E.Leclerc says its “Alliances Locales” programme now includes 18,000 partnerships with small local producers across France. Participating suppliers must be SMEs located within 100km of the stores they serve, with products ranging from food and drink to cosmetics. Producers set their own prices, while E.Leclerc provides shelf space and access to its customer base. The initiative complements regional brands and the retailer’s own-label ranges. (Michel-Édouard Leclerc)