Spinneys Supermarket opens first Jeddah store and expands in Riyadh as it spreads across Saudi Arabia
Cenomi Centres and Spinneys have announced the signing of leases for new Spinneys locations across Saudi Arabia and target 12 stores in the Kingdom by 2028. These include U-Walk Riyadh and U-Walk Jeddah locations, with U-Walk Jeddah bringing Spinneys to the city for the first time. The new stores are expected to open in Q4 2025.
Source: rli.uk.com
UK: Waitrose basket data reflects Office for National Statistics 2025 "Basket of goods and services"
Waitrose reported: "Basket items coming in and going out as supported by Waitrose data - Mango: Sales of mangoes +29% and sales of prepared mango +15% compared to this time last year. In the last month, the Waitrose Good To Go Mango (130g) is the most popular (1st) snack choice, and since the Meal Deal launched in August 2023, it is the 2nd most popular snack choice for customers. Recently launched our new and exclusive Waitrose No.1 Speciality Mango - Kaew Kamin variety (our 4th variety to our Thai mango family). Searches on Waitrose.com for 'mango chunks' and 'mango fingers' +522% and +242% compared to this time last year".
Source: johnlewispartnership.media
UK: Co-op and Uber Eats shake hands on new three-year rapid grocery deliveries partnership renewal
Uber Eats and Co-op have announced a three-year extension of their quick commerce partnership. The tie up, which started in 2022, has seen the number of Co-op stores where Uber Eats is available increase to more than 1,300.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Germany: Constant own-brand growth at METRO
METRO reported: "METRO's strategic focus on own brands is having an increasingly clear effect and has continued at the beginning of the financial year 2024/25. Looking at the individual categories, ultra-fresh and fresh products are the clear champions in terms of own brand sales, each with significant double-digit sales growth rates".
Source: newsroom.metroag.de
UK: Food Waste Action Week promotes benefits of loose fruit and veg
Gander has announced its support for Love Food Hate Waste's Food Waste Action Week, running from 17 - 23 March 2025. This year, Food Waste Action Week will continue to focus on raising awareness of the benefits of buying loose fruit and veg.
Source: talkingretail.com
UK: Tesco taps into fruit beer boom with 250% growth
Tesco has reported a 250% increase in sales volume for fruit-led beers over the past year, which it called the UK's fastest-growing beer trend. The demand for these lighter, fruit-infused brews has surged as UK consumers increasingly opt for refreshing, lower-alcohol options.
Source: retailgazette.co.uk
US: Walmart ranks 1st among YouGov's 2025 Grocery Store Brands
Walmart is the most considered grocery store among U.S. shoppers, while Amazon Fresh is gaining the most ground with consumers, a new brand ranking from YouGov has found. The global research data and analytics group's "U.S. Grocery Store Brand Rankings 2025" surveyed 22,000-plus Americans on their perceptions of 34 national and regional brands.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Harris Teeter marks 65 years in business
This month, Harris Teeter is celebrating 65 years in business. To mark the momentous occasion, the southeastern food retailer is hosting special birthday events for shoppers and associates.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Instacart increases grocery personalization with new AI tech
Instacart unveiled Smart Shop, a new technology that uses generative artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning models to better understand customers' dietary preferences and shopping habits.
In other news: Adonis partners with Instacart to support claims billing for Instacart Health nutrition programs.
Source: grocerydive.com
McDonald's is testing a brand-new veggie sandwich at select stores across Canada
Starting on March 18, select McDonald's locations in British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick will be testing out its latest sandwich, the McVeggie. The McVeggie features a breaded veggie patty made with a blend of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, zucchini, peas, soybeans, broccoli and corn, as well as seasoning.
Source: dailyhive.com
US: Meijer announces May 8 as opening date for new Northeast Ohio supercenters
Meijer announced it will open three new supercenters in Northeast Ohio on May 8, increasing the retailer's store count to 58 in the state. The new 159,000-square-foot supercenters are located in Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights.
Source: prnewswire.com
GrubMarket raises $50mln Series G to fuel growth and AI as the largest private food technology company in the U.S.
GrubMarket announced that it has raised around $50mln in a significantly higher valuated Series G funding round from Liberty Street Funds, 3Spoke Capital, ROC Venture Group, Portfolia, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Joseph Stone Capital, and other unnamed participants. This round values GrubMarket at over $3.5bln.
Source: prnewswire.com
Dollar General is closing nearly 100 stores nationwide
Dollar General announced in its fourth quarter earnings report it is planning to close 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores during the first quarter of 2025, while another six Popshelf stores will be converted into Dollar General stores.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
US: DoorDash expands grocery offerings across the nation with six local grocers
DoorDash reported: "We're excited to announce new partnerships with six beloved local grocers across the United States. Earth Fare, King Kullen, Mollie Stone's Markets, Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, Westside Market, and Wild by Nature are now available for on-demand delivery on DoorDash".
In other news: DoorDash and Dollar General partner to unlock unprecedented food access for SNAP customers.
Source: about.doordash.com
Seven & i, Couche-Tard sign NDA on potential store divestments
Japan's Seven & i and Alimentation Couche-Tard have signed a non-disclosure agreement over the stores they may need to offload to meet U.S. antitrust conditions in the event the Canadian retailer buys the Japanese company, a Seven & i spokesperson said.
In other news: Alimentation Couche-Tard announces its results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2025.
Source: reuters.com
US: Kroger makes it easy to eat in season with fresh springtime guide
The Kroger Co. shared how customers can supercharge meals and snacks with fresh in-season fruits, veggies and simple recipes to try during National Nutrition Month and enjoy all season long. Enjoy springtime with produce at its peak of freshness - Fruits: Strawberries, Apples, Pineapple, Kiwi and Bananas. Vegetables: Asparagus, Celery, Peas, Avocados, Broccoli, Carrots, Garlic, Herbs, Onions, Radishes, Turnips, Mushrooms and Rhubarb. Greens: Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Collard Greens, Cabbage and Swiss Chard. Citrus: Lemons and Limes.
In other news: Kroger cuts jobs at 84.51°.
Source: prnewswire.com