As the European Brands Association, we represent 2,500 branded consumer goods manufacturers, small, medium and large, across the European Union. A European retail sector fit for the 21st century is critical to brands manufacturers as retailers are the route by which our products reach consumers. The consumer goods industry can only benefit from a competitive retail market in Europe.
The European retail sector is characterised by growing retail concentration taking several forms which affects brands distribution and access to consumers, as the AIM briefing paper summaries:
