Musgrave Group has left the European buying group EMD by mutual consent.
The Cork-based business made the decision as it "purchases the majority of goods from Irish suppliers," a Musgrave spokesperson told Checkout.
"As a result, we recently made the decision not to renew our membership of EMD and are evaluating our future options."
Musgrave exited the group on December 31. Musgrave added that the exit was 'not directly linked' to the sale of its UK retail interests to Booker last year.
Booker is part of the AMS Sourcing buying group, which Musgrave currently has 'no plans to join', the spokesperson added.
Switzerland-based EMD's membership is comprised of 15 members across Europe, including Groupe Casino (France), Markant (Germany), Superunie (Netherlands) and Axfood (Sweden). Earlier this month it announced that Asda was joining the group, increasing its total consumer turnover to €178 billion.
Commenting on Asda's joining the group, EMD managing director Philippe Gruyters said that it "affirms [EMD's] leadership among the purchasing and marketing alliances operating all over Europe".
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
