Under the motto “METRO – Your Access to the Professional Market”, METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam held its largest ever Conference Suppliers 2014 in Ho Chi Minh city on 27 February. The event draws over 1,000 participants who are senior managers representing 615 key producers, suppliers, and professional buyers.
“METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam has experienced major changes since the last supplier conference, particularly when we started our new business strategy in 2013”, said Mr. Philippe Bacac, Managing Director of METRO Cash & Carry Vietnam. “Today is an opportunity for us to help suppliers understand more about our company and our vision.”
“METRO purpose is to be the champion for independent businesses,” addressed Mr. Bacac. “We aim to be the first choice of our professional customers for both professional and complementary needs.”
Mr. Bacac said the company would focus on six customer target groups including Vietnamese eateries, Vietnamese restaurants, canteens, Mom & Pop shops, manufacturers and big offices.
According to Mr. Bacac, the professional market potential in Viet Nam values up to VND1,250 trillion (US$59 billion) per year and the huge market for this business segment has not been effectively exploited. Of which the potential market for the six defined core target customers could be up to VND550 trillion.
Nevertheless METRO will continue to support 4-5 star hotels and other customer groups.
METRO's business strategy has received support from more than 1,000 representatives from suppliers nationwide, many of whom attended the conference.
Manufacturers and suppliers said the strategy helped them approach the market and solve the problem of inventory that many of them have faced in a tough economic climate.
In addition, the company's approach could assist suppliers further their exports through METRO's distribution network.
Also at the meeting, METRO briefly introduced its new branding campaign, “You and METRO” campaign, as it is called, will be launched very soon that helps position METRO as a first choice for independent businesses.
A leading wholesaler in Vietnam, METRO opened in the country in 2002. Currently, it has 19 centers in 14 cities and provinces nationwide. About 95 per cent of products sold at METRO are sourced from Vietnam.
T.N
Vietnamese
