Supermarket chains in Spain investigated over whether they are applying sales tax reduction on basic foods correctly
The main supermarket chains in Spain are being investigated over whether they are applying the government's IVA sales tax reduction correctly on basic foods such as olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Consumer association Facua, which was one of the organisations that has warned the government for months of "suspicious price increases" welcomed news of the investigation.
Source: surinenglish.com
Amazon Fresh: the best discounts and savings in 2024
Amazon UK reported: "Enjoy hassle-free, cost-effective shopping with Amazon Fresh's in-store or delivery experience - and discover the best discounts for 2024. One of the standout features of Amazon Fresh is its extensive range of everyday, essential groceries available for £1.50 or less - (terms and conditions apply). Discover our own brand groceries with "by Amazon" - a wide range of products that presents a cost-effective option without compromising on excellence. By crafting a range that spans pantry essentials to fresh produce, we can further ensure you receive top-notch products at competitive prices".
Source: aboutamazon.co.uk
Portugal and Spain: Milestone for Mercadona supermarket
Mercadona has announced that it had surpassed the 100,000-employee mark in Portugal and Spain, ensuring that they all have "quality, open-ended contracts". "The company ends 2023 with a team made up of 104,000 people, 5,300 in Portugal and 98,700 in Spain, after having created 5,000 new jobs last year," according to a report by Notícias ao Minuto.
Source: theportugalnews.com
UK: Ocado may sue M&S over payment for Ocado.com joint venture
Ocado Group PLC said it may need to sue Marks and Spencer Group PLC, which is refusing to pay the online grocery specialist what it thinks it is owed after their joint venture failed to meet performance targets.
Source: proactiveinvestors.co.uk
UK: Ocado reports lesser spotted profitOcado Group PLC posted a lesser-spotted profit for the past year, if various exceptional items are ignored. Thanks to positive contributions from all main parts of the grocery delivery group, reported adjusted earnings (EBITDA) came to £51.6mln in the 53 weeks ended 3 December 2023, compared to a £74.1mln loss a year earlier.
Source: proactiveinvestors.co.uk
Ireland: 100,000 children set to grow their own food with GIY & SuperValu's 'Let's GROW' initiative by the end of 2024
SuperValu and not-for-profit social enterprise GIY have teamed up for the second year to bring the 'SuperValu Let's GROW' programme to another 50,000 primary school children throughout Ireland this spring. The 2024 packs will include a variety of seeds such as cress, peas, salad leaves, beans and sunflowers.
Source: retailnews.ie
UK: Tesco champions developing brands with innovation-led Accelerator Programme
Tesco welcomed 27 up-and-coming brands to its Welwyn Garden City campus as it launched its new innovation initiative, the Accelerator Programme. The programme will provide much needed support to some of the most exciting and innovative brands in the UK, with the suppliers benefiting from the opportunity to be stocked in Tesco stores and online, and accelerate growth with Britain's biggest supermarket.
Source: tescoplc.com
North Macedonia's KAM to boost sustainability efforts with €6mln EBRD loan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €6mln loan for North Macedonia-based retailer KAM to support its expansion plans and sustainability initiatives. The loan will be used to finance the modernisation of KAM's existing stores and logistics facilities, making them more energy efficient, and expanding its modern grocery chain throughout the country, EBRD said in a statement.
Source: esmmagazine.com
High prices but lower earnings: What you need to know about Woolworth's half-year results
Woolworths New Zealand reported a 42% drop in pre-tax earnings, to $71mln in the six months ending in December. "The trading performance in New Zealand Food has continued to be challenging", Woolworths Australia said in a stock exchange statement.
Source: rnz.co.nz
Japan: Seven & i Holdings explores market for bigger 7-Elevens
After refining the convenience store concept and expanding across Japan, Seven & i Holdings wants to find out whether there's consumer appetite for a bigger version of its 7-Eleven outlets carrying a broader range of choices.
Source: japantimes.co.jp
Walmart class action lawsuit settlement: Customers who bought fruit or vegetables at retailer over certain time period will be given $500
Walmart customers who purchased bagged fruit and other weighted groceries during a specific time period, could qualify to receive up to $500. It comes as a class action lawsuit claimed the food retailer charged customers more than it should have for these products, resulting in a $45mln settlement.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
US: Grocery Outlet plans to open up to 60 stores in 2024
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. experienced year-over-year net sales growth of 6.3% to $989.8mlnn for the fourth quarter of 2023, the company reported in its Q4 earnings report. The report comes less than two weeks after the grocer announced plans to buy United Grocery Outlet, an extreme discount grocer with 40 stores in the Southeastern U.S. and a distribution center in Tennessee. For fiscal year 2024, Grocery Outlet plans to open 15 to 20 stores and reach net sales of $4.3bln to $4.35bln.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: New Whole Foods Market in St. Petersburg, Florida, is now open
Whole Foods Market opened its new 40,100-square-foot store, located at 201 38th Ave North, St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 28 at 9 a.m. EST. Features of the new St. Petersburg store include: An array of certified organic, conventional and Sourced for Good Local options include organic greens from Lady Moon Farms and herbs and salads from Hardee Fresh.
Source: media.wholefoodsmarket.com
US: Walmart adds Food Hall concept to Pennsylvania storeWalmart is partnering with Wonder, which currently runs 10 food halls throughout New York City and New Jersey, to bring the delivery-first concept to several of its stores. The partnership kicked off with the opening of a Wonder inside a Walmart store in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Dollar General starts accepting supplemental health benefits
The discounter is letting shoppers use the benefits to pay for items including produce, over-the-counter medicines and wellness products at all of its 20,000 stores.
Source: grocerydive.com
Canada: George Weston Limited reports fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 results
George Weston Limited ("GWL" or the "Company") announced its consolidated unaudited results for the 12 weeks ended December 31, 2023: 2023 fourth quarter highlights: Revenue was $14,700mln, an increase of $558mln, or 3.9%. 2023 annual highlights: Revenue was $60,124mln, an increase of $3,076mln, or 5.4%.
Source: newswire.ca
Canada: Le Panier Bleu ceases operations
The Board of Directors of Plateforme Agora inc. has made the difficult decision to end the activities of the private company that operates the Panier Bleu, in light of the most recent operating results.
Source: newswire.ca