Sourcing
Inex procures groceries…
Inex is responsible for the procurement of groceries, such as processed food, fruit and vegetables, frozen food, refined fresh products, flowers, and consumer products, at the S Group. Inex purchases goods both from Finland and from all over the world.
In the product evaluation of the groceries sector, the products considered for inclusion in store selections are subjected to sensory evaluation, and quality assurance evaluates the quality of our own imports and brands. Within groceries, S Group’s own product brands include Rainbow (standard) and X-tra (discount).
...and consumer goods
The consumer goods sold by the S Group are also procured by Inex. Product areas of the consumer good trade include Sport, Entertainment, Appliances, Books, Paper and Toys; Cosmetics and Hygiene; Home, Construction, Home Improvement, Garden and Yard; and Fashion. In addition, Inex procures in-store equipment and accessories for S Group’s retail units on behalf of the Store Service Unit.
In 2009, Inex imported goods from more than 30 countries all over the world. In consumer goods procurement, we engage in co-operation with several international business partners.
Within consumer goods, the S Group also has several of its own brands, including Ciraf, ICON, and Actuelle.
The co-op member’s needs are catered for in the selections
At Inex, the diverse and responsible products are procured considering the needs of the co-op members. Selection management is based on co-operation between Inex’s procurement and the S Group chains. Inex’s purchasing managers analyse the supply markets and the supply range and negotiate with the suppliers. Final decisions on the product selections are made in co-operation between procurement and the S Group chains. Co-op members can influence the product selections through consumer feedback and co-op member committees, for instance.
Inex’s procurement strategy emphasises the evaluation of suppliers before and after the beginning of partnership with them. In supplier evaluation, important factors include the product itself, the quality, availability, and price, as well as environmental and social responsibility.