Strategic action could unlock £5bln investment and 60,000 jobs in UK food system, IGD reveals
The UK urgently needs to drive economic growth and ensure a reliable, sustainable food supply for its expanding population. In its latest Viewpoint Special Report: 'Driving growth through a thriving food system', IGD has partnered with food system change investment firm Bramble Intelligence to identify horticulture and poultry as two critical sectors that could transform the economy and food security, with the right support.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
India: Handpickd raises $15mln to optimise fruits & vegetables supply chain
The funding round was led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Titan Capital Winners Fund (TCWF) and its existing investors. The Delhi NCR-based startup plans to deploy the capital for talent acquisition, expanding services in existing geographies, and building technology to optimise the supply chain. Founded in 2024, Handpickd sells fruits and vegetables via its platform, facilitating users to purchase fresh edibles as per their customised quantity.
Source: inc42.com
South Africa: Pick n Pay opens its first Hypermarket in Pietermaritzburg
Pick n Pay opened its first Hypermarket in Pietermaritzburg following the conversion of its existing Supermarket at Midlands Liberty Mall. "This isn't just a store upgrade, it's a game-changer for Pietermaritzburg shoppers", says Katherine Madley, Chief Marketing Officer at Pick n Pay. "Our Hypermarket format is designed around the evolving needs of local shoppers. Whether you're shopping for fresh produce, tech gadgets, or outdoor furniture - you'll find it all under one roof".
Source: picknpayinvestor.co.za
Carrefour Italy tackles waste across national store network with RELEX Solutions technology
Carrefour Italy is working with RELEX Solutions in a bid to enhance forecasting and replenishment across its network of approximately 1,200 stores, including proximity stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and seven logistics hubs.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
UK: Brand new Little Waitrose shop opens in Bristol
Waitrose welcomed customers through the doors of its brand new 'Little Waitrose' shop in The Arches, Bristol, marking the latest milestone in its £1bln, multi-year investment programme into its UK store estate. Customers can explore Essential Waitrose and Waitrose Duchy Organic.
Source: johnlewispartnership.media
UK: Nisa stores are here to stay, says Co-op
Nisa retailers were reassured that their fascia will remain at the heart of the Co-op group despite the re-branding of Nisa's wholesale operation to Co-op Wholesale earlier this year. The Co-op said it would "retain the Nisa look for stores that opt for it" and Co-op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan confirmed that the Co-op was committed to the Nisa brand.
Source: talkingretail.com
India: KisanKonnect nets INR 72 Cr to sell fresh fruits & vegetables
The round was led by Bajaj Finserv Group, with participation from Mistry Ventures as well as Desai Foods, Dhanuka Agritech and Action Tessa family office. The startup plans to utilise the fresh funds to bolster its tech stack and supply chain, scale both online and offline presence, and deepen its farmer network. KisanKonnect claims to sell fresh fruits and vegetables via its app and website in under 60-minutes across Mumbai and Pune. It also operates offline stores.
Source: inc42.com
South Africa's online retail sales to exceed $7.42bln this year, study forecasts
South Africa's online retail turnover is expected to top 130bln rand ($7.42bln) this year and account for 10% of total retail sales, driven by on-demand grocery and fashion, as well as the entry of global competitors such as Amazon, a study shows. Online retail sales grew by around 35% in 2024 to an estimated 96bln rand and accounted for roughly 8% of all retail trade in South Africa, according to the study released by World Wide Worx in collaboration with Mastercard, Peach Payments and Ask Afrika.
Source: reuters.com
Just Eat Takeaway replaces employees with AI: 175 jobs lost
Just Eat Takeaway is reorganizing its customer and administrative services. At the headquarters of Thuisbezorgd.nl in Enschede, in the Netherlands, 175 full-time jobs are cut. Teams in Germany and Belgium will also be affected.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Smarter shopping, bigger savings with groceries on Uber Eats
Uber reported: "With grocery prices on the rise - and fruits and veggies driving much of the surge, sparking the term "veggie-flation" - Uber Eats is doubling down to make fresh food delivery easier, more dependable, and above all - more affordable. Every week, Uber Eats customers can unlock Fresh Days - a new program offering big savings of up to 50% off on select items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and more. Fresh Days are available now for customers in the US, Canada, UK, South Africa, France, Japan, Taiwan, and Spain - with more countries coming soon".
Source: uber.com
US: WinCo said to be planning first Wyoming location
WinCo Foods has discussed plans to open a store in Cheyenne, Wyoming, according to local reports, which would mark the low-price retailer's debut in that state. In a column posted on the Cheyenne municipal website, Cheyenne Councilman Mark Rinne said the city has annexed about 17 acres of land for a WinCo grocery store.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Giant Eagle to invest millions in price reductions over next year
The Because it Matters strategy marks the latest in a series of key milestones for the regional grocer over the past 12 months. Additionally, the company is reviewing its processes for ensuring the freshness of produce, meat, seafood, bakery items and prepared meals. Stores will begin receiving deliveries seven days a week to support this focus on freshness.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: ALDI joins Uber Eats to offer on-demand grocery delivery coast to coast
Uber Technologies, Inc. and ALDI reported: "Uber Technologies, Inc. and ALDI announced a new collaboration to bring its award-winning ALDI selection of organic meats, fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, globally-sourced wine, bread and bakery treats, seasonal items and so much more, to Uber Eats. From organic fruits and vegetables and gluten-free snacks to trendy items like prebiotic soda -and even wine and beer at select locations - customers can stock up on everyday essentials faster than ever".
Source: businesswire.com
US: Instacart adds new value-focused features to Caper Carts
Instacart introduced new features for its AI-powered smart grocery carts, known as Caper Carts, aimed at expanding their accessibility and functionality. The latest updates include support for Electronic Benefits Transfer for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP), real-time tracking of eligible items.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: New strategic relationship with Decorworx
Associated Wholesale Grocers reported: "AWG recently announced a new strategic relationship with Decorworx, a leading design and production firm specializing in grocery store environments. Known for their cutting-edge design solutions, advanced production capabilities, and deep industry expertise, Decorworx will bring significant value to AWG member retailers through this collaboration".
Source: linkedin.com
US: Costco tops earnings, revenue estimates as warehouse club gains more members
Costco's net income for the three-month period that rose to $2.61bln, or $5.87 per share, compared with $2.35bln, or $5.29 per share a year earlier. Revenue increased from $79.7bln in the year-ago period.
Source: cnbc.com