Dreamstime

ReposiTrak Traceability Network: Florida produce growers and brokerages included in expansion

US: Aldi to open 4 stores in 4 states this weekOn Thursday, Aldi will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following new stores: 9503 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana; 7505 Spout Springs Road, Buford, Georgia; 2596 Dodge Street, Dubuque, Iowa. On Friday, Aldi will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony…

Dreamstime

Arrival of SPAR brand important milestone in development of grocery retail trade in Uzbekistan

Sweden: Coop announces restructuring, plans to cut jobsCoop Sweden has announced plans to restructure the organization to increase competitiveness and offer better prices and promotions to its members. The restructuring will see Coop Sweden cut about 100 positions at its office in Solna and implement…

Dreamstime

Instacart: 3rd annual Giving Tuesday campaign to support PHA with up to 1mln servings of fruits and vegetables

Brazil retailer Americanas signs deal with creditorsEmbattled Brazilian retailer Americanas said it had signed a plan support agreement (PSA) with creditors holding more than 35% of its debt, in a key step towards a successful restructuring plan.Source: reuters.com US: NGA Foundation launches website to…

Dreamstime

Biedronka has opened its 3,500th outlet in Poland

Belgium: New Spar Colruyt Group in Kermt opens on November 30Spar Colruyt Group opens a store in Kermt on Thursday, November 30. Customers can go there 7/7 for a large offer of fresh meat and fish products, a spacious vegetable and fruit department and a broad assortment of sliced cold meat and…

Dreamstime

New kind of Dollar General store has opened up in the South Side of Easton

US: SpartanNash Foundation fundraiser helps provide over 158,000 meals this holiday seasonFood solutions company SpartanNash (the "Company") and SpartanNash Foundation are proud to announce the success of their seventh annual in-store fundraiser supporting food pantries across the Midwest.Source:…

Dreamstime

Tesco has backed calls for government to place ban on plastic fruit and veg packaging

India: Online grocery space losing shine as more people turn to offline fruit & vegetable purchasesOf the 12,207 people surveyed, only 7% favor purchases of online fruits and vegetables, while 66% prefer local or weekly markets, according to a survey by community media platform LocalCircles.Source:…

Dreamstime

Billa Bulgaria has opened its first Billa Today store

Seasonal equilibrium: A fresh feast for well-balanced celebrations5+ A Day Trustee and Principal Scientist and Team Leader at Plant and Food Research, Dr Carolyn Lister, says the festive season can lead to eating too much of the wrong types of foods. “We often have the tendency to eat lots of…

Dreamstime

Thanksgiving: Detroit Lions, Kroger, Lineage Foundation for Good teamed up with Gleaners Community Food Bank

US: Detroit Lions, Kroger, Lineage Foundation for Good tackle Detroit food insecurity this Thanksgiving with Gleaners Community Food BankThe Detroit Lions, in partnership with Kroger Co. of Michigan and Lineage Foundation for Good, teamed up with Gleaners Community Food Bank to tackle food insecurity…

Dreamstime

Project focused on increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables in Tanzania

SPAR Austria announces Hans K. Reisch as new CEOThe Supervisory Board of SPAR Austria has appointed Hans K. Reisch as the new CEO of SPAR AG with immediate effect. He will be the Chairman of the Management Board, which includes another three senior executives, Markus Kaser, Paul Klotz and Marcus…

Dreamstime

Thanksgiving: Publix is donating fruits and vegetables to 34 Feeding America partner food banks

US: Dollar General adds produce at 314 locationDollar General has announced it recently remodeled its store at 229 Highway 314 in Oxford and now offers produce. Dollar General’s produce set offers the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores and covers approximately 80% of produce…

Dreamstime

Joint project will change the way Walmart does business with its many suppliers around the world

Canada: Small fire forces local Metro to toss fresh fruits and veggiesThe produce shelves are restocked at the Metro grocery store on Northern Avenue after the response to a small fire required fresh fruits and vegetables to be thrown in the garbage.Source: sootoday.com US: How Walmart aims to reinvent…

Dreamstime

Carrefour: New partnership in the Czech Republic

Latvia: New Unity deputy requests 5% VAT rate to be kept for fruits and vegetablesAndrejs Ceļapīters from New Unity political party, unlike the leaders of this Latvian ruling coalition party, suggests maintaining the 5% value added tax (VAT) rate for fruits and vegetables typical for Latvia.Source:…

Dreamstime

A fruit has been a surprising hit in Deliveroo’s top trending dishes of 2023

UK: New Aldi store in Chadderton to open on December 7Aldi is set to open its brand new store on Lydia Becker Way in Chadderton on Thursday, December 7, at 8 am. Team GB star Sarah Jones will be giving away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi's famous Super 6 range to the first 30…

Dreamstime

AFS has opened the first Macey’s Market

US: Publix announces Executive Chairman, CEO, and PresidentPublix announced that effective January 1, 2024, CEO Todd Jones will become Executive Chairman, President Kevin Murphy will be promoted to CEO, and Senior Vice President John Goff will be promoted to President. Chairman of the Board Ed Crenshaw…

Dreamstime

BJ’s: Mixed third quarter results

US: 91% of consumers plan to celebrate ThanksgivingNumerator, a data and tech company serving the market research space, has released new data on Thanksgiving 2023, sourced from verified purchase data and a sentiment survey of 4,500 consumers on their 2023 holiday intention. Almost all celebrants (88%)…

