German retailer Rewe Group is to end a number of new independent fresh fruit and vegetable sourcing initiatives after less than a year in operation, according to reports in the country.
Weekly German food publication Lebensmittel Zeitung reported that Rewe is to turn back to its long-term fresh produce supplier, Begian group Univeg, from which it sources some 25-30 per cent of its fruits and vegetables.
Earlier in the year, Rewe had reportedly started up different sourcing projects to move into independent fruit and vegetable procurement and loosen ties with Univeg, a relationship that dates back to the 1970s, Planet Retail noted.
The German publication gave no reason for the change in strategy at Rewe, but suggested the high costs and lengthy process involved in setting up its own supply chain may have put the retailer off the move.
