US: Shoppers put a premium on value-added produce
There is a strong market for items that appeal to shoppers who often prepare meals at home but do not have the time or skills to operate entirely from scratch, said Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters, an Arlington, Vermont-based food industry consulting firm. "Products that combine prepared produce for common applications, such as chopped vegetables for salsa or guacamole and vegetable combos for use in soups and stews, makes it easy to get to the fun part, which is creating the meal versus prepping for it", Webster said.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Walmart's ultra-fast drone deliveries land in Metro Atlanta
Walmart, in partnership with Wing, is gifting customers in Metro Atlanta with a new rapid delivery option just in time for the seasonal rush: ultra-fast drone delivery.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Sustainability becomes an explosive produce purchasing trigger
Eco-conscious consumers are having a powerful impact on produce merchandising. With an active base of fruit and vegetable shoppers seeking sustainable selections, retailers can boost activity by responding to the greater consumer focus on growing methods and packaging compositions, analysts said. "Sustainability is important to drive consumer demand and attract and retain store talent", said Shipra Pareek, senior account manager for NSF, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based provider of testing, inspection, certification and advisory services. "This comes as millennials and Gen Z consumers seek brands that align with their values and are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products they trust".
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Albertsons launches AI-powered shopping assistant
Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced the launch of its new AI-powered shopping assistant, marking a significant step in the company's digital transformation efforts. The tool, now available on all Albertsons banner websites, is designed to simplify and accelerate the grocery shopping process by handling complex tasks such as meal planning, restocking essentials and creating personalized shopping lists.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Carrefour responds to rumours: "We are staying in Belgium"
Carrefour will remain in Belgium, assures management, pointing out that the retailer has achieved a positive turnaround in the country. The unions, on the other hand, are expressing serious concerns.
In other news: Carrefour Belgium and unions close to agreement on Sunday openings.
Source: retaildetail.eu
UK: Lidl launches 'Lidl Wrapped'
Budget supermarket chain Lidl has unveiled its first-ever 'Lidl Wrapped', highlighting shoppers' top buys. Lidl's most popular products include: 1. London - Cucumber; 2. Bristol - Coleslaw; 3. Cardiff - Eggs; 4. Birmingham - Roses; 5. Edinburgh - Salmon; 6. Glasgow - Ice cubes; 7. Leeds - Peas; 8. Sheffield - Sushi; 9. Liverpool - Croissant; 10. Manchester - Avocado.
Source: grocerygazette.co.uk
Bulgaria: Kaufland invests over €5mln for smooth Euro transition
Kaufland Bulgaria is investing over BGN 10mln (€5.1mln) to ensure a seamless transition to the euro on 1 January 2026. The retailer is preparing to implement fast checkouts and will double the number of cashiers during the first month of the currency switch, ensuring that customers receive change exclusively in the new currency.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Feed a family of eight for just £11.85 with Aldi's Christmas dinner offering
Aldi reported: "Available from 19th to 24th December, shoppers can enjoy a complete Christmas dinner for eight for just £1.48 per person: British Small Whole Fresh Turkey (£9, 3.05kg/£2.95 per kg); Quixo Gravy Granules (£1.09, 300g); Everyday Essentials Yorkshire Puddings (46p, 15 pack); Quixo Sage & Onion Stuffing Mix (90p, 2 packs, 45p each); Nature's Pick White Potatoes (8p, 2kg)*; Nature's Pick Brussels Sprouts (8p, 500g)*; Nature's Pick Carrots (8p, 1kg)*; Nature's Pick Parsnips (16p, 2 packs, 8p each)*.
*Aldi's Super Six Christmas Veg offer will be available in stores from 18th-24th December".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
Cherry Christmas and a mango new year: Australia's best-value fruit and veg for December
December fruit choices are "nice, bright and colourful", says Graham Gee, senior buyer at the Happy Apple in Melbourne, with stone fruit, watermelon and mangoes available in good quality at affordable prices.
Source: theguardian.com
UK: Co-op serves-up first new concept 'on the go' store in London area with Kingston upon Thames launch
Co-op reported: "Co-op unveils its newest 'on the go' format store with the latest launch in Kingston upon Thames, its first in the London area. Opening in Clarence Street, Kingston, Co-op's 'on the go' store is focussed on serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in exciting new formats. Seating is available with phone charging points, and the store also includes hot noodles, bakery goods, pastries and a small range of 'daily essentials' including fresh fruit, tea, coffee and bread".
Source: co-operative.coop
Spain: Eroski expects 30% higher sales for Christmas
Spanish supermarket chain Eroski expects its customers to increase their food spending by an average of 30% this Christmas season. This surge translates to an additional monthly expenditure of approximately €120 per household in December, driven by more frequent shopping trips and a heightened demand for traditional holiday fare.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Belgium: New Okay with Bon'Ap Shop Opens in De Haan
Colruyt Group reported: "On 5 December, the Comarkt store in De Haan will reopen as an Okay store with a Bon'Ap shop-in-shop. Okay itself continues to guarantee fresh fruits & vegetables, pastries, daily fresh bread, fish, vegetarian options".
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
