Kesko

Founded by 4 wholesalers in 1940, Kesko is a Finnish retail company operating in the grocery trade, construction and building services trade and car trade. Its headquarters is based in Helsinki, Finland. 

As of 2020, the company operates approximately 1,800 stores in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Poland. Along with its comprehensive store network, the enterprise operates online stores as well. Furthermore, Kesko also runs a subsidiary business, Kespro which is a wholesaler supplying restaurants, hotels, cafes, etc. 

In the financial year 2020, the business achieved a turnover of approximately €14 billion and employed about 39,000 people. Further, Kesko holds a market share of 36.9% in the food sector. 

Moreover, the enterprise gained recognition through the Gold SAP Quality Awards in Nordics and Baltics countries for innovation category. 

A wide assortment of products are displayed in its grocery stores which are classified under the following categories: 

• Savoury grocery: canned goods, oils, rice, etc. 
• Sweet grocery: chocolates, biscuits, sugar, etc. 
• Chilled & fresh: ready meals, fruits, vegetables, etc. 
• Frozen: ice creams, meat, pizzas, etc. 
• Dairy: milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc. 
• Drinks: juices, water, soft drinks, etc. 
• Wine & spirits: beers and wines.
• Personal care: moisturisers, deodorants, shampoos, etc. 
• Household: detergents, toilet papers, air fresheners, etc. 

In addition, Kesko developed its own brands which are as follows:  

• Pirkka: a range of more than 2,500 products which covers almost all product categories. 
• K-menu: a range of quality everyday items offered at low prices. It contains products such as meat, pasta, juices, etc. 

The company works with local food suppliers and small producers as well. However, the business has a code of conduct that suppliers should adhere to.

Additionally, the firm maintains high quality standards as it possesses certifications such as FSC, PEFC ST 2002:2013, PEFC 2001:2008, MSC, etc. 

In relation to its logistics solutions, the company operates 2 warehouses of 140,000m2 and a fleet of temperature-controlled delivery vehicles. Moreover, the business conducts about 3,500 daily customer visits with its 300 contract trucks. 

With regards to sustainability, the retailer collaborates with international sustainability organisations and encourages its suppliers to cut their emissions. 

The firm’s online store can be accessed on: https://www.k-ruoka.fi/