Coles adopts RANGEme network for small buyers

Coles supermarkets has started using the RANGEme online service to allow smaller suppliers to more easily promote their products to Coles' buying team.

The marketplace, which launched in March this year, uses a online portal to let small and medium sized businesses put forward their products to multiple buyers in one place.

The service operates on a subscription basis for sellers, who are charged $99 for one month, $89 for three or $79 for one year. It also offers premium services - like better positioning and targetd buyer promotions - for an additional fee.

Coles buyers started using the portal late last month, joining retailers including IGA, Costco, ChemMart, Terry White Chemists and Blooms.

Coles head of merchandise support Jon Haggett said the portal offered an opportunity to increase its supply of locally produced food and drink in response to customer demand for such products.

"This new online tool means that small and medium businesses have an easy and direct way to approach us with their new products,” Haggett said.