Esd Italia celebrates 25 years of activity by renewing the alliance of the four members until 2030

Esd Italia, Dmo’s leading purchasing centre by market share, celebrates 25 years since its foundation by renewing the strategic alliance between its members, extended until 2030.

Esd Italia’s members – Acqua & Sapone, Agorà Network, Aspiag Service and Selex Gruppo Commerciale – thus confirm a solid and successful aggregation model which, since 2001, has made a decisive contribution to the value for money and competitiveness of the commercial policies of the brands belonging to the membership.

During the celebratory event, held on 16 October in Milan, the main milestones in Esd Italia’s history were revisited, along with the most significant moments in the development of its members, stable since 2015, and of its negotiation strategy. It was an opportunity to meet representatives of the commissioning companies, of the international Emd alliance, and Riccardo Francioni, the company’s honorary chairman.

The 6.117 points of sale throughout Italy represent a market share of 25,6% across the hypermarket, supermarket, superette, drugstore, discount and cash & carry channels (source: Circana, January 2026). Consumer turnover forecasts (including VAT) indicate an estimated growth of 5% for 2026, representing a value of more than 36 billion euros.

The chairman’s vision

On the occasion of the anniversary and the renewal of the alliance, Paolo Orrigoni, chairman of Esd Italia highlighted the value and outlook of the agreement: "We are proud to have reached this milestone of 25 years and, above all, we are pleased to have renewed our commitment to working together in the future as well. The complexity of the market on the one hand and the challenge of competitiveness on the other motivate the Members to continue working together to deliver everyday value to our customers and to be a reliable partner for suppliers to rely on for growth.”

The international outlook with Emd

Esd Italia’s competitiveness extends across Europe through Emd (European Marketing Distribution Ag), of which the Centrale is a founding member. Present in 16 countries with 56.000 points of sale, Emd generates turnover of more than 180 billion euros and offers member companies synergies in agreements that provide services to large multinational manufacturing companies.

Network development and the central role of the supply chain

The members’ commitment is realised through the network development and modernisation plan, focused on operational efficiency and protecting consumers’ purchasing power.

Over the last 5 years (2021-2026), total investments amounted to 3,2 billion euros, with 830 new openings and 683 refurbishments. This commitment will continue in the coming years with the same intensity, in the awareness that only through significant investments will it be possible to continue growing above market averages and offer development opportunities to supplier partners.

The Centrale’s negotiation model is based on transparent and collaborative relationships with branded industry, ensuring, through single negotiation, sustainable growth conditions, the containment of net inflation and a rapid ability to adapt to market dynamics.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.