Coles has formed a strategic sourcing partnership with leading international retailer Sainsbury’s that will bring new and innovative products to Coles’ shelves to inspire Australian shoppers.
Under the partnership, Coles has access to Sainsbury’s world-class supply chain, providing a source of new and exciting products to expand Coles’ exclusive Own Brand range.
“We want to accelerate the introduction of innovative products to Coles Own Brand, and this partnership allows us to do that with a range of food and groceries that are already proven in the international market but not yet available in Australia,” said Greg Davis, Coles Chief Executive – Commercial and Express.
Own Brand is central to Coles’ customer offer and the company’s commitment to delivering great value every day.
Own Brand products now account for 30 per cent of sales in Coles Supermarkets, making Coles one of the most popular brands in Australia, with 90 Coles Own Brand products winning awards for their quality in the past financial year.
Coles added more than 1,200 products to its Own Brand range in FY19, including innovations such as the I’m Free From range of products aimed at customers with food intolerances, vegan and vegetarian ranges under the Nature’s Kitchen, Herb & Sons and Wellness Road brands, and category-leading products such as Coles Special Burger Sauce.
The vast majority of Coles’ Own Brand range is grown and made in Australia, and that will not change as we work with suppliers to add further Australian-made products to our Own Brand range.
“This deal will free up resources for our own product development team so that they can drive further innovation and help us fulfil our strategy to make Coles an Own Brand Powerhouse,” Davis said.
The first products to be sourced through the partnership will be added to Coles’ Own Brand range in the second half of the financial year.
Michael Luck, Director of Business Development at Sainsbury’s said the company was delighted to work with Coles through this new partnership to bring more choice and innovation to Australian customers.
“Great quality food has been at the heart of our business for 150 years and we’re excited to bring Sainsbury’s fantastic products to Australia, offering Coles customers a range of high quality, innovative products that they won’t be able to find anywhere else,” he said.
Coles will also work with our Australian food and liquor suppliers to explore opportunities to sell their products to Sainsbury’s through the partnership.
“Coles has been exporting Australian food for 20 years, selling Australian-grown meat, wine and other products across the Asian market – this partnership with Sainsbury’s has the potential for us to take even more Aussie food to international customers,” Davis said.