PMP trumped its rivals to the multimillion-dollar Woolworths contract because it was the only firm able to print catalogues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and both islands of New Zealand, a source told ProPrint.

He said all tenderers would have offered high quality at a competitive price, but PMP's shorter distribution network meant it had the ability to get catalogues to market faster and with less risk.

"The competitive edge that PMP has is its national printing capacity. PMP is the only printer that matches Woolworths' national footprint with a national production capacity and that's highly valued by Woolworths," he said.

[Related: PMP wins EziBuy catalogue contract]

The print giant has held the Woolworths account for more than 10 years. The new contract is believed to be for three years, although its value is unknown. PMP declined to comment.

One competitor, who asked not to be named, said he thought PMP may have added some new business as part of the renewal. It is believed any extra business would have come from digital or photography work.

Woolworths' food business sends out catalogues each week to Australia's 8-9 million households. Woolworths Liquor Group and Big W also send out catalogues to the same number of households, although less often.

Salmat told ProPrint it had retained the distribution contract. PMP also tendered for the distribution contract, according to the source.

Meanwhile, PMP has retained the Dick Smith account after Woolworths sold the business in September to Anchorage Capital Partners, said the source.

[Related: Ups and downs of PMP]

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