperative seldom has volumes available until the end of the year, due to its extra quality. This fruit is sold in the domestic market, as well as in France, Germany, Spain and Italy. BFV is also having increasing success with cherries thanks to the plantation of new varieties and a 50% production increase this season. Kordia, Regina and Sweet-Heart are the main cherry varieties offered, with a record production of 1,500 tons in 2015. All the fruit is electronically graded and hydro-cooled, which allows a shelf life of up to three weeks, and sold in attractive and micro-perforated bags. “We had a good experience with 5kg bag cherries,” Lowette said. All the plantations are net protected, in order to guaranty the quality and the continuity of the supply.

About 3,500 tons of strawberries were also being marketed this season, from March to December, with both open field and greenhouse cultivation. Portola and Charlotte are the main varieties grown in the field, followed by Elsanta, Sonata and Clery in greenhouse. BFV also increased its production of strawberries during summer. Doyenné du Comice is the first pear variety produced in the season, available in large quantities of 3,000-4,000 tons. “Our pears have a very nice skin finish, with clear colour,” Lowette said.

A record year of 230,000 tons, with full safety

It’s a record season for BFV, quality and quantity-wise, with more than 230,000 tons marketed: 125,000 tons of pears, 95,000 of apples and 10,000 of summer fruit. The new 2015 harvest registers exceptional taste and very high sugar levels of 13.5–14ºC. “Both European and Asian customers are very concerned about taste,” Lowette said. The highest quality level and attractive prices help make the cooperative competitive overseas, in China and India in particular. The cooperative supplies the wholesale markets of the largest cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore.

The auction remains its dominant sales tool, covering 70-80% of its pear volumes and 50% for apples. The variety ‘clubs’ are all sold under programme. “We have renewed all our food safety certificates, at a high level,” Lowette said. The cooperative complies with BRC, IFS, GLOBALG.A.P., and QS. Its member farms together span close to 6,500 ha of fruit plantations, accounting for about half of all Belgium’s fruit production. 

PE

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Fruit & veg snacks popular in Europe and Asia-Pacific

Even though fruit is a significant snack globally, and even vegetables are popular in the Asia-Pacific region (57%), cheese is the most eaten snack in Europe (58%), bread/sandwiches in the Middle East (47%), ice cream in Latin America (63%) and potato/tortilla crisps in the US (63%).

Fresh fruit is the world’s most eaten snack (chocolate ranks second), but food preferences between cultures and countries vary in terms of healthy versus indulgent aspects.
Even though fruit is a significant snack globally, and even vegetables are popular in the Asia-Pacific region (57%), cheese is the most eaten snack in Europe (58%), bread/sandwiches in the Middle East (47%), ice cream in Latin America (63%) and potato/tortilla crisps in the US (63%).
Global snacking sales reached $374 billion in 2014 and are growing, says Mark Gillespie, the Global Service Client Director at Nielsen.
At the Fi Europe fair in Paris last December, he shared insights from a survey of 30,000 online consumers from 60 countries. Among them were that people eat snacks at home (79%) with family and friends (68%) and “they stick to the basics – all natural, no artificial colours, GMO-free with natural flavours.
Natural ingredients are rated as very important by 45% of global respondents due to environmental awareness, too,” Gillespie said. Also very important are being sustainable (35%) and organic (34%).

Snacking favourites by region:

• Asia-Pacific: chocolate, fresh fruit, vegetables and cookies/biscuits.

• Europe: fresh fruit, cheese, yoghurt and vegetables.

• Middle East/Africa: fresh fruit, chocolate, bread/sandwich & potato crisps/ tortilla crisps

• Latin America: yoghurt, cheese, ice cream.

• North America: potato crisps/tortilla crisps, chocolate, cheese and cookies/biscuits.

The good news is that snacks are still considered ‘in-between meals’ rather than meal replacements. Long life to fresh food!

CVA

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Global citrus markets and trade forecasts for 2015/16

A snapshot of citrus fruit trade, production and consumption around the world.

In its latest, twice-yearly report Citrus: World Markets and Trade, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service provides estimates for the 2015/16 world markets and trade in fresh oranges, orange juice, tangerines/mandarins, grapefruit and lemons and limes.

Here are some of the key figures:

Oranges

Production for 2015/16 is forecast down 740,000 tons from the previous year to 47.9 million tons as declines in the US and Mexico more than offset increases in Brazil, China, the European Union, and Egypt. Fruit for processing is down 840,000 tons on the lower production in the United States.

Exports (see table at end) are up slightly as most of the reduced supplies will be processing oranges.

Tangerines/Mandarins

Global production for 2015/16 is forecast at a record 29 million metric tons, up over 200,000 tons from last year with an increase in China offsetting a drop in the EU. Fresh consumption continues to expand with greater supplies.

Trade is down as a 25% drop in exports from Turkey more than offsets the growth from China, Morocco, and Israel.

