UK: Morrisons boss says worst of inflation behind us but price rises to come for vegetables and salad items
The worst of price rises is over, the exiting boss of Morrisons has told Sky News. We can definitively say the worst of inflation is behind us, David Potts said, as he forecast a rate of price rises between 4% and 6% in the run-up to Christmas. But some items will become more expensive at a faster pace, he said, singling out vegetables and salad items. "There's a bit more inflation coming through on veg, some salad lines, which is partly the erratic weather action that's been going on in recent times", Mr Potts told Sky's Ian King.
Source: news.sky.com
Greece’s Veropoulos expands in North Macedonia
Greek retail group Veropoulos is expanding its presence in North Macedonia, where it is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Last week, the Greek group opened a new supermarket in Skopje's Diamond shopping centre. Extending over 2,000 square metres, it offers a large range of products from domestic and foreign suppliers, exclusive products, and specialised departments for fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked dishes, as well as a butcher shop, fish shop, delicatessen and bakery.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Sainsbury's reports a 27% drop in profits
Supermarket Sainsbury’s has revealed a 27% fall in half-year profits, but cheered soaring grocery sales as it focused on keeping food costs down for cash-strapped customers. The grocery chain and Argos owner posted statutory pre-tax profits of £275mln for the six months to September 16, down from £376mln a year ago.
Source: walesonline.co.uk
Australia’s best-value fruit and veg for November: ‘Mangoes - they’re in’
As the countdown to Christmas begins, you might see glimpses of cherries and stone fruit on shelves. But for now mangoes are the summer fruit you can rely on. “Mangoes - they’re in. You’ll start getting the Queensland season soon”, says Sam Cessario, co-owner at Sydney’s Figtree Greengrocer. “For the top quality, you’ve still got to pay, but you can get some for $2 or $3 each”.
Source: theguardian.com
The UK’s first robot automated shop is opening in Greater Manchester
In a UK first, a fully-automated click and collect convenience store will open its doors to customers and orders will be available to collect within five minutes. Cleverly named in:Five, the shop is completely driven by technology with no people behind the scenes. It will stock a range of everyday essentials including toiletries, washing essentials, over-the-counter medicines and store cupboard staples (non-perishables - there won’t be any fresh fruit and vegetables).
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Poland: Żabka opens 10,000th store
Żabka has opened its 10,000th store, located in a shopping center in Poznań, Poland, a location which is visited by around 9mln people every year.
Source: petrolplaza.com
Kiwi success brand now open to New Zealand investors - All Good
Well known Kiwi oat milk and fair-trade banana brand All Good is seeking investors for its first ever capital raise to fuel the successful company’s international growth. The company is aiming to raise up to $1mln to accelerate its expansion plans into Asia and the Middle East, as well as for new product development.
Source: voxy.co.nz
Are Ukrainian farmers ready for EU standards and requirements?
EastFruit has contacted Kateryna Nichayeva, Fresh Department Director at VARUS retail chain in Ukraine: Do the requirements of Ukrainian supermarkets for suppliers of vegetables and fruits differ from the requirements of supermarkets in the EU? In your opinion, are Ukrainian farmers ready for EU standards and requirements? "Ukrainian supermarkets’ requirements do not differ much from those in the EU. Many Ukrainian growers and farmers are already selling for export and supply goods to EU countries, and the share of exports increases annually".
Source: east-fruit.com
Supermarket Spinneys said it's close to hiring banks for Dubai IPO
Spinneys Dubai, a supermarket and grocery chain in the UAE and Oman, is close to hiring local and international banks for a potential initial public offering.
Source: gulfnews.com
US: UNFI names Andre Persaud as president and CEO of retail
Andre Persaud has been named president and CEO of retail for United Natural Foods Inc. Persaud will be in charge of UNFI’s Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Publix's net earnings soar over 100%
It was a banner third quarter for Publix Super Markets, which announced higher sales and earnings. The Florida retailer reported a 7.2% bump in sales for the period ending September 30, reaching $14bln. Sales comps were also up, edging 4.3% higher. The big news was in earnings, as net earnings during Q3 surged 111.4% on a year-over-year basis to reach $833mln.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Target brings Thanksgiving meal for under $25 to the table
As the holiday season kicks off, Target is serving up an affordable Thanksgiving meal geared toward consumers who continue to grapple with high food prices. The retailer’s four-serving meal includes a 10-16 pound turkey and various sides for less than $5 each. The side options include a 5-pound bag of russet potatoes, Heinz turkey gravy, Stove Top turkey stuffing mix, Ocean Spray cranberry sauce, cut green beans and a 22-ounce can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup.
Source: grocerydive.com
US: Grocery, fresh food spur Costco’s October comparable-sales growth
For the four weeks ended Sunday, net sales rose 4.5% to $18.53bln from $17.73bln a year earlier, Costco reported. The uptick trailed the 6% year-over-year net sales gain in September and came against a 7.7% increase in October 2022. The eight-week year-to-date period saw Issaquah, Washington-based Costco lift net sales by 5.3% to $36.5bln from $34.74bln a year ago.
Source: winsightgrocerybusiness.com