Starship Technologies lands $50mln Series C with focus on US city autonomous deliveries
Autonomous delivery specialist Starship Technologies reports the completion of a $50mln funding round led by Plural. The company, founded by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, has now raised more than $280mln in total funding as it looks to replicate its progress in European cities and US university campuses across American urban markets.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: ALDI offers a full Thanksgiving meal for $40, setting the bar for other grocers
ALDI U.S. reported: "For $4 per person - less than a pumpkin spice latte - ALDI shoppers can purchase all the items needed to fill their tables. This includes 21 total products and ingredients - Yellow Onions (3 lbs.); Baby Peeled Carrots; Celery; Cranberries; Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs.); Russet Potatoes (10 lbs.)".
Source: corporate.aldi.us
US: Wakefern Food Corp. chooses grocery vet Travis Riepenhoff to lead fresh group
Wakefern Food Corp. announced the appointment of Travis Riepenhoff as its new group vice president of fresh, succeeding Mark Van Buskirk. In his new role, Riepenhoff will oversee Wakefern's fresh food divisions, including food service, bakery, meat, seafood, produce and floral.
Source: supermarketnews.com
NGA joins food industry associations seeking clarification from USDA regarding penny shortage and SNAP sales
NGA reported: "The National Grocers Association (NGA), the nation's leading association representing independent community grocers, joined a broad group of food industry leaders in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide immediate guidance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-authorized retailers as the national penny shortage continues to impact cash transactions across the country. In a joint letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the groups requested clarification from the USDA to ensure retailers remain in compliance with the SNAP equal treatment provisions, which require that SNAP customers be treated the same as all other shoppers".
Source: nationalgrocers.org
Lidl GB commits £30bln to strengthen British food industry over next five years
Lidl GB reported: "Lidl GB announced a landmark £30bln investment in the British food and farming industry, strengthening its commitment to backing British suppliers and supporting long-term sustainable growth across the sector. The investment by Lidl is supported by industry-leading sustainability initiatives, including: committing to 100% LEAF Marque certification across all British fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers - championing responsible farming practices that promote soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare. The LEAF logo will be rolled out on packaging of all British fresh produce from next year".
Source: corporate.lidl.co.uk
China: JD.com sees strong 11.11 start as active users and categories surge
JD.com reported: "JD.com has seen an exceptional start to this year's 11.11 Grand Promotion (Single's Day) with active users rising by nearly 50%, according to new data. Fresh Food Favorites: Fresh durians became one of the top fruits of choice, with sales up 420% year-on-year".
Source: jdcorporateblog.com
Drakes opens flagship supermarket in Mount Gambier
South Australia's largest family-owned supermarket chain, Drakes, has opened a new store in Mount Gambier. The new 4,000sqm supermarket at 25 James Street officially opened to the public on Wednesday, 15 October, marking a milestone in Drakes' 50-year history of family business and regional investment.
Source: c-store.com.au
How Amazon is making deliveries more sustainable across the UK
Amazon reported: "For the first time in the UK, Amazon has launched rail deliveries at scale. Products are loaded onto train carriages on the fully electric West Coast Main Line, which runs between Scotland and the Midlands. The products are then picked from stations close to local Amazon delivery and fulfilment centres - ready for sorting and packing ahead of customer deliveries".
Source: aboutamazon.co.uk
Silpo's owner may buy out the French Carrefour chain in Poland
The second largest supermarket chain in Ukraine may enter the Polish market under its own brand. French retailer Carrefour is planning to sell its stores in Poland. One of the main contenders may be Ukrainian Fozzy Group (Silpo, Fora, Thrash!), reported Polish edition of Wiadomości Handlowe.
Source: biz.liga.net
Germany: Circle SE robot lands in REWE Düsseldorf store to serve shoppers freshly cooked meals on demand
Circus Group's CA-1 robot, pitched as the first ever AI robot for fully autonomous meal production, is about to go live in a REWE store in Germany. In a LinkedIn post, Nikolas Bullwinkel, Founder and CEO at Circus SE, said: "Our CA-1 robot has landed. Installation at first REWE location in full progress - only days left until launch. Starting in Düsseldorf."
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
The Warty Goblin Pumpkin, grown in Ireland, bursting with character
Marks & Spencer is celebrating Irish harvest tradition and seasonal fun with its exclusive "Warty Goblin" pumpkins, grown in Ireland by trusted producer Gilfresh. Available in all M&S stores across the Republic of Ireland from October 15th, these pumpkins are priced at just €3. Sparks members can also enjoy a €1off offer between the 16th and 31st October.
Source: retailnews.ie
UK: Cautious shoppers hold back on supermarket spending ahead of festive period
New data released by NielsenIQ (NIQ) shows total till sales growth at UK supermarkets remained unchanged at 4.1% over the four weeks to 4th October, driven by food inflation after a 0.5% fall in volumes.
Source: kamcity.com
UK: The Food Warehouse opens 200th outlet
Frozen food retailer Iceland Foods has opened its 200th The Food Warehouse store in Worcester. Executive chair of Iceland Foods, Richard Walker OBE, said that The Food Warehouse is central to Iceland Foods' growth plans and the retailer aims to continue opening 20 stores a year.
Source: esmmagazine.com
New Zealand: PAK'nSAVE Rolleston officially opens its doors
Foodstuffs South Island reported: "Rolleston has a new local landmark, with the South Island's largest supermarket officially opening its doors. At 8,100 square metres and representing a $40+ million investment, PAK'nSAVE Rolleston brings both scale and substance to New Zealand's fastest-growing district".
Source: foodstuffs-si.co.nz
