TIFA eG Turning 50 Years of Tradition into a Digital-First Advantage

Tradition as a Foundation, Digitalization as the Future

For over five decades, TIFA eG has been the invisible engine behind regional wholesalers in Germany and Austria. While the central team doesn’t sell the product themselves, they empower members to thrive by negotiating supplier contracts, managing centralized data, and supporting digital workflows.

TIFA’s members distribute everything from frozen meats to industrial baking sheets – serving restaurants, hotels, and healthcare providers.

Changing Market Demands Require New Solutions

In recent years, market expectations have shifted. Customers – from restaurants to hospitals – increasingly demand accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date product information. Simple claims like “gluten-free” are no longer enough; detailed allergen and ingredient data are now required. At the same time, wholesalers are facing rising costs and more complex procurement processes.

For TIFA, this meant that product data quality moved from being a secondary task to becoming a strategic priority.

“Our members are under pressure because their customers demand precise, high-quality data. In the past, this wasn’t an issue – but today, it’s a real challenge.”

Loubna Metghari

Head of Data Management, TIFA eG

The existing system could no longer meet these requirements:

• Incorrect VAT and GLN data
• High manual correction workload
• Minimal quality assurance for incoming data
• Slow processes and limited support

Product data management has become a bottleneck.

Choosing Syndigo: A Recommended Fresh Start

In 2021, TIFA decided to implement Syndigo Syndication. The goal: to establish a future-proof, digital infrastructure for product data, with clear quality standards, automated processes, and reliable support.

Why Syndigo?

Fast deployment alongside a new marketplace launch in just two weeks.

GS1-compliant, validated data.

Seamless integration into TIFA’s existing PIM system.

“We had the first successful data transfers via Syndigo within two weeks. The transition was surprisingly straightforward.”

Loubna Metghari

Head of Data Management, TIFA eG

It’s important to note that TIFA continues to operate its own PIM system. Syndigo focused solely on syndication – leaving TIFA’s internal systems intact.

Impact That Speaks for Itself

Working with Syndigo has enabled TIFA to make significant improvements:

20–30% higher data quality thanks to standardized GS1-compliant data – errors in VAT and GLN information are automatically corrected.

Faster processes – products are now available online within two days.

Growing digital adoption – 240 out of 513 suppliers are already connected via Syndigo, covering a substantial share of TIFA’s product range.

Reduced manual work – the proportion of manually maintained products continues to decline.

Simple onboarding– Syndigo’s platform is intuitive and easy to use, requiring little training.

Professional support – beyond technical benefits, TIFA values the reliable support provided by Syndigo.

“We’ve significantly improved our data quality and work much more digitally and efficiently now. Automation especially saves our team a great deal of time.”

Loubna Metghari

Head of Data Management, TIFA eG

Data at a Glance

Looking Ahead: Full Automation as the Goal

TIFA’s objective is to connect all suppliers via Syndigo in the future, enabling full digitalization of its product data processes. The aim is to provide members with seamless, automated access to complete and up-to-date product information – at all times and without manual intervention.

“Our goal is to connect all suppliers via Syndigo. This is the only way we can guarantee our members complete, up-to-date data at all times – and help them stay competitive.”

Loubna Metghari

Head of Data Management, TIFA eG

Conclusion: The Central Organization as a Driver of Innovation

TIFA’s experience shows that even a traditional network with a lean central team can achieve significant progress when the right digitalization steps are taken. By choosing Syndigo as its data syndication partner, TIFA has built a foundation to better support its members, streamline processes, and manage product data as a strategic asset.

What was once considered a back-office task has now become a true competitive advantage, with Syndigo’s Syndication solution.