Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
July 15, 2019
BASF will launch an enhanced RetailConnect distribution model for its Agricultural Solutions portfolio, which will work directly with independent retailers across Western Canada. The introduction of a direct-to-retail distribution model follows the acquisition of a range of businesses and assets from Bayer nearly one year ago.
“RetailConnect enables a stronger relationship with independent retailers,” said Jonathan Sweat, Vice President, Agricultural Solutions, BASF Canada. “BASF recognizes the need to provide an even more efficient, agile and holistic service to meet the evolving needs of our customers. RetailConnect is the change required to provide the enhanced customer experience independent retailers expect.”
With an anticipated transition at the start of the 2020 growing season, RetailConnect will provide a more direct connection to BASF’s retail and grower customers. In turn, it will increase demand transparency and offer improved warehousing, transportation and logistics service – including 24-hour product delivery during growing season to most regions in Western Canada.
The decision follows the successful execution of RetailConnect in the market during the 2019 growing season for BASF’s InVigor®, Liberty® and Centurion® products. In 2020, RetailConnect will expand to service BASF’s entire Agricultural Solutions portfolio to independent retailers in Western Canada. The company will continue to distribute products through its wholesale model in Eastern Canada.
“RetailConnect demonstrates our commitment to adapting how we do business to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Together with our independent retailers, we look forward to how this new relationship will continue to help Canadian farmers get the most out of every acre,” said Sweat.