Selecta Netherlands Partners With Albert Heijn To Launch a New, Fully Unmanned To-go Concept

Selecta and grocer Albert Heijn's FOODIE's micro markets will offer on-the-go, fresh options for consumers in office locations across Netherlands, with plans for expansion.  

Zaandam/Dordrecht, 10 December 2020 – Selecta Netherlands and Albert Heijn have joined forces to offer clients an exciting new concept. Selecta’s FOODIE’S MicroMarkets are now offering an innovative on-the-go fresh selection from Albert Heijn to go products. This new concept provides both partners the platform to address market trends of anytime convenience and a growing demand for variety and healthier food options at the workplace. 

By harnessing Selecta’s strong distribution network and Albert Heijn’s on-the-go innovative range of products, both see attractive growth potential as this partnership provides the opportunity to customise offerings to client needs. In 2021, Selecta Netherlands and Albert Heijn plan to open at least 100 unmanned Albert Heijn to go formats at office locations throughout the Netherlands and will expand this growth trajectory in the following years. The fully unmanned Albert Heijn to go concept is also perfectly suited for locations such as hospitals and educational institutions. 

Changing demand in the market and the workplace 

Selecta’s market research indicates that office and work environments are rapidly changing. Offices have become flexible and transient meeting points. Pre-testing of the unmanned to go Albert Heijn and Selecta FOODIES concepts also revealed consumer needs for varied, tastier, fresher foods and drinks options, conveniently available 24/7. 

Christian Schmitz, CEO Selecta Group said: “With our first FOODIE’S brand partnership in Europe, we are taking a huge step forward in broadening our concept and demonstrating our capability to be a world class distributor of world class brands. Albert Heijn is the No. 1 food retailer in the Netherlands and we really look forward to working together to deliver excellent service and client satisfaction.” 

Jan Marck Vrijlandt, MD Benelux of Selecta: “Our FOODIE’S MicroMarket concept helps with the transition from office to meeting point. The collaboration with Albert Heijn will present further opportunities to support more organisations in the Netherlands by offering a varied range of healthy and fresh food and beverages.” 

Marit van Egmond, CEO Albert Heijn: “Our aim is to be available to our customers any time anywhere. Around the corner, along the way and online. With a variety of good food, consistent value for money and great convenience. There are many opportunities to expand our network in the Netherlands and Flanders. In co-operating with Selecta, we will be addressing the changing needs in office environments. With this ground-breaking Albert Heijn concept, we are taking the next step in the world of out-of-home consumption.” 

About Selecta  

Selecta is European market leader in self-service concepts for food and beverage in offices spaces and public areas. Established in 1957, Selecta is active in 16 European countries and the European head office is based in Switzerland. The head office of Selecta Netherlands is based in Dordrecht. FOODIES is an innovative concept developed by Selecta and currently operates over 200 locations throughout Europe. These modular, automated MicroMarkets offer consumers access to food and beverages at any time of day. Selecta will continue investing in the further development of FOODIE’S in Europe in the coming years. For more information on Selecta Netherlands, please visit: www.selectavending.nl

About Albert Heijn 

Albert Heijn has been a household name for over 130 years. From grocer, to self service to the modern day shop that everybody recognises as being available any time anywhere. Around the corner, along the way and online, Albert Heijn ensures better food available for everyone. Albert Heijn has 100.000 employees and over 1.000 shops, of which 87 to-go shops in locations such as train stations, universities, hospitals and gas stations. These shops offer tasty, fresh and varied food to customers who are on the go. In the spring of 2020, Albert Heijn announced the opening over more than 100 new locations with BP and NS in the next few years.