Ireland's first net zero energy supermarket in Lidl Maynooth set to open in November
Lidl Ireland will open the doors to Ireland's first Net Zero Energy supermarket in Maynooth Co. Kildare, at 8am on Thursday 6th November, with presenter, author and sustainability enthusiast Roz Purcell cutting the ribbon on the state-of-the-art new store.
Source: retailnews.ie
Ireland: M&S expands Click & Collect convenience with new Naas Food outlet
M&S reported: "Marks & Spencer (M&S) is making it even easier for customers to enjoy their favourite products, with the launch of Click & Collect at its new Food outlet at Applegreen on the Sallins Road in Naas, County Kildare. The "shop within a shop" concept offers over 400 M&S Food products, from fresh fruit, salads, and sandwiches to ready meals, sweet treats, and everyday essentials - including favourites such as Percy Pig sweets, M&S cookies, and Colin the Caterpillar cakes".
Source: corporate.marksandspencer.com
UK: Highland Group doubles down with Co-op Wholesale
Co-op Wholesale reported: "Following years of successful collaboration, the premium forecourt and farm shop operator, Highland Group, has renewed its partnership with Co-op Wholesale".
Source: coopwholesale.co.uk
IGD unveils Global Retail Trends 2026 report
IGD has launched its highly anticipated Global Retail Trends 2026 report, identifying seven key trends that will shape the food and grocery industry over the next year.
Source: supermarketnews.co.nz
China: Shanghai, DRC Team visits Aldi stores to prepare for expansion success
Discount Retail Consulting reported: "Upon entering the bustling Aldi store (600 m2) in the Hongqiao area, we were impressed by the fresh selection, including a wide variety of vegetables, meat, fish, fresh cuisine products, baked goods, and ready-to-eat items like grilled chicken, as well as the well-developed Chinese Aldi branded private label products".
Source: discountretailconsulting.com
Germany: Record year for LidlDiscount Retail Chain Lidl Foundation has achieved the highest profit in its history. Despite ongoing economic challenges and intense competition, Lidl has not only maintained but expanded its position in global food retail. The record profit of the Lidl Foundation in the 2024/25 financial year, exceeding €2.3bln with a profitability of around 2.4%, is more than just a financial triumph, it is a strategic declaration.
Source: discountretailconsulting.com
Ahold Delhaize announces the appointment of Alexandros Boussis as Brand President of Delhaize Belgium
Ahold Delhaize announced it has appointed Alexandros Boussis, currently SVP Commerce & Marketing, as the new Brand President of local Belgian brand Delhaize as of January 1, 2026. Current Delhaize Brand President Xavier Piesvaux will step down as per that date and will ensure a smooth transition.
Source: newsroom.aholddelhaize.com
Holland: Retail turnover up by 3.8% in September
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that retail turnover was 3.8% higher in September 2025, year on year. Turnover in shops selling food, beverages and tobacco was up by 4.1% in September, year on year. Sales volume was 0.6% higher. Turnover in supermarkets was up by 4.8%, while turnover in specialty shops was down by 0.2%.
Source: cbs.nl
Poland: discounter Biedronka increase profits and revenues
Discount retail chain Biedronka whose main market is Poland booked a net profit of €214mln (US $250mln) in the quarter. Net sales rose nearly 8% to €9.14bln and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased about 12% to €664mln.
Source: discountretailconsulting.com
Giuseppe Cantone takes helm at Italy's Crai
Italian grocery cooperative Crai has appointed Giuseppe Cantone as its new general manager, taking the place of Grégoire Kaufman, who has held the position since February 2023.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Oman: SPAR opens new flagship supermarket
SPAR Oman reported: "SPAR Oman has opened a new flagship supermarket in Al Khoud, Muscat, featuring a new-generation store design. As part of the instore offering, the SPAR Al Rahma supermarket has a strong presence of fresh products. An extensive assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables creates a standout department in the supermarket".
Source: spar-international.com
Amazon France teams up with Auchan's Chronodrive
Amazon France has teamed up with online grocery retailer Chronodrive to offer a same-day home delivery service. The Chronodrive range on Amazon includes groceries, fruit and vegetables, fresh and frozen products, as well as a selection of consumer goods items, such as household products, personal care, beauty, baby products, pet supplies.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Germany: Schwarz Production integrates Göber Group
Discount Retail Chain Lidl's and Kaufland's mother company the German Schwarz Group integrate from October the Göbber Group, a traditional manufacturer of jams, honey and fruit fillings for baked goods.
Source: discountretailconsulting.com
Japan: Seven & i looking at M&A deals and partnerships to fuel growth
Japan's Seven & i is working on several initiatives that include potential M&A deals and partnerships aimed at leading to substantial growth, Chief Financial Officer Yoshimichi Maruyama said.
Source: reuters.com
Cencosud withdraws Carrefour Argentina bid
Chile-based regional retail group Cencosud has announced its decision not to proceed with the acquisition of Carrefour in Argentina. Despite being invited to participate in the sale process, Cencosud has decided not to proceed, choosing instead to prioritise its existing strong presence and investment potential within Argentina.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Amazon CEO bullish on same-day perishables delivery
Amazon's expansion of same-day delivery of perishable groceries is having an impact on how consumers shop, Andy Jassy, president and CEO of Amazon, told analysts during the company's third-quarter earnings call.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: H-E-B opens 2 new stores near Dallas, Houston
Texas food retailer H-E-B officially debuted its H-E-B Rockwall store on October 29, making it the 10th H-E-B location the company has opened in the DFW Metroplex. In the DFW area, H-E-B also officially revealed plans for stores in Irving, Murphy, Mid-Cities, Forney and Denton. On the same day of the Rockwell store opening, H-E-B also officially opened its newest Houston-area store, H-E-B Jordan Ranch.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Instacart offers support for SNAP recipients, food banks
Instacart is rolling out a new grocery offer to help families that use SNAP, as well as a national food bank drive to support hundreds of food banks preparing for higher demand.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
PepsiCo introduces a bold new corporate brand identity
"Our new identity boldly reflects who we are in 2025: a company with expansive reach, aiming for positive impact across the globe and an unmatched family of beloved food and drink brands", said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta.
Source: pepsico.com
US: Balls Food Stores acquires Schulte's Fresh Foods
Balls Food Stores, one of the largest locally owned grocery operators in the Kansas City area and a 100% associate-owned company, has acquired Schulte's Fresh Foods, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The acquired store will continue to operate under the Schulte's banner.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
