Australia: Supermarket CEO warns current shortages could lead to purchase limits
Supermarkets have warned Australian shoppers they are experiencing shortages of grocery staples due to a weather-impacted growing season and supply chain issues. One supermarket boss said the issues could lead to an introduction of purchase limits, but another argued the situation is not that dire. Ritchies IGA CEO Fred Harrison told Sunrise: “It’s almost as bad as it’s ever been. We met with Simplot yesterday, which are a major manufacturer and supplier, and there are major, major shortages at the moment for items such as corn, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, peas, carrots, and most of all potatoes. It’s your classic mixed veggies. And of course that’s going to impact the humble french fry, as well”.
Source: 7news.com.au
Croatia's Fortenova says it was not notified of Sberbank's stake sale
Croatian food producer and retailer Fortenova Grupa said it had not been officially notified of a deal that Russian state bank Sberbank Rossii PAO reached to sell its 43% stake in the company. Formerly known as Agrokor, Fortenova is one of the biggest companies in southeastern Europe. It was saved from bankruptcy in a restructuring deal with local and foreign creditors in mid-2018, which included a change of name and ownership structure making Sberbank the biggest single shareholder. In a brief statement Sberbank said its stake had been bought by Saif Bin Markhan Alketbi, an investor from the United Arab Emirates.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Aldi officially named cheapest supermarket yet again
Aldi reported: "Aldi has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by Which? for the fifth month in a row. Shoppers can save a whopping £25.38 compared to the most expensive supermarket, for an equivalent basket of items".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
UK: Meals on Wheels makes a real difference study says
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS), which is part-funded by Hertfordshire County Council, delivers more than half a million hot lunchtime meals every year to older residents in Hertfordshire, helping them to keep living independently in their own homes. But the benefits of the meals on wheels service are more than just food and nutrition, as has been evidenced in a new research paper from the University of Hertfordshire. HILS continues to work flexibly to support individuals in times of acute need - this includes the provision of more than 250 home from hospital packs annually. These are bags given to people leaving hospital to help them cope at home, containing either fresh produce or long-life produce to make sure that the recipient can remain nourished, hydrated and comfortable for at least 36 hours.
Source: hertfordshire.gov.uk
UAE: Supermarket shut down for repeated food safety violations in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) shut down "JAFCO Supermarket" in Abu Dhabi for violating the Law No.2 of 2008 regarding food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the legislation issued pursuant thereto. The Food Control Department at ADAFSA stated that the administrative closure had come as a result of repeated high-risk violations and the facility's failure to abide by the food safety requirements. The inspectors reportedly monitored outbreak of insects in the facility, with lack of cleanliness of refrigerators, floors, and food and vegetable and fruits display areas, as well as improper storage of meat, which was found displayed for sale in a very bad condition and other violations.
Source: gulftoday.ae
Australia: Produce passion bears fruit
John Mantovani has taken his passion for produce and staked his claim in what he believes is fruit heartland - Cobram. The son of stone fruit orchardists, John - with wife Krystle and their three children - have flung open the doors of Manto’s Produce and Providore with old-world flair. And locals are lapping it up. “We’re a traditional greengrocer; it’s unique and I want Cobram to get the recognition it deserves for growing such a variety of fruit and vegetables,” John said.
Source: sheppnews.com.au
US: Homeland names David Criscione as new CEO
David Criscione has joined HAC Inc., the parent company of regional grocer Homeland Grocery Stores, as president and CEO. Oklahoma City-based HAC said that Criscione was hired as chief executive after its board of directors conducted a nationwide search, assisted by Bryant Park Search Partners.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Statement from Councilman John Goncalves on the opening of Trader Joe’s
“We’re so thrilled and excited to welcome Trader Joe’s to the neighborhood! Residents from near and far are enthusiastic about the grand opening of another grocer that will offer fresh produce and organic foods to the Capital City and beyond,” said Councilman Goncalves, who represents the Ward 1 neighborhood where the store is located.
Source: council.providenceri.gov
US: Blue Apron introduces an all-new Holiday Roast Box
Blue Apron introduces an all-new Holiday Roast Box to help customers continue their holiday celebrations. The Holiday Roast Box serves up to 8 - the full menu includes: Roast Beef Tenderloin with Sherry-Dijon Pan Sauce; Cheesy Potato Bake with Crème Fraîche & Caramelized Onions; Honey-Orange Glazed Rainbow Carrots with Pistachios & Mint; Creamy Spinach & Kale with Thyme & Crispy Onions; Apple-Cranberry Trifle with Coconut Custard & Candied Pistachios.
Source: businesswire.com
Canada: Metro brings local spotlight to Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Metro is returning to Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for the first time since 2019 with its Spotlight on Local, which will celebrate local food that is grown, produced and manufactured in Ontario. The partnership aligns with Metro’s Locally Sourced program, which provides local producers with business coaching, marketing support, free listing opportunities and prominent placement in its stores.
Source: canadiangrocer.com
Kroger, Albertsons unions, antitrust experts urge FTC to block merger - letter
Kroger Co's acquisition of Albertsons Companies Inc could exacerbate income inequality through job losses and eroding wages at a time of high inflation, a group of the retailers' biggest unions and antitrust experts wrote in a letter seen by Reuters. "In many markets across the country, grocery competition would cease, likely resulting in employee layoffs and higher prices", they wrote in a letter addressed to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair Lina Khan, urging the agency to block the deal. "The merger should be blocked, as it would harm workers, consumers and communities", said the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400, who authored the letter.
Source: reuters.com
US: SpartanNash to consolidate supermarket banners
At its first Investor Day, SpartanNash unveiled plans to consolidate retail banners in its corporate-owned supermarkets from about a dozen to four as part of a ramped-up growth strategy. With the move, the company will create a three-tier retail structure: a conventional supermarket segment under the Family Fare banner, an upmarket segment under the Martin’s Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market banners, and an ethnic segment under the Supermercado Nuestra Familia banner.
Source: supermarketnews.com