On 1 April, the Swedish supermarket chain, ICA, introduced several measures. These make it easier for small, local farmers and producers to supply ICA branches directly. The response was enormous. In less than three weeks, more than 250 new suppliers have been approved. Some of these even have products for sale in ICA stores already. ICA is expecting 30 more suppliers to be ready for deliveries soon.
Andreas Sbrodiglia, ICA Sweden's Assortment and Purchasing Manager, says, "We knew many small, local food producers were suffering due to the coronavirus outbreak. ICA has a major responsibility to support these businesses. That is why it is great that the measures we took resulted in more than 250 new suppliers. These measures simplify direct deliveries to our branches."
"It has always been important for ICA retailers to buy from local suppliers. They want to offer our customers locally produced goods. Swedish food production must continue well, even in these difficult times. That is vital. By relaxing the rules, ICA is contributing. More local businesses are getting the opportunity to survive this crisis."
ICA has always found it important that suppliers be able to deliver directly to its stores. In 2017, they, therefore, launched their own sales channel for local businesses. In 2019, the roughly 1,300 ICA branches had more than 5,000 direct suppliers. The 1 April adjustments include the site's improvement and altered regulations. These changes make it easier to supply more stores. External suppliers can now deliver to 15 branches, not just five anymore.
Source: news.cision.com/se/ica
