Poultry retail franchisor Lenard’s has signed a distribution deal with wholesale warehouse Metcash to supply its chicken products to independent supermarkets nationwide.
“Metcash is such a big supporter of Lenard’s,” said Harry Rumpler, CEO of Lenard’s. “Supermarkets are particularly excited as we have not been available in most of these regions for several years.”
The company has traditionally sold its products through its own store network. The bold move has now seen stockists increase from nearly 100 to several hundred across Victoria, Queensland, and SA, with WA and NSW to follow soon.
With an estimated $16 billion in sales last year, Metcash distributes products to more than 1500 independent supermarkets nationwide, including IGA, Romeo’s Foodland, IGA Ritchies group, and Drake’s Queensland.
The partnership is the first major strategy implemented by Harry Rumpler, who was appointed Lenard’s CEO in July after spending several months as its COO.
“Lenard’s has traditionally been at the forefront of value-added chicken,” added Rumpler. “This will not change as our research and development team constantly looks at opportunities and market trends to excite our customers and keep our range fresh and exciting.”
Lenard’s operates 23 locally-owned stores and its products can also be found in several hundred supermarkets around Australia.
Extracted from Inside FMCG
