Continued SPAR store development across China
The SPAR licensed operator for the South of the country, SPAR Guangdong, expanded and upgraded its presence in the region. The new SPAR Supermarket Foshan Baihuiying opened its doors at the beginning of May, and is the fifth store in Foshan city. A focus on fresh highlights the product assortment instore, ranging from fruit and vegetables, to fresh meat and fish. SPAR Shandong, SPAR licensed operator in the North of China, reopened its SPAR Supermarket Rizhao Wanda, located in the Donggang District of Rizhao City. The supermarket was completely renovated to customer needs, including an optimised instore offer of approximately 10,000 products, as well as impressive food-to-go and fresh produce departments and the introduction of cutting-edge technology.
Source: spar-international.com
Colruyt to divest French stores, expands in Belgium
Belgian retailer Colruyt is in the final stages of selling its 101 French stores, which generated €716mln in revenue in 2024, a 10% growth over the previous year. French retailers E.Leclerc and Intermarché are reportedly the frontrunners, with other bidders having been rejected. A final decision is expected soon, according to reports in the French media.
Source: esmmagazine.com
FairPrice Group brings new Thai food products to 87 FairPrice stores through partnership with Thailand's Central Food Retail Group
FairPrice Group (FPG) announced: "87 FairPrice, FairPrice Finest, and FairPrice Xtra supermarkets across Singapore and FairPrice Online now boast a wider selection of the most popular Thai snacks, condiments, fruits, desserts, and more from CFG's most loved private labels".
Source: fairpricegroup.com.sg
Morrisons reveals major emission cuts across UK farms thanks to data-driven drive
Morrisons has cut emissions by 20% across its UK farming supply chain through its Sustainable Farm Network, a data-driven initiative launched to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint and meet the retailer's ambitious sustainability targets.
Source: newfoodmagazine.com
SPAR Scotland retailers promoting healthier lifestyles
Seven SPAR Scotland retailers were awarded premium status within the SGF Healthy Living Programme (HLP) Retailer Development Plan (RDP). Throughout the year, SPAR branded stores across Scotland host visits from local schools, offering children free fruit, store tours, and educational talks about making healthier food choices.
Source: spar-international.com
Lidl loses customers after German price offensive
At the end of May, Lidl unexpectedly announced the "biggest price cut of all time" in its German shops. 500 products were permanently reduced in price, with discounts of up to 35%. Thanks to near real-time behavioural data, data specialist Accurat was able to analyse the first measurable effects after just one week. An analysis of shop visits during the week from 26 May to 1 June revealed a striking insight: Lidl's visitor share fell slightly, from 16.4% the week before the start of the price promotion to 16.1% afterwards. Instead of attracting additional traffic, Lidl actually seems to have lost visitors.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Sligro Food Group acquires Dutch cash & carry wholesaler Gepu
Dutch wholesale food distribution group Sligro Food Group has acquired Gepu, a Utrecht-based delivery service and cash-and-carry wholesaler, for an undisclosed figure. The well-established family business with 50 years of experience will be integrated into Sligro's existing network in the Utrecht region.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Focus on sustainability as East of England Co-op Food store in Holbrook reopens following refurbishment
East of England Co-op's Holbrook Food store has reopened following its inclusion in an ongoing refurbishment programme. It returns to action with new services as well as upgrades to lighting and refrigeration to make it more energy efficient. Customers can now enjoy hot food from the store's in-store bakery as well as freshly squeezed orange juice from the new iSqueeze dispenser.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
UK: First Co-op Wholesale and Roadchef store opens
Co-op Wholesale and Roadchef have officially begun a nationwide store rollout, following the announcement of their strategic partnership in April. The first of eight new convenience stores opened on Thursday 5 June, at Roadchef Norton Canes, and is the first step in a phased launch of former Spar-branded sites being transformed into modern convenience destinations.
Source: talkingretail.com
SPAR Croatia and Konzum Bosnia and Herzegovina get new CEOs
David Kovačič, who currently serves as the CEO of SPAR Slovenia, has taken up additional responsibility as CEO of SPAR Croatia. Across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Darko Drežnjak has taken over as the new president of Konzum B&H, the local unit of the Croatia-based conglomerate Fortenova Group. He will be joined on the board by Slaven Grizelj.
Source: esmmagazine.com
US: Albertsons and Safeway workers in Colorado authorize strike
Safeway and Albertsons workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 7 in Colorado have approved authorization for an unfair labor practices strike.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: ALDI drops prices on more than 400 products to help shoppers celebrate summer without sticker shock
ALDI U.S. reported: "At a time when two-thirds of Americans are very concerned about the cost of groceries (according to Pew Research Center) ALDI is doing what others can't: dropping prices across its aisles. With summer underway, the country's fastest-growing grocer is slashing prices on nearly 25% of its selection across all 2,400+ stores, from fresh meat for grilling to organic produce, pantry staples and summer favorites".
Source: corporate.aldi.us
US: We Store Frozen secures $15mln deal with H-E-B and Walmart as it expands into frozen fruits and vegetables
We Store Frozen, a rapidly growing leader in cold storage and logistics, announced a major milestone in its expansion into the frozen fruits and vegetables sector. The company has finalized a $15mln, three-year agreement with two of the largest and most respected retailers in the United States: H-E-B and Walmart. The deal covers over 7,000 pallet positions dedicated to frozen produce storage and distribution.
Source: prnewswire.com
Canada: Competition Bureau sues DoorDash, accuses firm of misleading customers with fees
Canada's competition watchdog is suing DoorDash Inc. and its Canadian subsidiary, accusing them of marketing their online delivery services at a lower price than what consumers actually wind up paying. The Competition Bureau alleged that an investigation found DoorDash customers were unable to purchase food and other items at prices advertised on the delivery company's websites and mobile apps because of mandatory fees added at checkout.
Source: thecanadianpressnews.ca