Grapefruit

For 2015/16, global production is forecast up 300,000 tons to 6.4 million tons on a 10% increase in China as area expands.

Exports are up 3% as consumption grows 7% on strong demand in China.

Lemons/Limes

Global production in 2015/16  is forecast 3% lower to 6.9 million tons. A drop in the EU due to unfavorable weather that affected bloom and fruit set more than offsets the rise in Argentina

Global exports are forecast up 4% on higher trade from Argentina and Mexico. Fruit for processing is down as a result of smaller available supplies from the EU.

Source: Citrus: World Markets and Trade, January 2016, Office of Global Analysis, Foreign Agricultural Service/USDA

Citrus fruits image: by Scott Bauer, USDA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Zamora: a specialist in the handling of fresh fruit

Zamora Citrus is a producer, packer and exporter of fresh Argentine lemons.

Zamora Citrus is a producer, packer and exporter of fresh Argentine lemons, continuing the lemon production business started by the Zamora family. The company was set up in 1984 and began exporting in 1994. “Our lemon production takes place on our own farms as well as those of third parties, which together add up to more than 700 ha in the province of Tucuman,” Luciana Zamora said.

In 2009, the company introduced a treatment system that minimises the use of pesticides and chemical fertiliser. Zamora Citrus aims to become a specialist in lemon handling, taking care of the environment and social responsibility, while developing a direct and personal relationship with customers.

The latest news from the Argentinian company is the recent installation of the latest technology for preselection lines and packaging on the market. The firm’s products are sold directly to supermarkets and other retail stores in Europe, Canada, the Middle East and Russia under different brands, offering customers a product in keeping with their needs in terms of quality and calibre: San Andres, Zamora, Zamci, Canri and Miss Alicia.

The company warehouse and farms are certificated by BRC-HACCP and GLOBALG.A.P.. “We have incorporated a postharvest treatment system, which decreases the use of chemicals, as well as the LMR allowed to give the customer a more natural and healthier product,” Zamora said.

For more information: http://www.zamoracitrus.com.ar/en/home.html

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Walmart to open 15 supercentres across Canada this month

Walmart Canada will soon boast 400 stores, including 312 supercentres and 88 discount stores.

Walmart Canada will grand open 15 supercentres this month – representing an investment of more than $100 million – and completing its expansion plan for the company’s current fiscal year, ending January 31, 2016, according to a company media release.

In addition to the 29 supercentre projects announced on February 22, 2015, an additional 13 supercentres were announced on May 8, 2015, of which five will have their grand opening next week. These grand openings will bring Walmart Canada’s total store count to 400 stores, including 312 supercentres and 88 discount stores.

“We’re thrilled to open our 400th location in Canada this month, as well as our 300th supercentre,” said Preyash Thakrar, senior vice president, strategy and real estate. “These supercentres will provide even more Canadian communities with affordable access to quality fresh groceries and one-stop shopping, while also saving them money.”

Walmart serves more than 1.2 million customers each day. Its online store, walmart.ca, is visited by over 450,000 Canadians daily.

One-stop shopping

Walmart Supercentres offer up to 120,000 products, including a full complement of groceries –fresh produce, bakery goods, deli, meat and dairy products and organic selection as well as apparel, home decor and electronics. They also offer specialty services including pharmacies, garden centres and medical clinics.

“Walmart’s supercentres provide unparalleled access to a one-stop shopping experience,” added Thakrar. “Our supercentres deliver low prices everyday on the thousands of items Canadians want, especially quality, affordable fresh food for their families,” Thakrar said.

Additional company information can be found at: http://www.walmartcanada.ca

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Coop Italy fuses modern retail with values

Coop Italia was founded in 1967 and is now Italy's biggest retail operator, with a total of 1,087 supermarkets, 102 hypermarkets and 1,189 points of sale.

‘La Coop sei tu’ – The Coop is you – is the slogan of Italy’s biggest retailer, comprising 1,087 supermarkets, 102 hypermarkets and 1,189 points of sale in 16 regions.

The Coop system is made up of 115 consumer cooperatives of varying sizes and geographical spread, from the biggest – such as Coop Alleanza 3.0 (the result of the recent merger between Coop Adriatica, Coop Estense and Coop Consumatori Nordest), Coop Liguria, Coop Lombardia, Novacoop, Coop Centro Italia, Unicoop Firenze, Unicoop Tirreno, Coop Sicilia and SAIT – to other smaller ones, each of them legally and operatively autonomous but all bound together by belonging to Legacoop and ANCC-Coop. As regards their purchases of food products, they all come under Coop Italia, the national buying consortium of all the Italian consumer cooperatives, created to achieve greater muscle in contracting with suppliers. Other activities are also delegated to the consortium, from store management through developing promotional activities to staff training, enabling the cooperative system to compete with the major private retailers.

