US: Unions voice support of anti-Kroger, Albertsons merger report
Several local United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) unions have come out in support of a recent report that finds the $24.6bln Kroger, Albertsons merger will negatively impact the labor market if it receives government approval.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Survey: Hunger impacts nearly a third of U.S. residents
Nearly a third of Americans have experienced some form of food insecurity in their lives, and 40% have friends and family members that have experienced a lack of consistent healthy food options in their communities, according to a report by food kit company Hello Fresh.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Aldi opens nearly a dozen stores across 10 states in December
December 7 was a big day for Aldi store openings in the U.S., as the discount retailer cut the ribbon at 10 locations. A total of 11 stores across 10 states have been scheduled to open over the final month of the year, including three in Michigan. Maryland, Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, Florida, and New York are also getting new locations.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Sprouts Farmers Market now offering delivery via Uber Eats
Sprouts Farmers Market is partnering with Uber Eats to provide grocery delivery for its more than 400 locations, the specialty grocer announced.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: DoorDash releases this year's top grocery delivery orders
Delivery platform DoorDash has unveiled its “Dash From the Past 2023” report that delivers America’s 2023 top orders. Using DoorDash order data from January 1 to October 31, 2023, DoorDash found consumers leaned into healthy habits, stocking up on ample fruits like bananas, Roma tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries. Top 2023 grocery orders nationwide: 1. Bananas; 2. Roma tomatoes; 3. Strawberries; 4. Cucumber; 5. Cilantro; 6. Whole milk; 7. Eggs; 8. Iceberg lettuce; 9. Red onion; 10. Blueberries.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Food Lion To Go expands services at 35 additional stores
With more shoppers opting to save time by ordering groceries online, Food Lion is excited to announce the expansion of its Food Lion To Go grocery pick up service to 35 more stores in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Source: globenewswire.com
US: DoorDash announces partnership with 2 California grocersDoorDash has partnered with two Northern California grocers - Gus’s Community Market in San Francisco and New Leaf Community Markets in metro Santa Cruz, the San Francisco-based delivery service announced.
Source: winsightgrocerybusiness.com
UK: Asda facing possible product shortages due to HGV driver strike
The Unite union has claimed that Asda is facing the prospect of shortages of chilled foods over the festive period due to strikes by HGV drivers based at the supermarket’s Rochdale distribution centre.
Source: kamcity.com
UK: Sainsbury's builds brand-new convenience store in Colchester neighbourhood
Sainsbury’s is bringing its commitment to provide ‘Good food for all of us’ to the community of Mile End, Colchester with the arrival of its newest convenience store. Providing everything from fresh bread and cakes baked daily in-store to delicious fruit and veg, meat, fish and a variety of meal solutions, the new store will bring more convenience and choice to customers in Mile End.
Source: about.sainsburys.co.uk
UK: Ocado doubles down on robotics as grocery delivery competition heats up
The United Kingdom-based, multinational grocery technology company is soon to increase the number of robotic arms at its Luton facility from 22 to 44, according to the Financial Times, in an effort to accelerate the fulfillment process.
Source: pymnts.com
Discounter Pepco says 'sales challenges' to continue into 2024
European discount retailer Pepco Group cautioned that it expected 'industry-wide short-term sales challenges' to continue into 2024. It made underlying EBITDA of €753mln in the year to September 30, up from €731mln in 2021-22.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Belgium: Carrefour launches autonomous micro shops
Carrefour is opening a first autonomous shop for last-minute shopping in Belgium. The vending machines, named Carrefour BuyBye, will complement the existing shop offering. The plan is to offer the solution to all its current stores. The first Carrefour Buybye, measuring just 18 sqm, is located at the retailer’s Belgian headquarters in Zaventem (near Brussels).
Source: retaildetail.eu
Irish shoppers set to spend record-breaking €1.4bln in December as festive grocery sales exceed expectations
Kantar reported: "Brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding are down, 0.6% and 22% respectively, compared to last year so there’s no excuse for consumers not to enjoy them this festive season."
Source: kantar.com
Belgium: Delhaize nears three-quarter mark of franchising operation
Finding franchisers for another seventeen supermarkets, Belgian supermarket chain Delhaize has now found a solution for almost three in four stores. The shops will relaunch as independent supermarkets between March and July 2024.
Source: retaildetail.eu
UK: Strong year for fruit smoothie mix producer
A Gloucestershire-headquartered food ingredients firm, which specialises in the production of frozen fruit smoothie mixes, has posted a strong rise in sales during a year of investment as part of its longer-term growth plans. Newberry International Produce was established in 1995 and grew into a specialist food ingredients supplier with expertise in the source and supply of frozen fruit and other ingredients.
Source: insidermedia.com
UK: Aldi on course for its biggest Christmas yetWith less than three weeks to go until the big day, Aldi is on course for its biggest and best Christmas yet, it has confirmed. The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket said it expects to sell more than 1,400 tonnes of sprouts in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year.
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
France: Casino confirms intention to sell hyper- and supermarkets
Retail group Casino has confirmed its plans to sell all of its eponymous hypermarkets and supermarkets. In addition, the retailer wants to transfer all of its integrated convenience stores to independent franchisees.
Source: retaildetail.eu