Co-op has extended its long-running logistics partnership with GXO Logistics through a new five-year transport contract, taking the companies' supply chain relationship beyond 20 years.
The renewed agreement covers GXO's transport operations at Avonmouth, Andover and Lea Green, supporting deliveries to more than 1,000 Co-op stores across the UK.
Under the new deal, GXO will continue working with the convenience retailer to improve efficiency, service levels and resilience across its transport network, drawing on its expertise in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) logistics.
Chris Hyde, managing director for food and beverage at GXO UK & Ireland, said the renewal reflected the service delivered by its teams over the course of the partnership.
"Our scale and depth of expertise across the UK&I means that we can work together to bring continuous improvements to Co-op's supply chain," Hyde said. "We're proud of what we've built together, and of the positive impact our colleagues continue to make in the communities around the network."
The partnership also includes a community engagement programme. Over the past year, GXO colleagues working across the Co-op transport network have contributed more than 1,500 hours of volunteering and community engagement.
The company said its teams have also raised thousands of pounds for charities, including Barnardo's, Co-op's corporate charity partner, and the British Heart Foundation through colleague-led fundraising initiatives.
In addition, GXO continues to work with three Co-op Academies, providing mentoring, employability workshops and site engagement, while supporting skills development and training through apprenticeship levy investment.
Stuart Rendall, Co-op's head of logistics operations, said the renewed agreement would help strengthen the retailer's supply chain.
"Extending and deepening our partnership with GXO is an exciting development, ensuring we can continue our shared history of collaboration and innovation into the future," Rendall said.
"As a convenience retailer, we are focused on running a world-class resilient supply and logistics operation to provide our customers with the products they want to buy from our more than 2,300 stores across the UK. We have successfully worked with GXO over many years to this end, and we are looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership."