Asda ends partnership with European Marketing Distribution

Supermarket giant Asda has ended its partnership with European Marketing Distribution (EMD).

EMD cooperates in buying private label products all over the world and negotiates agreements with producers of branded products at transnational level.

Asda joined EMD at the beginning of 2016, but has since made significant changes to its buying model, and says it is now prioritising direct relationships with its suppliers and has strengthened its international sourcing arm and its leverage through parent company, Walmart.

Andrew Moore, Asda’s chief merchandising officer, said: “EMD was the right partner for us at the time and they helped us strengthen our own buying capabilities. Our approach has evolved over the last few years but we regard EMD as a great organisation and leave having enjoyed a positive relationship with them.”

EMD stated that it respects this decision and that it wishes the Asda team all the best for the future.