Dreamstime

Asda opened its 100th Asda Express store

Top of the Crops… British Berry Growers name Co-op' Retailer of the Year'Co-op has been named 'Retailer of the Year' by British Berry Growers at the crop association's annual retailer event, which took place this month (November) in London. The annual award is presented to the retailer that has achieved…

Dreamstime

Alibaba Group: September quarter 2023 results

UAE: Union Coop caters 30mln tons of fresh produce in 2023In a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality and competitively priced fresh food, Union Coop has announced the supply of 30mln tons of local and imported vegetables and fruits since the start of 2023. The cooperative, with its…

Dreamstime

ReposiTrak Traceability Network adds specialty produce distributor and a chile supplier

US: Weis Markets will use Amazon for same-day grocery deliveryAmazon is now offering Weis Markets same-day grocery delivery in additional cities across New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland so customers can get fresh groceries delivered right to their door.Source: supermarketnews.com US:…

Dreamstime

Target’s Q3 sales and revenue were down but profits beat expectations

US: ALDI named retailer of the year"Our acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket is a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth plans and bring us closer to our customers in the Southeast, a key market for us," says ALDI CEO Jason Hart, one of several key senior ALDI executives speaking to…

Dreamstime

HelloFresh issued a profit warning, shares fell the most on record

UK: University of Reading fruit and veg voucher study launchesScientists are looking into whether fruit and vegetable vouchers could improve the health of poorer families. The University of Reading has worked with the Whitley Community Development Association (CDA) on the government-funded study.Source:…

Dreamstime

Sales growth slows for Asda and underperforms UK rivals

Latvian PM Siliņa: reduced VAT on produce will need EUR16mlnIn order to apply the reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate of 12% to fresh fruit and vegetables in Latvia next year, it will need EUR16mln in the budget, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said after the coalition meeting.Source: eng.lsm.lv…

Dreamstime

Last-mile solution debut in U.S. for HelloFresh

US: Amazon leads grocers in personalizationCreating a personalized shopping experience is at the forefront of most grocers' minds these days, and a new report by data analytics firm dunnhumby said online retail giant Amazon is leading the pack. dunnhumby's Retailer Preference Index (RPI) ranks H-E-B and…

Dreamstime

Kroger officially broke ground on largest Midwest store to date

New monthly "CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor", powered by Affinity Solutions, offers a more accurate, timely & in-depth look at U.S. retail salesThe National Retail Federation (NRF) and CNBC announced the launch of their new monthly "CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor," powered by Affinity Solutions, and the release of…

Dreamstime

Lidl GB has published its fourth ‘Good Food’ report

Ahold Delhaize announces leadership transitions at Delhaize SerbiaAhold Delhaize announced that Gorica Jovović will be appointed interim Brand President of Delhaize Serbia as of January 1, 2024. She will succeed Jan-Willem Dockheer, who will step down on December 31, 2023. Gorica will report to Jesper…

Dreamstime

Amazon’s top Fresh exec said the company has “more work to do” to win over customers

US: Giant Food and UFCW Locals 400 and 27 ratify new contractGiant Food reported: "Giant Food is pleased to announce that our store associates have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement negotiated between Giant Food and UFCW Locals 400 and 27. The agreement significantly enhances the…

Dreamstime

Intermarché will complete the entire franchising operation in Belgium

Interview: Matt Birch on Amazon Fresh's UK plansIt’s been two and a half years since Amazon Fresh launched its first store in the UK and seven years since it made its online debut. Despite the traditional grocers quaking in their boots at the prospect of the online giant stepping into food, Amazon Fresh…

Dreamstime

Carrefour re-entering Bulgaria

UK: How Amazon Fresh is helping to make your Christmas festivities easierAmazon reported: "With a new Amazon Fresh store opening up in Notting Hill and the lowest prices of the year, Amazon Fresh is here to help you make the most out of the joyful season. Leading up to Christmas, we're offering even more great savings with our…

Dreamstime

US Foods signed a definitive agreement to acquire Saladino's Foodservice

US: Smart & Final Extra! set to open Wednesday, November 15, in Madera, CaliforniaSmart & Final, the smaller, faster grocery warehouse store, is pleased to open its first Smart & Final Extra! store in Madera, California, on November 15 at 2237 W. Cleveland Ave., Suite 101. Store amenities include A wide…

Dreamstime

M&S warned it will take over three years for Ocado Retail to fulfill its potential

A taste of Ireland at home in the UAEAs their core business since 1980, Kibsons offers an ever-increasing range of quality fresh fruit and vegetables from all continents. They supply a wide selection of premium produce options, organics, bulk packs, pre-packs, and ready-to-eat products to a wide range of…

Dreamstime

SpartanNash’s third quarter sales decline as Amazon volume lags

US: Import cargo winding down for the year as retailers stand ready for holiday shoppingWith most imported holiday season merchandise already here, inbound cargo volume at the nation's major container ports is expected to slow during the remainder of 2023, according to the Global Port Tracker report by…

Dreamstime

Ahold Delhaize’s third-quarter sales fell 2.1%

UK: Grocery price inflation hits single digits for first time in over a yearGrocery price inflation has fallen below 10% for the first time since July 2022 and now sits at 9.7% for the four weeks to October 29, 2023, according to the latest data from Kantar.Source: talkingretail.com Dino Polska sees…

