During the first edition of Auchan's Supply Chain Convention, an event that brought together dozens of Romanian agri-food producers on Tuesday, February 27, the retailer presented the evolution of the supply chain project over the past 5 years, its main pillars, as well as long-term development plans.

At the event, both the benefits offered to local collaborating producers and to consumers who can find local products with controlled traceability from seed to shelf on Auchan's shelves were discussed.

Under the label "We cultivate the best!", the retailer has developed over 80 Romanian product supply chains to date, in various food categories: from fruits and vegetables, butchery, grocery, eggs, fish, dairy, some of which are organic, with their number expected to reach 100 by the end of this year.

As a promoter of sustainable, regenerative agriculture, and from the desire to bring as many Romanian products to the shelves as possible, starting in 2019, Auchan laid the groundwork for its own supply chain program. Auchan's supply chains represent long-term collaborations with local producers, through which the retailer provides customers with locally sourced products with controlled traceability, from seed to shelf, responsible products, of exceptional quality and authentic taste, cultivated and obtained with respect for water consumption and animal welfare.

86 Romanian product supply chains have already been developed in product categories such as fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, meat, grocery, etc., being available throughout the store network. These products are developed together with farmers who grow fruits and vegetables or raise animals, with respect for the environment, people, and animals, in accordance with Auchan's ethics.

Most of the products from the fruit and vegetable supply chains hold the international Global G.A.P. certification. In addition, Auchan also emphasizes the respect given to workers.

"Filierele" (supply chains) are long-term collaborations with local producers, through which Auchan provides customers with products with controlled traceability, from seed to shelf. This is part of Auchan's mission to help people live better, eat healthier, while protecting the planet, a project in partnership with Romanian producers, constantly evolving," said Tiberiu Dănețiu, Retail Marketing Director Romania.

During the first edition of Auchan's Supply Chain Convention, the project coordinators presented general information about the development of supply chain products, the main benefits for suppliers and consumers, as well as long-term plans. Also, special attention was given to the communication component, the company exemplifying how suppliers and supply chain products are promoted through all Auchan channels and in the mass media.

The event continued with a presentation on the quality component of supply chain products and how the necessary audits are conducted and what the process of controlled traceability by Auchan means.

Last but not least, the retailer also addressed an important message to the attending producers regarding decarbonization and what type of actions can be adopted so that the environmental footprint and carbon footprint can be reduced. A series of special guests, namely producers who are already suppliers for Auchan's supply chains, took the stage to share their working experience, their story, and the benefits they enjoy as Auchan supply chain suppliers.

Supply chains bring benefits to both customers, who find authentic Romanian tastes on the shelves of all Auchan stores, at a fair quality-price ratio, and to farmers and producers, who have greater predictability of the quantities of products to be delivered, having in Auchan a reliable partner who helps them develop, while contributing to the development of the local economy.

"We started collaborating in 2014. At first, in the first two years, we delivered 100 tons, and now our quantity has multiplied. Our orchard covers 32 hectares, the fruits are cultivated with special care and maintained throughout the year so that customers can enjoy the most aromatic and delicious fruits. After the harvesting season, the apples are sorted, packaged in crates, and prepared for delivery to Auchan," said Ionel Burzo, Natural Impex orchard, Cincu, Auchan apple supply chain.

"Auchan is one of our main customers, they offer us security, help us gain trust, promote us and help us become known throughout the country. I believe Auchan is the meeting place for like-minded people, both producers of healthy, ecological food, as we are, and customers who are looking for these healthy foods for their families," said Dacian Badea, representative of Silvania Ecological Farms, at the Auchan Supply Chain Convention.

"Our collaboration with Auchan began in 2021, we wanted to be Auchan suppliers, we trust them, and consumers must trust our products, which are 100% organic and certified by Ecocert. For us, as suppliers, the main advantages of this partnership consist of continuing the relationship with Auchan, the predictability offered, as well as the fact that we work with a known and respected partner," also declared Ana Liliana Totoianu, Galina Bio Eggs representative, at the event.

Auchan supports the local economy and Romanian producers, and over 90% of the products on the shelves come from companies in Romania. Moreover, over 900 own-brand articles are made in Romania, with local producers.

Indeed, Auchan has also developed its own La Masă în România range, which is aimed at all those who appreciate authentic Romanian tastes and those who seek to put as many domestic products on their family tables as possible.

The range consists of over 100 products made according to traditional recipes, from natural ingredients, at an affordable price.