UK: "Ocado proves that online grocery shopping can indeed be profitable"
For many food retailers, online is a loss-making side business, which they develop with some reluctance because they simply feel that they cannot do otherwise. But that you cannot make money with e-commerce in food is a persistent myth, says Gregor Ulitzka, European president at Ocado Solutions, to RetailDetail: "Yes, we make money as an online supermarket. I wouldn't have a job if it wasn't so. We would have been bankrupt a long time ago".
Source: retaildetail.eu
Portugal: Lidl, Pingo Doce hit ESG goals
Lidl Portugal has seen a 40% increase in the number of own-brand items with environmental and social certifications in four years, accounting for 22% of its total private-label offering. This translates to over 730 certified products available nationwide, the discounter noted. Lidl prioritizes certifications for products with potential sustainability concerns, like cocoa, tea, pineapples, palm oil, fruits, vegetables, and textiles. Portuguese supermarket chain Pingo Doce claims it has become a European leader in sustainable logistics, achieving a four-star rating in the prestigious Lean&Green initiative.
Source: esmmagazine.com
SPAR Netherlands named Top Employer for third consecutive year
For the third consecutive year, SPAR Netherlands was awarded Top Employer status. This international recognition, awarded annually by the Top Employers Institute, underlines SPAR Netherland's dedication to good employment practices.
Source: spar-international.com
Spain: Eroski extends discount program for large families
Retailer Eroski has announced it will extend its discount program for large families to seven other stores in Castilla y León. Through this initiative, the retailer hopes to alleviate the economic burden of large families.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Aldi celebrates the success of Too Good to Go partnership
Aldi is celebrating a significant milestone in its partnership with the world's largest surplus food platform, Too Good to Go. Britain's fourth-largest supermarket has now sold an impressive 400,000 Surprise Bags to customers in stores, alongside saving up to 1,000 tonnes (based on United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation's calculations) of CO2e since the partnership began.
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
UK: Farming Connect support gave former television producer confidence to launch a veg box business on the Welsh coast
On a smallholding near the Welsh coast, organic vegetables grown on two acres of land are feeding dozens of local families, one of a new wave of small-scale horticulture businesses emerging across Wales. The vegetables are grown by former television producer Dr Matt Swarbrick and his wife, Jenny, and delivered weekly in boxes to 80 or so homes, to recipients who are members of a community-supported agriculture (CSA)-style initiative. It all started in 2018 after Matt was awarded funding from the Farming Connect Management Exchange Programme to visit small-scale farms in Europe that have embraced permaculture to produce food.
Source: narberth-and-whitland-today.co.uk
US: United Natural Foods names JJ Schlangen to the position of Central Region President
United Natural Foods, Inc. (the "Company" or "UNFI") announced the appointment of JJ Schlangen to the position of President of Central Region, effective February 5, 2024. Schlangen will lead one of the Company's three regional sales divisions and will report to Chief Customer Officer Steve Dietz.
Source: ir.unfi.com
US: Embattled Chicago grocery store owner will lose a location
A Save A Lot grocery store in Richton Park, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago, will be closing its doors in about two weeks, reports Fox 32. The grocer has been in business for 17 years, and village officials say there is now an opportunity for a specialty grocery store to take the spot of the Save A Lot store. The store is owned by Yellow Banana, which owns several supermarkets in Chicago and has been at the center of some controversial moves over the last year.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Instacart's Snacktime Report: The Big Game Cravings 
Instacart reported: "We're revealing the top 20 foods that peaked during the week of the Big Game: At Nr. 7 Guacamole, Nr. 8 Jalapeño Peppers, Nr. 18 Pistachios".
Source: instacart.com
US: Häns Kissle welcomes new CEO Ricardo Alvarez to lead the way in delivering home goodness
Häns Kissle, a leading provider of fresh, upscale prepared foods and deli salads with an unwavering commitment to quality and service, is thrilled to announce the appointment of seasoned industry executive Ricardo (Ric) Alvarez, Ph.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Pepper announces strategic partnership with Datassential to empower distributor sales with operator intelligence
Pepper is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Datassential, the global leader in food and beverage intelligence. This collaboration will see Pepper integrating Datassential's renowned sales intelligence data into its platform, significantly enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of distributor sales representatives (DSRs).
Source: businesswire.com
US: Kroger CFO steps down
Grocer Kroger said that Gary Millerchip was stepping down as chief financial officer and that Todd Foley would take over the role on an interim basis.
Source: reuters.com