Dreamstime

Americanas has decided to halt efforts to sell its fruit and vegetable unit

Amazon Fresh offers Thanksgiving deals, 5 for $50Amazon Fresh can help feed a family of five for under $50 with low prices on select staples, including 8-10 pound Butterball whole turkey, turkey gravy, fresh brand russet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, sweet rolls, pie…

Dreamstime

Mercadona is witnessing rapid growth in Spain

From vegetable sales to retail empire: Foodco's journey to building 20 outletsThe history of Foodco, one of the largest retail outlets in Nigeria today, is not without humble beginnings that have remained an inspiration to many in the retail space today. The retail empire started in 1982 and commenced…

Dreamstime

KeHE: Record-breaking order accuracy rates

US: Kroger, Albertsons sound off on negative comments over pending mergerA recent listening session about the pending Kroger Albertsons merger was filled with misleading information, according to an Albertsons spokesperson. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Colorado Attorney General Phil…

Dreamstime

Shoppers at Lidl can purchase a Thanksgiving meal that feeds up to 10 people for less than $30

Amazon founder Bezos plans to move to Miami from SeattleAmazon founder Jeff Bezos said he was moving to his childhood home of Miami from Seattle to be near his parents and his space firm Blue Origin's Cape Canaveral operations.Source: reuters.com US: Lidl touts Thanksgiving dinner for under $30Discount…

Dreamstime

Pumpkin consumption is increasing in Hungary

Germany: Mark Hübner to lead Knuspr & Gurkerl as new CEO, aiming for Rohlik Group growth to €10bln by 2030The Rohlik Group has embarked on a new chapter with Mark Hübner taking the reins as CEO of Knuspr.de and Gurkerl.at from November 1, 2023. Lorenz Diederichs will continue as co-managing director,…

Dreamstime

Aldi's Irish profits fall 56%

New international report reveals 75% of people don't think they are eating their five a dayDespite clear global guidance from the World Health Organization, 75% of survey respondents don't think they eat the recommended amount of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis, according to a new international report from leading…

Dreamstime

Natural Grocers: 45-store milestone in its home state

US: 2023 holiday to reach record spending levelsThe National Retail Federation forecast that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3bln and $966.6bln.Source: nrf.com US: Geissler’s to launch Instacart…

Dreamstime

Sainsbury's: 27% drop in profits

UK: Morrisons boss says worst of inflation behind us but price rises to come for vegetables and salad itemsThe worst of price rises is over, the exiting boss of Morrisons has told Sky News. We can definitively say the worst of inflation is behind us, David Potts said, as he forecast a rate of price rises between 4% and 6% in…

Dreamstime

Publix's net earnings during Q3 surged 111.4%

US: UNFI names Andre Persaud as president and CEO of retailAndre Persaud has been named president and CEO of retail for United Natural Foods Inc. Persaud will be in charge of UNFI’s Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse.Source: supermarketnews.com US: Publix's net earnings soar over 100%It was a banner…

Dreamstime

Aldi is launching a Christmas price lock on vegetables

New Zealand: Wonky Box eyes South Island expansionSouth Island growers may soon have a new way to sell their wonky or ugly fruit and vegetables rejected by the supermarkets. Two-year-old business Wonky Box plans to expand its fresh produce delivery service from the North Island to a new outpost based out…

Dreamstime

BJ’s will open 1st Alabama store on November 10

Brazil's GPA expects to raise $100mln from asset sales in the coming quartersBrazilian retailer GPA expects to raise about 500mln reais ($98.71mln) from asset sales in coming quarters, Chief Financial Officer Rafael Russowsky said in an earnings call with analysts.Source: reuters.com Brazil's Carrefour…

Dreamstime

First Pan-Asia Supermarket is coming to Wisconsin

US: Target's e-commerce support slashes jobsShipt, Target's e-commerce arm, will cut more than 3% of its workforce, reports Alabama TV affiliate WBRC. The company will also not offer any new positions, and those that were listed are now closed. Shipt did not go into details about the exact number that…

Dreamstime

Sainsbury’s is introducing crownless pineapples

Tesco buys Isle of Man's Shoprite stores; supplier vows to keep local produce focusTesco's recently announced acquisition of the Isle of Man's nine Shoprite stores sparked concerns over whether its strong support for local produce and businesses would diminish.Source: talkingretail.com Supie failure:…

Dreamstime

Ahold Delhaize has agreed to acquire 100% of Romanian grocery retailer Profi

Latvia: Coalition considering 12% VAT rate on fruit and vegThe ruling coalition is considering applying a reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate of 12% on fruits, vegetables, and berries characteristic of Latvia, according to Minister for Agriculture Armends Krauze (Greens and Farmers Union, ZZS) on LTV…

Dreamstime

Amazon profits tripled to 9.9bln dollars

US: Southeastern Grocers celebrates the 104th birthday of associate and grant namesake Romay DavisSoutheastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating its beloved Winn-Dixie associate and American Congressional Gold…

Dreamstime

Maryland State Department of Education awards $4.7mln for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

US: RoNetco Supermarkets, Inc. celebrates the grand opening of the new ShopRite of SussexShopRite celebrated the grand opening of its newest state-of-the-art, full-service supermarket, the ShopRite of Sussex, at 1 Wiebel Plaza on Wednesday, October 25.Source: newsroom.shoprite.com US: MSDE awards $4mln+…

