AB InBev, the world's largest brewing company, and Edeka, Germany's leading supermarket chain, have reached an agreement to restore AB InBev products to Edeka's shelves. This resolution follows a recent conflict within the EPIC purchasing cooperative, which led to the delisting of over 80 AB InBev products, including popular beer brands like Beck's, Franziskaner, Hasseröder, Spaten and Corona, from Edeka stores.
EPIC, the European Purchasing International Consortium, is a strategic alliance formed by several leading European retailers to enhance their purchasing power and negotiate more favorable terms with suppliers. Established in 2021, EPIC's founding members include Edeka (Germany), Esselunga (Italy), Migros (Switzerland), Jerónimo Martins (Portugal, Poland, Colombia), Jumbo (Netherlands, Belgium), Picnic (Netherlands, Germany, France), and until recently Système U (France).
The dispute, which began earlier this year, centered on disagreements over supply terms and conditions within the EPIC cooperative, affecting the availability of AB InBev products in Edeka outlets. The absence of these products had a noticeable impact on consumers and the market.
In a recent meeting held in Amsterdam, representatives from both AB InBev and Edeka engaged in discussions to resolve the dispute. The talks culminated in a mutual agreement to restore the full range of AB InBev products to Edeka's shelves, effective immediately.
The terms of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed. However, both AB InBev and Edeka have indicated a commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship moving forward, aiming to prevent similar disputes in the future.
