Asda has changed its sourcing strategy in the salad category and reduced the involvement of Geest-owned English Village Salads.
In line with the change to its strategy the single supplier/dedication agreement that was previously in place with North Yorkshire-based EVS has now come to an end, effectively releasing EVS from its obligation to supply only Asda with its range of loose and prepacked wholehead salad products.
Another supplier, which Asda did not name, has been brought in to supply the proportion of the category not now catered for by EVS.
"EVS is still very much at the heart of our salads business. We have a great relationship with them that we believe can continue to flourish in this new supply arrangement," said a spokesperson for the retailer.
EVS has put a very positive spin on the news, saying that while it is pleased to continue to supply Asda's salad category, it will now also be able to seek out alternative sales opportunities throughout the produce arena to maximise its business potential.
Dave Kearney, EVS general manager, told FPJ: "In this increasingly competitive environment our customers are demanding better value. It is vital that we are able to rise to the challenge and continue to provide quality products, competitively priced, on time and in the most cost effective way."
