Just Eat Takeaway.com pilots physical-AI ground robotics for doorstep delivery
Just Eat Takeaway.com reported: "Just Eat Takeaway.com is partnering with Swiss robotics company RIVR to pilot doorstep delivery of food products with autonomous ground robots. Just Eat Takeaway.com is the first on-demand delivery service to pilot wheeled-legged hybrid robotics equipped with Physical AI in Europe".
Source: newsroom.justeattakeaway.com
UK: Lidl launching new logo that signposts healthier and more sustainable products
Lidl is adding a new marker to its own-label products in the UK, with the aim of helping its customers identify products that are healthier. In addition to informing shoppers about nutritional profiles, the Live Well logo also aligns products with the Planetary Health Diet, a global framework that promotes both human health and environmental sustainability. Developed in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), the logo will be rolled out in Lidl stores over the next six months, initially on over 100 own-label products, including fruit and veg, wholegrain lines, and plant-based protein ranges.
Source: kamcity.com
New Zealand: Foodstuffs North Island welcomes Hon Steven Joyce to Board
Foodstuffs North Island reported: "Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hon Steven Joyce CNZM to its Board of Directors, effective 25th August 2025".
Source: foodstuffs.co.nz
EDEKA Paschmann first German retailer to deploy Diebold Nixdorf AI powered self-checkout solution
EDEKA Paschmann in Düsseldorf has become the first supermarket in Germany to use Diebold Nixdorf's Vynamic Smart Vision I Shrink Reduction solution at its self-service checkouts. EDEKA Paschmann also plans to use Vynamic Smart Vision | Fresh Produce Recognition, Diebold Nixdorf's AI powered solution for automatic recognition of fruit and vegetables.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Heatwave spending cools down as UK shoppers prioritise at-home dining
NielsenIQ (NIQ) reported: "Total Till sales growth at UK supermarkets slowed (+3.7%) in the last four weeks ending 9th August 2025. This is down from +5.8% recorded in July, according to new data by NielsenIQ (NIQ). With shoppers looking for a more budget friendly, quick meal solutions, 'Dinner for Tonight' (NIQ Homescan Shopping Missions Q2 2025) shopping missions are increasing, with one in five shopping trips consisting of quick, small baskets of fresh food, chilled meat and fruit and vegetables".
Source: nielseniq.com
Croatia: EBRD backs Studenac with €70mln loan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a €70mln senior long-term loan to Croatia-based food retailer Studenac. This financing will enable Studenac to invest in operational improvements, refurbish its existing retail network, acquire select smaller food retail chains, and refinance the company's existing debt.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Marks & Spencer announces landmark £340mln investment in advanced automated food distribution centre
M&S reported: "Marks & Spencer has announced a landmark £340mln investment in its food supply chain - the largest in its history - as the company delivers against its strategy of reshaping for growth. This multi-year investment will fund the development of an automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire - a key unlock in the ambition to double the size of the M&S Food business".
In other news, Reuters reported: Justin King quits board of British retailer M&S.
Source: corporate.marksandspencer.com
SPAR Albania's store network grows further
SPAR Albania continues to expanding bringing the brand to shoppers in new locations with the opening of four new supermarkets in Tirana, Lezha, Vlora, and Parrucë - Shkoder. In the city of Lezha, a new independently-owned SPAR Supermarket opened its doors to customers for the first time. A focus of the product assortment includes a selection of fresh produce, organic products, over 700 SPAR Own Brand products, alongside the extensive grocery offering.
Source: spar-international.com
UK: Brakes launches 'Get Set Supply!' to support smaller suppliers
Brakes reported: "Brakes, the UK's leading foodservice supplier, has launched a major new initiative to support small businesses that want to start supplying wholesale. 'Get Set Supply!' is set to be the most comprehensive support programme for smaller suppliers entering the wholesale market. Each selected supplier will be mentored by experienced Brakes' colleagues or other established suppliers and offered a programme to drive sales through the UK's largest foodservice wholesaler".
Source: brake.co.uk
US: Stew Leonard Jr. on why grocers will soon be passing tariffs along to the customer
Bananas, cocoa, coffee, seafood, and spices are just a few of the items on tariff watch, and Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard's, believes there is a day of reckoning on the horizon when grocers are going to largely pass those tariffs on to consumers. He has his eye on the busy holiday season as a potential deadline for when that may occur.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Chile: Cencosud sees Q2 revenue jump, private-label delivers good performance
Chile-based retail group Cencosud has reported a 5.3% revenue increase in the second quarter of 2025, reaching $4.40bln (€3.79bln). The company expanded its footprint by opening five new stores, including three in the United States, one GIGA store in Brazil, and a new Jumbo store in Colombia. Reported net profit was $109mln (€94mln), while distributable net income totalled $73.7mln (€63.5mln).
Source: esmmagazine.com
US: Target names new CEO, Michael Fiddelke
Target said it has named Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO, succeeding Brian Cornell. Target also reported declines in second-quarter sales and profitability relative to a year ago. Sales were down 0.9%, to $25.2bln, driven by comparable-store sales declines of 3.2%, and net income was down 21.6%, to $935mln, compared with the second quarter of a year ago.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Natural Grocers to shutter 1 of 4 Austin locations
Specialty retailer Natural Grocers has revealed that it will close its Austin - Arbor Walk location at 10515 North MoPac Expressway on October 2. The closure follows unsuccessful lease renewal negotiations, but all other Austin-area and Texas locations remain open to serve customers.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Stop & Shop expands price cuts to Eastern Massachusetts
Stop & Shop said it has expanded widespread price reductions across 88 stores in Eastern Massachusetts, following similar cuts in other operating regions. Russet potatoes (5-lb. bag): was $3.99, now $3.69.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Weis Markets opens new store in Charlotte Hall, expanding Maryland presence
Weis Markets marked the grand opening of a new 60,000-square-foot supermarket in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, its 51st location in the state, with a preview event and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store, located at 30015 Three Notch Road, will officially open to customers on August 21. The Charlotte Hall store will employ more than 185 full- and part-time workers and offer a broad range of departments and services. These include a produce market with an extensive organic selection.
Source: massmarketretailers.com