Foodland’s regional footprint growing with Kapunda, Nairne stores; Woodside expansion
Foodland is opening two new supermarkets in Kapunda and Nairne while expanding its Woodside store.
SA Business
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Up to $14 million in new investment into supermarkets at Nairne and Kapunda and expansion of the Woodside store will help more regional communities move away from a “cookie cutter” grocery experience, according to Foodland chief executive Con Sciacca.
A $7 million supermarket at Kapunda will open by December with another $6.5 million being invested at a new store on the former Chapmans smallgoods factory site at Nairne and the expansion of the existing store at Woodside.
More than 100 jobs are being created at just the three locations, with more stores coming in the new year,” Mr Sciacca told The Advertiser.
“We are in the market for more sites, but viability is key.”
The regional supermarkets follow the opening of the Romeo’s Foodland store in Rundle Mall earlier this year.
The Rundle Mall supermarket features an in-house cafe, sushi bar, salad bar, florist and deli, while an expansive walk-in cheese room forms the centrepiece at the heart of store.
The regional stores would focus on supporting local producers with a “farmers’ market” sort of feel.
He said “customer preferentiation” had driven decisions to open more stores.
“Customers are moving away from a cookie cutter style of grocery shopping on offer by the major national and international supermarket operators,” he said
Foodland is a collective of separately owned shops, with some families such as the Chapleys and Romeos owning several outlets.
The group, which has 91 stores and 6000 employees, has historically been a serious contender for Coles and Woolworths and is not fazed by the rapid expansion of Aldi and other newer entrants.
“We have continued to do well because we have a great range — supporting SA products and offering products specifically demanded by the local population — and experience that keeps customers coming back.”
The Foodland brand now includes the likes of premium Kangaroo Island honey and Limestone Coast olive oil.
Some stores now offer on-site bakeries and sushi bars, expansive cheese presentations, tasting displays, demonstrations and live music.
“Foodland is one of the most trusted brands and we are proud of what we are achieving,” Me Sciacca said.
From a cost perspective, the group now has control over its largest expenses in a decade.
A partnership with mining and energy lobby group SACOME has helped negotiate power pricing and security.
“As Foodland goes from strength to strength, we’re not looking at slowing down
anytime soon,” Mr Sciacca said.