Dreamstime

Jerónimo Martins aims to open in Slovakia next year

Tesco's UK boss Jason Tarry to step down in MarchBritain's largest retailer, Tesco, said its UK Chief Executive Jason Tarry would step down in March next year after more than 33 years at the company, to be replaced by Matthew Barnes.Source: reuters.com Portugal: Jeronimo Martins' third-quarter profit…

Dreamstime

Morrisons is making its most popular medium pumpkins available for just 75p this year

Easy access 'palengke'- fresh produceFamilies can eat healthier while making a difference for the farming community by choosing affordable, high-quality farm-fresh produce. The problem is, palengke-fresh fruits and vegetables aren't always convenient for busy homemakers who hardly have time to go to wet…

Dreamstime

Natural Grocers promises its newest customers access to 100% USDA certified organic produce

Canada: Manitoba Superstore workers vote in favour of new agreementThousands of workers at Real Canadian Superstore locations across Manitoba have voted in favour of ratifying a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement with Loblaw. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 832, the union…

Dreamstime

The "largest ever" national campaign for Irish organics

Ard Discount replaces Leader Price in SardiniaItalian discount grocery chain Ard Discount has opened its first store in Sardinia, in Oristano, in a joint venture with local retail group Fratelli Ibba. The new Ard Discount stores, like the rest of the network, will offer a range of products, including…

Dreamstime

GrubMarket acquires Philadelphia wholesaler to expand along the East Coast

US: Giant Eagle searching for new headquarters, as it pivots from fully-remote workGiant Eagle has said it plans to transition away from its fully remote corporate working model, and additionally confirmed that the retailer is exploring potential new headquarters, according to reporting from the…

Dreamstime

Lidl has overtaken Asda to become the third-biggest supermarket operator in London

Belgium: Okay Compact opens a new store in the heart of AntwerpOn Wednesday, 25 October, Okay Compact, the city store of local supermarket Okay, will open a new establishment on Quellinstraat in Antwerp. You can find a broad selection of fresh products: fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, bread and…

Dreamstime

ShopRite has a spate of store closures planned in upstate New York

UFCW unions ratify new contracts with Loblaw, SobeysThree United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union locals in Western Canada - in the wake of strike mandates - have ratified new collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with Loblaw Cos. and Sobeys Inc., Canada's two largest grocers.Source:…

Dreamstime

Schnucks is getting ready to unveil a second “fresh” store

How tech is helping produce and profit marginsToday’s technology is transforming the grocery industry unlike anything before. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and blockchain, to name a few, are irrevocably reshaping all aspects of the business. “I think technology will dramatically change the face…

Dreamstime

Aldi UK: Officially the cheapest supermarket for pumpkins

UK Kids Food Guarantee: Multibuys update - has anything changed since April?Over a quarter of ‘buy one get one free’ (BOGOF) and multi-buy deals are on unhealthy food, with less than 5% of deals on fruit and veg. 4.5% of multibuys in July were on fruit and veg, and 4.2% on staple carbohydrates, compared…

Dreamstime

ReposiTrak Traceability Network adds two produce suppliers

Amazon is launching ultra-fast drone deliveries in Italy, the UK, and a third location in the U.S.Amazon customers in Italy, the UK, and an additional U.S. city will soon have the option to get their packages delivered by a drone beginning in late 2024. The Prime Air drone delivery system is expanding to…

Dreamstime

Aldi Ireland: Mini banana packs, bananas and fresh milk are the three biggest sellers nationwide

Fiji: Supermarket chain records $7.7mln profitSupermarket chain RB Patel Group Limited has recorded $7.7mln in profit after tax for the 12 months ended June 30, 2023. For the previous corresponding financial year, the publicly-listed company recorded $10.9mln, an increase of 8.6% from the $8.5mln profit…

Dreamstime

German retailers continuously look for sustainable and well-priced fruit and vegetables

LuLu Group leader proposes opening direct flight from Saudi Arabia to VietnamShehim Kottilingal, regional director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets L.L.C., has proposed that the Vietnamese Government research opening a direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Vietnam in order to boost the Southeast Asian nation's…

Dreamstime

Aldi will drop prices of potatoes, green beans and cranberries by up to 50% on Thanksgiving 2023

US: Costco operations chief Vachris to become CEO as Jelinek exitsCostco Wholesale said CEO Craig Jelinek would step down from his role by the end of the year and be succeeded by operations head Ron Vachris.Source: reuters.com US: Procurant partners with AgtoolsProcurant, a cloud-based software company…

Dreamstime

Merqato secures €350,000 to predict fruit, vegetable price and volumes

Amazon to launch online shopping service in South Africa in 2024Amazon said it would launch its online shopping service in South Africa next year, making it only the second African country after Egypt where the US e-commerce giant has set up a locally-dedicated website.Source: reuters.com New Zealand:…

Dreamstime

Albertsons: Net sales and other revenue up 2.1% in Q2

US: Grocery Outlet's 1st Ohio store to open in NovemberExtreme-value retailer Grocery Outlet Bargain Market will mark its geographical expansion to the Midwest with its first store in Ohio next month. Located at 317 Boardman Poland Road in Boardman, the new store is scheduled to open on November…

Dreamstime

Bayer and Dollar General partner to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables

US: Whole Foods in New Jersey finally sets opening date after seven yearsWhole Foods Market is set to open another New Jersey store this fall. The supermarket chain is opening a new 51,156-square-foot store in Jersey City on Thursday, November 9 - the company’s first store in Jersey City and its 24th in…

