Co-op has assured retailers it is working more closely with Nisa to address concerns over pricing disparity and retail development. 

Speaking during the convenience chain’s half-year financial results last week, Co-op Food managing director Matt Hood said the company was continually investing in lower prices for customers. 

The investment has previously faced criticism from Nisa retailers, who claimed pricing on Co-op own label was cheaper in the multiple’s stores than their own. 

Asked by RN to respond to these concerns, Hood replied: “We are constantly having conversations with our partners, and we will continue to do everything we can to pass deflation on as quickly as possible. 

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“One benefit we have is one buying group for retail and wholesale. We can access lower prices for our retail business, and they automatically flow through to wholesale.” 

Hood added that the company was also working more closely with Nisa managing director Peter Batt on improving retail support to stores. He said: “We are starting to talk more to wholesaler partners on how we can help them with ranging decisions and pass on our expertise. 

The results ending 1 July 2023 revealed like-for-like sales for Nisa had risen by 2.3% to £691m, with 130 new stores added. 

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