Australian retail wholesaler Metcash has created a role of food and grocery COO to “protect and develop” the country’s independent food retail sector.

Metcash, which distributes products to independent retailers in Australia, said on Wednesday (25 January) that Silvestro Morabito, head of its IGA Distribution grocery wholesale arm, would take the role.

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Morabito, who has been CEO of IGA Distribution since 2010, will continue to oversee that division and assume responsibility of Campbells Wholesale, which acts as a wholesaler for smaller retailers in the country, and fresh food wholesaler IGA Fresh.

Metcash CEO Andrew Reitzer said: “At a time when retail trading conditions continue to be difficult, the creation of a COO food and grocery will allow us to realise synergies within the company and more easily seize growth opportunities as they arise.

“This appointment comes at a critical time where Metcash as champions of the independent grocery retailers must play an even greater role ensuring their sustainability. Our new COO’s primary focus will be protecting and developing the independent grocery sector.”

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