With prices remaining high, former Walmart CEO predicts Target will struggle
Former Walmart CEO Bill Simon says that, though inflation has started to moderate, he doesn’t see prices coming down anytime soon. Simon was on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” and added that the shoppers “are going to have to get used to” the higher prices.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Lidl plans to build a supermarket in Yonkers, New York
Lidl is planning to build a new supermarket in Yonkers, New York, according to reporting from a New York news outlet, The Yonkers Ledger. While its U.S. operations are headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the German-based grocer has a presence across 32 countries and employs over 341,000 people. This opening is part of its strategy to continue expanding in the U.S.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Festival Foods, Upshop aim to optimize Fresh ops
Festival Foods has formed a strategic partnership with Upshop, a provider of AI-driven software for store operations, with the aim of making Festival’s fresh perimeter operations more efficient.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Canada: Ideal Food Service Corp. expands its product portfolio with the acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution
Ideal Food Service Corp., "Ideal" is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution, a renowned supplier of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables. This strategic move represents the final step in Ideal's journey towards becoming a true broad line distributor, offering a comprehensive range of products to its valued customers across Quebec.
Source: newswire.ca
US: Albertsons Companies’ O Organics® launches “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” cause program to address summer food insecurity
Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced the launch of its O Organics “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” initiative to combat hunger during the summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director for Albertsons Companies Foundation: “Hunger can have lifelong consequences for children, making it more difficult for them to learn, play and connect with kids their age. Thanks to this program, customers buying O Organics essentials, such as milk, fresh fruit, proteins and snacks, are enabling the donation of 28mln nutritious meals to children in need this summer”.
Source: businesswire.com
71% of UK mums buying less fruit and vegetables due to financial strain
A new study by charity Vitamin Angels UK of 2,000 parents has found mums are making less healthy choices for their families because they’re feeling the pinch from higher interest rates and increased food prices. Of the 1,424 UK mums questioned, 71% admitted they’re buying less fruit and vegetables due to rising costs, indicating financial strain as a significant barrier to accessing healthy food.
Source: yourcoffeebreak.co.uk
Getir to leave France and Spain
Is the age of flash delivery companies really over? Turkish Getir, which made headlines by acquiring Gorillas last December, is leaving Spain and France, citing regulations and a lack of available funds.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Italy: Gruppo VéGé sees sales up 7% in FY 2022
Retail cooperative Gruppo VéGé saw 6.7% annual growth in consumer sales to over €12.7bln in 2022, from €11.95bln in 2021. This is the ninth consecutive year of turnover growth for the group, which ended the year with a 7.9% market share. Gruppo VéGé operates 103 hypermarkets, more than 1,020 supermarkets, 1,345 superettes, 22 discount stores, 437 specialised outlets, as well as 110 cash-and-carry stores.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Austria: SPAR extended central warehouse is a flagship hub
SPAR Austria's central warehouse in Wels is a highly efficient and advanced logistics centre, considered a leading project both in Austria and internationally. SPAR Austria’s logistics network consists of eight large-scale warehouses and logistics centres in various regions. This extensive network ensures that fresh food from each respective region has a short distance to travel, minimising transportation time from producers to the warehouse and eventually to the stores.
Source: spar-international.com
Ireland: ALDI Kanturk store opens with the creation of 30 new local jobs
ALDI’s nationwide expansion continues with the opening of its new store in Kanturk, Co Cork, creating 30 new permanent jobs and investment of over €9mln in the local area. Aurelija Barbsiene, ALDI Kanturk Store Manager said: “Households and families in Kanturk and the surrounding areas can now shop at their local ALDI and enjoy our range of great quality fresh produce, Irish ingredients and household products, all at affordable prices”.
Source: aldipresscentre.ie
Albert Heijn’s impressive brand value growth defies struggles amongst most valuable Dutch brands
Shell is the most valuable Dutch brand, valued at €46.5 billion. Albert Heijn becomes the Netherlands’ fastest-growing and strongest brand. Just Eat Takeaway.com has the largest brand value drop - losing 47%. Campina has highest Sustainability Perceptions Score, rated 5.55 out of 10. View the full Brand Finance Netherlands 50 2023 report here.
Source: webwire.com
Coles enters Malaysia through Jaya Grocer
Coles Supermarkets is entering the Malaysian market with 200 products through an exclusive collaboration with Malaysian supermarket brand Jaya Grocer. This deal allows Jaya Grocer to expand their Australian product offerings with over 1,000 products from Australian-based brands, including Coles, available at all 43 stores and for GrabMart delivery nationwide. The well-known home-grown supermarket chain is renowned for their diverse range of quality fresh ingredients and imported goods.
Source: businesstoday.com.my
Pukpip adds White Chocolate and singles to frozen banana range
Frozen banana brand Pukpip is continuing to expand its range with the launch of a White Chocolate variety and a singles range. Pukpip also uses wonky bananas that would otherwise go to waste, and upcycles banana peels.
Source: betterretailing.com
Food environments push consumers towards unhealthy food items
A new report by BEUC titled "The illusion of choice - Why someone already decided what you will eat for lunch" has highlighted how buying, preparing and consuming food are largely the result of food sector decisions rather than consumer choices. The report calls on policy makers to make healthy, more plant-based diets with ‘less and better’ animal products easy for European consumers.
Source: esmmagazine.com