There is something magical about Selex’s history. The brand has evolved with the times while remaining true to its roots. Yesterday, deliveries were made by bicycle, with sacks of rice, flour, and sugar carefully transported. Today, those same roads are travelled by modern distribution companies with staggering turnovers and global impact.
A consortium that changed the rules
It was 1964 when several food wholesalers joined forces in the Italian A&O consortium to create a large-scale organized distribution, marking the beginning of an adventure of collaboration and growth. Within a few years, the member companies grew into rational and efficient distribution centres. In 1979, Selex Gruppo Commerciale was founded: new companies arrived, and the group grew throughout the country. In the 1980s, Selex consolidated its strategy as a multichannel commercial group, and the first Famila supermarkets were born. In the following decade, the network of hypermarkets, superstores and shopping malls grew so that by the early 2000s, Selex was present throughout the country with more than 1,600 stores.
Unity is strength
But what makes Selex so unique? The strength of collaboration. By joining forces, member companies achieve unbeatable market conditions, being able to compete with much larger multinationals. And that’s not all. More than 97 per cent of the group’s branded products are sourced from Italian suppliers, thus enhancing craftsmanship and local specialities. In Italy, which is rich in tradition, supermarkets in each area and national brands such as Famila, A&O, and C&C create a winning mix that pleases every palate. The Selex Group offers a wide assortment of Distributor Brands, consisting of about 7,700 products, divided between retail brands, those for the C&C channel, and fancy brands (dedicated to specific product categories), to which are added speciality lines.
Innovation in the service of customers
The evolution of retail has brought new challenges and a push toward innovation. Today, consumers seek not just a simple purchase but an experience: cosy stores with bistros and extra services. Human contact remains key, as evidenced by the shift from the traditional food store to the modern deli counter, where even e-commerce is enriched with the warmth of personal relationships.
A success built day by day
Selex’s journey is a story of resilience, where every small daily action has helped build shared success. The architect of Selex’s success has been Riccardo Francioni, Selex’s General Manager for more than 30 years and a key figure in the birth and development of the Selex Commercial Group and in the creation of the Centrale ESD Italia. Selex is a concrete example of how union, passion and innovation can turn challenges into success stories. Today, with Maniele Tasca as the Group’s General Manager, Selex boasts more than 3,300 points of sale, 42,600 employees, 18 member companies and a turnover of more than 21 billion euros, confirming its position as a leader in the industry.
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