US: Schnuck Markets names Ted Schnuck executive vice president, supermarkets
Ted Schnuck has been named executive vice president, supermarkets at Schnuck Markets, the St. Louis-based operator of 110 stores, the company announced. In his new role, which he will fully assume in October, Schnuck - the great-grandson of company founder Anna Donovan Schnuck - will lead the merchandising and store operations teams, fusing his experience in both areas with his leadership capabilities and strategic mindset. In January, he had been promoted to Schnucks’ vice president of fresh.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Fresh Thyme Market seeks out hyperlocal products for its upcoming concept store
Fresh Thyme Market, the natural and organic specialty retailer with 70 stores in 10 states throughout the Midwest, is on the lookout for hyperlocal products to fill the shelves of its new concept store in the historic Foundry area of St. Louis. The Downers Grove, Illinois-based Fresh Thyme is partnering with RangeMe, an online product discovery and sourcing platform for retailers and suppliers, on the sourcing initiative.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Tops offers sustainable leafy greens
Tops Markets LLC has teamed with Satur Farms, a leafy greens grower based in the North Fork of New York’s Long Island, to economize on fuel by removing miles from the food chain. Product harvested at Satur’s Long Island facility is usually shipped to the New York metropolitan area in under 24 hours. Satur Farms products that are now available at Tops include Baby Spinach, Baby Kale, Wild Arugula and Mesclun Salad. All of these items carry the NY Grown and Certified seal.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
New app using ridesharing technology to fight food insecurity in the US
A new not-for-profit platform is utilising the technology used to order your favourite takeaways to increase the diversity of food offered to food banks and pantries. Food Rescue Hero uses an app similar to ride-sharing platforms to coordinate a network of on-demand volunteer drivers, currently more than 23,000 strong. This responsive network allows the platform to overcome some of the critical logistical barriers of retail food donation.
Source: newfoodmagazine.com
US: Long Island’s first Amazon Fresh supermarket reportedly coming to Plainview
Workers recently were busy renovating a former Fairway Market in Manetto Hill Plaza in Plainview. The plan reportedly is to open Long Island’s first Amazon Fresh supermarket at the site.
Source: longislandpress.com
UK: M&S to sell 25p banana bundles to cut food waste
Marks & Spencer has announced it is rolling out a new 25p banana bundle scheme in stores across England in an effort to cut food waste. The retailer said it is going to bundle up extra ripe bananas in a cardboard bag and sell them for a lower price to reduce the amount of unsold food. Customers will be able to grab a ‘Go Bananas’ bag containing a minimum of 3 bananas and 2 recipe cards.
Source: retailgazette.co.uk
Ocado boss predicts UK ultra-fast grocery delivery will stay small
Rapid delivery grocery firms will only ever account for a small chunk of Britain’s overall food market as the bulk of consumers will always prefer the lower prices and larger ranges offered by bigger retailers, Ocado boss Tim Steiner said. The country’s grocery sector faces a new threat from companies like Weezy, Getir, Dija, and Gorillas who offer an ultra-fast service, supplying groceries via apps in as little as 15 minutes.
Source: reuters.com
Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service approves the acquisition of Billa Russia
Lenta IPJSC, one of the largest multi-format retail chains in Russia, announced that its indirect subsidiary Lenta LLC has received approval from the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (“FAS”) in connection with the acquisition of the supermarkets business of Billa Russia GmbH through the purchase of 100% stakes in LLC Billa Realty and LLC Billa (“Billa Russia”). The transaction is expected to close on 2 August 2021.
Source: lentainvestor.com
FutureProof Retail expands to Australia with first unattended Scan & Go store
Wolki Farm in Australia has opened its first unattended store with Scan & Go from FutureProof Retail (FPR). Customers download FPR's Express Checkout app and enter the store with a PIN. They then simply scan their items with the app, bag their items and pay in the app to complete their purchase. No cash register, no waiting in line. Customers can get specials in the app and see their total at any time.
Source: prnewswire.com
Germany: Aldi Süd plans to expand business in cities
Aldi Süd has announced that it plans to expand its operations in cities and is looking for partners to collaborate for the project. The discounter has created a central contact point for simplifying acquisition and cooperation across its entire distribution area.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Europe: Retailers, wholesalers sign 'Farm To Fork' Code of Conduct
Groups including EuroCommerce, Independent Retail Europe and Euro Coop have signed the EU Code of Conduct under the Farm To Fork Strategy, stating that it 'covers the objectives our sector has long committed to and is actively pursuing'.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Croatia: Kaufland introduces additional measures to reduce plastic waste
Kaufland continues to operate according to the Schwarz Group's REset Plastic strategy and has introduced a responsible fruit and vegetable bag, reusable lid, and set clear goals for reducing plastic in the environment. 24Sata reports, Kaufland is the first retail chain in Croatia to completely abolish disposable plastic bags at checkouts, and disposable plastic utensils, cutlery, plastic sticks, and straws were withdrawn from sale and replaced with alternative sustainable solutions such as paper, wood, and other products.
Source: total-croatia-news.com
UK: IGD to drive industry progress towards Net Zero
IGD partners with climate solutions expert South Pole to help the food and consumer goods industry take positive, tangible steps towards Net Zero. With its ambition to accelerate progress towards a sustainable food system, IGD is launching its brand-new guide, Building your Net Zero roadmap: a guide for industry leaders and decision makers.
Source: igd.com
Russia: X5 launches media platform focused on food
X5 Retail Group has launched food.ru - a new media platform focusing on food and related content. The website will feature content on recipes, cooking classes, healthy eating, and finding the right products, among others.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: John Lewis plans to build 10,000 rental homes on its land
John Lewis is considering plans to build 10,000 homes over the next decade as the high street store group looks to revive its flagging fortunes by becoming a landlord.
Source: theguardian.com