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THE Victorian government is "disappointed" after German supermarket giant withdrew its plans to build stores, including one in Bendigo.
Kaufland Supermarket cancelled plans to build a Bendigo store as part of its withdrawal from the Australian market.
A government spokesperson said the state government was disappointed at Kaufland's withdrawal.
Read more: Supermarket giant seeks home in Bendigo
"We've worked with them over many months to secure their investment, which would have delivered significant benefits to the state," the spokesperson said.
Earlier
A GERMAN supermarket giant has cancelled plans to build a Bendigo store as part of its withdrawal from the Australian market.
The company announced plans in August 2019 to build a "one stop" destination supermarket at Innovation Court, next to Strath Village.
Kaufland announced on Wednesday it would withdraw from the Australian market, saying it would concentrate its business on the European core market.
Read more: Strath Village faces German giant plans
The state government set up an independent advisory committee to evaluate proposals for a number of Kaufland supermarkets across Victoria.
Kaufland announced its plan to withdraw to 200 Australian employees.
In a statement it said the future of existing Australian investments would be discussed with relevant parties in coming days. These include properties purchased for outlets and distribution infrastructure.
Kaufland operates 1300 stores across Europe.
The company described itself as a "one-stop" destination supermarket, saying its 4000 metre square stores would focus on fresh food.
OTHER NEWS:
The stores were slated to offer a bakery and fresh hall, as well as a number of independent local businesses.
Kaufland International acting chief executive Frank Schumann said it was not an easy decision for the company.
He said Kaufland saw a great deal of growth potential in Europe.
"We would also like to thank our business partners, who offered us great support over the last few years," Mr Schumann said.
"We would also like to thank the government for being very open-minded to our projects."
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