In one of the most turbulent years on record, Coles Group has managed to deliver over $150 million worth of benefits under the Smarter Selling company strategy aimed at structural cost reduction, which achieved overall cost savings in excess of $250 million. Its approach included supply chain initiatives, new data and technology-led solutions in store, energy and waste management reductions, and 200+ other procurement initiatives. 

Coles Group’s non-trade procurement team collaborated in person, and then virtually when the Covid-19 lockdowns were enforced, with Coles Supermarkets, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, First Choice Liquor Markets, Coles Express businesses and suppliers, all working together to tackle the challenges that arose.

 The vision was to be “the best procurement team in Australia”, with the mission to deliver sustainable value to its customers by reducing cost and risk. Thanks to its innovative thinking, the company has been able to keep stores open and safe throughout Covid-19, all while helping its staff to transition safely to remote working. It has also been able to support the most vulnerable members of society by initiating rapid sourcing initiatives such as pop-up distribution centres to meet customer demand, distributing community boxes, sourcing