Citrus from the south of Italy

Fruit and vegetables account for 70% of the total sales of Coop brand points of sale and citrus fruit comprise a very big proportion of these, 70,000 tons, with 85% grown in Italy. They are divided into five subcategories, as Claudio Mazzini, the sector chief explained: “The citrus fruit sold by Coop mainly come from Sicily, Apulia and Calabria, although 15% are imported in the offseason, particularly lemons. Oranges (50%), lemons (25%) and clementines (20%) account for almost all the fruit in this category, but the new varieties include Taclè, a cross between a nucellar Tarocco and a clementina.” Coop is also developing new premium citrus products such as Fiorfiore Washington navel oranges, Fiorfiore Tarocco oranges and Fiorfiore Amalfi lemons.

Eleven apple varieties and rising

The apple sector also takes a big share, with sales of 52,000 tons, almost all Italian-grown, organised into 11 different segments. “99.3% of the apples we sell at Coop are from Italy. The main regions are Trentino-Alto Adige, Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which grow around 70-80% of the country’s crop,” said Claudio Mazzini. The Coop range includes Golden Delicious, Stark, Gala, Fuji, Renetta, Pinova, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Stayman, Morgenduft/ Impero and Annurca, and new varieties such as Kanzi and Jazz are on the rise. Coop is also working to develop premium segments such as Fiorfiore Renetta apples.
The same applies to pears, with sales volumes of 16,000 tons, largely of Italian origin and divided into nine segments. Coop pears are 83% Italiangrown, mostly in Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto. “Our main segments are green Williams, Coscia, Kaiser, Decana, red Williams, other pears, summer pears and Conference pears,” said Claudio Mazzini, who confirmed that Coop is developing a Fiorfiore brand Decana pear and that Abate Rossa (red Abate) is at the trial stage but is not yet being marketed because of the limited quantities.

Red and green tomatoes

Tomatoes also make up an important proportion of the Coop range, with sales of 37,000 tons, largely from Italian growers, divided into 10 segments. Of the tomatoes sold by Coop, 98% are from Italy, especially Sicily, Apulia, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Piedmont and Tuscany. “Only 2% are imported from the Netherlands, mainly when the Italian product is scarce in July and August,” said Mazzini. The red tomatoes include datterini (plum vine tomatoes), smooth round tomatoes, red vine tomatoes and local specialities such as ciliegino di Pachino or San Marzano. Green or salad tomatoes include oxheart, oblong green, Camone and ribbed tomatoes.

Four lines of branded products

Branded fruit and vegetable products make up 22% of total sales. They total over 700 items, divided into four main lines: Coop Tutela for products that meet the Coop requirements; Vivi Verde, the organic line; Fiorfiore, the premium line; and Solidal, the fair trade line. “As well as the certificates required by current legislation, Coop brand products are certified to ISO 9001, BRC, IFS, ISO 14000 and SA 8000 and we are working towards obtaining GLOBALGAP,” said Mazzini, who confirmed that advanced integrated crop management, residue reduction, no post-harvest treatment and the eating quality standards set by the ‘frutta saporita’ (tasty fruit) project are all essential requirements.

Fair trade

Fairtrade certification guarantees the producer stable prices, credit facilities and long-term purchasing contracts, which are all useful tools to fight poverty and strengthen the producers’ position on local markets in the name of a better future. Fairtrade also promotes biodiversity, the variety of national crops and the value of local traditions, encouraging the spread of products with a lower social and environmental impact. In fruit and vegetables, the most sensitive segments in this area are the banana sector (almost 80% of the fair trade fruit and vegetable products), pineapples and nuts. As well as the Solidal line, Coop is involved in various projects to support developing countries. “Terra equa is a Coop pilot project to assess the agricultural excellences of countries in difficulties and contribute to their growth,” explained Claudio Mazzini. The project began in 2010 with dates from Jericho. Coop spent part of the proceeds from selling the dates on setting up the first paediatric surgery clinic in Bethlehem. The project has continued with green beans from Burkina Faso and melons from Senegal. The Senegalese melons grown in 2014 and sold in Coop supermarkets throughout Italy contributed to building a new health facility in the village of Tassette, not far from Dakar, the country’s capital. “The objective for next year is to buy instruments so that medical analyses can be carried out in the village,” Mazzini said.

COMPANY PROFILE

Coop Italia was founded in 1967 as the central buying office for all the affiliated Italian consumer cooperatives. Nowadays it is the biggest retail operator in the country, with a total of 1,087 supermarkets, 102 hypermarkets and 1,189 points of sale of different types spread over 16 regions, 75 provinces and 744 municipal areas, only excluding Valle d’Aosta, Molise, Calabria and Sardinia, equivalent to 19% of the national market. Its turnover is €12 billion and it has over 56,000 employees. The present-day heir to the Italian tradition of consumer cooperatives, which dates back to 1854, Coop Italia combines the efficiency and vastness of the commercial offering of the main private volume distribution chains with the typical cooperative values of solidarity, mutuality and participation, subjecting all the main company policy decisions to the general assembly of the members under the “La Coop sei tu” [the Co-op is you] slogan.

GO

http://www.e-coop.it