Somerfield is set to expand its relationship with Nisa-Today's to include buying. Chief executive Alan Smith told The Grocer this week: "This is certainly a relationship that will grow." He suggested Nisa-Today's could be used to buy items such as commodities and own label. He added: "It's not as if our buying team haven't already got plenty to do with the more exciting stuff such as new product development and promotions." Nisa-Today's group managing director John Schofield said: "It is too early to expand on Alan Smith's comments. We are in discussions with Somerfield and we will issue a statement when we have something to say." The grocery trade was shocked in January when The Grocer revealed that Somerfield had joined Nisa-Today's, an outspoken critic of the major multiples and self proclaimed "guardians of independence". One supplier said it was as if Tesco had joined Spar. At the time the two sides emphasised that the deal was purely "for the management and administration and collection of retrospective payments". The link-up was the idea of Somerfield chairman John von Spreckelsen, who was a member of the Nisa-Today's board in his previous job as chief executive of Budgens. Smith admitted that some staff at Somerfield head office had expressed misgivings when the deal was announced but added: "I've been impressed by Nisa-Today's administrative skills and attention to detail in collecting overriders." A number of medium size retailers and groups are members of Nisa's Central Buying Consortium including Londis, Costcutter, Aberness and Budgens, but all are dwarfed by Somerfield's turnover of £4.94bn. However, Budgens chief executive Martin Hyson commented: "Any extra volume can only be advantageous. I don't class Somerfield as a threat." Another board member said: "If it adds something to the group it can only benefit the independent retailer." {{NEWS }}

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