Kuwait: Freshness redefined with launch of LuLu Express Fresh Market in Abbassiya
The opening of the latest LuLu Express Fresh Market in Abbassiya on February 21 drew enthusiastic crowds eager to experience the elevated grocery shopping that the brand defines through its stores. From fresh to frozen grocery essentials to succulent meat, premium seafood, and fresh produce, as well as a chilled and dairy section that showcased an array of tantalizing products and a frozen delights section that offered quick meal options.
Source: kuwaittimes.com
Spain's top 5 retail chains account for more than half of grocery market value
Kantar reported: "The Top 5 Spanish supermarket chains in 2023 - Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Eroski Group, and DIA - together now account for more than half (51%) of the total FMCG spend across all retailers. In one year, the grocery market in Spain has increased by 7.6% in value, while growth in volume has begun to show signs of stability, according to data from Worldpanel".
Source: kantar.com
UK: Aldi to close store to carry out refurbishment works
A supermarket giant is set to close a store in Renfrewshire for one week to carry out refurbishment works. Aldi will shut its Erskine shop from Thursday, March 14, at 8pm until Thursday, March 21, at 8am. During the closure, the retailer revealed the store will undergo layout changes to ensure more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges.
Source: the-gazette.co.uk
Australia: Grocery wholesale platform Freshey promises produce growers an alternative to supermarket sales
As the relationships between supermarket giants and fresh produce suppliers make front-page news, online marketplace Freshey has launched a system it says will provide a fair deal for growers and wholesale buyers alike. Freshey is a wholesale produce marketplace where growers can list and price their own produce however they see fit, with transparent pricing across the platform allowing growers to adjust their offers based on market trends.
Source: smartcompany.com.au
UK: Sheffield pay-what-you-can market aims to help struggling families
Families in Sheffield who are on low incomes and struggling with the cost of living can now use a pay-what-you-can food market as part of a pilot scheme. The pop-up market at the Link Community Hub in Stradbroke enables people to buy cheap fruit, vegetables, and groceries. The goods are supplied by the not-for-profit organisation Food Works, which redistributes food that would otherwise have ended up going to waste. If successful, it could be rolled out to other areas of the city.
Source: bbc.com
Singapore: FairPrice Finest launches at Clarke Quay, bringing affordable local produce closer to the community
FairPrice Group (FPG) marked the official opening of FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay, the 40th addition to its line of Finest outlets across the island. The 14,000 square foot space - approximately the size of 14 four-room HDB flats - showcases exclusive food experiences that celebrate local produce and culture, highlighting FPG's commitment to food resilience.
Source: fairpricegroup.com.sg
New Zealand: Affordable fruit and veg box service expands
Another venue is planned for the growing list of places people can pick up a local fruit and vegetable order, that was well below supermarket prices, organisers said. Nelson Environment Centre said moves were underway to introduce a new "hub" for its Hapori Fruit & Veg Box service in Blenheim in the first half of this year.
Source: stuff.co.nz
FTC states to sue over Kroger-Albertsons deal next week
The US Federal Trade Commission and a group of states are poised to sue as soon as next week to block the tie-up between supermarket giants Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos., according to people familiar with the plans. The suit is expected before February 28, when an agreement not to close the deal between the companies and the FTC expires. Several states are expected to join the suit alongside the federal antitrust enforcers, the people said.
Source: bnnbloomberg.ca
US: GrubMarket introduces new Accounting Module with WholesaleWare Winter 2024 Release
GrubMarket announced the release of the new Accounting Module for WholesaleWare, its cutting-edge and proprietary software-as-a-service ("SaaS") platform built for food industry wholesalers, distributors, and shippers. The new features are part of WholesaleWare's Winter 2024 Product Release and substantially enhance the functionality of the fully integrated, vertical SaaS platform for players throughout the food supply chain industry.
Source: prnewswire.com
Back to Our Roots: Garden of Eden re-opens new culinary haven in Gramercy Park
In a delightful return to its origins, Garden of Eden / Eden Gourmet Marketplace is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest grocery store in Gramercy Park, Manhattan. This marks a significant milestone as the brand celebrates 30 years since it first began its journey in this very neighborhood, establishing itself as more than a grocery store but a true culinary haven.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Thrive Market becomes 1st online-only retailer to accept SNAP EBT
Online grocery store Thrive Market now accepts SNAP EBT, making it the first-ever online-only retailer to receive USDA approval. After almost a decade of advocacy, this development marks a significant milestone in the brand's mission to make healthy and sustainable living easy and affordable for all.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Mexico: Grupo Comercial Chedraui sees steady gain in market share
Food retailer Grupo Comercial Chedraui has released its 2023 fourth-quarter results. The company experienced 8.7% same-store sales growth in Mexico, along with an 18.6% increase in consolidated net income. Grupo Comercial Chedraui also saw a 7.3% growth in consolidated EBITDA. The cash generation in the company's operations in both countries allowed it to end with a net cash position at the end of 2023 of $5,553mln pesos, or approximately US $328,370.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Ahold Delhaize USA names Marc Stolzman as Chief Sustainability Officer
Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Marc Stolzman has been named the Chief Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, reporting to JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA.
Source: globenewswire.com
US: Beyond Meat launches new, healthier version of burger in bid to bring back customers
Beyond Meat is launching a new iteration of its burger in grocery stores this spring. The company is betting an even healthier version of its burgers will lure back consumers. The new burger uses avocado oil, cutting its saturated fat by 60% to two grams.
Source: cnbc.com