Bananas, hot pies, and Christmas Eve madness: Pāpāmoa's newest supermarket turns one
Foodstuffs North Island reported: "It's been one year since New World The Sands opened its doors, bringing a much-needed full-service supermarket to the fast-growing community of Pāpāmoa East, and the numbers tell the story of a community that's fully embraced its local store. Over the year, bananas have been the most popular product, purchased 74,491 times, enough to make a banana split for every person in Tauranga".
Source: foodstuffs.co.nz
Marks & Spencer Food goes down under, launching in Coles supermarkets across Australia
M&S reported: 'Marks & Spencer has announced it is expanding its global reach, partnering with one of Australia's leading supermarkets, Coles, to bring the magic of M&S Food to customers "down under".'
Source: corporate.marksandspencer.com
Portugal: Sonae achieves 17% turnover growth in 9M 2025
Portuguese conglomerate Sonae reported consolidated turnover growth of 17%, to €8.2bln, in the first nine months of its financial year 2025. The Continente parent saw EBITDA increasing by 22%, to €861mln, primarily driven by the contribution of MC, Sonae's food, health, wellness, and beauty retail segment. Net profit for the period rose by 38% to €200mln, resulting from improved operational efficiency and a robust financial structure.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Co-op grows University Campus Stores with latest launch at Lancaster
Lancaster University sees the launch of a new Co-op store to enhance grocery convenience on campus. The diverse international student, research and teaching population will see an extended world foods range, and this sits alongside an extensive range of fresh and healthy produce, ready meals, pizzas, and everyday essentials.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
METRO Germany opens a new wholesale market in Hamburg
"The new METRO wholesale store in Hamburg-Rahlstedt is specifically designed to meet the needs of our customers in the catering, hotel and trader sectors. With modern facilities, focused product ranges and efficient delivery processes combined with digital services, we are making a clear contribution to the future-proof multichannel wholesale in the Hamburg metropolitan region", stressed Roland Ruffing, CEO of METRO Germany.
Source: newsroom.metroag.de
New Zealand: Foodstuffs highlights value in fresh summer produce as meat and dairy remain elevatedFoodstuffs NZ Managing Director Chris Quin says there's good news in the produce aisle, with prices improving as supply builds. "As we head into summer, there's more sunshine and more variety on shelf. Covered crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicums are providing great value right now. Strawberries are at their peak, asparagus is in season, and main-season blueberries are arriving. Kiwifruit prices have been pushed higher by tighter domestic availability this year, along with a shorter local season. Fresh imported supply is due to arrive in December, just in time for the Christmas pavlova", says Quin.
Source: foodstuffs.co.nz
Carrefour eyes Serbian market entry, advances supply chain in Italy
French retail giant Carrefour is exploring an expansion into the Serbian market while making strides in digital transformation in Italy. Carrefour's potential entry into Serbia was signalled during recent discussions between the Serbian Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, and Carrefour representatives. In Italy, Carrefour Italia is upgrading its logistics operations through advanced asset traceability, with the aim of tackling the substantial loss of roll containers within its network.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Belgium: Okay opens new local supermarket in Gullegem
On Friday 14 November, Okay opened a brand-new store in Gullegem, West Flanders. In the bright, modern Okay shop, customers can easily find everything they need under one roof: from meat, fish, vegetarian products, fresh fruits and vegetables to ready meals and meal salads.
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Spain: Consum poised for record-breaking year
Spanish cooperative supermarket chain Consum is set for a record year, with 2025 sales projected to exceed €5bln, surpassing its initial forecasts and breaking its previous profit record of €108.7mln from 2024.
Source: esmmagazine.com
IFC proposes funding for Nigerian supermarket chain
The International Finance Corporation has disclosed a proposed loan of up to $15mln equivalent in Nigerian naira to Justrite, a Nigerian supermarket chain. The financing will support the retailer's expansion programme, including the opening of 25 additional stores.
Source: africaprivateequitynews.com
US: Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to retire in January after nearly 12 years leading retailer
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon will retire early next year, according to a company filing. John Furner, currently Walmart's U.S. CEO, will take over as head of the retailer on February 1.
Source: cnbc.com
New Economic Impact Report quantifies Instacart's role as grocery industry growth engine and job creator
Instacart reported: "An Economic Impact Report released by Instacart features new internal and third-party data revealing how its platform powers growth, earnings, and food access across the grocery economy in the U.S. and Canada".
Source: instacart.com
US: Food Lion offers complete Thanksgiving meal that feeds 10 people for under $4 per person
Food Lion reported: "Food Lion's Thanksgiving meal includes: 1 Frozen Turkey 14 lb.; 2 Cans Green Giant Corn 15 oz.; 2 Cans Green Giant Green Beans 14 oz.; 1 Can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup 10 oz.; 1 Bag Food Lion French Fried Onions 6 oz.; 2 Boxes Stove Top Stuffing Mix 6 oz.; 2 Boxes Food Lion Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese 14 oz.; 1 Bag Fresh Cranberries 12 oz.; 1 Bag Sweet Potatoes 4 lb.; 2 Packets Food Lion Turkey Gravy Mix 12 oz.; 1 Tetra Pack Swanson Chicken Broth 32 oz.; 1 Pack Food Lion Hawaiian Rolls 12 count; 2 Frozen Mrs. Smith's Pies 35 oz.; 1 Container Frozen Food Lion Whipped Topping 8 oz."
Source: globenewswire.com
JOH welcomes Robert Backer as a Produce Business Manager in the Mid-Atlantic Region
JOH reported: 'JOH is excited to welcome Robert Backer as a Produce Business Manager in the Mid-Atlantic Region. "Robert's three decades of experience will be a tremendous asset to the Produce team", said Brian Maguire, EVP, Produce. "We're looking forward to learning from his expertise. Welcome to the JOH family!".'
Source: joh.com
US: Whole Foods Market's spin-off concept continues expansion
Whole Foods Market has revealed its plans to open two more locations of its smaller-format store concept, Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, before the end of the year. The first location, a 7,888-square-foot store at 774 Grand Street in Brooklyn, New York, will open at 8:00 a.m. on December 11. The second location, a 4,841-square-foot store at 101 Washington Street in Hoboken, New Jersey, will open at 8:00 a.m. December 18. The Hoboken store will be the first Daily Shop location in New Jersey.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Kroger benefitted off a produce kickback scheme
A former Kroger head replenishment buyer has pleaded guilty to a kickback scheme that raised prices for consumers at Kroger stores. Mark Disbennett received more than $147,000 while working with Oregon produce vendors Chris Farley and Craig Sono. Prosecutors said he disclosed to both vendors the highest price Kroger was willing to pay for certain produce.
Source: supermarketnews.com
