Lidl has said that it is putting the trial period for its new 'Lidl Express' click and collect format on hold in Germany, Planet Retail reports. Rather than focus on Lidl Express, Planet Retail said that Lidl will focus on the international expansion of its current online business. (esmmagazine.com) Aldi tops list for 'most British-sourced products'
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has published a guide to help shoppers who want to buy British-sourced products and support the work of British farmers. Aldi was mentioned as the number one retailer to buy British food. The guide says: Aldi is the first retailer to sign the NFU's Fruit and Veg pledge, which includes a commitment to supply seasonal British fruit and vegetables. When in season, Aldi sells 100% British potatoes, onions (except mild onions), brassicas, carrots, parsnips, swedes, celeriac, turnips, asparagus, pumpkin, podded peas, runners beans, lettuces, berries, potted herbs and salad onions. Please, click here to read more at plymouthherald.co.uk. Australians not interested in Amazon Fresh, survey suggests
A Nielsen survey has revealed that three-quarters of Australians aged 18 and above are interested in Amazon Australia. Fresh vegetables were not on the radar of most shoppers surveyed, suggesting that Australians were yet to be convinced of the benefits of Amazon Fresh. (news.com.au) Tesco organic fresh produce sales grow nearly 17%
In the last year alone, Tesco has seen organic sales rise by 15%. Fruit and vegetables continue to be the most popular choice for shoppers, which have seen the strongest growth - up nearly 17%. The company says that the increase in demand is a direct result of the supermarket’s commitment to offering customers a wider range of quality organic foods in more of its stores and lower more stable pricing - making it a more accessible option for shoppers across the country. (Tesco)China’s Tmall to start sourcing from Global Gap-certified producers
Tmall Fresh and GLOBALG.A.P. jointly announce their recently founded partnership. From now on, Tmall Fresh, which is operated by Alibaba Group, will source fresh produce from GLOBALG.A.P. certified producers, GLOBALG.A.P. says in a press release. Tmall already has more than 400m buyers, more than 50,000 merchants, and over 70,000 brands. (globalgap.org)Camposol: CAMPOSOL wins the Walmart "Supplier of the year award"
During last week’s Supplier Growth Forum organized by Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, that was attended by thousands of Walmart’s suppliers, CAMPOSOL was recognized as Supplier of the Year in the Produce Category, the company says in a press release. China: Sun Art Retail revenue up 4%
Chinese hypermarket and eCommerce company Sun Art Retail Group saw its revenue rise 4.1% last year to RMB97bn (US$14.1bn). Same-store sales fell by a marginal 0.34%, an improvement over the 3.6% decline the previous year which the group puts down to efforts to promote fresh products, differentiating the business and integrating its online and offline trading. (insideretail.asia) Auchan Group to build new supermarket in Vietnam
Vietnamplus.vn reports that an Auchan supermarket will be built as part of Gotec Land’s Summer Square project in Vietnam. It will be Auchan’s first supermarket in the 6th district of Ho Chi Minh. Spar expands in Azerbaijan
The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, was host to the grand openings of three new Spar stores at the end of 2016, Spar International has announced. Each of the stores boasts a large fresh produce section. Spar own-brand products will be available in 12 categories, offering a total of 300 SKUs. (esmmagazine.com) India: Reliance Retail closes 60 Fresh stores
Reliance Fresh, the convenience store format of Reliance Retail, has closed 60 stores over the last year to cut losses. Reliance Fresh is the first format launched by the company in 2006. The convenience stores sell food and groceries, contributing to approximately 50% of Reliance Retail’s revenue in FY2016. The retailer is focusing on expanding Reliance Smart, launched last year. It offers a one-stop shopping experience, including grocery. (igd.com)Slovenia’s Tuš pulls out of Macedonia
Slovenian supermarket chain Tuš has withdrawn from Macedonia, thus ending all of its operations in the countries of the Former Yugoslavia. Tuš previously operated three stores (in Štip, Kumanovo and Veles), but none in the capital Skopje. These have now been bought by local grocery retailer Kit-go, according to local newspaper Utrinski Vesnik. (esmmagazine.com) UK: Farm Business lands £1m contract with Morrisons
Comber-based farm, Mash Direct, have secured a one million-pound annual deal with national supermarket chain, Morrisons, to have five products from its range go into the ‘Free From’ aisle in its supermarkets. The five new products are Carrot & Parsnip Fries, Crispy Vegetable Bakes, Potato Rosti, Cauliflower Cheese Gratin and Potato Croquettes. (newsletter.co.uk) Shoprite seeks growth outside Africa
Shoprite Holdings Ltd. will focus on expansion outside Africa after talks with Steinhoff International Holdings NV to create the continent’s biggest retailer fell apart. “To sustain our growth, we are constantly investigating the potential of new markets, not only in Africa but also on other continents,” newly appointed CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said in a statement on Tuesday. The Cape Town-based company said profit rose 11% to 2.44bn rand ($187m) in the six months through December. (Bloomberg)Ireland: Tesco asks union to reconsider strike action
Tesco is calling on Mandate to re-think its strike after six stores voted against industrial action. The union began balloting members from another 23 stores last night after the company rejected the proposals put forward by the union on Friday. The ballot will continue for the next two evenings - four stores out of the ten that voted last night opted to join the picket. (breakingnews.ie) Auchan trialling delivery service in Bordeaux
French retailer Auchan has begun testing a delivery service in Bordeaux, according to LSA-Conso.fr. The trial period was initiated on 13 February by Auchan Drive Bordeaux le Lac, which is working with Colisweb to provide the delivery format. The start-up has already secured working relations with Franprix, Darty, and Leroy Merlin. (esmmagazine.com)Spar Ireland invests over €1mn to make healthy food attractive
Spar Ireland has invested more than €1m in a new advertising campaign, launched to promote its 'Spar Better Choices' initiative. The concept behind the Spar Better Choices initiative is about encouraging consumers to stay healthy by making the right decisions about their diet and lifestyle. (esmmagazine.com) 
7-Eleven’s Fresh FuturePlease, click here to read the article.