Couche-Tard still sees growth in North America | Food Lion, Instacart expand partnership
Costco sales increase
A new study has found that 89% of UK supermarket managers think their customers would have no problem buying ‘wonky veg’. The research was performed by predictive analytics company Blue Yonder, which questioned 152 supermarket managers in the UK, from junior managers to directors, about their opinions on wonky veg. According to the Blue Yonder research, one supermarket questioned claimed that its line of wonky veg, introduced in 2014, had reduced the amount of potatoes thrown away by 34,000 tonnes. (resource.co)
Couche-Tard still sees growth in North America
Convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard says it remains on the hunt for deals to grow its North American network a week after signing the largest acquisition deal in the company’s history after buying Texas-based CST Brands. “We think there’s still a lot of runway in North America overall,” he said during a conference call about the results of its fiscal first quarter. The Quebec-based company that runs Couche-Tard, Mac’s and Circle K convenience stores said its net profit grew almost 9% to US $324.4m, despite a drop in revenues caused by lower fuel prices. (advisor.ca)
UK grocery watchdog might help growers
The minister for small business, Margot James, is expected to launch an open call for evidence from stakeholders, including direct and indirect supermarket suppliers such as farmers, over whether the remit of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice should be expanded and Tacon given more powers. The agricultural sector is likely to have a particular interest in expanding the remit of the code because most farmers do not supply directly to supermarkets and so do not fall under the protection of the code. (cips.org)
Food Lion, Instacart expand partnership
Food Lion on Tuesday said it would double the number of its stores in the Charlotte, N.C., area offering Internet shopping and home delivery through Instacart, indicating that a trial of the service begun earlier this year was successful. "Food Lion is extremely pleased with the speedy delivery service Instacart has consistently offered our customers since its launch in May," Keith Nicks, VP of customer engagement at Food Lion, said in a statement. (supermarketnews.com)
UK: Alan Titchmarsh and Ellie Harrison join Waitrose organic campaign
Waitrose is "bringing the stories behind its organic producers to life" by launching an organic marketing initiative to support the Soil Association’s Organic Month this September, it says in a press release. Waitrose Organic Kitchen will feature content created by gardening expert and established Waitrose ambassador Alan Titchmarsh and broadcaster Ellie Harrison. Together, they will explore organic food and how it’s grown to help customers understand the origins of their organic products.
US: Costco sales rise
Costco Wholesale Corporation today reported net sales of $8.9bn for the month of August. The four weeks ending August 28, 2016, showed an increase of 2% from $8.7bn compared to a similar period last year. For the 16-week fourth quarter, the Company reported net sales of $35.7bn, an increase of 2% from $35.0bn in the fourth quarter last year, which ended August 30, 2015. For the 52-week fiscal year ending August 28, 2016, the Company reported net sales of $116.1bn, an increase of 2% from the $113.7bn reported last year. (finance.yahoo.com)
German Edeka accelerates expansion plans
Edeka has announced it will accelerate its expansion pace in Southern Bavaria, with plans to add 42,600 sq m of new sales space in 2016, double what it added in 2015. The retailer is still awaiting clearance for the Tengelmann deal but is continuing its organic growth regardless. Edeka invested almost €57m into the region in 2015, including opening a new €15.5m distribution centre in Trostberg. Werner Gruber, CEO of Edeka South Bavaria stated that by expanding the facility they have secured the location for future challenges and increased efficiencies in the delivery of high quality food. (igd.com)
German Rewe promotes the freshness of its online offer
The Rewe Group has launched a new campaign in Germany aimed at promoting the freshness of its online deliveries. This is ahead of the launch of Amazon Fresh in the market, which is expected to happen in late 2016 or early 2017. The campaign slogan is 'I like my delivery fresh' and it promotes a guarantee of freshness, with shoppers able to return items to the online delivery staff if they are not satisfied with the quality. (igd.com)
UK accounting watchdog closes probe into former Tesco CFO
Britain's accounting watchdog has closed an investigation into Laurie McIlwee, former CFO of supermarket giant Tesco which hit a book-keeping crisis in 2014. "The executive counsel to the FRC has concluded that there is no realistic prospect that a Tribunal would make an adverse finding in relation to the conduct of Mr Laurie McIlwee," the watchdog said in a statement on Wednesday. (Reuters)
UK: Asda marketer joins Morrisons
Barry Williams, the former chief customer officer at Asda has been hired by Morrisons to become its trading director for ambient. Williams left Asda earlier this year, after 8 years at the Yorkshire-based retailer. He will replace Andy Pleasance at Morrisons in February 2017 and will take responsibility for the retailer’s grocery, health and beauty, beers, wines and spirits, baby goods and household offers. (prolificnorth.co.uk)
UK consumers have more to spend
Average disposable income across the UK reached a new high in July, helping families "shrug off much of the post-Brexit concern that has plagued businesses and financial markets", the Centre for Economics and Business Research said. Families have experienced a 1.9% increase in earnings since July last year, with average disposable income reaching £202 a week, according to Asda’s Income Tracker. However, Asda said this was the lowest rate of spending power rise since October 2014. (cityam.com)
