**UK**: Various retailers including DESPAR Italia, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl are launching initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, supporting local farmers, and enhancing customer experience, while also addressing financial challenges and adapting to market demands in 2025.
DESPAR Italia has embarked on its fifth consecutive year of collaboration with the AIRC Foundation (Italian Association for Cancer Research) for the “Arance rosse per la Ricerca” initiative, which translates to “Red Oranges for Research.” Customers will be able to purchase specially packaged packs of blood oranges that feature the AIRC logo, with these packs made up of DESPAR Italia’s Own Brand oranges. This initiative aims to raise funds for cancer research while promoting health through the consumption of fruit.
In the UK, Sainsbury’s has opened a new supermarket at Bishopton Dargavel Village, marking the first new store launch for 2025. The retailer expressed its commitment to offering a wide array of quality food products, featuring fresh produce, food-to-go options, and bakery items among others. The launch reflects Sainsbury’s strategy to enhance the shopping experience for its customers with an extensive range of products.
Meanwhile, Lidl has begun selling vegetables sourced directly from Maltese farmers, including cauliflower, carrots, and onions. This initiative marks a significant step in promoting local agriculture and builds on discussions over the last 18 months with the Farmer Central Cooperative Society (FCCS). This development is expected to increase the availability of fresh produce for Lidl customers while supporting the local Maltese economy.
In Kenya, Naivas has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first supermarket chain in the country to operate 110 stores. The retail chain opened a new outlet in Tatu City, Kiambu County, reinforcing its expansion strategy in the Kenyan market.
In Australia, Coles has introduced a major change in its packaging by replacing plastic grape bags with environmentally friendly paper “handbags.” This move has sparked varying reactions among shoppers as the retailer continues to seek innovative ways to reduce plastic waste in its operations. A spokesperson for Coles stated, “We are always looking for ways to reduce unnecessary plastic in our stores and know the fresh produce department is ripe for packaging innovation.”
The Co-op in the UK has expanded its member price benefits to include orders placed through Deliveroo, aiming to enhance convenience for its members while providing additional savings on grocery items.
In France, Groupe Casino has extended its partnership with Avia Thévenin Ducrot for another three years, continuing to offer a selection of products under the Casino brand at Avia Thévenin Ducrot stores, which cater to travellers’ needs.
Aldi España reported a loss of €471 million for 2023, primarily due to write-downs on real estate and financial investments. In response, the retailer plans to boost its domestic product sourcing, intending to increase its procurement of fresh Spanish produce significantly by 2025, further supporting local agricultural sectors.
Aldi has opened a new store at 5300 South Dakota Ave. NE in Washington, D.C., which is the second location in the capital. The store is designed to enhance the customer shopping experience, showcasing low prices and a variety of products including frozen foods and fresh produce.
Walmart’s Mexico and Central America unit reported a 1.4% increase in net profit for the fourth quarter, amounting to 15.2 billion Mexican pesos, which slightly missed analysts’ expectations. The company faced rising general expenses, but net sales grew by 8.3% year-on-year.
In the United States, United Natural Foods held its Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando, where it recognised five retailers for excellence in growth and community impact. Noteworthy awards included the Local Independent Performance Award to AML Foods and the National Chain Performance Award to DoorDash.
Barclay Group has delivered seven new shopping centres anchored by Kroger over a period of 15 months, reinforcing its growth strategy in the retail development sector.
Moreover, an initiative in northeastern Wisconsin, named Produce with Purpose, is working to provide fresh local fruits, vegetables, and meats year-round while helping to minimise food waste.
In the realm of acquisitions, Dollar Tree is pursuing the purchase of 148 Party City stores following Party City’s recent bankruptcy filing. This acquisition could potentially be approved in a court hearing scheduled for February 26.
Finally, Walmart announced potential layoffs or relocations for 827 employees at three of its regional facilities, highlighting adjustments within the retailer’s workforce as it navigates operational challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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