ICA and Kesko start sourcing cooperation - selection of home and speciality goods will increase in K-food stores

KESKO PRESS RELEASE 08.02.2016 AT 14.00 1(1)

Kesko and Swedish ICA start close international ICA Global Sourcing (IGS) cooperation in Kesko's home and speciality goods trade, the extent of which is unprecedented in the history of Kesko. This cooperation will benefit customers in terms of a more diverse selection of home and speciality goods available at K-food stores.

The key objective of the sourcing cooperation mainly from the Asian market is to diversify and increase selections with high-quality international branded products. The sourcing cooperation will also be reflected in more competitive prices to customers.

- ICA's business models are similar to Kesko's business and sourcing models. We also operate in similar Nordic markets, which means that many key selections of home goods, home textiles and seasonal products, for instance, are to a great extent identical. Cooperation in sourcing creates significant added value both to the K-Group, ICA and our customers in terms of wider and more high-quality selections of home and speciality goods, says Ari Akseli, Vice President for Kesko's grocery trade, commerce.

As the international purchase volumes grow, Kesko ensures that the important principles of responsible sourcing are implemented.
- The principles of responsible sourcing and quality control are an essential part of cooperation. This cooperation in home and speciality goods business combines clear and functioning sourcing processes and tools as well as strong resources to quality assurance, says Akseli.

Participants in this cooperation also include Swedish Hemtex and Dutch Ahold, which is one of the world's leading retail chains.

Further information
Vice President Ari Akseli, Kesko, grocery trade, tel. +358 10 532 3490
Purchasing Director Hannele Åberg, tel. +358 10 532 2457

K-food retailers, with whom the Kesko grocery trade applies the chain business model, are responsible for customer satisfaction at more than 900 K-food stores. K-food store chains are K-citymarket, K-supermarket and K-market. K-food stores are the most responsible in the world in their sector. Their strengths also include superior fresh food departments, competent service, the widest selections, Finnish products and Pirkka. K-food stores provide both high quality and affordable prices. K - for shopping to be fun.