Ahold Delhaize focuses on AI projects with impact
After various projects involving artificial intelligence in different areas, Ahold Delhaize is going to focus on a few major business processes. The retailer wants to be a "smart follower" with AI, says CEO Frans Muller.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Kretinsky-led consortium offers to inject 300mln euros into France's Casino
French supermarket group Casino, which is owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, said it was gearing up for its second debt restructuring in less than two years as it extended a revival plan to 2030. Majority shareholder France Retail Holdings (FRH) was starting talks with creditors to restructure 1.4bln euros ($1.6bln) of debt maturing in March 2027, the group said.
Source: reuters.com
UK: M&S expands search for potential new sites as high street giant ramps up store renewal push
M&S reports that it is searching for new, bigger Food store sites as it aims to double the size of this part of its business. 500 areas across the UK are on its new potential location list. The plan is to modernise and rotate its estate to a footprint of 180 full line stores and 420 Food stores.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Greece: Fewer grocery chains means lower prices
According to Aristotelis Panteliadis, head of Metro SA and president of the Greek Supermarket Association, the market would work perfectly with just a handful of supermarket chains: "In most European countries there are four to eight chains, and competition works, while some smaller ones survive because they have diversified. In Greece, the existence of four to six chains would work more efficiently", he argues.
Source: ekathimerini.com
Carrefour and Coopérative U bid for another batch of French Colruyt stores
Carrefour has made an offer for three Colruyt stores in Alsace: the stores in Drusenheim, Gries and Herrlisheim, according to LSA. Coopérative U wants to take over the supermarkets in Saulxures-sur-Moselotte (Vosges) and Chalindrey (Haute Marne). Both retailers have confirmed the news.
Source: retaildetail.eu
"Cheaper Salmon, Korean Beef, and Fruit"...Traders celebrates 15th anniversary with special event 
Traders Wholesale Club announced that it will hold its largest customer appreciation event of the year from November 24 to 30 in celebration of its 15th anniversary. This event will feature significantly expanded discounts, especially on fresh foods that see increased demand during the winter season. When paying with a Samsung Card, customers can receive an 8,000 won discount on 'Grade 1 or higher domestic pork neck and pork belly (chilled pack)', and a 5,000 won discount on 'Zespri Jeju Gold Kiwi (1.3kg pack)'.
Source: cm.asiae.co.kr
UK: Co-op has launched a new look Freezer Favourite deal 
Examples of meals that can be created by shopping this new deal include: A veggie feast - The Vegetarian Butcher Happy Go Clucky Burger 180G; Co-op Irresistible Chunky British Maris Piper Chips 750G; Birds Eye Petit Pois 545G.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
Italian organic sales reach €10.4bln
The Italian organic market (including retail, foodservice and exports) was worth €10.4bln in 2024 - a 6% increase from the previous year, according to the Focus Bio Bank 2025 report. Sales in organic stores reached €1bln (+9%), while organic sales in large supermarkets and similar stores rose to €3.3bln (+5%). Fruits and vegetables constitute 26% of all private-label organic products.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ocado Group: Great news from Spain!
Ocado Group reported: "Since going live just over a year ago, Carlos Pedreira Freire, CEO Alcampo, revealed our CFC has enabled online sales in Madrid to grow more than 50%!"
Source: linkedin.com
Lidl Germany plans to open four outlets in Galeria stores
Lidl Germany has expanded its partnership with German department store Galeria, revealing plans to open stores in four additional locations. In Hamburg, Lidl will open a new store at the Alstertal shopping centre at the end of 2025. By autumn/summer of 2026, two more outlets are scheduled to launch within Galeria stores in Stuttgart and Viernheim, Germany.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Walmart makes African debut with South African store launch
Walmart opened its first store in South Africa on Saturday, marking the U.S. retail giant's debut on the African continent as it seeks a stake in a competitive market.
Source: reuters.com
US: United Supermarkets cuts 126 jobs at Texas HQ
United Supermarkets is planning to lay off 126 workers from its headquarters in Lubbock, Texas, as it implements new operating systems, according to reports. The company, which is a division of Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons, filed a Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notice (WARN) with the Texas Workforce Commission. The notice, a copy of which was obtained by Supermarket News, said the layoffs would begin no sooner than January 19 of next year. The office currently employs 510 staff, according to the notice. The layoffs will be spread out over several months and will include some director positions and jobs in marketing and support functions, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Produce companies and plant-based meal producers join the queue of 22 preparing for traceability data Sharing with ReposiTrak
ReposiTrak announced the addition of 22 companies, including produce suppliers and plant-based meal producers, to the ReposiTrak Traceability Network®. The companies in the queue to use ReposiTrak for food traceability data sharing include a globally recognized plant-based innovator known for its bold, chef-crafted meals that bring vibrant flavor to vegan cuisine; a California-based industry leader in fresh avocados and value-added foods, celebrated for its commitment to quality, freshness and sustainability across its produce and prepared product lines.
Source: businesswire.com
US: BJ's Wholesale touts perishables success in Q3
The company's Fresh 2.0 initiative, which was first launched in the produce area and then expanded to meat and seafood categories, has helped drive sales and traffic at BJ's Wholesale Club, said Robert Eddy, chairman, president and CEO. Third-quarter net income of $152.1mln represented a 2.4% decline relative to a year ago, however. The retailer said its selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased to $788.2mln in the third quarter, up from $733.6mln in the year-ago period.
In other news, Business Wire reported: BJ's Wholesale Club announces new locations in Texas and Alabama.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Giant Co. opens new Pennsylvania store
The Giant Co.'s new Allentown, Pennsylvania-area store, located within the South Mall Shopping Center at 3300 Lehigh Street, officially opened its doors on Friday, November 21 at 8 a.m. Giant Co. has expanded its signature fresh departments with greater product assortment across the Salisbury Township store, including a large, market-feel produce department with dedicated space for organics.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Natural Grocers continues two-decade growth streak despite consumer pullback
The Lakewood, Colorado-based specialty grocer said same-store sales rose 4.2% during its fourth quarter ended September 30, or 11.3% on a two-year basis. Net sales rose 4.2% to $336.1mln. For the full year, same-store sales increased 7.3% and net sales grew 7.2%, to $1.33bln. It's the grocer's 22nd year of consecutive same-store sales growth.
Source: supermarketnews.com
