The business of buying

Buying group Sugro UK has relaunched its website to include impartial advice on confectionery and snacks as well as soft drinks and tobacco for independent retailers. This was apparenty done because retailers lack faith in market information from suppliers.
In December, the company set up a new buying group for smaller snacks, soft drinks and confectionery wholesalers. I like the fact that it is fighting the corner for smaller wholesalers that can struggle achieving decent contact terms with suppliers.
Managing director Phillip Jenkins wants to help wholesalers compete with bigger rivals. It echoed the facts highlighted at the National Convenience Show last month when the benefits of joining a buying and marketing group were frequently discussed.
At least the business is trying a variety of avenues after it struggled to recruit retailers to its Sugro Convenience symbol group, launched in May 2010, because retailers were unwilling to pay for new fascias. I like a business that tries a variety of avenues to help the industry.
However, I may be biased. I would like any business that includes a ‘2011 Chocolate Planogram’ on its website. I may have to do one of my own!

Katrine Kjoeller
Editor
Sweets & Snacks Europe
[email protected]