A multi-million-pound investment to lower the price of Co-op own brand goods is being rolled out by Nisa’s new managing director.
More than 1,000 price reductions will go live to retailers next week, the specialist wholesaler revealed at its Expo. The top 100 most frequently purchased products all set to fall in price in a huge boost amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Fairtrade bananas, free range eggs, ice cubes, carrots, bacon and pasta twists are included in the list, with Nisa having been part of the group since a £143 million takeover, sealed in 2018.
Read more: 50 jobs at risk as Nisa looks to slim down central team at Scunthorpe head office
Peter Batt, who has just taken the helm from the departing Michael Fletcher, said: “Co-op own brand is absolutely key to our offer for independent retailers, more so than ever before as shoppers struggle with the increasing cost of living.
“This investment in the price of more than 1,000 Co-op own label products will support our retailers, ensuring they stay competitive, helping them to drive sales and margin during ever challenging times.”
Mr Fletcher stepped in to lead the business following the departure of Ken Towle to Asda. He is now leaving the business.
Chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq has said Mr Fletcher, part of the team that got the deal for the Scunthorpe-headquartered business over the line, “leaves behind a huge legacy”.
Announcing the start of the managed handover as restructure sweeps through the organisation - with Mr Batt taking the role with immediate effect - Ms Khoury-Haq, herself appointed to the top job in August, following Steve Murrells stepping down, said: “Peter has extensive experience in retail and trading, having been our divisional managing director in the South, and brings with him both commercial and operational experience from his roles outside of Co-op.
"I have the utmost confidence that Peter will hit the ground running to support our Nisa partners."
Alongside the price investment, Nisa is further supporting retailers with the introduction of the ‘Core Essentials’ range aimed at all stores across the UK.
Unveiled at the Nisa Expo, currently taking place in Stoneleigh, 330 Co-op own brand lines form a collection of products recommended to all retailers to enable them to stock a comprehensive own brand offer.
Based on sales insights and data, the range comprises products across all categories “that deliver on the core convenience missions and offer quality and value for shoppers as well as good margins for independent retailers”.
Jonny Lambert, Co-op brand planning and communications manager, said: “The intention of the Core Essentials range is to provide independent retailers with a comprehensive list of recommended products they should consider stocking to ensure they have a strong, basic own brand offer for their shoppers.
“The Core Essentials collection is made up of up key convenience lines that we believe are most important in the customer offer.”
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