The Retail Purchasing Center
In the food trade industry, B2B negotiations play a crucial role, providing manufacturers access to markets and helping retailers to update and expand their assortment. In this context, the Retail Purchasing Center stands out as a unique platform that facilitates direct dialogue between suppliers and buyers. Created to simplify and optimize the procurement process, the Retail Purchasing Center offers an effective tool for entering new markets and establishing long-term business relationships.
The Retail Purchasing Center was founded in 2000 as part of the strategy of the CEC "Imperia Forum," aimed at developing congress and exhibition activities and supporting the business community. Since then, the Center has undergone significant changes, expanding its geography and number of participants. CEC "Imperia Forum" plays a central role in organizing the Center's events, including leading exhibitions and forums such as "Peterfood" and NEVA BUYERS WEEK, strengthening its position as an important tool for the development of the food market and facilitating international cooperation.
Features of the Retail Purchasing Center
The Retail Purchasing Center offers a unique format for meetings between manufacturers and buyers, providing not only direct contact but also strategic positioning for both sides. This platform differs from traditional B2B interaction formats by allowing manufacturers to independently choose which buyers they would like to negotiate with. This significantly increases the chances of successful agreements, as manufacturers can pre-determine which retailers are most suitable for their products.
Furthermore, face-to-face meetings, which are the foundation of the Retail Purchasing Center, contribute to a deep understanding and mutual trust between parties. In such an environment, both sides can discuss collaboration opportunities, delivery conditions, and other key aspects in more detail, which is often impossible in standard negotiations or email correspondence.
Participants and Scale of Events
The Retail Purchasing Center is the largest platform for B2B negotiations in the food sector, attracting more than 300 buyers from over 15 countries. This platform provides unique opportunities for manufacturers to present their products to the largest retailers and expand their market presence.
Among the key participants of the Center are leading retail chains such as Auchan, VkusVill, Magnit, METRO, Perekrestok, Magnolia, Pyaterochka, Lenta, Spar, Svetofor, Verny, Azbuka Vkusa, Gradusy, Yandex Lavka, Ozon. This underscores the scale and importance of the event for the food industry.
For example, in 2011, within the "Prodexpo" business program, the Center gathered 265 buyers from 116 networks in Russia and the CIS, confirming its significance as a central place for suppliers and retailers to meet.
In 2017, the Center held international events, including the "Retail Purchasing Center: China-Russia,” where more than 150 Chinese manufacturers conducted 600 negotiations with Russian networks. That same year, an outbound "Retail Purchasing Center" was organized in Turkey (Istanbul), which facilitated the expansion of interaction geography and the promotion of international business cooperation.
Success Stories and Achievements
The Retail Purchasing Center has contributed to the formation of many successful deals and partnerships, significantly influencing the growth and development of market participants. Examples of such successful interactions underline the role of the Center as an important mechanism for developing business connections in the food industry. Moreover, CEC "Imperia Forum," the organizer of the Center, has been awarded numerous awards, including the prestigious international Russian Business Travel & MICE Award, confirming its significance and effectiveness in the market.
Conclusion
The Retail Purchasing Center, established as a significant format for B2B interactions in the food industry, provides unique opportunities for negotiations between manufacturers and retailers, offering direct and effective channels for business interactions.
Official website of the organizers: imperiaforum.ru