Rebranding stores to the Co-op Group's new fascia was expected to be key.
About 180 stores were refitted to the new look during 2006 and a further 250 refits are planned in 2007.
This week the Co-op's Healthy Living range was relaunched in stores using new own-label branding that reflects the new fascia, which the Co-op Group had originally hoped all societies would adopt. A further 1,500 products will be re-packaged in the coming year.
The Co-op's buying alliance with Spar was going well, he said. "I have a great deal of time for Spar and we are starting to work with suppliers," he added.
Last month the Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives revealed they were in talks about coming together to create a business with annual sales of £10.5bn. "It is good that the boards are having this discussion," McCracken added.
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