International retailers are pushing for suppliers to operate with them on a global basis and an increasing number of suppliers are keen to develop global trading relationships with the major international retailers, according to a new report from food and grocery think tank the Institute of Grocery Distribution.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The report includes a survey of 50 managers from FMCG (Fast Moving Consumable Goods) suppliers, including Unilever, P&G, and Colgate-Palmolive. 72% are positive about their returns from entering into global trading relationships, up from just 21% in 2003 and 54% last year.


The results also indicate that 41% of suppliers, up from 13% last year, now have global or regional pricing included in their negotiations.


“This year we have seen a real change in attitudes towards global trading relationships,” said Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD. “Many suppliers are now positively embracing what was avoided before.


“Global Trading Relationships is a new IGD report that provides suppliers with practical insight, benchmarking tools and a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities retailers face in trading with global suppliers. With practical tips and benchmarking scorecards the report ensures suppliers are perfectly positioned to assess whether and how to implement global trading relationships.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

“On a critical issue, IGD has used its unique position to understand from the retailers’ perspective, what they look for in a relationship and what issues frustrate them,” continued Joanne Denney-Finch. “It is clear that they are looking to work with pro-active global suppliers that develop and share their best practice in all the markets in which they operate.”

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact