UK: Co-op launches first new store of 2025 (Salford Quays)
Co-op has launched its first new store of 2025, in Salford Quays, as the convenience retailer embarks on plans to accelerate convenience growth. The new Co-op convenience store is located in commercial retail space on the ground floor of the Anchorage Gateway, Salford Quays - a 29-story residential development located close to the area's media, education and cultural hubs. The Salford Quays store offers an extensive range of fresh, healthy produce.
Source: co-operative.coop
Retail trade declines in Italy
The seasonally adjusted retail trade index in Italy saw a 0.4% month-on-month decline in value in November 2024, according to the latest data from ISTAT. Volume fell by 0.6% when compared to the previous month, the statistics institute noted.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Aldi to open nine London stores in 2025 as part of £650mln investment in Britain
Aldi UK reported: "Aldi is set to open nine stores in the capital this year as part of a £55mln investment within the M25. Building on its promise to bring unbeatable value to even more Londoners, the supermarket has revealed four of the locations set to welcome new Aldi stores in the next 12 months. Shoppers in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham and Orpington are all set to benefit from a new Aldi store in 2025. The openings form part of Aldi's £650mln investment in Britain in 2025".
Source: aldipresscentre.co.uk
France: Francap joins purchase alliance EMD
French purchase alliance Francap has joined the larger international purchase alliance EMD for the procurement of private label products. Negotiations with A-brand producers are outside the scope of the cooperation. Francap brings in ten retailers with a total of 2,215 outlets, carrying brands such as Coccinelle Supermarché, Rapid' Market, Panier Sympa, Viveco and Marché Minut'. One of the largest members is Colruyt France, which has 102 supermarkets. The ten members represent combined consumer sales of 3.5bln euros.
Source: retaildetail.eu
India: VegEase - turns profitable in the fruits and vegetables segment
VegEase is a one-of-its-kind brand idea, all about bringing freshness of handpicked fruits and vegetables backed by a professional infrastructure of hygiene and care to every doorstep. This app-only company is all geared to change the way a consumer has been buying fruits and vegetables for decades.
Source: pnn.digital
Aldi expands in Spain, cuts prices in Portugal
German discounter Aldi plans to open 40 new supermarkets in Spain in 2025, primarily in regions like Andalusia, Madrid, Valencia, and Catalonia. The company also aims to consolidate its presence in the Region of Murcia, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. In January 2025, Aldi is opening three new supermarkets - one each in Barcelona, Valencia, and on the island of Lanzarote. Across the border in Portugal, Aldi is permanently lowering prices on a range of essential grocery items as part of its 'Low Prices Forever' campaign.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Switzerland: First permanent railway station branch
In the summer of 2026, Aldi Suisse will open a permanent, commuter-focused store in Basel SBB station, a first at Europe's largest border station. The store, designed for quick shopping and open 365 days a year, will feature a curated selection of Aldi products, including fresh and organic items.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Turkey's Getir and Abu Dhabi fund Mubadala still at odds over restructuring
Turkish grocery delivery company Getir and its biggest shareholder, Abu Dhabi state investment fund Mubadala, remained at odds on Sunday over a restructuring plan which Mubadala says is vital to ensure Getir's future.
Source: reuters.com
Co-op announces £820K sustainability fund for British farmersCo-op announces further backing for British farmers with a new £820K fund to support sustainable farming efforts, building on the retailer's long-term investment in UK agriculture.
Source: co-operative.coop
US: Consumer Price Index - December 2024
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis in December, after rising 0.3% in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The index for fruits and vegetables declined 0.1% over the month, after rising 0.2% in November.
Source: bls.gov
US: Heather Griffin promoted to Director of Produce Retail at JOH
JOH reported: "JOH is proud to announce the promotion of Heather Griffin to Director of Produce Retail. Heather brings nearly two decades of experience and leadership to her new role. Heather began her journey with JOH in 2007 as a part-time retail merchandiser for produce".
Source: johare.com
US: Costco Teamsters vote to authorize US-wide strike, union says
Teamsters said on Sunday its members at U.S. retailer Costco Wholesale voted in favor of a nationwide strike, as they entered a final round of talks to reach a new contract ahead of a January 31 deadline. The union, which represents more than 18,000 workers at Costco, said 85% of its members voted to authorize a strike.
Source: reuters.com
US: PepsiCo completes acquisition of Siete Foods
PepsiCo, Inc. ("PepsiCo") announced that it has closed the acquisition of Garza Food Ventures LLC, dba Siete Foods ("Siete"), for $1.2bln. Siete started with a single almond flour tortilla sold in an Austin co-op. Today, the Siete Foods portfolio spans a variety of authentic, better-for-you products, including Grain Free Tortillas, Enchilada Sauces, Taco Seasonings, Botana Sauces, Mexican Cookies, Vegan Beans, Grain Free Puffs, Tortilla Chips, Potato Chips, and Salsas at more than 40,000 retailers.
Source: prnewswire.com
Walmart names supply chain executive Dave Guggina as US e-commerce chief
Walmart's Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Dave Guggina will become the retailer's U.S. chief e-commerce officer, replacing Tom Ward, according to a company memo seen by Reuters. Ward will take on the role of chief operating officer of Sam's Club, Walmart's warehouse chain.
Source: reuters.com
FTC sues PepsiCo, alleging price discrimination is raising costs for consumers
The Federal Trade Commission is suing PepsiCo for allegedly giving an unnamed big box retailer more favorable prices than its competition. The unnamed retailer is Walmart, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. Pepsi denied the allegations and called the lawsuit partisan.
Source: cnbc.com