UK Kids Food Guarantee: Multibuys update - has anything changed since April?
Over a quarter of ‘buy one get one free’ (BOGOF) and multi-buy deals are on unhealthy food, with less than 5% of deals on fruit and veg. 4.5% of multibuys in July were on fruit and veg, and 4.2% on staple carbohydrates, compared to 3.8% and 3% respectively in April.
Source: foodfoundation.org.uk
Germany: HelloFresh may no longer call itself climate-neutral
HelloFresh is no longer allowed to claim to be the world’s first climate-neutral meal box. A ruling by a German court could also have far-reaching consequences for other companies that “offset” their emissions.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Food insecurity is estimated to have reached almost 4mln Australian homes this year
Avocados aren't typically associated with epiphanies - but it was while shopping for fresh fruit and veg that Vanessa Newell was struck by an unwanted realization. "I would find myself walking around a supermarket and picking up something as simple as an avocado and thinking: 'I can't afford this,'" she said. As many as 3.7mln Australian households are estimated to have battled concerning levels of food insecurity in the past year, according to Foodbank Australia's 2023 Hunger Report.
Source: abc.net.au
Holland: Inflation slows down Sligro growth
Dutch wholesaler Sligro saw its sales grow 8.3% in the third quarter. However, the volume increase was disappointingly low, even now that the former Metro shops have reopened under the Sligro M banner.
Source: retaildetail.eu
UK: Aldi squashes competition with lowest pumpkin prices
Aldi is officially the cheapest supermarket for pumpkins, with prices starting from just 59p. Aldi’s XL Pumpkins are available to purchase for just £2.49, saving 66p (21%) compared to Tesco at £3.15 (Aldi and competitor supermarket retails accurately on 19th October 2023. Cheaper competitor may apply).
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
Alibaba promises major discounts ahead of China's 'Singles Day' shopping event
E-commerce giant Alibaba Group said it will be offering huge discounts as it gears up for its annual Singles Day shopping extravaganza - an indication that Chinese consumer confidence remains at a low ebb. The event - which begins on Tuesday and, despite its name, now stretches over several weeks - will offer over 80mln products at their lowest prices this year, it said in a statement.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Asda opening 7 new convenience stores - see full list of locations
Asda opened seven brand new convenience stores: Amesbury - Solstice Park, Wiltshire; Harbourne - High Street, Birmingham; Guisborough - Middlesbrough Road, Northeast; Kingsbridge - Ilbert Road, Devon; Minster - Tothill Street, Kent; West Didsbury - Princess Road, Greater Manchester; Silkstone - Barnsley Road, Barnsley.
Source: mirror.co.uk
How tech is helping produce and profit margins
Today’s technology is transforming the grocery industry unlike anything before. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and blockchain, to name a few, are irrevocably reshaping all aspects of the business. “I think technology will dramatically change the face of retail in the next 10 to 15 years”, predicts Dain Charette, chief revenue officer with Afresh, a San Francisco-based company that uses AI and machine learning to help grocers optimize their fresh supply chain. “I’m really excited to see it.”
Source: canadiangrocer.com
US: UNFI deploys new zero-emission refrigerated delivery system at its West Sacramento distribution center
United Natural Foods, Inc. (the “Company” or “UNFI”) announced that it is taking its next steps toward a zero-emissions future by deploying two battery-electric semi-trucks and five regenerative electric refrigerated trailer systems. UNFI is deploying the trucks and trailers in the Sacramento and Gilroy, California markets, just in time for the peak holiday selling season.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Schnucks to launch 2nd ‘fresh’ smaller concept store
Schnucks Markets Inc. is getting ready to unveil a second “fresh” store in Oak Grove Village, Missouri. The location will offer fresh food options in a smaller format than regular Schnucks stores. The idea is to provide smaller communities with a full-scale grocery store without a large footprint. The ribbon cutting will take place on October 25.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Canada August retail sales down 0.1%, boost expectations of rate pause
Canadian retail sales fell by 0.1% in August from July and look set to stay flat in September, Statistics Canada said, cementing expectations that the Bank of Canada will keep rates on hold.
Source: reuters.com
US: Hy-Vee to deploy micro-fulfillment centers from Takeoff Technologies
Hy-Vee is working with Takeoff Technologies to develop micro-fulfillment centers in certain areas where the Midwestern supermarket chain operates, the companies announced.
Source: supplychaindive.com
US: Smart & Final opens new Extra! store
Smart & Final is close to unveiling a Smart & Final Extra! store in Lancaster, California. The banner’s newest location, at 2058 West Avenue J, will open its doors on October 25. At a time of elevated inflation, budget-minded shoppers can browse a variety of products and categories at the 32,000-square-foot warehouse-style store. The store is stocked with fresh and organic produce, among other items.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
How Walmart became America’s largest grocer
The Arkansas-based retailer is America’s largest grocer, more than twice the size of its next-biggest competitor, as it takes in more than one in four grocery dollars in the U.S., according to KeyBanc Capital Markets.
Source: cnbc.com