MANCHESTER, UK, 2015-7-9 — /EPR Retail News/ — Plum deals at The Co-operative have led to a near double-digit growth across its fresh produce range following a multi-million pound investment to trim the price of fruit and vegetables.
The investment by the community retailer, which has a store in every postal area, saw prices pruned across its range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Launched in mid-June, its revolving offers on popular produce, known as “fresh three”, has seen growth of more than 130 per cent over the three-week period. With a near double digit growth in volumes (9.4 per cent) across its wider fresh produce range.
The initial offer was the Co-op’s Iceberg lettuce, carrots (500g) and whole cucumbers and, from Wednesday 8 July the “fresh three” offer will focus on fruit with plums (400g), oranges (4s) and peaches (4/5s) priced in-store at 69p.
The move is part of a £125m price investment strategy by The Co-operative. The programme has already lowered the cost of everyday staple products such as eggs, chicken, bacon and bread as the business seeks to be the UK’s number one convenience retailer.
Steve Murrells, Retail Chief Executive, The Co-operative Group, said:
“Our investment in the freshness, quality and price of fresh produce is bearing fruit. We are responding to the changing habits of consumers who are increasingly swapping the weekly shop for purchasing what they need, when they need it, locally. As a community retailer the Co-op is continuing to invest in its stores while also lowering the price of everyday essentials.”
In 2015, The Co-operative Food is actively pursuing 100 new convenience stores and will undertake 255 major store refits.
About The Co-operative Group:
The Co-operative Group, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, with interests across food, funerals, insurance, electrical and legal services, has a clear purpose of championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities. Owned by over 8 million members, The Co-operative Group operates a total of 3,750 outlets, with more than 70,000 employees and an annual turnover of approximately £10 billion
For further information:
Andrew Torr
The Co-operative Press Office
Tel: 07702 505 551
Email: andrew.torr@co-operative.coop