Migros CEO Herbert Bolliger has revealed plans to expand the organic store format Alnatura with a further 30 stores.
Speaking to a Swiss newspaper, Bolliger noted that in 2012 the retailer grew its sales in the organic sector by almost 9% to CHF474 million and commented that there are "concrete plans for the expansion of organic outlets", with "20 to 30 new Alnatura stores" planned for Switzerland according to Bolliger.
The Alnatura range consists of approximately 5000 items Alnatura own-brand items, private label Migros products and "other assortments such as cosmetics".
"In addition, we can integrate some of the Alnatura products in Migros stores, as we are currently testing this in three Zurich branches, Bolliger said.
"Our experience shows that in the Migros stores, sales have approximately doubled with organic products, thanks to the installation of Alnatura products."
"We are expanding the range constantly, but organic products will always remain a niche market," Bolliger added.
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
