US: Market Basket fires Demoulas as president, CEO
Market Market's board of directors has fired Arthur Demoulas as president and CEO of the company after the two sides failed to settle their disagreements through mediation. "Mr. Demoulas forced the board to choose between accepting his autocratic control of Market Basket or terminating him in order to protect a vibrant and growing business that cannot flourish over the long-term under the leadership of a dictator", the board said in a filing with the Delaware State Chancery Court.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Imports declining following summer surge ahead of tariffs
Following a near-record peak this summer, import cargo volume at the nation's major container ports is expected to steadily decline for the remainder of the year amid rising tariffs, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Source: nrf.com
US: Albertsons plans 12 Safeway closures, including 10 in Colorado
Albertsons is planning to close 10 Safeway stores across Colorado and one each in New Mexico and Nebraska, a company spokesperson confirmed. The closures are all scheduled to take place by November 7. Albertsons will continue to operate 94 stores in Colorado following the closures, the spokesperson told Supermarket News.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Online grocery sales hit another record in August
U.S. online grocery sales reached another record in August, totaling $11.2bln - an increase of nearly 14% compared to the same month last year. This strong growth stemmed from gains in household penetration, order frequency and average order value (AOV), according to the Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey sponsored by Mercatus.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Canada: Pattison Food Group signs grocery code of conduct
Pattison Food Group, owner of Save-On-Foods, Buy Low Foods, Nesters Market and more, is the latest retailer to sign on to Canada's grocery code of conduct, which becomes fully operational early next year. Pattison Food Group joins Loblaw, Empire, Metro, Walmart and Costco as well as suppliers such as Lactalis in signing the code of conduct.
Source: canadiangrocer.com
US: Forty Acres Fresh Market expands into physical store
Chicago's Austin neighborhood is set to get a new independent brick-and-mortar grocery store. The much-anticipated Forty Acres Fresh Market will open on September 14 and host a grand opening on September 27. Owner and operator Elizabeth "Liz" Abunaw is expanding into physical grocery after running a successful delivery service and pop-up retail business for the past several years.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Potbelly acquired by convenience store operator RaceTrac for $566mln
Potbelly announced it is being acquired by convenience store operator RaceTrac in a $566mln deal. RaceTrac is a family-owned company headquartered in Atlanta operating more than 800 convenience stores across 14 states. The deal will value Potbelly shares at $17.12 each.
Source: cnbc.com
US: Subway just added high-protein, low-calorie sandwiches to their menu
The Subway Fresh Fit menu returns on September 17 with high-protein sandwiches under 500 calories. Grilled Chicken & Avocado, Steak & Avocado, Turkey & Ranch Delite and more are new options.
Source: eatingwell.com
US: LocalExpress raises $6.2mln to pivot AI data capabilities, becoming the grocery industry's premier data syndication hub
LocalExpress, the AI-native unified commerce platform serving hundreds of grocery and food retailers across the US, Canada and LatAm, announced it has secured $6.2mln in venture funding led by OXZ Capital.
Source: businesswire.com
Costco loss-making in Spain for years to come
Costco Spain closed its 2024 fiscal year with sales of 618mln euros, 13.6% more than the previous year, but still in the red. Meanwhile, the company is accelerating its expansion and strengthening its logistics in the country.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Starbucks Japan releases a surprising new Frappuccino for autumn
Starbucks is honing in on one particular fruit and serving it up in a limited-edition Frappuccino. Called the Younashi Nama Caramel Frappuccino, this new drink sings the praises of Younashi, or "Western Pear", so-called to distinguish it from the rounder nashi, or Japanese-style pear, which is far more common in Japan.
Source: soranews24.com
Chipotle to expand to Asia through joint venture
Chipotle is planning to expand to Asia through a joint venture with SPC Group. The company aims to open its first Chipotle locations in South Korea and Singapore in 2026.
Source: cnbc.com
India: Amazon Now brings 10-minute delivery to Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru
Amazon reported: "Amazon has expanded its 10-minute delivery service to Mumbai, following strong customer response in Bengaluru and Delhi. Amazon Now lets customers purchase thousands of everyday essentials - from groceries and personal care items to electronic accessories and festive supplies - that will be delivered within minutes".
Source: aboutamazon.in
UK: Midcounties Co-operative celebrates 20th anniversary with exclusive deals and offers
The Midcounties Co-operative is celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, marking two decades of growth, innovation and community impact as one of the UK's largest independent co-operatives.
Source: talkingretail.com
Romania: Auchan expands franchise network
Auchan Romania has expanded its Simply by Auchan franchise network, reaching 50 stores across 14 counties. Simply by Auchan stores vary from 50 to 350 square metres and offer up to 4,000 SKUs, including fresh produce, frozen goods, groceries, Auchan private-label products, and non-food essentials like cosmetics and pet care.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: John Lewis on track for full year profit growth
British retailer the John Lewis Partnership reported a deeper first half loss but said more customers are shopping with the group and it was "well positioned" to deliver full-year profit growth. The UK's largest employee-owned business, which runs John Lewis department stores and the upmarket Waitrose supermarket chain, generates most of its sales and profit in the second half. It made a loss before tax and exceptional items of 33mln pounds ($45mln) in the six months to July 26, compared with a loss of 4mln pounds in the same period last year. Sales grew by 4% to 6.2bln pounds.
Source: reuters.com
Colruyt Group and De aardappelhoeve launch first Belgian-grown edamame beans
Colruyt Group reported: 'Until now, customers could only buy edamame beans from the frozen food section of Colruyt Group food stores. That's about to change. Belgian grower De aardappelhoeve has ensured that, for a limited period, a new reference can be added to the fresh produce range in Colruyt Lowest Prices stores. Kristof Bellemans, Colruyt Group buyer, adds: "We are offering them in the pod: this makes them perfect to put on the table as healthy appetisers/snacks. So the beans are eaten straight from the pod, but they can also be shelled and added to salads and poké bowls. A delicacy, and truly Belgian! It is a fine example of what Colruyt Group stands for as the only still genuinely Belgian retailer: focusing on constructive partnerships and local products".'
In other news: Colruyt Group introduces a new range of enriched meat, combining animal and plant proteins.
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Lidl extends sponsorship deal with Uefa
Also in the 2025-2026 season, Lidl remains official sponsor of the Europa League and the Conference League. The cooperation provided the discounter with a lot of visibility last season.
Source: retaildetail.eu