CHICAGO and SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Feb. 27, 2006 – Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of enterprise market information solutions for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare industries, announced today that it has created an innovative relationship with Texas-based retailer H-E-B. IRI will work with H-E-B to create a customized market information portal and collaboration platform that will be made commercially available to H-E-B’s manufacturing partners.
This unique IRI program allows H-E-B’s manufacturer partners to access and utilize H-E-B data in a structured, collaborative framework reflecting H-E-B’s unique category and geography definitions. The exclusive program enables the identification of mutual business growth opportunities between H-E-B and manufacturers through improved communication and more streamlined category management.
As the retail business rapidly evolves, IRI continues its ongoing efforts to create unique and innovative relationships and solutions that address the full spectrum of developments at retail. The creation and execution of this portal and platform represent H-E-B’s desire to collaborate more effectively with its vendor partners to ultimately drive more coordinated business development efforts.
“Our new relationship with H-E-B is a significant step forward from our traditional relationship,” said IRI President of Retail Solutions, Strategic Consulting, and Integrated Solutions Thom Blischok. “IRI has unique domain expertise in delivering this type of collaborative solution for retailers as evidenced by the success of its other retailer-specific programs. We are extremely pleased that IRI was selected as the partner to build and support this critical driver of profitable growth for both H-E-B and its manufacturing partners.”
“We’re very pleased to build this expanded relationship with IRI,” said H-E-B Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Grocery Procurement and Merchandising, Martin Otto. “H-E-B’s relationship with IRI is intended to enhance our capability to share information with our suppliers in a way that maximizes our mutual business objectives.”
About H-E-B
For 100 years, H-E-B has been an innovative retailer. Known for its fresh food, extensive selection of quality products and strong community relationships, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at the lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B proudly employs over 60,000 partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities throughout Texas and Mexico. For more information about H-E-B, please visit www.heb.com.
About Information Resources, Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world’s leading provider of enterprise market information solutions and services, empowering its clients to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving the transformation of the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, only IRI provides a unique combination of real-time market content, advanced analytics, enterprise performance management software, and professional services. The company’s portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, please visit: us.infores.com.