Dreamstime

Mercadona plans to buy 220,000 tonnes of citrus fruit grown in Spain

Supermarket loyalty schemes helping UK grocery sales stabilise: NIQSupermarket loyalty schemes are helping to maintain grocery sales in the UK, despite persistent high prices, new data from NIQ has shown. Volume sales are improving in fruit, vegetables and salads, which saw a category increase of 3.6%.…

Dreamstime

French supermarket chain Casino agrees initial deal to sell stake in Éxito Group

India's DMart slides after posting first profit drop in three yearsShares of India's Avenue Supermarts posted their steepest drop in five months after the DMart store chain operator posted its first drop in quarterly profit in three years.Source: reuters.com Lidl invests over €500mln in Serbia in first…

Dreamstime

Walmart plans to open its fifth “next-generation” fulfillment center

US: Dollar General stock jumps after it brings back former CEO to jolt slowing sales growthFormer Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos is returning to lead the company once again. The discounter has seen sales growth slow and has also faced criticism for having an unsafe environment for both employees and…

Dreamstime

California AG says he may sue to stop Kroger from buying Albertsons

Seattle Amazon Fresh store becomes 1st to achieve Zero Carbon CertificationAn Amazon Fresh grocery store in Seattle has received Zero Carbon Certification status from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), making it the first grocery store to achieve the designation, the retailer announced…

Dreamstime

Ahold Delhaize dominant in Dutch ecommerce

UK: Britain's Sainsbury's to recruit 22,000 workers for Christmas seasonBritish supermarket group Sainsbury's will recruit 22,000 temporary workers for Christmas, a 22% increase on last year, as it boosts its labor force earlier in the season than usual. The group, which is Britain's second-largest…

Dreamstime

California Governor vetoes safety net for grocery workers affected by merger layoffs

Major Canadian grocers won't confirm discounts, price freezes feds promised last weekMajor grocers in Canada are not yet confirming whether they have committed to special promotions to stabilize grocery prices, as was recently promised by the federal government. Industry Minister François-Philippe…

Dreamstime

M&S and Asda cut more prices as UK's food inflation outlook brightens

UK: M&S and Asda cut more prices as UK's food inflation outlook brightensBritish supermarkets Marks & Spencer (MKS.L) and Asda announced more price cuts on Wednesday, adding to the country's brighter outlook for food inflation. M&S said it was cutting the prices of 200 food items by an average of 11%.…

Dreamstime

Costco and Walmart move away from self-checkouts after customer backlash

September online grocery sales down 3% year-over-year to $7.5BThe online grocery market in the U.S. declined 3.1% in September vs. last year, ending the month with $7.5 billion in sales, according to the latest monthly Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey fielded September 29-30. Declines…

Dreamstime

“Carrefour to acquire 47 SuperCor stores in Spain from El Corte Inglés in €60 Million deal”

Balkans: Discounter Lidl set to enter four Balkan marketsDiscounter Lidl is in the process of entering the markets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo following the rollout of successful operations in Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lidl has…

Dreamstime

Target stores in Maine making changes to speed up checkout

Target stores in Maine making changes to speed up checkout As brick-and-mortar stores across the country continue to adjust to the ever-changing habits of shoppers, one thing has become abundantly clear: if you want people to visit your store, they need to be able to get in and out as quickly as…

Dreamstime

Mexico antitrust body probes Walmex 'monopolistic' moves

UK: Supermarkets warn UK risks becoming a leakage market for deforestationThe supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, M&S, Lidl, and others, are calling for the urgent introduction of legislation in the UK that will ensure direct and indirect suppliers have "deforestation-free supply…

Dreamstime

Amazon Fresh lowers its free delivery threshold to $100

Canada’s industry minister is calling global CEOs in bid to boost competitionThe federal industry minister says he has begun calling the heads of foreign companies to promote investing in Canada, a move aimed at creating more competition and driving down prices — including in the grocery sector. In an…

Dreamstime

Belgium: Colruyt Group forecasts 50% net-profit growth in 2023-24

UK: Morrisons kicks off search for 3,500 Christmas workersMorrisons has opened applications for 3,500 extra jobs this Christmas to work in its stores, food manufacturing sites, and logistics operations over the busy festive season. The supermarket says there is a variety of flexible and temporary roles…

Dreamstime

Aldi UK drops prices of blueberries and bananas

Co-op named 'Climate Leader of the Year' for supporting farmers at the frontline of the climate crisisCo-op's major efforts to support farmers at the frontline of the climate crisis have been recognized after being named "Climate Leader" of the year. The convenience retailer was awarded the prestigious…

Dreamstime

Hannaford Supermarkets expands presence in Maine

US: Meijer workers make demands known ahead of contract negotiationsMeijer and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are getting ready to start contract negotiations for some 28,000 workers, reports CBS News Channel 3.Source: supermarketnews.com US: Hannaford expands its presence in…

Dreamstime

Casino seals lock-up on debt rescue deal

September in grocery stores: Price rises continue but pace slowingAccording to data provided by the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, When it comes to vegetables, the biggest increase in year affected imported tomatoes, which cost 77% more per kilo in September 2023 than in September 2022. This…

Dreamstime

100 years of The GIANT Company

US: UNFI President Christopher Testa to departUnited Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) President Christopher Testa is slated to leave the company next week, with CEO Sandy Douglas adding the president's title. Providence, Rhode Island-based UNFI disclosed Testa's planned exit in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission…

