In Italy, the historical background of buying groups is linked to the large-scale retail sector. Organised distribution in Italy has historically constituted the reaction of small and medium-sized retailers to the growing competitive pressure of large distribution chains, especially from France and Germany, which have entered the food distribution sector with large stores and a widespread territorial presence throughout the country. Particularly due to the economic conditions, buying groups arose through a process of spontaneous aggregation between small and medium-sized retailers, generally of an associative or consortium type, aimed mainly at achieving greater bargaining power with suppliers and, consequently, better contractual conditions in the procurement of products.