Lidl shifts supply chain to VietnamLidl, a supermarket retailer in Europe, is planning to increase imports from Vietnam and Malaysia to diversify and protect its supply chain amidst growing global uncertainties. Schwarz Group, parent company of Lidl, established its own container shipping company, Tailwind Shipping Lines, in 2022 to strengthen control over its supply chain and ensure reliable delivery of goods from China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to stores across Europe. Currently, Tailwind is the second-largest shipping company in Germany, with a fleet of nine container ships.
Tailwind added Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Port Klang in Malaysia to its shipping route in June, which previously only connected Chattogram in Bangladesh and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Port Klang has replaced Colombo as Tailwind's main transshipment hub in Asia, connecting to the main shipping route between China and Europe.
Source: Vietnam Investment Review
UK: Major supermarket launches rare golden raspberries in its UK storesA major supermarket has announced it will be launching limited edition, golden raspberries across UK stores. The Scottish-grown berries will be available in selected stores for a limited window, while crop lasts. The rare summer fruit will hit Asda's shelves from July 5. The popular supermarket worked with grower partners Bruce Farms and supplier Scotty Brand to bring this unique variety to the shop floors.
Geoff Bruce, director at Bruce Farms, said: "The golden raspberries have been a real passion project for us and it's exciting to be at the forefront of introducing something new to the Scottish soft fruit sector. As growers, we're always looking for ways to innovate and explore different varieties that not only thrive in our climate but also offer a unique selling point for customers."
Source: TheSun
The Netherlands: Ahold Delhaize shares jump on stronger-than-expected Q1 sales Ahold Delhaize NV reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter sales on Wednesday, supported by solid results across its U.S. and European markets and the addition of Romanian retailer Profi to its portfolio. The Dutch retailer's shares popped nearly 4% in Amsterdam after the results.
In the U.S., which accounts for over half of the group's revenue, comparable sales rose 3.1%, outpacing analyst expectations of 1.9%. Growth was driven by increased demand in online and pharmacy segments. European sales were also robust, rising 3.7% compared to the 2.4% forecast, helped by strong volume growth and the March acquisition of Profi.
Source: Investing.com
Ireland: Four Offaly SPAR stores receive accoladeFour Offaly SPAR stores were honoured at the 2025 SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme for achieving exceptional standards in retailing, which was held in Killashee Hotel, in Naas in Co Kildare, and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the SPAR brand in Ireland.
This year's SPAR 365 Awards, held in association with independent bodies Solution Management Associates (SMA) and Lloyds Register Quality Assurance LRQA, recognise those SPAR stores who have excelled during the year across all areas of store. In winning these awards, the SPAR stores were independently assessed across a range of criteria including customer service through SMA as well as a robust Food Safety and Hygiene audit conducted by LRQA.
Source: Offaly Independent
Mexico: Mini-grocer format sees growing sales in MexicoWalmart's big-box stores in Mexico are suffering from flat sales, but at the global retail giant's mini-grocer format, called Bodega Aurrera Express, sales are now growing at 12 percent a year. Bodega Aurrera Express stores look like oversized versions of mom-and-pop shops, with products stacked high against the walls and images of Bodega Aurrera's mascot Mama Lucha, a chubby cartoon homemaker dressed like a masked wrestler, who fights for the best prices. The stores average about one-thirtieth of the selling space of a Walmart Supercenter.
Source: Wall Street Journal
India: New study warns of major factor driving up prices for everyday groceries
A recent study claims food inflation is being driven by climate instability, according to the Hindu BusinessLine. The Reserve Bank of India has published new data that claims food prices account for 45.86% of retail inflation in the country. The Bank encouraged farmers to adopt weather-resistant strains of crops to avoid drops in yield and increased price volatility.
"Empirical results suggest that weather anomalies affect vegetable prices, with temperature anomalies having a more immediate impact," the study stated. "The impact of temperature anomalies has increased in recent periods, highlighting the need for faster adoption of temperature-resistant crop varieties to support price stability."
Suorce: The Cooldown
US: H-E-B is helping the community hit by floods in San AntonioH-E-B, the San Antonio-based supermarket chain, is preparing to help the Kerrville community after the July 4 floods that claimed the lives of dozens of people. "As part of our initial outreach there, we are working closely with the Red Cross, local officials, and first responders to support their needs," H-E-B said in a post on Instagram. "Additionally, we have sent aid to support efforts in San Angelo."
Source: The Dallas Morning News
US: Kroger closes 60 supermarkets While many retailers seemed to be suffering under the strain of Trump's new tariffs, one type of store that seemed to be, if not impervious, a lot safer that most, is grocery stores and supermarket chains, after all, people still have to eat, and it is hard to break the pattern of which supermarket to go to after years of routine. But it seems like consumers are being forced to change these consumer habits, and quickly, as their pockets get more and more empty and are forced to choose more affordable, even if they are less convenient options.
That is making some of the least stable chains close down locations, and one of the most unexpected ones is Kroger. With more than 1,200 stores nationwide, the closings that have been announced will not really have a massive impact on its footprint, just 60 supermarkets have been scheduled to close their doors, which makes approximately 5% of its inventory.
Source: Blanquivioletas
US: Safeway workers end 3-week strike after union, grocer reach tentative contract agreementSafeway workers ended their roughly three-week strike Saturday after their union and the grocer reached a tentative contract agreement that union leaders say includes increased benefits and pay. United Food & Commercial Workers Local 7, which represents Safeway workers, said the contract must still be ratified by its members. "The company has agreed to terminate all temporary replacement workers," the union said in a statement. "All striking workers are guaranteed to be returned to their same position, classification, seniority and hire date."
Source: Colorado Sun
US: Costco is extending its exclusive hours for executive membersCostco has implemented major changes that will benefit its most exclusive members, the Executive Members, who hold the highest level of subscription in the chain. Costco has proposed that its most exclusive users get early access to the store on weekends, more monthly bonuses for purchases, and additional benefits on top of those already in place. This is how they plan to keep their most committed shoppers and encourage others to upgrade their membership.
Now, with more than 78 million member households in the United States, the company wants to make the difference between membership tiers even clearer and justify the price of its premium membership.
Source: Union Rayo