Dutch retailer Jumbo has announced plans to withdraw from the international purchasing alliances Everest and Epic Partners by the end of 2025, marking a strategic shift in its sourcing strategy. The decision follows a year of public conflicts with major brand manufacturers — most notably Heineken — over pricing and supply terms, which culminated in a court case earlier this year (inside.beer, 9.5.2025) and was later settled (inside.beer, 23.5.2025).
According to interim CEO Tom Heidman, the alliances “no longer align with Jumbo’s strategic direction.” While acknowledging the benefits of the cooperation, which had helped Jumbo strengthen its purchasing position and offer a wider, affordable range, Heidman said the company will now focus on handling A-brand procurement independently and building direct, long-term partnerships with suppliers. This approach, he added, fits better with Jumbo’s profile as a family-owned business aiming for “future-oriented collaboration for joint growth.”
Jumbo joined Everest and Epic Partners in 2023 to gain stronger negotiating leverage with multinational suppliers. Everest was founded in 2020 and includes Germany’s Edeka, Netherlands-based Picnic, and France’s Système U, while Epic Partners, launched in 2021, brings together Italy’s Esselunga and Switzerland’s Migros. Through these alliances, Jumbo secured improved terms for branded goods such as Heineken, Coca-Cola, Mondelez, and Kraft Heinz, but also faced criticism from manufacturers over delistings and aggressive purchasing tactics.
Despite leaving both alliances, Jumbo will maintain its cooperation with Edeka for the joint procurement of private-label products and with Everest Fresh for fruit, vegetables, and potatoes. “Nothing will change for customers,” Heidman stated, promising continued product availability and competitive prices.
The move comes shortly before Jesper Højer, former Lidl CEO with extensive international buying experience, is set to take over leadership at Jumbo. Industry analysts view the decision as an attempt to regain supplier trust and simplify negotiations after the Everest framework led to several disputes, including the one with Heineken, where a Dutch court confirmed that Jumbo was not obliged to stock the brewer’s full range. A later settlement between both parties reopened the door for renewed cooperation in beer supply.