UK retail spending bounced back in June, trade body says
The British Retail Consortium - whose members are mostly larger stores - said spending was 3.1% higher in cash terms than a year earlier, up from a 1.0% annual increase in May and the second-biggest rise this year. The BRC said higher retail spending partly reflected higher food prices. Spending at supermarkets rose by an annual 4.1% compared with a 2.2% rise for non-food stores.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Finland: Kesko reports 3.4% sales growth in H1 2025
Finnish retailer Kesko Group has reported 3.4% growth in sales in the first half of its financial year to €6.2bln. The retail group's grocery trade division generated sales worth €3.1bln, representing a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the first half of 2024.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Kenya: Uchumi Supermarket faces liquidation as recovery plan struggles
Kenya's former retail giant Uchumi Supermarket is facing legal and financial headwinds as it plans to bounce back from liquidation. As of now, the retailer owes Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), United Bank of Africa (UBA), Co-operative Bank, Kenya Development Corporations (KDC), and the Government of Kenya (GoK) Sh2.9bln.
Source: capitalfm.co.ke
Outcome of AGRI MEPs vote: A devastating strike to the Single Market for both consumers and farmers
EuroCommerce reported: "EuroCommerce is deeply concerned by the position adopted by the European Parliament Agriculture Committee on cross-border enforcement of rules on unfair trading practices (UTPs). The 2019 Directive on UTPs set out minimum EU rules to protect farmers and SME suppliers in the agri-food chain".
Source: eurocommerce.eu
UK: Aldi to donate over one million meals during summer holidays
Aldi has revealed that it expects to donate more than one million meals to those in need during the upcoming summer holidays. Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: "We are proud to continue supporting incredible causes across the country this summer, helping to provide fresh, wholesome food to those who need it most".
Source: kamcity.com
DESPAR Italia launches biodiversity project focusing on beehives
As part of DESPAR Italia's sustainability goals, the retail consortium launched the "Case delle Api DESPAR" (DESPAR Beehives) initiative, which will see 35 beehives planted across seven locations.
Source: spar-international.com
UK: Government launches 'Good Food Cycle' - backed by Sainsbury's to help families thrive
Sainsbury's reported: "The Government announced its new initiative, the 'Good Food Cycle'. As a member of the Government's Food Strategy Advisory Board and the sole retailer involved, Sainsbury's CEO, Simon Roberts, reaffirmed our commitment to building a resilient food system and outlined what's needed to turn this shared ambition into a lasting and meaningful reality for all".
Source: about.sainsburys.co.uk
US: Kroger names new leader of consolidated Dallas and Houston divisions
The Kroger Co. has revealed that it's consolidating the president roles of its Dallas and Houston divisions into a single executive position. Rudy DiPietro, currently president of the Dallas division, has been named president of Kroger's newly formed Texas division, effective August 1.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Sprouts Farmers Market on pace for slew of openings before end of '25
Sprouts Farmers Market set a course to open 35 new stores in 2025 and is well on its way. The specialty grocer is hiring mode for locations expected to be up and running over the next several weeks in Texas, Nevada, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: KeHE Distributors® nominated 2024 Vendor of the Year in Fresh
KeHE Distributors reported: "KeHE Distributors is proud to announce its nomination for the highly esteemed Vendor of the Year award in the Deli department by the Safeway Northern California Division. This nomination recognizes KeHE's commitment to excellence, innovation, and outstanding service in the Fresh category".
Source: kehe.com
Aldi US names new COOAldi U.S. has promoted longtime executive Karla Waddleton to be its next chief operating officer, Waddleton announced on LinkedIn. Waddleton is stepping into the role that Atty McGrath will be leaving when she takes the helm as CEO of Aldi U.S. from Jason Hart, who is set to become group COO of Aldi South in Austria on September 1.
Source: grocerydive.com
US: Yesway accelerates growth with four new Allsup's stores in Oklahoma and New Mexico
Yesway reported: "Yesway continues its dynamic growth trajectory with the opening of four new-to-industry Allsup's stores in the second quarter of 2025. These latest additions further solidify Yesway's footprint in the high-growth states of Oklahoma and New Mexico".
Source: prnewswire.com
US: A high-tech method for moving produce
Merchandising technologies are rapidly evolving and becoming more valuable tools for efficiently managing retail produce operations. "Technology is worth its weight in gold", said Anthony Totta, founder of FreshXperts, a Parkville, Missouri-based consortium of consultants for the North American fresh produce industry. "It is essential to have the necessary systems in place".
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Albertsons Companies, Inc. reports first quarter fiscal 2025 results
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (the "Company") reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which ended June 14, 2025. First quarter of fiscal 2025 highlights: Identical sales increased 2.8%; digital sales increased 25%; loyalty members increased 14% to 47.3mln; net income of $236mln, or $0.41 per share; adjusted net income of $319mln, or $0.55 per share; adjusted EBITDA of $1,111mln.
Source: businesswire.com
FMI report: Amid uncertainty, food industry succeeds in offering shoppers value
FMI reported: "FMI - The Food Industry Association, releases its signature research, The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025, which reveals how the industry is evolving into a modern grocery experience while navigating a complex operating environment. The analysis highlights successful strategies across the sector and offers a deeper exploration of how food retailers and suppliers are adapting their businesses".
Source: fmi.org