US: Kroger says new CEO will be first from outside the company
Tim Massa, chief people officer at Cincinnati-based Kroger, said that selecting the "first-ever external hire CEO in our company's 143-year history" was his biggest goal for the year ahead, in response to a question from the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Food City buys three Winn-Dixies in Alabama
Food City has agreed to acquire three Winn-Dixie supermarkets in the Birmingham, Alabama, area, and plans to convert them to its core Food City banner. The stores, located in Fultondale, Trussville and Jasper, are slated to be converted to Food City in early November following the finalization of the sale, the companies said.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Heritage Grocers Group launches "Pumpkins for a Purpose" campaign to benefit local children's hospitals
Heritage Grocers Group reported: "At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to our communities", said Adam Salgado, President & Executive Director, HGG Foundation. "Pumpkins for a Purpose is more than a campaign. It is a celebration of compassion, generosity, and the power of coming together to support children and families during some of their most challenging times."
Source: globenewswire.com
US: Publix ready to open 5 locations this month
The Lakeland, Florida-based retailer will hold its first ribbon cuttings on October 15 in Summerville, South Carolina, and Hinesville, Georgia. A Tampa store will open on October 23, followed by a Bainbridge, Georgia location on October 29. The final October opening is scheduled for October 30 in Palm Bay, Florida.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Kroger celebrates 25 years of Private Selection®Kroger reported: "The Kroger Co. shared its beloved $2.9+bln Private Selection® brand is marking its 25th anniversary, elevating every occasion on customers' tables since 2000. The brand recently introduced several standout products in 2025 including: Private Selection Mini Seedless Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, these mini cucumbers deliver a big crunch that brightens any snack or salad".
Source: prnewswire.com
JOH welcomes Erik Brown - Vice President, Business Development, Produce
JOH reported: 'JOH is thrilled to welcome Erik Brown as Vice President of Business Development, Produce. "Erik brings a strong combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and passion for the produce industry", said Brian Maguire, EVP, Produce. "His leadership will further strengthen our business and partnerships. We're proud to welcome him to JOH!" '.
Source: joh.com
Milestone as Grubhub and Avride lay claim to largest single site robot food delivery operation in USA
Grubhub is powering robot delivery at more than 40 US campuses nationwide. And in partnership with Avride, it has now completed over 100,000 autonomous deliveries at The Ohio State University's Columbus campus.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
SPAR Kosova celebrates six year anniversary
As part of its sixth anniversary celebrations, SPAR Kosova arranged a campaign to thank customers for their trust and support, with the main prize being a brand new car which was awarded to one lucky customer.
Source: spar-international.com
Australia: Coles grants $250,000 to Little Athletics Centres as participation jumps
Coles Group reported: "Coles kicked off its partnership extension with Little Athletics by launching two exciting initiatives to support grassroots clubs and centres - the annual Banana A-Peel, a national fundraiser whereby 5 cents from every kilo of Cavendish bananas sold at Coles until 21 October will be donated to Little Athletics Australia to a maximum donation of $150,000 (5c donation applies from 8/10/25 to 21/10/25), and the revamped Coles Little Athletics Tiny Tots, a modified athletics program for kids as young as three".
Source: colesgroup.com.au
Major UK supermarket chain set to close branch with another 34 stores at risk
The Co-op's branch on Derby Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, will be closed forever on Saturday, November 22. The supermarket chain is facing significant financial challenges, which could lead to the closure of an additional 34 stores.
Source: express.co.uk
UK: Reform business rates or see high streets wither even more, says Co-opBritain's high streets face a critical moment, the Co-op has warned, as its pre-Budget research reveals 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs could disappear without urgent business rates reform.
Source: talkingretail.com
MP welcomes fruit and veg initiative for schools
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed Tesco's national £4mln Fruit and Veg for Schools initiative, describing it as a positive step towards tackling poor nutrition among children.
Source: farminglife.com
Spanish grocery prices soar, smart shopping offers savings, study finds
Spanish households continue to face elevated grocery bills, with prices rising by 2.5% in the past year, according to the latest study from the OCU (Organisation of Consumers and Users). Prices of fruit and vegetables jumped by 8.2%, meat by 7.0%, and fish by 3.4%, with the OCU advocating for a VAT reduction on these essential fresh foods.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Half a billion pound boost to local agri-food sector as Asda marks two decades in Northern Ireland
Asda reported: "Asda sources more than half a billion pounds worth of produce a year from Northern Irish suppliers, the retailer has revealed. The figures, which shared at a special event celebrating Asda's 20-year contribution to Northern Ireland, marks two decades of providing customers with locally sourced products and support for the agri-food sector".
Source: corporate.asda.com
UK: Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's removing best before dates
Supermarkets throughout the UK are removing best before dates from some products to help cut down on food waste. Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Co-op have all decided to take the dates off various items, including fruit and vegetables.
Source: wiltshiretimes.co.uk
UK: Pip Organic's Pipsticks snacking range lands on Ocado this month
Pip Organic is extending its retail footprint, with the brand's Pipsticks snacking range landing on Ocado this month. Made with 100% organic fruit, in a handy, 'grab-and-go' ambient stick format, Pip Organic Pipsticks are available in two flavours - Mango and Pineapple & Mango.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
