US: How a new smart label tracks food's supply chain journey
A new smart label that producers can use to track agricultural goods, such as fruits and vegetables, more effectively throughout their supply chains, is launching from global security technology company Giesecke+Devrient. The label aims to help agriculture stakeholders better address product quality and traceability issues as food recalls surge in the United States. The G+D Smart Label, a sticker slightly larger than a credit card, essentially turns any package into an Internet of Things device offering improved shipment visibility, security and accounting. "If you take fruit, for example, and you want to know that it's arrived at the same sort of temperature state that it's been transported in, or if there's been any major fluctuations, this is something that we see as very, very important", Sharath Muddaiah, head of portfolio strategy for IOT Solutions at G+D, told Agriculture Dive.
Source: agriculturedive.com
US: Trader Joe's to open 12 new stores, following 13 in December
Trader Joe's took an unexpected spotlight in December's Supermarket News monthly store map, opening 13 locations across the U.S., and the expansion doesn't stop there for small-format grocery chain - the grocer's website says a dozen more are opening soon.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Kroger debuts Simple Truth Rescue bundles
Improved eating habits and weight loss typically top many Americans' New Year's resolutions, and Kroger has designed limited-time Resolution Rescue bundles to help shoppers meet their goals. Sold under the grocer's Simple Truth own brand, the bundles are priced at $15 or less and can be shopped across Kroger's family of stores. Get Your Veggies Bundle: Supercharge any diet with this bundle of easy-to-prepare vegetable options to enjoy as a snack or with a meal. Shop the Bundle: Organic Sliced Mushrooms, Organic Baby Spring Mix, Baby Carrots Bag (1lb.), Snacking Tomatoes, Organic Frozen Brussels Sprouts.
Source: storebrands.com
US: Presidente Supermarkets expands in Florida with new Miami Gardens store
Hispanic-owned Presidente Supermarkets will open another new store in Miami Gardens, Florida, which would mark the grocer's third in the area. The opening is slated for July, the Miami-based grocer said in a press release. The new Miami Gardens location will be situated at 5580 NW 167 St., repurposing a former big-box store into a 26,767 square-foot space.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: ReposiTrak adds 50 prominent suppliers to the queue for the rapidly expanding Food Traceability Network
ReposiTrak is preparing to welcome 50 new suppliers into the queue for the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN). Among the 50 new suppliers are 3 standout companies with a rich history. One creates plant-based comfort foods from chickpeas and is a leading U.S. pasta brand. Another is a globally recognized supplier of plant-based proteins with a focus on sustainability and environmental impact. The third is a 35-year pioneer in organic and vegetarian meals, offering over 250 homestyle products distributed worldwide.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Simbe launches new store robot that combines mobile and fixed sensors
Simbe Robotics, a provider of robots for retail stores, has launched a new robotic system - the Tally Spot, which it describes as "a breakthrough fixed sensor data capture solution" that complements Tally, Simbe's autonomous mobile robot.
Source: roboticsandautomationnews.com
AWS launches infrastructure region in Thailand
Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region. As part of its long-term commitment, AWS is planning to invest more than $5bln in Thailand.
Source: businesswire.com
UK: Aldi bulks up pizza range with new vegan and protein options
Aldi reported: "Whether gym goers are looking to make protein gains or shoppers are looking to expand their Veganuary food options, the hotly anticipated return of the Carlos Protein Pizza has landed in stores alongside the NEW Carlos Vegan Pizza".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
SPAR Northern Ireland retailer celebrates 60 years in the local community
In Northern Ireland, the SPAR Supermarket in Ballycastle celebrated 60 years in the local community, after an investment of £100,000 last year. This community store opened originally in 1964 by Brian Boyle, before rebranding under the SPAR banner in 2004. The £100,000 investment allowed for the expansion of the fresh food range through the doubling in size of the food-to-go and deli counters. Additionally, new refrigeration systems were installed to also increase the number of locally sourced and made in-store fresh products.
Source: spar-international.com
Britain's M&S had strong Christmas for food, says NIQ
British retailer Marks & Spencer's food business enjoyed robust trading in the run-up to Christmas with sales up 6.8% in the four weeks to December 28 and its market share rising to a record 4.8%, industry data showed. Market researcher NIQ said M&S was the UK's second-fastest growing bricks-and-mortar food retailer after discounter Lidl, whose sales rose by 8.5%. Online supermarket Ocado remained the fastest growing of all grocers with sales up 13.9%.
Source: reuters.com
Sligro's Belgian sales drop 7.8%, but "improving" in Q3
The Dutch foodservice wholesaler saw its sales rise 1.1% to 2.89bln euros in 2024. The sales increase was entirely organic, the company stresses. Dutch sales grew 2.6% to 2.494bln euros, which was +4.6% in the fourth quarter. Sales in Belgium fell 7.8% to 396mln euros, but the company reports an improving trend since the third quarter.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Ireland: The Happy Pear add Super Greens Veggie Soup to gut friendly range
The Happy Pear have introduced a new addition to their Happy Pear Soup range: The Happy Pear Super Greens Veggie Soup 400g. This delightful soup features a creamy blend of peas, broccoli, and spinach with a touch of mint. It has been specially crafted to promote and support Good Gut Health, incorporating chicory root inulin which aids in maintaining healthy digestive function.
Source: retailnews.ie
Switzerland: Change at Migros and Coop - and you now pay less
Anyone who has already bought fruit or vegetables in the supermarket in the new year will have noticed: The type of packaging must now be indicated when weighing. This is also the case at Migros and Coop. At the latter, the choice is multi-bag (textile), paper bag, disposable bag (plastic) or unpackaged. The reason for this is a new directive from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas) on the quantity declaration regulations. It states: "From January 1, 2025, the weight of the protective bag or other packaging may no longer be added to the net weight of the goods".
Source: bluewin.ch
UK food price inflation hits 3.7%, the highest level since March
Food price inflation jumped to 3.7% last month, the highest level since March, helping fuel a bumper season for supermarkets. Sales at the big grocery chains were up 2.1% over the four weeks to 29 December compared with a year before, according to the analysts Kantar. However, that rise was flattered by food price growth, which jumped more than one percentage point from 2.6% in November.
Source: theguardian.com