Building on the long-established Forum which brings together SPAR Partners and preferred suppliers from around the world to Amsterdam, this week also sees a Store Development Seminar, a Buying & Procurement meeting, a Supply Chain Action Group and a Responsible Retailing Forum being held in Amsterdam on 27 November.

On Thursday 28 November, following a day of learnings shared, strategies discussed, trends reviewed and new relationships formed during the above mentioned side events, the Partnership Forum will begin at the  Theatre Amsterdam with registration from 09:00. The inspiring business sessions kicking off the morning will highlight the strategic direction for SPAR globally across all areas of the business, addressing the brand’s focus on sustainable initiatives as well as expansion in retail and supply chain in both existing and new markets. Delegates will then be able to  explore opportunities at the large-scale Expo area.

Innovation in these two sectors will not only be heard about but also witnessed in the Expo, which showcases best practice, new trends and success from preferred suppliers and SPAR International. SPAR Own Brand is an essential part of the turnover, margin and brand loyalty tool for all SPAR Partners and in addition to the well-known dry grocery own brand ranges available from SPAR International including Spanish, Italian and British products, the recently launched SPAR Wine Collection will be on show. The move into joint purchasing of alcohol will be expanded with the new SPAR Gin being developed, with taste-testing being a key part of this phase – all input from delegates welcomed! SPAR Coffee & Bakery have been showcased previously but delegates will be able to also visit that stand which sees six preferred suppliers working together to offer optimum solutions to SPAR Partners for local adaptation and implementation.

A first this year is the mini-stage in the Expo area where delegates will be able to hear about the latest developments in SPAR store design and supply chain specifically as well as updates on Africa, Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Caucasus region, Russia and the planned move into Latin America from SPAR International, incorporating strategic goals with ongoing development. Additionally, supplier partners Jupiter & Food Grono will be presenting the support which they can provide to SPAR Partners – look for the time-table onsite of these quick update sessions in the Expo area. Time has been built into the schedule for networking with the over 60 suppliers and 70 SPAR Partners gathered together in Amsterdam.

The afternoon will close with more business sessions looking into other areas of the business and hearing for the first time from global supplier TetraPak. We will also hear from two key SPAR markets – China and Ireland before keynote speaker Magnus Lindkvist concludes with a fresh perspective. The day continues with an Award dinner being held at the Beurs van Berlage when we recognize excellence and celebrate another year of success, a result of collaborating better together.