The contract for the 64pp plus 4pp cover publication, which launches next month and will be printed at Prinovis UK in Liverpool, is initially for 12 months, with an option to extend to three years.

However, as well as the in-store magazine, which will be distributed across the larger ‘supermarket style’ stores in the Co-operative’s portfolio of 2,800 food stores, River will also publish a digital edition of the title.

Co-operative Food head of marketing Helen Nunn said: "In-store magazines are proven to drive sales and our multi-channel approach will ensure maximum reach."

River secured the contract after a competitive tender process, but the publisher has worked with the Co-operative Group since 2005 and currently produces a number of titles, including the million-plus circulation The Co-operative Membership Magazine.

"River proved that they have the credentials and understanding of brand fit to deliver a class-leading suite of assets and we're delighted to be working with them," said Nunn.

River chief executive Nicki Murphy added: "We have a rich heritage in food content at River and look forward to proving the power of an integrated content approach that includes tablet, web and paper variants of the magazine to deliver results in terms of return on investment."

This latest win for River comes a month after it won the contract to produce retirement home builder River McCarthy & Stone's Life & Living magazine.