Edeka has created a new purchasing alliance: Epic Partners. The alliance, which has its headquarters in Geneva, also includes Dutch Edeka partner Picnic, ICA, Magnit, Migros, Jerónimo Martins and its subsidiary Biedronka. Gianluigi Ferrari, previously CEO of the AgeCore alliance, will head the new entity.
The organisation will negotiate on-top conditions with manufacturers across national borders. With combined sales of around 140 billion euros, Epic’s focus is on large international brand manufacturers. The alliance will not negotiate with SME suppliers or farmers.
Christian Verschueren, DG of EuroCommerce, the principal European organisation representing the retail and wholesale sector in Brussels, sees the new creation as an important way for retailers to be able to keep consumer prices reasonable. Among manufacturers, the new alliance caused a stir. The first talks are expected to take place in the coming weeks.