From July, about 230,000 store workers will receive a pay rise of as much as 3.1%. Tesco, the UK's biggest private-sector employer, will increase the minimum hourly rate of pay for its in-store staff this year, following moves by competitors to comply with the UK government’s National Living Wage. (esmmagazine.com)US: Giant Eagle adds fruit to kids' treat card
This year Giant Eagle has transformed its Kids Cookie Card program into the Little Shopper Treat Card. Parents can purchase the card for $1 for kids 10 and under to receive one free treat on each store visit. Options now include a piece of fruit from the produce display, a slice of cheese from the deli, or a cookie from the bakery. (supermarketnews.com)US: Publix announces entry into Virginia
Publix Super Markets on Tuesday announced plans to cross another state line, saying it has signed leases for its first two stores in Virginia and was "looking ahead to aggressive growth in the state." Publix currently operates 1,111 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, with estimated 2015 sales of $32.3bn. (supermarketnews.com)AU: Woolworths’ most valuable asset has taken a hit
Woolworths has lost its crown as Australia’s most valuable brand, in another blow to the retailer’s fortunes. After seven years at the top of Brand Finance’s annual list, Woolies has been overtaken by Telstra as its brand value took a 14% hit, sinking to AU$11bn. (news.com.au)UAE: Investment LuLu to continue as pace of growth quickens
The chairman of UAE-based LuLu, Yusuf Ali, has said that the retailer is aiming to invest AED1.1 bn (US$299.5m) on the addition of 11 new stores in the GCC in 2016. If met, the expansion will see LuLu operate 132 stores by the end of the year. (igd.com)UK: Sainsbury's CEO calls for a 'level playing field' on tax
CEO Mike Coupe said the tax playing-field wasn't level - that Sainsbury's is the sixth largest taxpayer in the UK despite being the eightieth biggest company. "We think we carry a disproportionate burden of the business tax take, " he said. Sainsbury's and the other large supermarkets have complained before, but Mike Coupe's comments this morning go further. and is again going to take action. (itv.com)UK: Wait continues Ocado to deliver overseas partner despite profits
Ocado has stayed in the black for the second year running but has failed to find an international partner. Although the online grocer reported pre-tax profits of £12m on turnover of £1.1bn yesterday, the shares dropped sharply amid disappointment in the City over its failure to persuade an overseas retailer to adopt its technology. The company has been hoping to replicate a deal with Wm Morrison, where it operates the company’s online operations for a fee. (thetimes.co.uk)UK: Morrisons says suppliers will not be asked to absorb price cuts
Morrisons has said it will not be asking suppliers to absorb the cost of its latest price cuts, which will cover more than 1,000 fresh products. The supermarket, which is the fourth biggest in the UK, has launched a “Price Crunch” campaign, which will knock an average of 19% off the price of the first 1,072 items, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. (fwi.co.uk)Brands not keeping pace with retailers on digital trade promos: Study
When it comes to trade promotion marketing, manufacturers are slower to adapt than their retailer trading partners to the digital options that are available, show the findings of Kantar Retail’s 2016 Trade Promotion Study, Confronting Trade Promotion Fragmentation — Exceptional Agility Required. Please, click here to read more at supermarketnews.com. Carrefour CEO on France, stores and emerging markets
Carrefour's CEO, Georges Plassat, has given an interview to French newspaper Les Echos in which he talked about the French market, the importance of stores and Carrefour's position in emerging markets. Please, click here to read in the article at igd.com. German Netto Marken-Discount: New head of buying in management team
The supermarket discounter, Netto Marken-Discount appointed Dr. Oliver Gschwendtner (43) as a new member of the management team of the supermarket on 1 May 2016. Dr. Oliver Gschwendtner will be responsible for the future purchasing policies of the company. The skilled and internationally experienced expert previously worked in several different positions in supermarket management. 
Walmart Canada brings ‘click and collect’ to TorontoWalmart Canada is bringing its “click and collect” online grocery service to Toronto this week. The service will be offered initially at 12 stores. (igd.com)
Chili: Cencosud sees revenues of $16 bln in 2016Retailer Cencosud sees 2016 revenue of $16bn and adjusted ebitda margin of 7.2 to 7.4%. It will invest $500m in 2016, up 30% from 2015. (Reuters)
Denmark: Netto to open more stores
Netto, which operates around 460 stores in Denmark, plans to launch at least 25 new stores in new and current locations, while a similar number of shops will be expanded or renovated in line with the retailer’s latest thinking. (business.financialpost.com)Italy: Selex launches private label campaign
Italy's Gruppo Selex has launched a communication plan designed to strengthen its brand image and reputation. The corporate aspect focuses on brand values, while the private label strand creates connections between Selex's different ranges and how they can be used. The third, product-related campaign, encourages customers to try other Selex products using the strapline Selex: great choice. (igd.com)Greece: Metro gets approval to acquire Veropoulos
The Greek Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of Veropoulos by local player, Metro. A deal between the two parties is expected to be signed by the end of the month. As a 
result of the acquisition, Metro will achieve a nationwide presence with around 180 additional stores in Attica and 54 Greek towns and cities. Under the terms of the agreement, Veropoulos will retain its 16 stores in Serbia and Macedonia. (igd.com)Denmark: Coop and Dagrofa to close stores
Meanwhile Coop Danmark plans to close 20 of its Fakta discount stores but will be modernising 150 stores across the country, with associated costs believed to cost the retailer €40.2m. Dagrofa also plans to close some discount stores, revealing it is to close 11 unprofitable KIWI stores, while launching 15 new stores this year, including four with new concepts. (igd.com)
How Google and instacart are hijacking the grocery business from supermarketsPlease, click here to read the article.
German Kaufland strengthens buying through EMDPlease, click here to read the article.
Food shoppers are bypassing big manufacturers for niche brandsPlease, click here to read the article.