Jumbo to exit Everest and Epic Partners purchasing alliance

Jumbo Supermarkets plans to end its alliance with international purchasing groups Everest and Epic Partners for the procurement of A-brand products. The Dutch chain said in a statement that it aims to cease the partnership by the end of the year because it “no longer aligns with Jumbo’s strategic direction”.

Jumbo added it plans to maintain purchasing arrangements with Germany’s Edeka for the joint sourcing of private-label ranges and with Everest Fresh for potatoes, vegetables and fruit.

The retailer signed up to the buying consortiums in 2023 along with Ahold Delhaize. Jumbo said that partnership had put it on a “more equal purchasing footing with international A-brand suppliers”.

Tom Heidman, the acting CEO at Jumbo, said: “The partnership has contributed to an affordable, wide, and relevant product range for our customers.

“It has also given us the space to further invest in our product range and its sustainability. Moreover, we have gained greater insight into the international purchasing landscape.”

However, he added: “While the partnership has undoubtedly brought us value, we also view its termination as a positive development.

“The partnership no longer aligns with Jumbo’s strategic direction. Our direction calls for more space to shape the purchasing of A-brands independently and in direct collaboration with suppliers.”

Everest, formed in 2020, included Edeka, Netherlands-based retailer Picnic and France’s Système U.

Epic Partners was set up a year later and comprised retailers such as Italy’s Esselunga and Switzerland’s Migros.

Jumbo said it aims to reorganise its approach to buying A-brands, with details to be discussed with stakeholders, including suppliers.

In June, Jumbo terminated its contract with bread supplier Bake Five as it aimed to reduce purchasing costs.

Effective in 2026, the move ends a relationship of more than 20 years and puts 700 Bake Five bakery jobs at risk, it said at the time.

Jumbo’s new supplier, Bakkerij Goedhart, is part of a family holding company with the largest industrial bakery in the Netherlands.