Mike Venton, SVP of Fresh Food Discount/Produce Procurement for Loblaw, joined Sarah Hoxie to discuss the several key points on the Canadian retailer's outlook for the remainder of 2011 and what they will be focusing on in 2012. As for the outlook on what suppliers should be aware of as the Canadian retailer approaches Q4, Mr. Venton stated "I expect that the market will be aggressive in the fourth quarter. That being said, we're always looking for good opportunities to drive more volume."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">When asked about his new position at Loblaw, Mr, Venton mentioned one of the most positive aspects of the transition. "The good news about my new position is that I've retained my involvement in produce, which gives me a solid base." Mr. Venton described the recent changes to overall operations of Loblaw, stating "The company has been changed into two new formats: discount and conventional. We now operate both formats across Canada. The split of our business is about sixty percent discount, forty percent conventional. The market itself is moving towards increased discount formats, and we're happy with the move."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">When asked about the outlook for Canadian economy, Mr. Venton stated "It's tough. People are looking for better value; that's one of the reasons why customers are attracted to discount formats."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">With Canada celebrating Thanksgiving over a month before the U.S., Mr Venton stated that it would be an excellent time for Canadian retailers to partner with suppliers both in and out of the country in order to guarantee stable supplies.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.loblaw.ca<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
