US: Kroger files legal response, brings counterclaims against Albertsons
The Kroger Co. announced that it has filed its answer and counterclaims to the complaint brought by Albertsons in the Delaware Court of Chancery, in connection with the previous merger agreement between the two companies, which was terminated in December 2024.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Instacart expands in-store advertising to all brands on Caper Carts
Instacart announced that its more than 7,000 brand partners now have access to in-store advertising on Caper Carts, its AI-powered smart carts. Caper Cart ads are inventory- and aisle-aware, which means that ad campaigns will only extend to carts when consumers are in relevant aisles and where items are in stock. For example, Diana's Bananas can launch an Easter campaign through Instacart Ads Manager, showcasing its various flavors both online and in-store. Customers browsing the Instacart Marketplace can see the ad online, while in-store customers can see it on the digital screen of the Caper Cart.
Source: instacart.com
US: Mercatus, 1WorldSync team up to enrich content for grocers
© Rogier Peterse | FP.comProduct content solution provider 1WorldSync and digital solutions provider Mercatus are teaming up to enhance product data management, streamline rich content syndication and optimize user-generated content across the Mercatus's retailer network, which includes more than 1,800 regional and independent store locations across North America.Source: progressivegrocer.com
Cencosud sees 16% revenue growth in full-year 2024
Latin American retail group Cencosud saw revenue growth of 15.9% to $17.5bln (€16.1bln) in its financial year 2024, fuelled by online sales and growth in most of the countries where it operates. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 10.8% to US$1.6bln (€1.5bln), demonstrating profitable growth, particularly in Chile, the US, and Peru. However, net profit, decreased by 20% to $248mln (€228mln), primarily due to the Chilean peso's depreciation and Argentina's economic woes, despite a 7.1% rise in operating profit.
Source: esmmagazine.com
US: Plant Based Foods Institute getting executive director
© Rogier Peterse | FP.comThe nonprofit Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) has appointed Sanah Baig to the new role of executive director, effective June 9. Baig brings extensive experience in food and agricultural policy to her latest position, most recently having been a senior policy advisor for agriculture and nutrition at the White House.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
New Whole Foods Market in London, U.K., now open
Whole Foods Market reported: "Whole Foods Market opened a new 21,800-square-foot store located at 120 King's Road, SW3 marking an exciting expansion of the company's presence in the United Kingdom. The new store includes an array of high-quality products, including organic and locally sourced items. "I am thrilled to open the doors of our first Whole Foods Market in the U.K. in more than ten years here on King's Road, an iconic street and London destination that is continuously evolving", said Bianca Rojas, Store Team Leader at Whole Foods Market".
Source: media.wholefoodsmarket.com
New Zealand: Action on supermarkets welcomed
© Rogier Peterse | FP.comA government announcement expected this week on the prospects for a new supermarket chain is extremely positive, says Sue Chetwin, chair of the Grocery Action Group (GAG). "It's great to see the Minister for Groceries Nicola Willis so quick off the mark with her new portfolio", Ms Chetwin said. "Kiwis are paying some of the highest prices in the world for groceries and would welcome the sort of competition to the duopoly of Woolworths and Foodstuffs that will bring down prices. Doing that would require Foodstuffs and Woolworths to divest part of their operations to a third, entirely separate player".Source: scoop.co.nz
UK retail sales sink as confidence ebbs, CBI says
British retailers reported the sharpest drop in sales volumes in eight months in March and they expect to see little improvement next month, an industry survey showed, showing signs of caution among consumers. The Confederation of British Industry's monthly gauge of retail sales fell in the 12 months to March to -41 from -23 in February, the lowest reading since July last year.
Source: reuters.com
Lidl opens new logistics centre in Portugal, expands in Romania
German supermarket chain Lidl has opened a new €115mln logistics centre in Loures, Portugal. Meanwhile, Lidl continues to expand its network in Romania. It has opened 12 new stores in the first two months of 2025, bringing its total to 377 outlets.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ecommerce in the Netherlands increased 5% in 2024
Last year, Dutch consumers spent 36bln euros online. This was an increase of 5%, compared to 2023. At the same time, the number of orders fell by 1%. For the first time, the majority of international purchases were placed with Chinese platforms. These data are according to the latest Thuiswinkel Markt Monitor, from Dutch ecommerce association Thuiswinkel.org.
Source: ecommercenews.eu
Switzerland: The Migros Group with a successful financial year and a new sustainability strategy
The Migros Group reported: "The Migros Group generated sales of 32.5bln CHF in 2024, once again exceeding the previous year's figure. Group profit improved to 419mln CHF (previous year: 175mln). Migros is launching a Group-wide sustainability strategy focusing on people and nature. Migros will turn 100 in 2025 - and says MERCI".
Source: corporate.migros.ch
Portugal: Jerónimo Martins targets 300 store openings in 2025
Portuguese retail group Jerónimo Martins plans to invest around €1.1bln in 2025, primarily focused on expansion in Poland and Colombia. Jerónimo Martins said it expects to open over 300 stores in total, including 130-150 Biedronka stores in Poland, 30 Hebe stores in Portugal, and over 150 Ara stores (plus integrating around 70 former Colsubsidio stores) in Colombia. New distribution centres are also planned for both countries.
Source: esmmagazine.com
O'Key Group officially redomiciles from Luxembourg to Russia
O'Key Group SA, one of Russia's largest food retailers, has finalised its decision to redomicile from Luxembourg to Russia. The group's shareholders approved the move at an extraordinary general meeting on 25 March 2025. Following the approval, the company will now be registered in the special administrative region on Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad.
Source: delano.lu