US: FTC accuses Albertsons executives of destroying evidence
The Federal Trade Commission accused Albertsons executives of willfully destroying text messages in the early days of its investigation into the $24.6bln Kroger, Albertsons merger.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: The Rounds raises $24mln Series B to accelerate sustainable, AI-driven last-mile delivery
The Rounds, an inventory management platform that delivers recurring grocery and household essentials in reusable packaging, announced a $24mln Series B funding round led by Moderne Ventures, with participation from FJ Labs and existing investors, bringing its total funding to date to $66mln.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Subway® serves up serious value with new $6.99 any footlong deal. That's right. Any. Footlong.
Subway introduced a new deal as big as its iconic footlong sandwiches, perfect for anyone hungry for value, quality and variety. Starting August 26 through September 8, guests can order any footlong sub on Subway's menu for just $6.99 (redeemable at participating U.S. restaurants. Subway® app/online orders only. Add-ons addt'l. Plus tax. Addt'l fees apply on delivery. Excludes Footlong Sidekicks. Expires 9/8/2024), whether it's one of the 22 chef-crafted subs in the Subway Series or a custom creation using Subway's signature pantry of ingredients.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: BlueCart launches Endless Aisle Marketplace, expanding business opportunities for vendors and restaurants
BlueCart, Inc. ("BlueCart"), the premier end-to-end wholesale order management platform, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovative feature: the Endless Aisle Marketplace. This revolutionary tool is set to transform the buying and selling experience for both vendors and restaurants, offering unprecedented growth opportunities and access to a broader selection of products.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Uber and Cruise to deploy autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform
Uber Technologies, Inc. and Cruise, two companies revolutionizing transportation, announced a multiyear strategic partnership to bring Cruise autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform. The companies plan to launch the partnership next year with a dedicated number of Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles.
Source: businesswire.com
Makro Portugal and Lidl Portugal appoint new CEOs
German wholesale giant Metro has announced that André Rinnensland, a seasoned German manager, has replaced David Antunes as the CEO of Makro Portugal. Elsewhere, Lidl Portugal has named Hélder Rocha, currently serving as sales director of Lidl Italia, as its new managing director starting in September. Alexander Frech, the current CEO of Lidl Portugal, will be leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Seychelles independent SPAR retailer invests in expansion 
An independently operated SPAR Supermarket situated on Eden Island in the Seychelles has recently completed a substantial expansion project. A focus instore is on offering a wide range of fresh produce, inherent with the SPAR Brand values. Customers can enjoy an extensive selection of fruits and vegetables, comprising loose products as well as pre-packed vegetables and salads.
Source: spar-international.com
India: Zomato shuts inter-city food-delivery service
India's Zomato is shutting down its inter-city food-delivery service, CEO Deepinder Goyal said in a social media post. The service, launched in 2022 and named Intercity Legends, allowed users in India to order food from other cities.
Source: reuters.com
$7mln funding from Woolworths to give budding ANZ brands a boost
Small-business accelerator Seedlab Australia is set to receive a further $7mln in funding from Woolworths over the next three years to help more small businesses grow their brands on supermarket shelves across Australia and New Zealand.
Source: woolworthsgroup.com.au
Dino Polska reports double-digit revenue growth in first half
Dino Polska has reported revenue growth of 15.1% year on year, to PLN 13.9bln (€3.25mln), in the first half of its financial year to June 2024. Like-for-like sales in this period increased by 6.4%, driven by growth in purchase volumes and customer numbers, the Polish retailer noted. Dino Polska generated 40.3% of its revenue from the sales of fresh products, especially fruit and vegetables, bread and fresh meat from the Agro-Rydzyna meat processing plant.
Source: esmmagazine.com
'On the front foot': Waitrose boss confident chain is getting its mojo back
Waitrose is getting its mojo back, according to the boss of the upmarket supermarket chain, with shoppers treating themselves more often to pricier items such as green harissa paste and organic beef fillet steak as the cost of living crisis subsides for them. James Bailey says Waitrose is selling nearly double the amount expected of its range of branded ingredients for recipes by the celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi, which launched in April, while sales of its Duchy Organic range are up more than 10%, as are those for its premium No 1 own label range, while sales of its budget Essentials range are falling back.
Source: theguardian.com
Scottish grocers highlight need to 'choose local'
Convenience store leaders in Scotland are backing a drive to help inject millions of pounds more into local economies across the country. The Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, a commitment to supporting local businesses whenever it can. Part of its commitment includes its SGF Go Local Programme, which has increased the store space given to Scottish food and drink producers, including fresh and healthy produce.
Source: talkingretail.com