Germany: Founder Thomas Griesel steps down at HelloFresh
Thomas Griesel, who founded HelloFresh together with Dominik Richter fourteen years ago, is leaving the meal box delivery company on 30 April 2026 at the very latest. That is the date when his current mandate expires, which Griesel does not want to renew.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Supermarket giant Tesco plans first store on Skye
Supermarket giant Tesco is proposing to build its first store on the Isle of Skye. The development - tabled by West Ranga Property Group and Lujo Properties - on Portree's Drovers Way would comprise a 32,000 sq ft (3,000 sq m) food store and a petrol filling station. Co-op is currently the largest food retailer on Skye, with three stores on the island.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Australia: Woolworths, Coles flags extra costs after staff underpayments ruling
Australia's top supermarket chains Woolworths and Coles said they could incur millions in additional remediation costs following the federal court's decision on historical underpayments to staff. Woolworths expects A$180mln ($117.9mln)-A$330mln in post-tax charge and said interests and tax could add A$140mln-A$200mln to its net liability. Coles, meanwhile, estimates an extra A$150mln-A$250mln in remediation bill.
Source: reuters.com
Marks & Spencer food chief calls for 'concrete target' on British produce
Marks & Spencer's head of food has called on the government to set a legally binding "concrete target" to increase the proportion of food produced at home, as he warned that Britain was becoming "less and less self-sufficient". Alex Freudmann, the managing director of the upmarket grocer's food division, which works with 10,000 British farms, said: "If ministers are committed to domestic food supply, then they need to prove it, and that's why we're backing our farmers' calls for a clear and concrete target to increase the proportion of food eaten in Britain that's grown or reared in Britain".
Source: theguardian.com
UK: Sodexo and EAT announce strategic partnership to promote healthy and sustainable eating
Sodexo reported: "Sodexo and EAT are pleased to announce a new partnership to advance healthier and more sustainable eating habits. As EAT's exclusive partner from the food service industry, Sodexo is proud to bring its global expertise to translate cutting-edge science into practical, scalable solutions that make food choices good for the people and the planet accessible to all. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to promote and inspire healthier and more sustainable eating. It will be highlighted for the first time at the Stockholm Food Forum, taking place in Stockholm on October 3-4, 2025".
Source: uk.sodexo.com
Aldi crowned 'Best For Scottish Sourcing' at Scotland food and drink awards
Aldi has picked up the 'Best for Scottish Sourcing' award at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. This is the fourth time in five years the retailer has received this recognition. Earlier this year, the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) revealed that Aldi was the top supermarket in Scotland when it comes to stocking the most Scottish produce, with results revealing that almost 49% of the retailer's produce was Scottish.
Source: kamcity.com
UK: Waitrose unveils its 2025 Christmas range for food lovers
Waitrose reported: 'Presenting the ultimate vegan centrepieces for your table. Our No.1 Mushroom, Malbec & Port Wellington, offering a rich and savoury blend of chestnut, portobello, and pulled shiitake mushrooms in a malbec and port sauce; and our Cauliflower Cheese Galette Crown are perfect for sharing and pair deliciously well with the Pícos y Rios Malbec from Chile. Emily Quinn, Chilled Vegetarian & Vegan Buyer comments: "Nothing says Christmas like cauliflower cheese, and we're thrilled to introduce our festive showstopper: the No.1 Cauliflower Cheese Galette Crown".'
Source: johnlewispartnership.media
Albena Georgieva appointed CEO of Billa Bulgaria
Albena Georgieva has been appointed the new CEO of Billa Bulgaria, returning to her home country after serving as the chief operating officer of Billa Slovakia for over three years. She takes over from interim manager Dimitar Peshev, who was appointed in April of this year, the company noted.
Source: esmmagazine.com
GreenTech startup Finnish Food Factory raises €10mln for its plant-based diary products
Kouvola-based Finnish Food Factory, a contract manufacturer of alternative plant-based diary products, announced they have secured €10mln. The investment comes from the Taaleri Bioindustry Fund I, an Article 9 fund that looks to support the transition towards more sustainable, plant-based dairy production.
Source: eu-startups.com
US: Costco has another celebratory month in August
Net sales for the four weeks ending August 31 totaled $21.56bln, an 8.7% increase year over year. U.S. comparable sales, excluding the impact of gasoline price changes and foreign exchange, rose 6.7% compared to the same period last year. For the 16-week fourth quarter, Costco reported net sales of $84.4bln, marking an 8% increase year over year. For the 52-week fiscal year, the company's net sales reached $269.9bln, an 8.1% gain.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Trader Joe's to open new stores in 7 states
Trader Joe's has revealed the locations of seven new stores as the specialty grocer continues to expand its footprint and bring its assortment of private label products to more consumers. The new stores include: Costa Mesa, California, 2180 Harbor Blvd.; Kingwood, Texas, 600 Kingwood Dr.; Williamsville, New York, 5017 Transit Rd.; Lacey, Washington, 691 Sleater Kinney Rd. SE; Columbia, South Carolina, 275 Harbison Blvd.; Hamden, Connecticut, 46 Skiff St.; Melbourne, Florida, 21 Town Center Ave., Ste. 101.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: New resources to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable
The City of Boston reported: "Mayor Michelle Wu announced new initiatives to support low-income residents, including the 143,000 Boston residents who participate in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and expand access to affordable and fresh fruits and vegetables at sites across the City of Boston. As the federal government imposes new restrictions that attempt to limit Boston residents' access to crucial nutrition programs, City departments have expanded Boston's Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program to two new grocery stores: Nubian Markets in Roxbury and the Dorchester Food Co-op in Dorchester".
Source: boston.gov
US: Walmart celebrates grand opening of high-tech perishable distribution center in Wellford
Walmart reported: 'Walmart associates, elected officials and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of a new 725,000 square-foot perishable distribution center (PDC). The state-of-the-art facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 Walmart stores. "South Carolina continues to lead in innovation and logistics, and Walmart's investment in Spartanburg County is driving that momentum forward", said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster'.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Vallarta Supermarkets opens new Oxnard location September 17, 2025
Vallarta Supermarkets reported: "Vallarta Supermarkets will cut the ribbon on its brand-new store at 3443 Saviers Rd, Oxnard, CA 93033 on Wednesday, September 17th with a grand opening celebration packed with community giveaways, fresh food, and festive fun. It will feature Vallarta's signature departments and a few new to the region including: Fresh Produce - The freshest produce from local U.S. growers and premium farms worldwide, offering a wide selection of certified organic and ethically farmed options at the best prices".
Source: prnewswire.com