US: Washington State plans to sue to block Kroger's deal for Albertsons - Bloomberg News
The Washington State attorney general is planning to file a lawsuit to block supermarket chain Kroger's proposed $24.6bln acquisition of smaller rival Albertsons, Bloomberg News reported, citing a person familiar with the plan.
Source: reuters.com
H-E-B named top U.S. grocery retailer by dunnhumby
Data analytics firm dunnhumby has named Texas-based grocer H-E-B as the top U.S. Grocery Retailer in its seventh annual dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index, the company announced.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: The Fresh Market opening in East Liberty at former Whole Foods building
National grocery chain The Fresh Market will be opening its first City of Pittsburgh location at the former Whole Foods location in East Liberty. Global Commercial Real Estate Services announced that they secured a lease for the building at 5880 Centre Avenue.
Source: wpxi.com
US: Procurant signs Associated Food Stores
Procurant, a collaborative software platform for retail grocers, has been selected to provide perishables purchasing and source-to-pay order management by Associated Food Stores (AFS), a collection of more than 450 independent retailers across the western United States.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Online grocery sales dip 1.2% to $95.8bln in 2023
A decline in the frequency of online grocery orders drove a 1.2% year-over-year drop in total online sales to $95.8bln in the U.S. online grocery market in 2023, according to the annual results of the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Trader Joe’s stores in Denver area short on product due to Texas weather
Unusual winter weather in Texas has left several Trader Joe’s in Colorado high and dry when it comes to inventory. According to local affiliate Fox 31, Trader Joe’s locations in the Denver area were out of staples like eggs, milk, and fresh produce.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Upside: Introducing your new Upside Dashboard
Upside reported: "Since 2016, the Upside Dashboard has been the tool that more than 100,000 retailers have used for on-demand access to performance insights. We’re launching the new and improved Upside Dashboard to redefine measurement, giving you and your team the data you need to make smart decisions as your industry changes and prove Upside’s incremental impact for every dollar you invest in the program."
Source: upside.com
US: 7-Eleven, Inc. announces acquisition of 204 Stripes stores
7-Eleven, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 204 stores from Sunoco LP, which includes Stripes® convenience stores and Laredo Taco Company® restaurants.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Albertsons rolls out innovative prepared meal solution
Albertsons Cos. is aiming to help busy families make the most of dinnertime with its new customizable meal solution. The Signature Select Mix + Match line includes frozen entrees, sides and vegetables that feed a family of four, and cook together in one standard oven at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Walmart’s InHome program will soon wonder what you've got in your fridge
Walmart and Microsoft teamed up for a keynote session on Generative AI at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the tech could impact grocery shoppers in the very near future. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, who shared the stage with Microsoft head Satya Nadella, revealed upgrades to the retailer’s Inhome Delivery program which would include automated replenishment.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Consumer Price Index - December 2023
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3% in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.1% in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The index for fruits and vegetables decreased 0.1% in December.
Source: bls.gov
Google Cloud launches new generative AI tools for retailers
Google launched several new AI tools for retailers to improve online shopping experiences and other retail operations. Among the new products is a generative AI-powered chatbot that retailers can use on websites and mobile apps. Google Cloud’s offerings are the latest example of generative AI’s growing influence in the retail industry.
Source: cnbc.com
French antitrust clears Intermarché's purchase of Casino stores with conditions
The French anti-trust authority said it had cleared the purchase by French retailer Intermarché of 61 Casino stores, provided Intermarché agreed to re-sell three stores to solve competition issues.
Source: reuters.com
France: Casino shareholders, creditors clear accelerated protection plan
Casino shareholders and creditors gave the green light to a plan led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky to bail out the debt-ridden French retailer.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Why your cauliflower and cabbages will be smaller in Tesco
A supermarket chain is temporarily accepting some smaller-than-usual vegetables from flood-hit farmers. A relaxation on size requirements by Tesco on sprouts, cauliflowers, cabbages and leeks, is helping to keep British vegetables on the shelves rather than imports and to reduce the risk of shortages. The supermarket said farmers will still supply them with more of their crop, and avoid having to sell at lower prices on the open market.
Source: nottinghampost.com
Analysis: How likely is a Galeria relaunch?
Several candidates are lining up to take over the ailing German department store chain Galeria, CEO Olivier van den Bossche claims. Retail experts are highly sceptical, so who is right?
Source: retaildetail.eu
Portugal: Jeronimo Martins' 2023 sales hit record over 30bln euros
Portuguese retailer Jeronimo Martins posted a 21% jump in full-year sales, driven by a robust increase at its market-leading Polish chain Biedronka. According to preliminary data, revenues rose to 30.6bln euros ($33.49bln). Revenues at the discount chain Biedronka rose 22% to 21.5bln euros.
Source: reuters.com
Greece: Four steps against inflation
Main targets of four new measures unveiled by the government to combat inflation: A reduction of the discounts provided by suppliers to supermarkets by 30% and passing the benefit to the consumer with a corresponding reduction on shelf prices; Prohibiting promotional actions on products that have been repriced. The ban will be valid for a period of three months after the revaluation took place; Suppliers will sell fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to supermarkets at “clear prices” (no top-ups). A credit invoice of up to 3% will only be allowed for returns of products or perishable goods; A ceiling is placed on the gross profit margin of the companies that import, produce and distribute baby formula in Greece.
Source: ekathimerini.com
The Human Touch Robotics from Norway gets €1.76mln seed to revolutionize online grocery packing with its robotic solutions
The Human Touch Robotics, based in Oslo, has secured a €1.76mln (20mln NOK) seed round investment from venture capital firms ProVenture and Voima Ventures. Dexter, the Adaptive Gripper, stands out with its versatility, capable of delicately handling a diverse range of food and grocery items, ensuring precision even with the most delicate and perishable goods.
Source: arcticstartup.com