Belgium: Colruyt to open 38 Comarchés, 3 Bio-Planets, and one Cru
Earlier than expected, Colruyt has been given the green light to start the conversion work of the Match and Smatch stores it recently acquired. The first integrations start this week, with most stores opening under a temporary name: Comarkt/Comarché.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Ocado becomes the latest supermarket to launch 'Buy British' aisle
Ocado has become the latest supermarket to launch a "Buy British" tab to its website, following a call for grocers to support local farmers. The virtual aisle houses more than 800 items from UK farmers and growers, from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Source: retailgazette.co.uk
South Africa: Shoprite outperforms the market five years in a row as it delivers what customers want
The Shoprite Group reported: "Unaudited results for the 26 weeks ended December 31, 2023 and cash dividend declaration. Double-digit growth sees half-year sales reaching R121bln. Key information - continuing operations: Group sales of merchandise increased by 13.9% to R121.1bln. Supermarkets RSA sale of merchandise increased by 14.6% to R97.5bln".
Source: shopriteholdings.co.za
UK: The return of the plant-based shopper as fans move into scratch cooking
Tesco reported: "Now the plant-based food revolution is moving into its second phase with Tesco seeing rising volume demand for meat-free ingredients and whole cuts with: Fish alternatives up by 100% versus last year over the last 3 months; Tofu and Tempeh up by around 20%; Plant-based steaks and chicken breasts up by 20%; Meat-free burgers up by 10%".
Source: tescoplc.com
India's summer delights delivered: Experience Ratnagiri and Devgad Alphonso mangoes at your doorstep
Summer has arrived, and with it comes the highly anticipated, sunkissed sweetness of Ratnagiri and Devgad Alphonso mangoes. Known as Hapus mangoes, these legendary fruits truly taste India's rich culinary heritage. Now, mango lovers far and wide can experience the joy of farm-fresh Alphonso mangoes delivered directly to their homes. For the past five years, Alphonsomango.in, a startup dedicated to sharing the best of Ratnagiri and Devgad, has delivered these mangoes across India to over 22,000 pincodes to over 35,000 Plus customers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Source: aninews.in
UK: Innocent drinks pledges £1mln for regenerative farming projects
Innocent drinks has announced a £1mln investment in grants as an expansion of its Farmer Innovation fund, in a bid to enhance sustainable and regenerative farming practices while securing the long-term supply of essential ingredients. The fund is open to all of Innocent's ingredient suppliers, with a focus on priority fruits like apples and oranges, which contribute significantly to the brand's carbon emissions.
Source: edie.net
AWS to Launch an Infrastructure Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, announced it will launch an AWS infrastructure Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2026. As part of its long-term commitment, AWS is planning to invest more than $5.3bln (approx. 19.88bln Saudi riyal) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: businesswire.com
UK: Convenience retailer Co-op eyes further quick commerce growth as it teams with Uber Direct
Co-op has announced expanded access to its online shop, accessed via the retailer's app, through a new partnership with Uber Direct, Uber's white-label delivery solution.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
UK: James Hall & Co. Ltd to hold SPAR Transform retailer event in April
James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK partner for the North of England, will host a new one-day retailer event in April for both current and prospective SPAR independent retailers. The event, titled SPAR Transform, will bring together retailers from across the North of England on Thursday April 18.
Source: spar-international.com
US: New Seasons Market reveals grand-opening date for latest store
New Seasons Market has revealed that the grand opening of its newest store, located at the Milwaukie Marketplace in Milwaukie, Oregon, will take place on Wednesday, March 27. Among the key features of the new store: local and organic produce sourced directly from Pacific Northwest farmers.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Whole Foods Market to open smaller format stores as part of ongoing expansion
Whole Foods Market announced that it is introducing a new, quick-shop store format designed to provide customers in urban neighborhoods with a quick, convenient shopping experience with easier access to the fresh, high-quality offerings they expect from Whole Foods Market. The new format, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will initially launch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, with additional locations in New York City to follow. The first store, located at 1175 Third Avenue, is expected to open this year. Following the New York City launch, Whole Foods Market plans to bring the format to other cities across the country.
Source: media.wholefoodsmarket.com
US: Publix net earnings up nearly 50% in 2023
Publix Super Markets' net earnings of $4.3bln in 2023 was up nearly 50% over the $2.9bln reported in 2022, but the employee-owned supermarket saw net earnings drop 7.8% in the fourth quarter of the year to $1.2bln, the grocer reported.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: New DG Market opens in Conroe, Texas
Dollar General, headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, has opened a DG Market in Conroe, Texas, reports the Houston Chronicle. The DG Market concept first launched in 2003, and differs from typical Dollar General stores because it stocks produce, meat, and other products not offered at traditional locations.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Rouses expands delivery options with DoorDash
Independent retailer Rouses Markets has partnered with DoorDash to make its grocery selection available for delivery through the platform. The on-demand service will be available from all 65 Rouses locations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Canada: Farm Boy preps new Oshawa store
Ontario-based grocer Farm Boy will open its 48th store in the province this month. The Oshawa supermarket, set to welcome customers on March 14, is the retailer's 19th in the Greater Toronto Area. Located at 1280 Clearbrook Drive, the store will feature Farm Boy's typical fare - fresh produce, Canadian meats, local dairy, and a variety of private-label products, in addition to a selection of gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Source: canadiangrocer.com