摘要：The German food retail sector and food manufacturers are in a state of transition due to a complex mixof technological and market forces. Competition continues to increase due to sluggish demand andincreasing consumer mobility. The high degree of domestic and international concentration increases theintensity of competition. The top 20 food retailers obtain far more than two-thirds of total sales. Because of the increased competition among retailers, the number of retail stores will continue todecline. Food manufacturers fear the buying power of retailers in many ways. Distrust and struggleover the terms of trade characterize the relation between retailers and manufacturers. ECR activities inGermany lag behind relative to the US due to various cultural and procedural differences as well asstrategic reasons. However, ECR provides a catalog of measures to achieve more efficiency andcustomer focus.
