Aqui é Fresco plans to welcome 50 more establishments in 2021, the year it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
João Vieira Lopes, general director of UniMark
Created in 2011 to give more voice to traditional Portuguese commerce, the network developed by UniMark with the aim of supplying smaller stores and competing with large distributors ended 2020 with 727 supermarkets and mini-markets distributed nationwide.
According to João Vieira Lopes, general manager of UniMark, the business " developed organically over the years, with the number of new members increasing steadily, requiring an even greater investment in a dynamic approach adapted to the current market ."
UniMark launched the project with 113 stores, a number that has increased over the course of 10 years. Today, Aqui é Fresco is considered the largest independent retail chain in Portugal, " the result of a strategic and well-considered expansion, combined with a great deal of dedication from everyone involved in the business ," emphasizes Carla Esteves, the network's CEO.
Competitive pricing, appealing image, personalized service, and integrated retail solutions are some of the network's strengths, whose motto is "Close and Reliable," contributing to the unique identity of each store, where customers and store owners know each other by name.
Participating stores are guaranteed special conditions, advertising, discounts and exclusive offers on selected items. " We are the right solution for those looking to develop their business in the retail sector ," emphasizes Carla Esteves.
Local commerce
Following the online annual convention of the Aqui é Fresco network, held in September of last year – the first digital convention for food retailers in the country – and with the year still in its early stages, Aqui é Fresco's management believes that the network " is increasingly prepared to meet the demands of the current market for small retailers ," which has gained particular relevance in recent times, especially due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic affecting the entire world. According to a study recently released by Nielsen (Covid-19 Barometer), local commerce showed growth of approximately 20% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Carla Esteves, executive director of Aqui é Fresco
Carla Esteves believes, therefore, that 2021 will mark a turning point for independent commerce in Portugal. " It is with particular pride that we celebrate another anniversary after a particularly difficult year, which proved the importance of local commerce for all Portuguese people ," adds the manager, for whom this is "the sales channel of the present and the future ."
10th birthday
This 10th anniversary will be boosted by a nationwide promotional campaign, running from January 18th to February 21st, supported by special leaflets, one for each fortnight, and also by raffles through the Aqui é Fresco website.
The campaign aims to boost sales in participating stores within the network and support customer acquisition and retention.
