US: Kroger, Albertsons sound off on negative comments over pending merger
A recent listening session about the pending Kroger Albertsons merger was filled with misleading information, according to an Albertsons spokesperson. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser hosted the hour-long meeting in Denver, where several store workers and community members spoke out against the merger, but no one voiced support for the combining of the two companies, according to The Colorado Sun.
Source: supermarketnews.com
The trending vegetarian appetizer: Buffalo cauliflower
As plant-based options spread on menus, many customers have been seeking vegetarian trade-offs for their favorite foods. A growing number of consumers also are gravitating toward spicier flavors, so it stands to reason that Buffalo cauliflower would grow in popularity. Market research firm Datassential reports that Buffalo cauliflower is found on 1.4% of US menus, up 219% over the past four years.
Source: nrn.com
US: KeHE reports record-breaking order accuracy rates
KeHE Distributors LLC has revealed significant increases in customer satisfaction and record-breaking order accuracy rates after implementing a series of innovations focused on elevating customer experiences. The company distributes natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products to more than 31,000 retail and online stores throughout North America. It is one of the largest grocery and natural distributors.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Free weekly produce delivery improved blood sugar, food security in low-income adults
In the first randomized clinical trial of its kind, a six-month produce prescription program significantly improved blood sugar control, food security, and nutrition security among low-income adults enrolled in Medicaid with Type 2 diabetes, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting, to be held November 11-13 in Philadelphia, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research, and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.
Source: newsroom.heart.org
US: Weis Markets reports third quarter 2023 results
Weis Markets, Inc. reported its financial results for the 13-week third quarter and the 39-week year-to-date period ended September 30, 2023. Net sales totaled $1.16bln for the 13-week third quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.15bln for the same period in 2022, up 0.8%.
Source: prnewswire.com
From vegetable sales to retail empire: Foodco's journey to building 20 outlets
The history of Foodco, one of the largest retail outlets in Nigeria today, is not without humble beginnings that have remained an inspiration to many in the retail space today. The retail empire started in 1982 and commenced with the sales of vegetables in a small outlet at Bodija Market, an open-air market located in Ibadan North, Oyo State, just to meet a market need.
Source: businessday.ng
Mercadona sees sales volume, market share up in Spain
Mercadona is witnessing rapid growth in Spain, while the rest of the grocery sector is stagnating, online publication El Economista reported, citing the latest data from NIQ. Mercadona's net sales volume grew 11% year-on-year to €28.5bln in 2022. The company is expected to break its revenue record this year.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Belgium: Brand-new sustainable Colruyt in Schaerbeek (Av. de Roodebeek)
On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the new Colruyt Lowest Prices in Schaerbeek (Av. de Roodebeek) will open its doors after 18 months of works on the same site as the old shop. Manager Sébastien Coster: "With more than 2,000 m² of retail space, almost 300 m² more than before, this new Colruyt has a much larger fresh aisle than before, where customers can find fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, cheese, veggie products, and ready meals."
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Hungary's changing climate fosters exotic fruit growth
Central European farmers are embracing the cultivation of fruits traditionally foreign to the region. Experts note that countries like Hungary are increasingly experiencing Mediterranean-style climates, enabling the growth of bananas, kiwis, and pomegranates, typically associated with warmer nations. Establishing a kiwi farm in Hungary was considered implausible not long ago, but Akos Miklos, a Hungarian kiwi farmer, defied skepticism and pursued his dream. Miklos, who embarked on this journey unassisted, recounted to CGTN: "It was really hard at the beginning to convince the professionals and the authorities that it is possible." Miklos's farm, situated in southern Hungary near the Croatian border, benefits from a consistent rise in temperatures attributed to climate change.
Source: newseu.cgtn.com
New Zealand: Proposal to bring Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island together as one national co-operative
The Boards of Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) and Foodstuffs South Island (FSSI) have announced they will be putting a proposal to Members to bring the two co-operatives together next year as one national co-operative.
Source: foodstuffs.co.nz
UK: Morrisons cuts the price of festive favorites
Morrisons is cutting the price of 58 popular festive items and is committing to keeping the prices low until the end of the year. Morrisons Potatoes 1kg was £1.25, now £0.95.
Source: morrisons-corporate.com
Thanks Plants: "We want to be known Europe-wide for great ingredients and clean-label products"
Ireland-based Thanks Plants was founded in 2020 with the aim of offering clean-label meat alternatives made from recognizable whole-food ingredients. The concept proved hugely popular with Irish consumers, and Thanks Plants' products - made predominantly from seitan, legumes, and vegetables - are now available at SuperValu and Fresh stores in Dublin, along with some independent retailers.
Source: vegconomist.com
Rising demand for imperfect produce: Gangnam's taste for economical yet quality vegetables
In September and October, Kim's Club Gangnam experienced a remarkable 230% year-on-year surge in sales following a "Sweep and Save Vegetable" promotion, as reported by Eland. Kim's Club is a mid-to-large-sized discount store specializing in food, operated by Eland Retail.
Source: koreabizwire.com
UK: Aldi brings back Kevin the Carrot for Christmas ad
Aldi has rounded off the flurry of Christmas ad launches in the supermarket sector over the last week with a feature starring its well-established Kevin the Carrot character. This year's festive ad from the discounter takes inspiration from the story of Willy Wonka, with Kevin the Carrot visiting William Conker's magical Christmas factory.
Source: kamcity.com
Private labels drive Despar Italia's performance in 2023
Despar Italia, a consortium of six distribution companies and affiliated retailers, has had a positive 2023 so far, driven by the performance of its private-label products. New products include Despar bread and pizza dough, Premium risottos and frozen soups, Vital protein bars, and Enjoy fresh fruit extracts.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Woolworths New Zealand takes online shopping to next level with free Direct to Boot service rolling out across the country 
Direct to Boot is a free service that will roll out across the country to selected stores in the coming months and offers the ultimate convenient pick-up option for online customers. There's no need to get out of the car - customers simply need to pull up, let the team know they've arrived, and a team member will load their groceries into the boot. Direct to Boot has a minimum order requirement of $50.
Source: woolworthsgroup.com.au