UK: Sainsbury’s at risk of pre-Christmas shortages if drivers strike
Sainsbury’s is at risk of facing pre-Christmas shortages if DHL lorry drivers go ahead with strike action over a pay dispute. Over 140 lorry drivers employed by DHL are responsible for the deliveries across the south west on an outsourced contract with Sainsbury’s. The union Unite has now warned that strike action could lead to shortages for Sainsbury’s in the lead-up to the festive season.
Source: retailgazette.co.uk
SPAR Qatar opens new SPAR Supermarket in Porto Arabia
SPAR Qatar has opened a trendy SPAR store in Porto Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion in Qatar. The modern 600m2 supermarket provides residents and visitors with a varied assortment tailored to local preferences. The new store’s departments include fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, bakery, delicatessen, meat, food to go, organic.
Source: spar-international.com
Belgium: Delhaize rolls out dual-fuel hydrogen truck
Delhaize Belgium is testing a dual-fuel hydrogen truck to transport goods from its distribution centre in Zellik to supermarkets in the Antwerp region. The truck joins the fleet of the Van Moer Logistics, which provides logistics services in the Antwerp region.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Italy: Gruppo VéGé continues expansion with return of Coal group
Italian retail cooperative Gruppo VéGé is continuing its expansion drive, with the return of the Coal group to its member organisation. Based in the Central Italian region of Marche, Coal operates a network of quality-orientated proximity supermarkets, with deep territorial coverage that reaches even the smallest villages in its coverage area. The cooperative has consolidated its position over the years, closing 2020 with a turnover of €560mln, representing an overall growth of +15.1%.
Source: esmmagazine.com
China: SEVEN FRESH jointly launched a fresh food complex with MUJI
JD.com's SEVEN FRESH jointly launched a fresh food complex with MUJI in Shanghai, combining a fresh food supermarket and a MUJI store inside. Designed by MUJI and operated by both companies, it covers an area of 4,000+ sqm in total.
Source: twitter.com
Israel: Probe into price fixing widens
The government’s investigation into alleged price fixing in the Israeli food market expanded to include Rami Levi and the importer Diplomat, Globes reported. The Competition summoned Rami Levy, the owner and CEO of the giant supermarket chain Rami Levy Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing for questioning at its offices. However, it was not immediately known whether he was under suspicion of wrongdoing or merely asked to give evidence.
Source: hamodia.com
Portugal: Sonae CEO optimistic as 3rd-quarter profit jumps
Portugal’s Sonae, which owns the country’s largest food retailer, reported a 32.5% jump in its 3rd-quarter net profit, supported by solid sales after the gradual easing of the coronavirus restrictions. Sonae said it posted a net profit of 96mln euros ($111.01mln) in July-September when the country continued the process of gradually lifting coronavirus restrictions.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Sainsbury’s opens new flagship store in ColwickSainsbury’s Colwick is the 1st of 3 supermarkets the retailer is opening across the UK this November, giving customers the chance to stock up on great value, high-quality fresh food, groceries and gifts in time for Christmas. The technology within the new supermarket will enable it to operate as one of Sainsbury’s most sustainable stores ever and its arrival represents a substantial boost for the local economy.
Source: about.sainsburys.co.uk
Swedish grocer prefers closed-door makeover
Sweden’s top supermarket chain is opting for an overhaul behind closed doors. ICA Gruppen’s majority owner is partnering with local pension fund AMF to buy the wholesale retailer for 107bln Swedish crowns ($12.1bln). After speculation about a private equity raid, ICA’s minority shareholders have minimal reason to grumble. The offer is 29% above ICA’s share price before the rumours started swirling on October 22. And at 21 times this year’s expected operating profit, it’s a premium to local rival Axfood, which trades on 19 times.
Source: reuters.com
JD.com plans to boost overseas investment as China’s e-commerce giants look to challenge AmazonJD.com plans to increase investment overseas, one of its top executives told CNBC, as Chinese e-commerce giants look to tap international users. International expansion from both JD and rival Alibaba could challenge the e-commerce dominance of Amazon in certain parts of the world. JD.com smashes through its Singles Day record with $48.7bln in sales and counting.
Source: cnbc.com
US rapid delivery grocer launches in 10 UK cities
Rapid delivery giant Gopuff has made its UK debut with the launch of its grocery service across 10 cities. The firm’s 1st Gopuff-branded venture outside of its home US market was driven by the company’s acquisitions of British start-ups Fancy and Dija earlier this year. The UK launch has seen both Fancy and Dija transition to the Gopuff app. The service is now operational in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. Gopuff aims to be in 33 UK cities by mid-2022.
Source: kamcity.com
US: Growth in snackable fruits and vegetables
According to Matt Novosel, category manager of produce, value-added at The Giant Co., the Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based chain is seeing 30% increases in kid-friendly snackable fruits and veggies, including pre-sliced apples, freeze-dried apple chips and individual squeezable fruit pouches that help parents save time and give children healthy options.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Misfits Market comes to California
Misfits Market, an online grocer focused on sustainability, affordability and accessibility, has launched in California, delivering to every ZIP code in the state. The nearly 40mln residents of the nation’s largest state now have access to Misfits’ organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, plant-based proteins, everyday staples, and newly introduced dairy category, all at up to 40% off traditional grocery store prices.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Grocery Outlet still cycling pandemic gains
Grocery Outlet continued to lap last year's pandemic sales gains in the 3rd quarter, posting a 4.3% drop in same-store sales. For the period ended October 2, Grocery Outlet said net sales increased by 0.6% to $768.9mln. Comps decreased by 4.3% compared to a 9.1% increase in the same period last year. Net income decreased 57.7% to $17.1mln, or 17 cents per diluted share.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Ahold Delhaize USA adds to sales gains in 3rd quarter
Led by its U.S. businesses, global food retailer Ahold Delhaize saw fiscal 2021 third-quarter sales improve on a sequential basis and build on prior-year growth propelled by the pandemic. For the quarter ended Oct. 3, Ahold Delhaize USA posted net sales of $13.55 billion, up 6.8% at constant exchange rates (5.8% actual) from $12.69 billion a year earlier, when sales climbed 11.3%, the Zaandam, Netherlands-based company said.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Beyond Meat shares crater as losses mount, company expects weak U.S. sales growth ahead
Beyond Meat reported a wider-than-expected loss for its 4th quarter and revenue that fell short of analysts’ estimates. The company also disappointed investors with its revenue outlook for the 4th quarter. U.S. revenue fell 13.9% compared with a year ago, mostly due to weaker grocery demand.
Source: cnbc.com