To circumvent the current supermarket duopoly over the wholesale grocery trade, online-only operator Supie has encouraged retailers, community groups and other organisations to register an expression of interest in a planned wholesale venture.

Supie has been trialling wholesale supplying from its fulfilment centre in Wiri, South Auckland, for the past five months.

A report by Commerce Commission earlier this year found that a supermarket duopoly is preventing many retailers from being able to purchase stock at competitive prices.

Sarah Balle, Supie’s founder, said there is a need to invest in models that can deliver food and groceries from suppliers to consumers more efficiently.

“Our food system in New Zealand is becoming more reliant on the duopoly and their supply chains, so we’ve developed an alternative supermarket for consumers and suppliers, providing an alternative wholesale option for other retailers,” said Balle.

During the past three years, the company had built its own supply chain of groceries including sourcing directly from more than 350 food producers. It now sells 6000 products and has more than 100 suppliers on a waitlist.

“As far as I am concerned the recommendations by Commerce Commission will not result in cheaper groceries across New Zealand, so that’s why we’re doing something about it,” said Balle.