Sezamo, an avant-garde online supermarket under the aegis of the European Rohlik Group, has unveiled a burgeoning interest in ECO products among its clientele. The supermarket reported that 3 out of 5 shopping carts now feature at least one ECO item. This burgeoning proclivity has catalyzed a 37% augmentation in the assortment of ECO fruits and vegetables compared to the preceding year. Approximately 30% of Sezamo’s fruit and vegetable sales now stem from ECO products, a significantly higher proportion than traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
CEO Cristian Sălceanu attributes this surge to the supermarket's strategic collaborations with small-scale and artisanal farmers. These partnerships enable Sezamo to deliver fresh produce to customers in as little as six hours post-harvest, transforming the "from farm to table" concept into a consistent reality. The most popular ECO items include tomatoes, cherries, bell peppers, blueberries, and zucchinis, showcasing the eclectic range available to Sezamo's discerning customers.
Sezamo's commitment to expanding its ECO portfolio is exemplified by the recent introduction of new products. This includes the "Cloșca și puii" tomato mix from Nasul Roșu, an array of seasonal fruits from Livada Domniței such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and apricots, and BIO blueberries from Merry Berry. Additionally, Sezamo has onboarded BIO products from Coșul cu Fructe, including strawberries, eggplants, tomatoes, and greens. The supermarket has also commenced collaborations with a new BIO cherry supplier, Erika, and added imported avocados, lemons, and sweet potatoes to its inventory. In the realm of greens, fennel, sage, celery, arugula, and valerian have been introduced.
Michael Kaiser, Sezamo's Commercial Director, emphasizes the streamlined process for local producers to collaborate with Sezamo. Producers can access a special section on Sezamo's website and initiate partnerships within days. Sezamo offers a targeted market, detailed customer preference insights, and long-term purchase guarantees, simplifying planning and investment for local producers.
Dan Constantinescu, owner of the Nasul Roșu organic farm, extols the partnership with Sezamo, which enables him to deliver authentic ECO fruits and vegetables to a broader audience in Bucharest and Ilfov without the pressure of maintaining large stocks or meeting high frequency demands typical of traditional retail. This partnership allows customers to enjoy naturally grown produce with unmatched taste and aroma.
Sezamo’s ambition to democratize ECO products is furthered by advantageous pricing policies. Regular discounts and special campaigns, such as "buy BIO at conventional prices," aim to bridge the price gap and familiarize customers with ECO offerings. Promotional initiatives like offering customers 50 lei credits to try products from the "Lumea Eco" and exclusive discounts for Premium and Sezamini club members further enhance accessibility.
As a comprehensive one-stop-shop for fresh products, Sezamo’s online supermarket replaces up to eight trips to various stores including pharmacies, butcher shops, grocery stores, bakeries, markets, fishmongers, and pet shops. Collaborations with local suppliers who share Sezamo's vision of sustainability ensure that customers receive the freshest and highest quality products while supporting local businesses and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transport.
Sezamo’s logistics are bolstered by a 12,000 m² depot in CTPark, northern Bucharest, which houses both ambient and temperature-controlled storage facilities. This infrastructure ensures optimal conditions for product preservation and energy cost reduction, underpinning Sezamo's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Since its launch in Romania in 2022, Sezamo, part of the Rohlik Group, has swiftly ascended as a prominent player in the e-grocery sector. Operating under various brands in multiple European countries, Rohlik achieved unicorn status in 2021 and continues its rapid growth trajectory with a group turnover nearing €600 million in 2022. Sezamo’s technology-driven approach and dedication to sustainability offer customers eco-friendly options while bolstering local suppliers.
