Interfruct United

Interfruct stores use standardised assortment, prices and promotions and also operate as independent logistic centres. The chain is going to contuniue expanding its RIA network. According to István Bránát, managing director of Interfruct, increasing concentration in the retail market has put small stores in a difficult position. Their number is decreasing at present. Stores in favourable locations can remain competitive, but joining a major chain is the only perspective for most independent stores. The RIA program has been launched with the objective of providing a stable background for independent stores. The expansion strategy of Interfruct Kft. is based on two main principles. One is to put their stores in places which are easily accesible by car, while the other is to operate stores as independent logistic centres. On average, one Interfructs store can be found every 50-60 kilometres, wherever we go. An innovation introduced in 2007 was their Party Service. A lot of attention has also been paid to increasing the number of their HoReCa partners, like Hunguest Hotels, Accor Pannónia, or MOL shops. Their fruit and vegetable assortment is to be further improved, with an emphasis on standardised, pre-packaged products, which are more hygienic and represent higher quality. Fresh meat products have also been introduced in Győr and Miskolc. The objective is to make these available in all Interfruct stores by the end of 2008. The assortment of private label products is also continuously being expanded. Bio products have also appeared on the shelves of Interfruct stores.