Aldi hits British supplier target earlier than expected
Aldi has met its long-term commitment to increase spending with British suppliers. In 2020, the discounter pledged to spend an additional £3.5bln a year with British suppliers by the end of 2025. However, it announced that it has already surpassed this target, spending more than £14bln with UK businesses in 2024. Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK, commented: "British suppliers have always been at the heart of our business. From homegrown apples to Wagyu beef, and from crisps to cocktails - our range is full of incredible British products sourced from our amazing suppliers right here in the UK. We remain committed to buying British wherever we can, and surpassing our annual spending target ahead of schedule is a testament to that. By working closely with British businesses, we continue to champion local suppliers and support the UK economy."
Source: kamcity.com
Maxima boosts revenue in Bulgaria 6.7% in 2024 on store expansion
Lithuanian retailer Maxima Group said its revenue from Bulgarian operations grew by an annual 6.7% to 293.6mln euro ($325.8mln) in 2024, driven by the expansion of its T Market supermarket chain.
Source: seenews.com
New Zealand: Wonky Box launch rural delivery to meet growing appetite for imperfect produce
Wonky Box reported: "As more Kiwis take action to tackle New Zealand's food loss crisis, Wonky Box, New Zealand's fastest-growing fruit and vegetable delivery service, is expanding - launching a nationwide rural delivery service".
Source: scoop.co.nz
Britain's Tesco to address Asda pricing challenge
Tesco reports full-year results on Thursday, giving Britain's biggest supermarket group a platform to respond to rival Asda's move to lower prices that sent shares in the listed grocers tumbling. Asda, the UK's number three food retailer, said last month it would take a hit to profit to finance a shift to a lower price-point strategy that it hopes will recover lost market share.
Source: reuters.com
Korzinka announces $110mln equity investment to accelerate store growth strategy and drive continued transformation of modern grocery retail in Uzbekistan
Korzinka reported: "Korzinka, the leading supermarket chain in Uzbekistan with more than 150 stores, is pleased to announce a landmark minority investment backed by co-lead investors: Abu Dhabi Uzbek Investment (ADUI), which is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (UAE) and the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development (UFRD); and Uzbek-Oman Investment Company (UzOman), who led the consortium of Omani Sovereign investment funds, which is a joint venture between Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan (UFRD)."
Source: korzinka.uz
UK: Trio of Co-op stores re-open following major makeover
Located in Fore Street, Topsham (Devon); Newland's Park, Scarborough and Ledbury Road, Tupsley (Herefordshire) the stores all relaunched with a fresh new-look and layout following their significant investment programmes. All the stores benefit from new refrigeration which cut energy consumption, and an enhanced focus on fresh and healthy produce.
Source: co-operative.coop
Germany: Focus on diversity and togetherness as another REWE To Go Gleisbox opens at Cologne Central Station
A second REWE To Go Gleisbox has opened its doors at Cologne Central Station, this one on platform six/seven. In a LinkedIn post, Jenny Ramme, Director National Expansion & Business Operations at REWE To Go, said: "Whether you're on your way to work, planning a trip or just in the mood for something delicious, our new Gleisbox is the perfect stop for fresh snacks, hot and cold drinks and delicious pastries. Everything is fast, uncomplicated and directly on the platform".
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Online channel boosts Makro Spain's FY 2024 sales
The Spanish unit of wholesaler Makro has reported strong financial results for its 2023/2024 financial year. Sales reached €1.74bln, a 6.4% year-on-year increase, driven by growth across all sales channels, particularly its online platform, which saw a 14.3% surge. Product volume sales also grew by 3%, while net profit climbed by more than a fifth (22.3%) to €17.8mln.
Source: esmmagazine.com
'We will see closures': The industries hit hardest by national insurance hike
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the October budget employers will have to pay a 15% rate of national insurance contributions (NIC) on their employees - up from 13.8%. Some of the UK's biggest retailers, including Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Next, wrote to Rachel Reeves after the budget to say the NIC hike would lead to higher consumer prices, smaller pay rises, job cuts and store closures. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing more than 200 major retailers and brands, said the costs are so significant neither small or large retailers will be able to absorb them.
Source: news.sky.com
Mum shares how to use Amazon Alexa to get kids to go to bed and eat their vegetables
A mum has revealed a clever trick that she believes will "change the lives" of other parents, and all you need is an Amazon Alexa device. If you're struggling to get your child to eat their vegetables or go to bed on time, Tori Graham suggests using Bluey, now available via the gadget, to offer some motivational words.
Source: irishmirror.ie
US: Village Super Market to debut latest ShopRite in New Jersey
Located in the Blue Star Shopping Center at 1701 US-22, the new ShopRite will open its doors on Wednesday, April 9 and host a grand-opening celebration with special giveaways on Sunday, April 13. Features of the new Watchung ShopRite include - An expanded produce department: Organic produce, premium picks like specialty berries and grapes, and freshly cut fruits and vegetables, all delivered daily.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Procurant announces new tariff charge management for retail grocery buyers
Procurant announced a new capability for managing tariff-related charges within its Procurant Commerce platform. This latest enhancement gives retail grocery buyers powerful new tools to track, manage and report on import tariffs across their purchase orders and invoices.
Source: businesswire.com
US: ShopRite launches "We Are Here" campaign celebrating family and communityShopRite has launched its latest integrated marketing campaign, "We Are Here", spotlighting the family-operated businesses that form the heart of the brand and its deep-rooted ties to the communities stores serve. "We Are Here" highlights ShopRite's enduring values: family, community, quality, freshness, variety, value and philanthropy.
Source: newsroom.wakefern.com