**Eastern Cape**: SA Harvest has partnered with DSV Logistics and CHEP to deliver surplus agricultural produce to vulnerable communities, significantly contributing to alleviating hunger by rescuing 20 million tonnes of food and delivering 80 million meals since its establishment in 2019.
SA Harvest, a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing food insecurity, has launched a new initiative to deliver surplus agricultural produce to vulnerable communities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The joint effort involves collaboration with DSV Logistics, CHEP, and Habata Farm, which facilitated the transportation of surplus spanspek melons and butternut squash from Habata, located in Kirkwood, to the Missionvale Care Centre near Gqeberha. Since its founding in October 2019, SA Harvest has delivered 80 million meals by rescuing 20 million tonnes of food, demonstrating a significant commitment to alleviating hunger in the region.
In the financial sector, METRO has reported robust progress in its Food Service Distribution and online business for the financial year 2023/24. The company’s sales in local currency showed a growth of 5.9%, and when adjusted for currency and portfolio effects, an increase of 4.2% was recorded. However, the adjusted EBITDA for the year declined to €1,058 million, down from €1,174 million in the previous financial year.
In retail news, Colruyt Group is reportedly exploring options to sell its 102 supermarkets located in France, as they have been operating at a loss. The Belgian retailer has chosen not to comment on the ongoing rumours surrounding the potential sale, which have been reported by major news outlets including L’Informé and Bloomberg.
In the UK, a partnership between Innocent Drinks and Hubbub aims to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables in Devon. This initiative is set to offer over 300 portions of produce and will feature a series of fruit and vegetable-focused cooking sessions at the St Thomas Community Food Hub in Exeter.
Marks & Spencer has launched an innovative trial involving the production of lower carbon parsnips, which are now available in select M&S Foodhalls. This venture, funded by the M&S Plan A Accelerator Fund, aligns with the retailer’s commitment to sustainability by employing modern farming technology and scientific methods to lower environmental impact.
SPAR Gran Canaria has opened a new logistics centre focused on refrigerated and frozen products, substantially expanding its capacity on the island. Located in the El Goro industrial estate near the company’s head office, the new facility spans 29,600 square metres, complementing its existing logistics network.
In the United States, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 7 has announced a 100-day pause on the ongoing strike involving approximately 23,000 workers from King Soopers and City Market in Colorado. This settlement with Kroger, the grocery chain’s parent company, prevents the implementation of any new offer or lockouts during this period.
Further expanding its presence, GrubMarket has acquired Bay Cities Produce, a food service distributor based in San Leandro, California, which has been operating for nearly 80 years. The acquisition aims to strengthen GrubMarket’s footprint in the Northern California foodservice industry.
Associated Food Stores (AFS) has achieved record membership numbers, marking the highest retail membership in its 85-year history with 480 stores. The growth in membership is attributed to the company’s strong performance and its expansion into key regional markets, including Montana.
ReposiTrak has reported a revenue increase of 7% in its second fiscal quarter, reaching $5.5 million, accompanied by an increase in operating income to $1.4 million, up from $1.2 million the previous year.
Walmart has entered into a partnership with Helios AI with the objective of enhancing the resilience of its global agricultural supply chain against climate risks. This move follows Helios’s recent accolade at Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call event.
Cencosud, a Chilean retail company, has agreed to sell its Bretas supermarket chain in Brazil to Supermercados BH for R$716 million (€119 million). This sale involves 54 supermarkets, eight petrol stations, and a distribution centre among other related assets.
Lastly, convenience stores in California have filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo and its Frito-Lay unit, alleging price discrimination. The lawsuit claims that these smaller retailers have been denied access to the same sales deals offered to larger retailers such as Walmart and Albertsons, resulting in increased costs for their products.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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