Dreamstime

Lidl GB held its first national supplier event

Dirk Van den Berghe leaves Colruyt GroupDirk Van den Berghe is no longer an independent director at Colruyt Group. The former CEO of Delhaize and Walmart did not have his mandate renewed after two years.Source: retaildetail.eu UK: Tesco says food inflation falling as it cuts price on 2,500 itemsTesco…

Dreamstime

Most-purchased item from Meijer via Flashfood: Produce box filled with various fruits and vegetables

Want to fight climate change and food waste? One app can do bothToo Good To Go works with businesses to sell their end-of-day leftovers for 60%-80% off. By matching hungry, cost-conscious customers with surplus food, the app's creators say they minimize waste, one bag of saved food at a time. "I think…

Dreamstime

Dollar General: Grand opening of its first store in Montana

Canada: Loblaw employees reach tentative deal; strike avertedThousands of grocery workers have tentatively reached a deal with Canadian retailer Loblaw, avoiding a strike, reports The Winnipeg Free Press. UFCW Local 832, which represents the nearly 4,000 workers, said 97% of them voted to authorize a…

Dreamstime

Tesco has struck new deals with two of its largest carrot and onion suppliers

UK: John Lewis chair Sharon White to step down in 2025Sharon White, the chair of struggling British retailer the John Lewis Partnership, will step down early in 2025, having decided not to seek a second term of office, the company said, weeks after it warned its turnaround plan would need more…

Dreamstime

Wonder Group is buying meal kit company Blue Apron

Brazil's securities watchdog agrees to 'plea bargain' on Americanas' probeBrazil's securities watchdog CVM said it has approved a mechanism similar to a plea bargain for cases related to bankrupt Brazilian retailer Americanas in the midst of a billion-dollar financial fraud probe.Source: reuters.com US:…

Dreamstime

Casino seals sale of first batch of 61 stores to Les Mousquetaires

South Africa: Pick n Pay announces leadership changePick n Pay announced that Pieter Boone is stepping down as Group CEO and will be replaced by Sean Summers. Sean returns to the Group following a previous, highly successful tenure as CEO between 1999 and 2006. Pieter will assist Sean through a short…

Dreamstime

SPAR Group plans to sell its loss-making business in Poland

Reduced VAT rate on fruit and vegetables has led to increased consumption of imported products - KrauzeThe reduced rate of value-added tax (VAT) on fruit and vegetables in Latvia has increased the consumption of imported products, Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze (Greens/Farmers) said in an interview…

Dreamstime

Kowalski's Markets is marking a major milestone

Category buyer Q&A: FreshDirect gets value from perishablesSN recently spoke with Ali Pugliese, VP of merchandising strategy, FreshDirect, about trends in fresh categories at the online retailer, a New York-based division of Ahold Delhaize US.Source: supermarketnews.com Wawa shares details on Indiana…

Dreamstime

Jumbo needs international buying power: Alliance with Edeka

UK: Rami Baitiéh appointed as Morrisons Chief ExecutiveRami Baitiéh, formerly the Chief Executive of Carrefour France, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Morrisons. He will succeed David Potts, who has been Morrisons CEO for nine years.Source: morrisons-corporate.com China: Freshippo…

Dreamstime

Jerónimo Martins is aiming to expand its Ara supermarket chain in Colombia

Chedraui USA announces retirement of Smart & Final President Scott DrewChedraui USA, the fourth largest grocery retailer in California and parent company for El Super, Smart & Final, and Fiesta Mart stores, announced the retirement of Smart & Final President Scott Drew, effective Friday, September 29,…

Dreamstime

OMV and retailer Billa have launched a new food retail chain

Nine Elms schoolchildren enjoy apple tasting as part of British Food FortnightSchoolchildren at St. George's Primary School in Nine Elms, south London, have been taste-testing four varieties of English apples as part of the ongoing British Food Fortnight (BFF), which runs until Sunday, October 1. Nearby,…

Dreamstime

Target said it would close nine stores across four U.S. states

US: Kroger breaks ground on first Marketplace storeKroger has started construction on its first Marketplace store in Plano, Texas, which will replace a smaller Kroger store nearby, reports local news outlet The Dallas Morning News. Kroger's first Marketplace store is the largest format at 124,000 square…

Dreamstime

PLUS is gradually switching to organic potatoes in the fresh segment

New Zealand: Countdown launches new Low Price programCountdown has announced a new "low price" program, which includes fresh vegetables, dairy, and bread products for the first time. But data shows consumers are yet to be convinced by the supermarket chain's $400mln rebrand back to Woolworths.Source:…

Dreamstime

Houston is landing a first-of-its-kind Kroger

US: Fresh Thyme Market celebrates $400,000 in donations to local food banksFresh Thyme Market, a grocer that has a mission to improve the way communities eat by offering real fresh food, is proud to announce for Hunger Action Month that it has donated over $400,000, the equivalent of around 4mln meals…

Dreamstime

Colruyt Group acquires 57 stores

SPAR Netherlands takes silver at European Franchise Awards 2023Congratulations to SPAR Netherlands for taking home silver at the European Franchise Awards, held in Brussels. SPAR Netherlands competed against no less than ten other organizations to gain this award, which recognizes SPAR Netherlands' success in this…

Dreamstime

Expansion in Northern Colorado: Kroger Delivery

California Teamsters to Chedraui/Smart & Final: Protect American jobsTeamsters Local 630 members at two Chedraui-owned Smart & Final grocery store warehouses rallied outside the company's corporate offices in Southern California to demand job protection, just wages, and a union contract.Source:…

