Inflation impacts organic product sales
Grocery price inflation and consumer concerns about the economy are having an impact on sales of natural and organic products, according to a recent survey of retailers conducted by Supermarket News. The survey found that although food retailers reported sales gains in natural and organic items and most retailers were optimistic about the future of these products, some respondents attributed weakening consumer demand to increasing price pressures. Organic fruits and vegetables are both the best-selling category of natural and organic products (cited by 41% of respondents) and the fastest-growing category, according to the survey.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Forty Acres Fresh Market, Foodsmart launch 'Nutrition Corner'
Chicago's Forty Acres Fresh Market is partnering with food care solution Foodsmart to launch a "Nutrition Corner" within the new grocery store in the city's Austin neighborhood, providing customers with practical tools and services to support healthier eating.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Increasing access to healthy food: Instacart introduces discounted Instacart+ membership for SNAP participants
Instacart reported: "We're announcing a new, discounted Instacart+ membership for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants nationwide. Instacart Health was designed to deliver the ingredients for healthier living, and we're committed to increasing equitable access to food. Simply, we want to help put healthy food on the table".
Source: instacart.com
Is Dollar General the next threat to grocery retailers?
Dollar General is gradually increasing its market share in the grocery industry, but has it become a serious threat to chains like Kroger or Albertsons? Not yet, according to the latest data from foot traffic data firm Placer.ai, although the shift could become more significant in the coming years. Foot traffic from Q2 2019 to Q2 2025 shows Dollar General's share of grocery visits across both traditional and value chains rose consistently - from 12.1% to 14.9% - while traditional chains like Kroger and Albertsons lost nearly four percentage points. Value grocers like Aldi remained stable through 2022 before gaining ground themselves. This trend suggests that Dollar General has mainly attracted shoppers away from traditional supermarkets, even as other budget-oriented grocers gained strength, according to Placer.ai.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Understanding Ahold Delhaize's supply chain collaborations (scope 3)
Ahold Delhaize reported: "In Belgium, Delhaize introduced the Cultivation Academy earlier this year in collaboration with produce supplier Bakker and agricultural expert Arvesta. This initiative empowers local growers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, improving soil health, biodiversity, and water efficiency, while offering consumers vegetables with a smaller ecological footprint".
Source: newsroom.aholddelhaize.com
Aldi Nord names new CEO as Torsten Hufnagel steps down
Torsten Hufnagel, the chief executive officer of Aldi Nord, has decided to step down after 28 years with the group. Nicolás de Lope, a member of the group executive board since 2023, will succeed Hufnagel as the new CEO.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Aldi rolling out reduction zones
Aldi is rolling out dedicated reduction zones across its stores in the UK to make it "even easier for shoppers to find fresh food bargains". The marked areas will feature discounted bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items nearing their use-by date. Items are discounted throughout the day, allowing shoppers to save on products that might otherwise go unsold.
Source: kamcity.com
SPAR Gran Canaria reaffirms its commitment to local agriculture with the 4th agreement for the Valleseco Reineta apple
The SPAR Gran Canaria supermarket chain signed its collaboration agreement for the fourth consecutive year, with eight farmers in Valleseco to promote the sale and consumption of Reineta apples grown in the municipality. Farmers began harvesting the apples in the last week of September, making the product available to consumers from early October until early next year in SPAR supermarkets in Gran Canaria.
Source: maspalomas24h.uk
UK: Co-op unveils Christmas range 2025, featuring new products and returning favourites
The Co-op has unveiled its Christmas range featuring new products plus returning favourites. Irresistible Seasonal Vegetables with Basil Dressing: A medley of sprouts, peas, leeks, cavolo nero and savoy cabbage, served with a basil oil dressing 230g £3.50.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
Lithuania: Iki closes all autonomous stores: Reports
Lithuanian retailer and REWE Group subsidiary Iki has closed all its autonomous stores, according to local media reports. The retailer operated five autonomous stores under the 'IKI GO!' banner in the capital city of Vilnius. The decision follows challenges faced by its technology partner Pixevia, the pbublication LRT reported.
Source: esmmagazine.com
A new chapter of growth: Welcoming Andreas von Paleske as CEO of Naivas Supermarkets
Naivas Limited reported: "As we mark 35 years of growth, Naivas Supermarkets is pleased to announce that effective 1st November 2025, Andreas von Paleske will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding our founder, David Kimani".
Source: linkedin.com
Covirán upgrades over 100 stores in Spain and Portugal
Spanish cooperative and retailer Covirán has upgraded over 100 supermarkets in just over a year, achieving a major milestone in its Covirán Contigo project. The expansion includes 55 new openings and 53 renovations across various Spanish regions, particularly in Andalusia, and six new supermarkets in Portugal.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Retailer Neil Patel chooses Co-op Wholesale as partner for future growth
Co-op Wholesale reported: "Co-op Wholesale has announced a new long-term contract with NP Group, strengthening its partnership with one of the North West's most respected independent retail operators. NP Group, owned and operated by experienced retailer Neil Patel, runs six Nisa fascia convenience stores across the region, including sites in Manchester, Darwen, Ilkley, Colne and Castleford".
Source: coopwholesale.co.uk
UK: New phase of Asda convenience store rollout programme begins
Asda has started the latest phase of its Express convenience store rollout programme, opening the doors to customers at its brand-new store in Castleford. The Castleford store is the first of up to 20 new Express stores set to open across the UK before the end of the year.
Source: talkingretail.com
UK: Aldi reveals its 2025 Christmas rangeAldi UK reported: "Aldi continues to revolutionise its meat-free offering each year and this year, the supermarket is launching its biggest ever festive vegan and veggie range. The NEW Specially Selected Sage & Onion Stuffed Tofu Roasting Joint (£4.99, 400g) features a beautifully caramelised sage and onion stuffing centre encased in a heavenly, herby tofu, all finished with a sweet cranberry and herb topping. Available from 19th December".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
