UK: Pricewatch Group first retailer to tap last mile delivery solution from British retail tech firm NearSt
NearSt has announced a new solutions for UK convenience retailers that automatically connects their EPoS systems and in-store inventory to major delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat. "This technology represents an important step forward for convenience retail", says Nick Brackenbury, Co-founder and CEO at NearSt.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Estonia: Retailers call for VAT exemption on basic foodstuffs
Estonian retailers are calling for a VAT exemption on basic food products, but coalition parties do not see eye-to-eye on the issue. "Finland raised its VAT to 25.5% this year, but food products were still kept at 14%. The reason is that, despite tax increases affecting consumers, food should be available to every family at a reasonable price", said Rainer Rohtla, head of supermarket chain Coop. Rohtla said if VAT was lowered to 13% on vegetables, meat, and dairy products it would cost the state around €40mln less in additional revenue.
Source: news.err.ee
Colruyt Group launches Boni Plan't: more than 100 plant-based products now even more accessible
Colruyt Group reported: "Colruyt Group is launching a new sub-brand within Boni Selection. Alongside Boni Eco and Boni Bio, Boni Plan't is now available in the group's food stores. With around 100 plant-based products, the new range is now even easier to recognise thanks to its brand-new packaging".
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Spain: Hiperber sees 8% sales growth in FY 2024
Spanish regional supermarket chain Hiperber reported €219.9mln in sales for its financial year 2024, reflecting a 7.97% increase from 2023. The company attributed growth is attributed to the expansion of its store network, increased sales area, and inflation.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Hungary: SPAR launches digital Year Planner to support healthy lifestyles
SPAR Hungary in cooperation with Nestlé, has launched a year-long education campaign to encourage customers to adopt a sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle. The digital Year Planner forms the foundation of the campaign, providing consumers with inspiring stories, useful tips, and practical advice month by month.
Source: spar-international.com
South Korea: CU purchases 546 tons of Jeju tangerines to support local farms and ESG efforts
BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store CU, announced that it purchased 546 tons of Jeju tangerines to produce one of its fresh fruit highball series, 'fresh tangerine highball'.
Source: biz.chosun.com
Türkiye: Website listing supermarket prices may help fight inflation
A new website has enabled consumers to browse and compare prices for up to 50,000 items sold at chain supermarkets, with officials hoping it will aid in combating steep price hikes and inflation. The searchable website, marketfiyati.org.tr, lists the current prices of goods sold by seven chain supermarkets, including discount grocers, across various categories such as food, fruit, meat, fish, chicken, dairy and cleaning products. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) initially developed the website for the use of researchers at the Central Bank and other government agencies. Now, it is open to consumers to help them find the cheapest product and the nearest supermarket.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com
Ahold Delhaize reports Q4 2024 financial results and introduces outlook for 2025 with projected growth in sales and earnings in line with its Growing Together strategic ambitions
Ahold Delhaize reported: "Q4 net sales were €23.3bln, up 0.6% at constant exchange rates and up 1.0% at actual exchange rates. Excluding the impacts from the divestment of FreshDirect, the closure of Stop & Shop stores and the cessation of tobacco sales in the Netherlands, net sales growth would have been 2.1 percentage points higher. 2024 full year Ahold Delhaize net sales were €89.4bln, underlying operating margin was 4.0% and diluted underlying EPS was €2.54, in line with initial expectations for the year".
Source: newsroom.aholddelhaize.com
Carrefour offers 20% premium to take Brazil unit private
French grocer Carrefour SA proposed to take private its Brazilian unit Atacadao SA, also known as Carrefour Brasil, offering 5.3bln reais ($920mln) in cash or shares for the one-third stake it does not already own. The unit operates Carrefour supermarkets and wholesale stores under the Atacadao and Sam's Club brands, contributing about 20% of the group's global gross sales.
Source: reuters.com
US: Procurant selected by Associated Food Stores for FSMA Rule 204 compliance
Procurant, a leading collaborative software platform for retail grocers, has been chosen by Associated Food Stores (AFS) to be a core component of their compliance solution for FSMA Rule 204 reporting and traceability. The selection enables AFS to meet the FDA's enhanced food safety requirements, set to take effect in January 2026, leveraging Procurant's innovative traceability and procurement capabilities.
Source: businesswire.com
US: DoorDash releases fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results
DoorDash, Inc. announced its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth quarter 2024 key financial metrics: total orders increased 19% Y/Y to 685mln and marketplace GOV increased 21% Y/Y to $21.3bln. Revenue increased 25% Y/Y to $2.9bln and net revenue margin increased to 13.5% from 13.1% in Q4 2023.
Source: businesswire.com
US: BJ's Wholesale Club sets sights on Texas
BJ's Wholesale Club is set to make a significant impact on the state of Texas with four planned store openings in the coming year, according to permits from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. All locations will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and will mark BJ's Wholesale Club's first appearance in the state.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Delivery propels online grocery sales to 16.6% increase in January
The U.S. online grocery market ended January 2025 with $10bln in monthly sales, a 16.6% increase over last year as all three fulfillment methods posted year-over-year gains, according to the latest Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey.
Source: chainstoreage.com