Dreamstime

Jumbo: “Not leaving, but expanding in Belgium”

Belgium: Jumbo: "Not leaving, but expanding in Belgium"Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo has had a slower start in Belgium than expected, but that is no sign of retreating from the country. Rather, the general planning is slowed down a bit to fifty Belgian stores by 2025. Jumbo had imagined its Belgian…

Dreamstime

94% of U.S. consumers still worried about the cost of food

Kroger drives delivery with memberships as grocers boost omnichannel adoptionIn a keynote interview Tuesday for the annual Groceryshop conference, Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen spoke to the success of the grocer's Boost membership, according to Progressive Grocer. "When you become top of mind,…

Dreamstime

Walmart is introducing a subscription option for shoppers

Kroger CEO: Merger is not an 'arm wrestle' with the rest of the industryKroger CEO Rodney McMullen believes the proposed merger with Albertsons will be good for the entire industry. The grocery chief opened Groceryshop in Las Vegas, talking about the $24.6 billion deal and Kroger's increased investment…

Dreamstime

France's Carrefour to buy 47 stores in Spain

Spain: How Mercadona managed to go from a loss in shares to a historic record in just three monthsMercadona reinvents itself. The Valencian supermarket chain, which was losing market share until April last year, has now broken all records, reaching a market share of 27% in August, “an unprecedented…

Dreamstime

Lidl launches ‘grocers that give back’ campaign for metro Atlanta high schools

Post-merger, Kroger plans a bigger local product presencePost-merger, Kroger plans a bigger local product play. While the Kroger-Albertsons merger represents a potential large-scale change for the grocery industry, the $24.6 billion deal is slated to bring one small change that customers are likely to…

Dreamstime

France and Germany want to ban shrinkflation

UK: Ocado price cuts entice customers back to online grocery shopping as Q3 sales grow, says GlobalDataFollowing today’s release of Ocado’s figures for the 19 weeks ending 27th August 2023; Joe Dawson, retail analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: “Ocado’s Q3…

Dreamstime

Whole Foods marks 20 years as certified organic grocer

Whole Foods marks 20 years as certified organic grocerWhole Foods Market is celebrating 20 years since the grocer attained organic retail certification and remains the only national retailer to hold this certification. The retailer currently offers more than 37,000 organic products across its assortment.…

Dreamstime

Mercadona invested over €124m in Barcelona between 2017-2023

UK: Open letter to supermarket bosses warns farmers ‘struggling to survive’Farming and food leaders have sent an open letter to the ‘big six’ supermarkets urging them to treat suppliers more fairly amid warnings British agriculture is “on its knees”. The letter, sent to the chief executives of Tesco,…

Dreamstime

Safeway workers threaten to strike as grocery chain sees massive profits

Canada: Government calls for meeting with CEOs of largest grocery chains to talk food pricesThe federal government says it expects the heads of five of Canada's biggest grocery chains to attend a meeting in Ottawa on Monday to discuss ways to stabilize food prices. The office of Industry Minister…

Dreamstime

Aldi rolls out biggest price cuts of the year on a range of fruit and veg

South Africa: Walmart’s revamped commitment to Africa: overcoming challenges and embracing growthWalmart has reaffirmed its dedication to the African market by intensifying its online initiatives with South African retailer Massmart. Over a decade ago, Walmart acquired a controlling stake in Massmart…

Dreamstime

The Fresh Market and Uber Eats partner

US: Wegmans tops Fortune's best retail places to work listWegmans, the 107-year-old grocery chain based in Rochester, New York, has topped Fortune's Best Companies list every year since the list was launched in 1998, and this year, it has managed a repeat performance. Fortune reports that Wegmans has…

Dreamstime

Lidl GB relaxed on losses, focused on the opportunity

Lidl Northern Ireland plows record £455mln into local agri-food industryLidl Northern Ireland procured a record £455mln worth of goods from the local agri-food industry last year (FY22/23 ending February) according to its annual Supplier Impact Report. This is an increase of more than 30% from £347mln in…

Dreamstime

First time that Tesco has broken out its Irish profits from its overall group results

India: Reliance Retail in $1.5bln Gulf, Singapore funds talks, sources sayReliance Retail is in talks with existing investors, including the sovereign wealth funds of Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia, for combined new investments of around $1.5bln, three sources with direct knowledge of the plan…

Dreamstime

Food Lion Feeds Apple Bag campaign is back for its 10th year

US: Consumer Price Index - August 2023The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.6% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis after increasing 0.2% in July, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The fruit and vegetables index declined 0.2% over the month, as did the…

Dreamstime

GrubMarket has completed the acquisition of a leading provider of high-quality tropical fruits

Canada: UFCW Local 832 in Manitoba authorizes strike against LoblawWinnipeg-based United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 832 said that its members working at Loblaw Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, and Extra Foods grocery stores in Manitoba have voted for a strike mandate.Source:…

Dreamstime

Amazon: New partnership with Iceland and new Amazon Fresh store in London

SPAR Gran Canaria's Anfi store triples its sales areaSPAR Gran Canaria reopened its SPAR Supermarket in the Anfi del Mar Shopping Centre, making it one of the island's largest supermarkets. The store features spacious areas for fresh local produce, traditional sections like fruit and vegetables, a…

