Tesco to share promo data in supplier trial

Tesco is hoping to boost availability by sharing more information about its promotional activity with suppliers.

The company is launching a trial involving 20 suppliers, which will give them what it says is previously unheard-of access to predicted sales figures and clearer information about likely orders.

It plans to roll out the Tesco Connect system nationwide in the new year, but has warned suppliers they must improve efficiency in return.

The online portal will give suppliers a raft of data, including what Tesco claims will be highly accurate sales predictions three weeks before promotions.

Tesco supply chain director Tony Mitchell said the system was light years ahead of the current process, in which suppliers received often sketchy information about future deliveries with little notice. “The big issue for suppliers has been the erratic nature of the order process,” he said.

Nestlé is involved in the pilot. “Hopefully this will dramatically improve the level of transparency,” said group supply chain director Mark Jones.