Dutch retailer Ahold has infuriated suppliers by announcing that it expects a 2% reduction on bulk buy purchases this month from suppliers to its Albert Heijn chain. In a letter to suppliers, the company wrote: 'As a supplier, you grow with us. To facilitate this growth, we think it is fitting that you make an appropriate contribution.'
As one farming industry spokesperson told a Dutch newspaper, the decision means that "family firms which deliver to Albert Heijn make a profit of between 1pc and 2pc will become loss-making." Commenting, Amsterdam University law professor Edgar du Perron said the controversial move has no legal basis in Dutch law. "But you can always have a go and see how the other side reacts. Albert Heijn would appear to have that much power," he added.