Dreamstime

CSIRO report: Only two in five Australians are eating enough vegetables

KKR raises stake in Indian billionaire Ambani's Reliance Retail with $250mlnKKR & Co. Inc. has increased its stake in Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail Ventures by investing an additional $250mln at a valuation of $100bln, adding to its bet on the country's biggest retailer.Source:…

Dreamstime

Kroger plans to hold off on building new e-commerce sites with Ocado

US: Instacart targets up to $9.3bln valuation for much-awaited US IPOInstacart set a target of up to $9.3bln in valuation on fully diluted basis in its hotly anticipated U.S. initial public offering, much cheaper than the price tag it had fetched in its last funding round.Source: reuters.com US: Kroger…

Dreamstime

Securing New Zealand’s supply chain for the world's biggest banana eaters

Eurostat: Half of Czechs do not eat a single serving of fruit or vegetables a dayAccording to Eurostat, nearly half of Czechs do not eat the recommended daily fruit and vegetable servings. Only 8% consume at least five portions daily. This is concerning as poor diet accounts for nearly a quarter of Czech…

Dreamstime

Kroger: Albertsons merger divestiture deal with C&S in Q2 report

Import cargo volume could hit 2mln TEU three months in a rowImport cargo volume at the nation's major container ports is expected to hit the 2mln Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit mark for the second month in a row in September and remain there in October, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the…

Dreamstime

Eroski has expanded its network of stores operating under the Rapid banner to 52

Feeding their potential - Stronger Starts program to double its impact to 240 schools by the end of 2024Tesco Ireland has committed to doubling the reach of its Stronger Starts program by the end of 2024. The announcement means hundreds more primary school children most in need and their families will…

Dreamstime

H-E-B announced the opening of its newest and largest e-commerce fulfillment center

US: Instacart, nonprofit partner to expand fresh produce stipend for families in 4 citiesInstacart and Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), a nonprofit focused on improving health equity through food access, announced they will scale their Good Food for All program in four additional cities this…

Dreamstime

Aldi is to trial four new loose fruit and vegetable lines

UK: Iceland launches back-to-school deals, including bags and bottlesIceland's Back-to-School money-saving offers 3 for £5 - helping kids get their five-a-day for less: Iceland British Strawberries (£2.40, 227g); Iceland Red Seedless Grapes (£2.29, 340g); Iceland Blueberries (£2.39, 125g). 3 for £5 -…

Dreamstime

Sources: Kroger and Albertsons plan to offload over 400 stores for close to $2bln

US: Fareway relocating headquarters after decades in Boone, IowaAfter more than 80 years in Boone, Iowa, the grocery chain Fareway is relocating its headquarters 35 miles south to Johnston, according to reporting from We Are Iowa, Local 5. The grocer plans on bringing at least 100 employees to the new…

Chinese exhibitors return to Asia Fruit Logistica

Asia Fruit Logistica has started with a return to the location in Hong Kong rather than Bangkok, Thailand. For the first day, it seemed to be a very busy one, with exhibitors being pleased about the amount of traffic from Asian buyers at their booths. Chinese exhibitors return to the trade showLast year,…

Dreamstime

Lidl has opened its largest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in the world

ALDI celebrates its 1st anniversary of the new banana sustainable sourcing modelALDI SOUTH Group reported: "Since 2022, the ALDI SOUTH Group has completely changed the way bananas are purchased and how the partnership is lived throughout the supply chain, in an effort deemed an industry best…

Dreamstime

Twenty-seven Metro supermarkets in greater Toronto reopened for business after end of strike

US: Dollar General promotes Rod WestDollar General announced the promotion of Rod West to executive vice president of global supply chain, effective September 1, 2023. West will lead the company's distribution center operations, transportation, supply chain modernization, and its private fleet. West most…

Swiss: Vertical farm expands distribution in 390 Coop stores

YASAI and Coop have expanded their collaboration in Switzerland. From today on, YASAI is supplying its products to 390 Coop stores. "We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for our incredible team," said Mark Zahran, Founder, and CEO of YASAI. "Riding the start-up rollercoaster for over three years…

Dreamstime

JD.com has opened a new commercial office in South America

Former CEO of Brazil's Americanas denies knowledge of accounting fraudFormer Americanas Chief Executive Miguel Gutierrez has denied in a letter sent to congressional investigators any knowledge of accounting irregularities during the two decades he helmed the Brazilian retailer.Source: reuters.com JD.com…

Dreamstime

7-Eleven Japan scans palms to check if customers are eating their fruits and vegetables

Caroline Oosterbaan named chair of SPAR Holding B.V. supervisory boardSPAR Netherlands has appointed Caroline Oosterbaan as the new chair of the supervisory board of SPAR Holding B.V. from September 1. Source: esmmagazine.com South African supermarket giant Shoprite's full-year profit jumpsSouth Africa's…

Dreamstime

Jumbo has agreed to acquire four stores from Jan Linders

Australia: People on low incomes forced to skip meals as cost of living bitesAlmost three-quarters of people receiving income support are eating less or skipping meals due to the low rate of payments and rising cost of living, according to a new report by ACOSS. Of the 270 respondents surveyed, the…

Dreamstime

Walmart has raised its stake in Flipkart

20 biggest supermarket chains in the USInsidermonkey reported: "For our methodology, we have ranked the biggest supermarket chains in the US based on their revenues in 2022 in ascending order, based on the publicly available data. For the private companies that made it to our list, we estimated their…