Foodland will invest significantly in South Australia over the next five years with the creation of thousands of new jobs and construction of several new stores.
Foodland already has the largest supermarket distribution footprint in the State. With its five-year strategic plan in place, the organisation will continue to grow its presence in SA and stay ahead of increasing demand for the unique local shopping experience and produce its stores provide.
Foodland Chief Executive Officer Franklin dos Santos said the business currently employs more than 6000 South Australians across its 95-store network.
“Over the next five years, we will create 2500 jobs business wide and employ up to 500 local contractors to refurbish and upgrade our stores. We will also add a further 25 Foodland stores to our portfolio,” Mr dos Santos said.
“We are absolutely committed to further embedding the Foodland brand within the South Australian community. Our customer is loyal to the Foodland experience, the Foodland service and the Foodland support for SA’s local suppliers.”
Through Foodland’s strategic distribution partner, Metcash, Foodland has access to a brand-new purpose built $80 million distribution centre at Gepps Cross. This distribution centre ensures Foodland has consistent supply to quality local and international produce and has sufficient capacity to accommodate the Foodland growth strategy.
“The shopping experience is essential for our customers and, as part of our growth strategy, our existing Foodland stores will receive in interior facelifts and façade refurbishments,” Mr dos Santos said.
The Foodland Network will invest more than $300 million in its growth strategy. Of that $125 million will be invested in new stores, $90 million in store refurbishment and $80 million in the Gepps Cross Metcash Distribution Centre.
Mr dos Santos said: “We are an anchor brand with a long and proud history, and we look forward to increasing our presence in the South Australian market in the coming years.”