Supermarket chain Foodland is investing $300 million into a five-year plan that will see stores refurbished, new stores created, and 2,500 new jobs created in South Australia.

An additional 25 stores are set to be opened in the state in an effort to grow its presence, bringing the business’ total network to 120, and bring its total number of employees in SA to 8,500.

Around 500 construction jobs will also be created during the process.

“We are absolutely committed to further embedding the Foodland brand within the South Australian community,” said Foodland CEO Franklin dos Santos.

“The shopping experience is essential for our customers and, as part of our growth strategy, our existing Foodland stores will receive interior facelifts and façade refurbishments.”

Additionally, the business has gained access to the Gepps Cross distribution centre through its strategic distribution partner Metcash, through which it will supply local and international produce which will accommodate Foodland’s growth strategy.

Dos Santos told The Advertiser the new stores would facilitate a more ‘market-style’ offering than traditional supermarkets, as Foodlands seeks to reach a more sophisticated shopper.

“The supermarkets we’re starting to see – not only due to COVID but also the shift in trends – is more of a market-style store,” Dos Santos said.

“Whether that’s ready-made meals, or what people have traditionally called gourmet becoming mainstream, shoppers have become more sophisticated and we’re at the forefront of that.”