US: Sprouts sees growth spurt in store visits, report finds
Sprouts Farmers Market is outpacing the grocery industry average in year-over-year store visits with its visits up roughly 13% and 12% in February and March, respectively, compared to the industry's approximate 8% and 8.5% growth during the same period, according to recent Placer.ai data.
Source: grocerydive.com
US: Kroger adds 166 stores to divestiture plan for Albertsons acquisition deal
Kroger has updated its proposed plan to divest hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers in an effort to appease federal regulators who have sued to block the grocer's $24.6bln merger with Albertsons. Kroger's new plan adds 166 more stores to the original divestiture proposal, bringing the total number of divested stores to 579.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Amazon announces that its drone delivery service is coming to Arizona in late 2024
Later this year, Amazon customers in the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area will be able to receive Prime Air drone deliveries from the company's Tolleson, Arizona same-day delivery site.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: Albertsons reports $18bln in revenue 'amidst a difficult industry backdrop'
Albertsons reported revenue of $18.3bln for the fourth quarter ended February 24, mirroring its revenue performance year over year. Albertsons reported a net income of $251mln ($0.43 per share), an adjusted net income of $318mln ($0.54 per share), and an adjusted EBITDA of $916mln.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Trüfrü secures wider distribution for frozen fruit snack range
Following its launch in the UK market last month, US frozen snack brand trüfrü has secured wider distribution. Waitrose has listed two SKU's - Strawberries in White & Milk Chocolate (194 stores) and Raspberries in White & Dark Chocolate (239 stores) - with an RRP of £5/227g pack. DWF is also confirmed as the brand's first wholesaler partner, distributing the same two variants to grocery delivery platform Getir.
Source: kamcity.com
Japan: 7-Eleven convenience chain targets aggressive global growth
Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings said it wanted to see huge growth for its 7-Eleven convenience store chain globally, and would be accelerating its entry into Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. It is aiming to boost the global number of 7-Eleven stores 18% to about 100,000 by 2030 and for the chain to be in 30 countries and regions, up from 20 now.
Source: reuters.com
Juan Manuel Morales re-elected as EuroCommerce President
Members of EuroCommerce, the European association for retail and wholesale, have unanimously re-elected Juan Manuel Morales as their President. Morales is the first Spaniard to hold the Presidency of the European association for wholesale and retail, as well as the only President to and has been, exceptionally, re-elected for a second term until 2027.
Source: eurocommerce.eu
Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
Ahold Delhaize reported: "This year's Earth Day is all about the theme of plastics. For Ahold Delhaize and our local brands, this is a topic close to home. Alfa Beta launched a new type of paper packaging for its "AB think BIO" organic tomatoes, apples and pears that has the potential to save more than 4,000 kilos of plastic annually."
Source: aholddelhaize.com
Rohlik Group launches Knuspr.de in Berlin, setting the stage for major growth across Germany
Rohlik Group reported: "Rohlik Group, a leading European online grocery retailer, launched Knuspr.de in Berlin. This pivotal launch is part of Rohlik Group's strategic expansion, aiming to reach €10bln in revenue by 2030 and to expand into 15 additional German cities. Knuspr is poised to transform the grocery shopping landscape in Berlin by offering an unmatched blend of convenience, quality, and local flavor".
Source: rohlik.group
Supermarket chain Spinneys eyeing expansion into Jeddah as it prepares Riyadh opening
UAE-based grocery store operator Spinneys 1961 Holding PLC is planning to make its debut in Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the Kingdom's development and increasing demand for retail products. The company's CEO, Sunil Kumar, stated that the supermarket chain is targeting expansion into Jeddah, after making its initial entry into Saudi Arabia via a store in Riyadh.
Source: arabnews.com
Spain's Mercadona green crates for fruit and vegetables: an example of the Circular Economy
Mercadona reported: "Mercadona, aware of the importance of caring for the planet, works to ensure that all processes are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. An example of this are the green crates used to transport and display fruit and vegetables at Mercadona. These crates, developed in collaboration with Logifruit, a Mercadona logistics Totaler Supplier for over 25 years, are a part of this commitment to a more environmentally friendly business model."
Source: info.mercadona.es
UK: Ocado, Lidl the best performers in 12 weeks to mid April: Kantar
Ocado was the fastest-growing retailer in the UK grocery market in the 12 weeks to 14 April, new data from Kantar has shown, with the online operator seeing 12.5% growth, performing ahead of the total online market.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Germany: Aldi Süd opens mixed-use property near Karlsruhe
Discounter Aldi Süd has developed a mixed-use property in Waldbronn near Karlsruhe in Germany, which includes both retail and residential space. Aldi Süd's outlet spans 1,300 square metres alone, offering a wide range of products with over 90% own brands at affordable prices.
Source: esmmagazine.com
South Africa: Woolies debuts trial to remove plastic barrier bags, and combat plastic waste
Woolies has launched its trial to remove plastic barrier bags in its battle against pollution. The trial is active across 12 stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Customers are using paper bags to store their products. Group Head of Sustainability, Feroz Koor said that the retailer was committed to sustainable alternatives: "We have been working on viable solutions, like responsibly-sourced paper bags for loose fruit and vegetables in the trial stores, and absorbent mats in the fresh flowers area to catch any excess water."
Source: iol.co.za