Colorado grocery workers sue Kroger, Albertsons over no-poach allegations
Allegations by the Colorado attorney general that Kroger and Albertsons violated state no-poach laws during a King Soopers worker strike in Denver in 2022 have prompted a class-action lawsuit by a union representing grocery workers.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Canadian charity group launches electric mobile food pantry
A Canadian charitable organization is launching an electric mobile market on November 28 in Niagara Falls. The GROW Community Food Literacy Centre is behind the innovation, called the GROW-in-the-GO Electric Mobile Market Program, which aims to address food insecurity. The initiative brings fresh, affordable produce via a truck to communities that have difficulty accessing healthy food.
Source: supermarketnews.com
What's new in specialty produce?
There's a world of citrus flavours beyond everyday lemons and limes. Kris Kasuya, sales manager at Bondi Produce, is enthusiastic about sudachi, a small, round, green citrus fruit from Japan that looks similar to a lime. "It has a huge pop of flavour with a super bright citrus profile. It's sour, but not lemon-lime sour", he says.
Source: canadiangrocer.com
US: 42% of consumers plan to order from or dine at restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner this year, Popmenu study finds
Popmenu's annual study on Thanksgiving dining trends shows a number of consumers are going to leave the cooking to the professionals, but prefer to eat at home. Favorite side dishes that will likely appear on this year's table, according to consumers: 68% - Stuffing; 60% - Mashed potatoes; 42% - Mac 'n cheese; 42% - Sweet potatoes; 41% - Green beans; 39% - Cranberry sauce; 31% - Cornbread; 29% - Corn.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: PepsiCo to acquire full ownership of Sabra and Obela
PepsiCo, Inc. announced its agreement to acquire the remaining 50% interest in Sabra Dipping Company, LLC (Sabra) and PepsiCo-Strauss Fresh Dips & Spreads International GmbH (Obela) and become the sole owner of these companies, which make Sabra and Obela products.
Source: prnewswire.com
New Amazon Fresh store opening in North London after four shut down in 2023
Amazon has opened a supermarket in a posh North London suburb - one year after it closed four other stores across the city. The new site is situated on West End Lane and is open seven days a week from 7am till 11pm.
Source: mylondon.news
Belgium: Trends for the End-of-Year Celebrations at Colruyt Group
Colruyt Group reported: "Colruyt Group notices that customers are increasingly eating plant-based foods, a trend that is more prominent in Flanders than in Wallonia and stronger in cities than in rural areas. It is therefore logical that vegetables are playing a more prominent role in festive menus, sometimes even as the centerpiece. A classic at the festive table is endive, with sales in December easily increasing by a quarter, including from field-grown endive with its fuller flavour. In the festive month, Colruyt sells an average of 400 tons of fresh mushrooms, including wild mushrooms, portobello, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. These more special types are gaining popularity as an umami-rich alternative to meat or fish. New and festive in the assortment is eryngii, or king oyster mushroom, a hearty mushroom that grills and bakes easily. All mushrooms are gaining popularity, both as versatile vegetables and, of course, as the perfect meat alternative, which fits into the 'shroomboom' trend".
Source: colruytgroup.com
UK: Ocado says partner Morrisons to end deliveries from Erith site
Supermarket group Morrisons will gradually end deliveries from Ocado's automated warehouse in Erith, southeast England, and instead increasingly use the online grocer's site in Dordon, central England, Ocado Group said. Ocado said Morrisons, a partner since 2013, would also fulfil more online orders from its store network using Ocado technology.
Source: reuters.com
Inside Aldi Nord's ANIKo discounters in Germany
The latest store concept of Aldi Nord in Germany enhances efficiency and spotlights fruit and vegetables, reflecting its commitment to price leadership in the market. By optimizing in-store processes and focusing on private labels, Aldi Nord aims to streamline operations while enhancing the shopping experience for its customers.
Source: trademagazin.hu
SPAR taking on Shoprite and Pick n Pay in South Africa - with a plan for Woolworths, too
Retail group SPAR says it will launch a "bespoke high-end" private label offering to capture the higher-income consumers in South Africa - while also looking to boost its presence in the discount retailer segment. Reporting its full year results ending September 2024, the retailer reported total turnover of R152.3bln for the period, up from R146.4bln the year before.
Source: businesstech.co.za
Australia introduces bill imposing big fines for supermarket misconduct
The Australian government introduced a bill into parliament that would impose potentially billion-dollar fines on big supermarket chains that fail to comply with an industry code of conduct ensuring they do not mistreat suppliers.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024
James Bailey, Waitrose Executive Director comments: "Earlier this year, we unveiled plans to support even more of our farmers in the transition to regenerative agriculture. Farming for Nature is an exciting initiative that commits us to sourcing all our UK meat, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables from farms that use regenerative practices by 2035". Waitrose has seen sales of fermented foods on the rise with sales of kefir and kimchi up 7%, as well as wholegrains, nuts, dried fruit and seeds.
In other news: Waitrose opens first store in six years and expands partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell.
Source: johnlewispartnership.media
UK: Putting veggies in the spotlight this festive season
Tesco reported: "Increasing numbers of plant-based food shoppers are turning to dishes that make veggies the star rather than relying on meat-alternatives. This trend has been noticed at Tesco which is seeing fans seek out new plant-rich options, incorporating pulses, nuts, seeds and vegetable-based ingredients. Now a new survey (The Tesco Christmas Report is based on two surveys conducted between 20 September and 7 October 2024, polling 6375 UK adults aged 18-89 via The Tesco Home Panel. Percentages account for the number of people who selected an answer and answers are made up of both single-choice and multiple choice questions) by the supermarket reveals that more than 27% of respondents say they will serve or consider prioritising vegetarian or plant-based options as part of their main Christmas fare this year. And as a result of this growing trend Tesco has this Christmas focused on centrepieces for the big day that really do make vegetables the star of the show".
Source: tescoplc.com