Norway fines grocery chains $466mln in antitrust case
Norway's competition watchdog has fined the country's top three grocery store chains a combined 4.9bln Norwegian crowns ($466mln) for breaking antitrust rules in a way which may have led to higher prices, the regulator said. The three companies - Norgesgruppen, Rema and Coop - denied any wrong doing.
Source: reuters.com
Landmark milestone for SPAR Kosova as 10th supermarket opens
SPAR Kosova celebrated the significant milestone of the 10th SPAR Supermarket to open its doors to customers. The supermarket, located at Fushe Kosovë, offers customers a wide-ranging grocery offer, including SPAR Own Brand products. There is an emphasis on fresh offer, comprising an extensive range of fresh produce, in the fruit and vegetable department, a fresh meat section, and a fresh fish counter.
Source: spar-international.com
Axfood announces closure of meal-kit business Middagsfrid
Swedish retailer Axfood has decided to pull the plug on its meal-kit business Middagsfrid, citing weak demand for pre-planned subscribed meal kits. Middagsfrid will cease to operate as of 30 September 2024, the retail group added.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Australia: Newcomer Umall Asian Supermarket acquires Delish Deliveries
In a landmark move that promises to reshape the grocery delivery market in Sydney, Umall Asian Supermarket has announced the acquisition of Delish Deliveries. This strategic acquisition aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to offer an enhanced and seamless shopping experience for customers across the region.
Source: getthewordout.com.au
AWS launches Infrastructure Region in Malaysia
Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region. Developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises, as well as government, education, and nonprofit organizations, will have greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from AWS data centers located in Malaysia.
Source: businesswire.com
UK: Asda owners under pressure as chain's share of market hits 'new nadir'
The owners of Asda are facing mounting pressure after figures showed the struggling supermarket chain's share of the grocery market reached a "new nadir" as sales fell sharply this summer.
Source: theguardian.com
Woolworths Group in talks to acquire assets of micro-fulfilment centres firm Takeoff Technologies for $2.5mln
Woolworths Group is working on a deal to acquire Takeoff Technologies' assets for $2.5mln. The provider of e-grocery fulfilment solutions filed for Chapter 11 earlier this year with a plan to seek buyers for some or all of its assets. The Woolworths Group news was broken on LinkedIn by Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, who cited unnamed sources.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: Dollar General dominates new store openings in new SN Monthly Store Map
Discount grocers Dollar General and Dollar Tree had the biggest presence in the first edition of Supermarket News' monthly store map with 87 combined store openings and seven closings. A total of 96 grocery stores opened and 18 closed in the U.S. between July 15 and August 13.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: NGA and UNFI release Traceability Guide
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) are pleased to announce the release of the highly-anticipated Step-by-Step Guide to FDA Traceability. This essential resource, a complimentary benefit available to all NGA members, was written and designed to help independent grocers achieve compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods" rule efficiently and effectively.
Source: nationalgrocers.org
US: Target Corporation reports second quarter earnings
Target Corporation announced its second quarter 2024 financial results, which reflected a return to topline growth and strong profit performance. Comparable sales increased 2.0% in the second quarter, reflecting a comparable store sales increase of 0.7% and a comparable digital sales increase of 8.7%. Total revenue of $25.5bln in the second quarter was 2.7% higher than last year, reflecting a total sales increase of 2.6% and a 10.8% increase in other revenue. Second quarter operating income of $1.6bln was 36.6% higher than last year, driven by sales growth and a higher gross margin rate.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Sprouts Farmers Market reveals opening dates for 12 stores
Sprouts Farmers Market has revealed the opening dates for a dozen new locations: August 30: 255 Baltimore Boulevard, Suite 4, Westminster, Maryland. September 6: 2201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, Texas; 111 Links Avenue, Sarasota, Florida. September 13: 351 Loucks Road, Suite C-1, York, Pennsylvania. September 27: 3575 NM 528, Rio Rancho, New Mexico; 26207 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, California; 2435 E. North Street, Suite 1106, Greenville, South Carolina. October 4: 1668 N. Higley Road, Gilbert, Arizona. October 11: 1021B Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, Virginia; 4600 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, California. October 25: 99th Avenue, Avondale, Arizona. November 15: 2156 East Bay Drive, Largo, Florida.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Amazon offers annual grocery delivery plan for Prime members
Amazon is now introducing an annual plan of $99.99 per year, providing Prime members with even greater savings on grocery delivery for orders over $35 across Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and various local grocery and specialty retailers on Amazon.com.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Target CEO addresses 'price gouging' accusations in retailThere's no room for price gouging in an ultracompetitive business like retail, Target CEO Brian Cornell said. In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box", the retail chief disputed campaign talking points accusing grocers of inflating prices. He said retailers have to be responsive to customers or risk losing business.
Source: cnbc.com
US: Beyond Meat's financial woes magnified through late payments
Struggling plant-based company Beyond Meat is having trouble paying its bills, with a third of its 2024 payments overdue to vendors by 91 days or more, according to data from Creditsafe.
Source: fooddive.com