Distribution channel series - Grocery ecommerce market in the United States
Following strong growth of food and beverage retail sales online during the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery ecommerce remains the most dynamic channel. High United States (U.S.) inflation has caused a short-term slowdown in sales growth of U.S. grocery ecommerce but long-term prospects remain bright given the time pressures consumers face. Out of all grocery retailers, grocery ecommerce sales grew fastest by 26.4% annually over 2019 to 2023. Like off line grocery, grocery ecommerce is also highly consolidated with both led by Walmart.
Source: agriculture.canada.ca
US: Instacart rolls out 1st government grocery delivery program in Maryland
Instacart announced that it is teaming up with Montgomery County in Maryland to introduce the nation's first local government grocery delivery program supporting food-insecure families.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Dollar General hit hard in Q2 by customers still grappling with inflation
Consumers are still struggling with inflation, and Dollar General received a harsh reminder of the troubles at home during a soft second quarter, forcing the discount retailer to cut earnings projections for the rest of the year. Operating profit dropped 20.6% year over year to $555mln, while same-store sales increased just 0.5%. Net sales went up 4.2% vs. the same period a year ago at $10.2bln.
Source: supermarketnews.com
FairPrice Group opens its most sustainable supermarket in Singapore at City Square Mall
FairPrice Group (FPG) announced the opening of its most sustainable supermarket at City Square Mall. Blemished produce such as fresh fruits and vegetables will be sold at discounted prices through FPG's IMperfect Fellas programme or donated to the vulnerable through its Neighbourhood Food Share Initiative.
Source: fairpricegroup.com.sg
India: Zepto raises $340mln at $5bln valuation
Indian grocery startup Zepto said it has raised $340mln in a fresh round, just two months after its last fundraise. In the latest round led by General Catalyst, the three-year-old company was valued at $5bln, a sharp rise from $3.6bln in June.
Source: reuters.com
Isle of Man: Supermarket deal struck to sell surplus potatoes
More Manx potatoes will be stocked by Tesco after farmers highlighted a reduction in outlets to sell their crops after the firm's buyout of local supermarket chain Shoprite. In a "potato protest", about five tonnes of surplus stock was given out at the Manx National Farmers' Union's stand at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show. Owner of Allanson's Stuart Allanson said he was "grateful" a "one-off" deal with a lower price was done to sell the crops, but it would not be "sustainable" in future. Tesco said it was "committed to supporting local suppliers" and was "proud to sell local produce in all our stores".
Source: bbc.com
Norway: NorgesGruppen posts 5.3% increase in sales in first half
NorgesGruppen has reported a 5.3% year-on-year increase in sales to NOK 57.2bln (€4.9bln) in the first half of 2024. Profit after tax amounted to NOK 1.7bln (€150mln) in this period, up from NOK 1.3bln (€110mln) in the same period last year.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Hamburg becomes only city in Germany to have two cashierless shopping REWE Pick&Go stores
A second REWE Pick&Go store has opened in Hamburg, powered by Trigo technology. In a LinkedIn post, the retailer said: "After the successful launch of Europe's largest cashierless supermarket two months ago in the heart of Hamburg, the second store is now ready for operation."
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
UK: Tesco Finest are the exclusive launch partner for the Guardian's new Feast app
The Guardian and EssenceMediacom have announced an exciting new six month multi-channel partnership with Tesco Finest. The campaign will place Tesco Finest's food offering at the heart of the Guardian's modern spin on cooking culture.
Source: theguardian.com
South African grocer Pick n Pay says its Boxer IPO could raise $450mln
South African grocery retailer Pick n Pay said that proceeds from listing its discount grocery chain Boxer could total 8bln rand ($450mln), according to its preliminary estimate.
Source: reuters.com
METRO expands food service distribution business in the United Kingdom through acquisition of Caterite
METRO acquires UK-based food service delivery specialist Caterite Food & Wineservice to create synergies with Classic Fine Foods UK. Caterite's clear emphasis is on fresh produce and meat.
Source: newsroom.metroag.de
UK: Cold Chain Federation welcomes new member ALDI
Cold Chain Federation welcomes new Storage & Distribution member Aldi UK. Aldi is Britain's fourth largest supermarket with more than 1,020 stores and over 45,000 colleagues.
Source: coldchainfederation.org.uk
Sainsbury's snaps up 10 Homebase stores
Sainsbury's has agreed a deal to acquire 10 leasehold stores from Homebase with plans to convert them into new supermarkets. The group noted that the stores are in key target locations that will grow its coverage across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The gross investment value of the acquisition, including the cost of leases and fit-out expenses, is expected to be approximately £130mln.
Source: kamcity.com