Cross-border enforcement of unfair trading practices: Single Market must come first, says EuroCommerce
At the opening session of the EU Agri-Food Days, Agriculture Commissioner Hansen announced several measures aimed at supporting competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the agri-food chain, including a proposal for a Regulation on cross-border enforcement of unfair trading practices rules in the agri-food supply chain. EuroCommerce - the association representing retailers and wholesalers in Europe - welcomes a more inclusive approach to addressing the key challenges facing the agri-food chain. However, it is also worried that the proposal will undermine the Single Market.
Source: eurocommerce.eu
UAE: Majid Al Futtaim Retail launches Carrefour's first 24/7 express delivery service in Dubai
Majid Al Futtaim Retail, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the UAE, has launched its 24/7 express grocery delivery service in Dubai. Customers have access to a large assortment of over 10,000 products spanning categories that include fresh produce, baby products, pet food, personal care, household items, and much more - at Carrefour's everyday low prices, without any additional markup made during night orders.
Source: majidalfuttaim.com
Spain: Grupo Dia refinances debt with an agreement for €885mln
Grupo Dia, a leader in local food distribution, has signed a refinancing agreement for an amount of €885mln aimed at strengthening its capital structure and accelerating its growth plan. This milestone has been reached one year before the maturity date of the current financing terms.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Applegreen expands M&S food partnership to Northern Ireland with two new locations
Applegreen, one of Ireland's largest roadside hospitality brands, is bringing its successful partnership with M&S Food to Northern Ireland. The expansion will see Applegreen opening new M&S Food stores in Northern Ireland - at the Lisburn Southbound service area on the M1 and the Templepatrick service area on the M2. The two stores are Applegreen's first M&S Food stores in Northern Ireland, following a highly successful roll out of the concept in the Republic of Ireland. Under an exclusive partnership with M&S Food, the new stores at Applegreen service areas will stock a range of more than 450 M&S products, including fresh fruit and salads, quality sandwiches, ready meals options for lunch and dinner, and fresh flowers.
Source: retailnews.ie
7-Eleven battle shows resilience of Japan Inc's family ties
A rise in shareholder activism in Japan is poised to fuel a new wave of management buyouts by founding families, after the battle for 7-Eleven's parent company prompted a $58bln takeover offer from the Ito dynasty that built the retail giant. Seven & i Holdings Vice President Junro Ito swooped in last month with an offer to take private the company founded by his late father in what would be the largest ever management buyout (MBO).
Source: reuters.com
UK: Aldi is selling Christmas Dinner for six for under £12 - that's just £1.91 per head!
Aldi reported: "Available from 19th December ahead of the big day, Aldi's Christmas Dinner for six costing just £1.91 per person: Small Fresh British Turkey (£8.85, 2.95 per kg); Nature's Pick Potatoes (15p, 2kg)*; Nature's Pick Brussels Sprouts (15p, 500g)*; Nature's Pick Carrots (15p, 1kg)*; Nature's Pick Parsnips (15p, 500g)*; Quixo Sage & Onion Stuffing Mix (45p, 170g); Quixo Gravy Granules (£1.09, 300g); Everyday Essentials Yorkshire Puddings (46p, 15 pack). Total price: £11.45 (typically serves six). *Aldi's Super Six Christmas Veg offer will be available in stores from 19th-24th December".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
Esselunga opens Leeccelenza store in Italian skiing hub
Italian supermarket chain Esselunga has opened a temporary Leeccellenza store in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a town and skiing centre in the Dolomites. This upscale store, located on one of the main streets of Cortina d'Ampezzo, is designed to complement the area's aesthetics. It offers a curated selection of fresh produce, deli items, pastries, wines, and features a cafeteria.
Source: esmmagazine.com
US: Rembert Dollar General remodels store, adds fresh fruits and vegetables
Dollar General, 8265 Camden Highway in Rembert, recently remodeled its store and is now providing an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to a news release from the company.
Source: theitem.com
Walmart investing $300mln in Alberta to open new stores, modernize existing locations
Walmart is investing $300mln in Alberta over the next two years to open three new Supercentres and modernize several additional stores. The three new Supercentres in Fort McMurray, Calgary and Edmonton will be around 140,000 square feet each and are slated to open between 2026 and 2027.
Source: canadiangrocer.com
US: Albertsons terminates merger agreement, files lawsuit against Kroger
Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced that it would officially terminate its pending $25bln merger agreement with Kroger, following decisions by two courts blocking the long-pending merger deal. Albertsons is now also suing Kroger for billions of dollars, stating that Kroger refused to offer an adequate divestiture package and repeatedly ignored regulators' concerns - moves that Albertsons claims caused the merger deal to be blocked.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Grubhub's 2024 delivered trend report reveals Americans were 'doing the most' this year
Grubhub reported: "Grubhub released its annual 2024 Delivered Report, offering a deep dive into consumer ordering trends and behaviors. Pickles had extra entrée energy. The briny cucumber continued to rise in popularity with a 14% increase in overall orders. This came as no surprise as people made the most of their pickle passions - whether as a bread substitute for cold-cut sandwiches or using its distinctive juices to sour their sodas. Whatever floats your boat!"
Source: prnewswire.com