Leclerc and Rewe invest in organic | Progresiv
Leclerc has opened its first 100% organic store, called ‘The Organic Market’, in Saintes, Charente-Maritime. The retailer hopes to open a further 40 organic-focused stores in 2019 and a total of 200 by 2022. The store concept was first trialled in smaller test stores in Fontaines-les-Dijon, Côte-d'Or in 2017. 
The 400 sq. m organic store has an assortment of 5,000 SKUs, which are displayed on wooden shelves. There are also crates that hold locally produced fruit and vegetables. Leclerc has said that many organic products sold in other speciality stores are also available but “with prices on average 30% cheaper”.
Joseph Chauvet, Leclerc Group's bio manager, commented, "We offer the ‘organic’ reference brands. The offer is more complete, more expert than in our supermarkets. We also offer many products in bulk: cereals, lentils but also laundry, olive oil, wine”. Leclerc will also give “priority to French and, if possible, local products”.
Johannes Steegmann, Rewe’s head of marketing, stated, “Our Rewe organic products meet far stricter organic criteria than those required by EU Eco-Regulation, which we now also make clear on our packaging”.
For example, while it is not a compulsory requirement of EU organic regulation, Rewe ensures the grazing of dairy cows. Rewe Bio’s fresh milk and natural yoghurt comes from cows that are free to graze on fresh grass. In addition, Rewe Bio and Naturland monitor the treatment and health of their employees and guarantee permanent employment contracts. Such social guidelines are also not made compulsory under EU regulation.
Rewe’s Bio range packaging has been redesigned to include detailed customer information. On the front, customers can read about the added value of the product. On the back, there is information about the product’s organic quality. (www.igd.com)
