August cargo volume should be the highest since last fall
Import cargo volume at the nation's major container ports is expected to hit its highest level in nearly a year this month as retailers stock up for the winter holidays, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Source: nrf.com
US: Weis Markets sees Q2 earnings fall despite sales gains
Mid-Atlantic supermarket chain Weis Markets built on strong prior-year sales growth in its fiscal 2023 second quarter yet posted another period of decreased earnings. For the quarter ended July 1, net sales advanced 3.8% to $1.18bln from nearly $1.14bln a year earlier, Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets reported.
Source: winsightgrocerybusiness.com
US: Save A Lot sells remaining corporate stores, completes transition to 100% licensed wholesaler
Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., announced the re-licensing of its remaining 18 company-operated stores, finalizing its ongoing strategy to shift ownership and operations of all Save A Lot locations to independent, licensed ownership and to foster continued brand growth as a licensed wholesaler.
Source: businesswire.com
Lidl US to get new CEO, again
German discount retailer Lidl is experiencing a leadership shakeup in its U.S. operations. CEO Michal Lagunionek is stepping down from his position at Arlington, Virginia-based Lidl US, according to German trade publication Lebensmittel Zeitung.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Amazon delivers impressive Q2 results
It was a strong second quarter for Amazon, which saw financial gains nearly across the board. For the quarter ended June 30, the company posted a net sales increase of 11% to $134.4bln, along with a similar segment sales increase in North America of 11% year-over-year to $82.5bln.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
ALDI shoppers have spoken: Here are the 2023 Fan Favorites
For the 5th year, ALDI, one of America's fastest-growing grocers, released its annual Fan Favorites survey and asked customers to share which products hold the top spot in their hearts and carts. 2023 ALDI Fan Favorites: Cream Of the Crop: Avocados. What ALDI Fans Loved the Most About Groceries: Something to Guac About: Avocados had a major comeback this year as a double winner. They reclaimed their 2020 ranking as the top produce pick AND won as avocado oil in the 'Lighter Side.'
category.
Source: corporate.aldi.us
US: Ingles Markets sales drop slightly in Q3
Ingles Markets, Incorporated reported results for the three and nine months ended June 24. Net sales totaled $1.43bln for the quarter ended June 24, compared with $1.46bln for the quarter ended June 25, 2022.
Source: supermarketnews.com
NZ supermarkets to implement mandatory unit pricing for groceries
Supermarkets in New Zealand will now be required to "clearly and consistently" display unit pricing for grocery products - such as the price of a product per liter or kilogram - making it easier for consumers to compare prices at the supermarket. The new regulations will come into effect at the end of August. "New unit pricing regulations are a step forward in the government's wider work to increase competition in the retail grocery sector," said Duncan Webb, Consumer Affairs Minister. "This helps determine whether tomatoes are cheaper at NZ$6.99 per 500g punnet, $10.49 for a 700g bag, or $11.99 a kilo, so much easier for Kiwi shoppers".
Source: insidefmcg.com.au
Belgium: Delhaize reveals details of first stores to be taken over by independent retailers
Retailer Delhaize has revealed the first 15 stores that are set to be taken over by independent retailers as part of its transition away from a company-owned model. Stores in Ypres, Izegem, Knokke, Denderleeuw, Grimbergen, Ronse, Deurne, Wilrijk, Hankar, Mutsaard, Boondael, Flagey, Nivelles, Bouffioulx and Recogne are to transfer to independent operators in the coming weeks, reopening in October or November, the group said.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Sainsbury's brings more shopping choices to Wapping with vibrant new store
Sainsbury's has launched its newest store with the opening of Sainsbury's Wapping Lane Local in Tower Hamlets, London. Customers will now have the chance to sample Sainsbury's latest convenience range, from fresh fruit and veg, healthy snacks, and food-to-go to sweet, savory, and frozen staples.
Source: about.sainsburys.co.uk
Auchan strengthens presence in Portugal with Dia acquisition
Spanish food retailer Dia Group is selling its Portuguese division to the French group Auchan. While the Spanish group wants to concentrate on strategic core markets, the acquirer can strengthen its presence in the South-European country.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Burger King's India operator posts wider Q1 loss on higher costs
Restaurant Brands Asia reported a steeper first-quarter loss, as Burger King's India operator incurred higher raw material expenses while also spending heavily on more stores. Total expenses increased over 21% to 6.72bln rupees, with the cost of materials consumed climbing 26% due to rising costs of ingredients, including cheese and vegetables.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Tesco expands 'reduced in price, just as nice' signs to 300 stores
Signs directing shoppers to Tesco's reduced-price products have been rolled out to 300 more stores. The move, designed to help shoppers find discounted products more easily and reduce waste, could be expanded to even more sites, according to the grocery giant. The discounted supermarket range features products, including fresh produce nearing its expiry date and end-of-season items.
Source: retailgazette.co.uk
M&S rolls out AgriSound technology boosting pollinator activity to 18 farms across the UK
M&S and AgriSound are teaming up with 18 more M&S Select farms to provide in-field noise sensor technology to help farmers track pollinators to maintain the quality of produce and improve crop yields, and support biodiversity.
Source: corporate.marksandspencer.com
Croatia: Studenac expands retail network with acquisition of Špar Trgovina
Proximity retail chain Studenac has expanded its retail network to more than 1,200 stores with the acquisition of Špar Trgovina. The acquisition will strengthen Studenac's presence in continental Croatia, enabling customers to make faster and more convenient everyday purchases, the company added.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Amazon opens fulfillment center in the NetherlandsE-commerce giant Amazon has opened its first fulfillment center in the Netherlands. With the new location, the online marketplace will be able to deliver Dutch orders faster. The launch is part of a collaboration with Dutch logistics company Bleckmann.
Source: ecommercenews.eu
Spar Chain's strategic entry into Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Last week the 3rd Spar Supermarket in Kazakhstan opened in Astana. Two more have opened in Almaty, and three more will open in Astana soon. Agricultural Counsellor Arie Veldhuizen, together with Ambassador of the Netherlands Andre Carstens, took part in the opening.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl
Holland: Picnic suffers major losses but keeps on course
Picnic's net sales grew 27.7 % to 918.3mln euros last year, but losses almost doubled from 114.7mln in 2021 to 208.7mln in 2022. In Picnic's annual report, Managing Director Michiel Muller attributes the losses to higher investments, FD reports.
Source: retaildetail.eu