Ireland: M&S 'Farm to Foodhall' continues with Co. Dublin tomato farmers
M&S reported: "M&S Food is proud to announce the next phase of its 'Farm to Foodhall' campaign, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to sourcing fresh, higher quality Irish produce directly from dedicated local farmers. This latest instalment introduces Co. Dublin based tomato farmers, the Foley brothers of Kilbush Nurseries, who supply M&S with their delicious Irish tomatoes, bringing even more trusted quality Irish ingredients to their Foodhalls across the country".
Source: retailnews.ie
Avocado alert as Tesco and Sainsbury's staple fruit future in doubt says study
The fruit is a popular choice at supermarkets in Britain such as Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose and Asda. The Curtin University research team found that insect communities in avocado orchards next to native remnant vegetation foraged on more than twice as many plant species at times when crop flowering was limited, compared to those in orchards bordered by pasture.
Source: getsurrey.co.uk
Spain: Food waste company aims for €6.5mln in end-of-year revenue
Five years after its initial launch, Talkual, a company from the central Catalonia town of Bellpuig, in the Urgell county, continues to grow. The firm, which gives a second chance to products rejected by large retailers for aesthetic reasons, is expected to reach €6.5mln in revenue by the end of this year, compared to the €4.8mln they made last year. What started with just two founders, Oriol Adòma and Marc Ibós, is now home to 45 employees. "These have been five very intense years", Adòma told Catalan News Agency (ACN). "The idea really clicked, and people like the concept of rescuing fruit that doesn't fit the market due to aesthetic reasons". He also stated that they estimate to have helped give a second life to more than 4mln kilos of fruit and vegetables over these years.
Source: catalannews.com
UK: Melon mania has LANDED!
Marks & Spencer reported: "If you weren't already craving a refreshing fruity snack, you will be when you see the front of your local store! Alongside returning favourites like our crisp and juicy Baby Watermelon, sweet Galia, refreshing Honeydew, and flavour-packed Piel de Sapo to the first to the UK Waikiki melon, melon mania has LANDED! Find it in your local M&S Foodhall now!"
Source: facebook.com/MarksandSpencer
Australia: Hahndorf's only supermarket closes as produce rots inside
Hahndorf's only supermarket has closed without explanation leaving fruit and vegetables rotting on shelves. The mysterious closure leaves locals, including residents at the local retirement village, needing to travel 5.5km to Mount Barker for staple items.
Source: abc.net.au
It's Christmas at Tesco as the supermarket reveals 2025 food range
Tesco reported: "NEW Tesco Finest Confit Garlic Maris Piper Roast Potatoes: a modern twist on a classic. These crispy, butter-roasted potatoes come with a whole bulb of confit garlic. Once heated, customers can squeeze the garlic over the top at the table - adding rich, aromatic flavour and a touch of festive theatre. NEW Tesco Finest Tricolour Chantenay Carrots with Wild Garlic and Blossom Honey: a first-to-market, these vibrant Chantenay carrots bring colour and elegance to the plate, paired with a bold wild garlic butter and a sticky blossom honey glaze".
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
UK: M&S says thank you to customers and colleagues for extraordinary support and loyaltyM&S reported: "Marks & Spencer has announced its Sparks loyalty scheme is now fully back online and will feature a range of 'thank you' treats and rewards. In addition, M&S will be giving out over 1.8mln birthday treats to those celebrating their birthday this month, as well as a belated birthday treat for customers who had celebrations in May or June. Customers will be able to choose between one of two of M&S' bestselling Food products; these could include Percy Pigs or a Swiss Truffle Assortment Box, a Bouquet of Flowers or bottle of Prosecco, a punnet of Grapes or a packet of Outrageously Chocolatey Round Biscuits, which M&S sells over 2.6mln packs of a year".
Source: corporate.marksandspencer.com
PepsiCo exceeds expectations despite weak US sales
PepsiCo posted quarterly sales of nearly 23bln dollars (19bln euros), of which North America is still the multinational's biggest market with more than half of its sales. However, sales there grew only slightly - and even fell when adjusted for exchange rates. In the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), sales were up 8% to more than 4.5bln dollars (4bln euros).
Source: retaildetail.eu
Canada: Farm Boy plans three new locations
Three new Farm Boy stores are slated to open in Ontario. The Empire Company chain - which opened its 51st store in December - is expanding with two new locations in Ottawa and one in Collingwood. Farm Boy's new Ottawa stores will be located at 700 Terry Fox Drive in Kanata and Bank Street and Dun Skipper Road in Findlay Creek. In Collingwood, the new Farm Boy will be situated at 39 Huron Street.
Source: canadiangrocer.com
Inside the Store: Lidl US's CEO shows off the grocer's approach to efficiency
Joel Rampoldt, a former management consultant who became CEO of Lidl US in 2023, pointed to a pallet of fresh peaches as an example of the company's focus on freshness and efficiency. "Everyone will form their own opinion, but having our fresh peaches, which are in season now, in a case like this - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that", Rampoldt said as he guided a Grocery Dive reporter past a display of the fruit in a Lidl store in Chantilly, Virginia. "The consumer is not losing anything. But what we gain is enormous efficiency, and they gain on the price".
Source: grocerydive.com
Canada: Save-On-Foods to open small-format store in Metro Vancouver
Save-On-Foods is coming to Port Moody, B.C. this fall with a new, small-format supermarket. The grocer is opening a 13,000 square foot store at 221 Ioco Road. Slated to open mid-September, the new Save-On-Foods will feature a full selection of fresh produce, meat, dairy and grocery essentials alongside local favourites and exclusive Save-On-Foods signature items.
source: canadiangrocer.com
US: UNFI honors grocery retailers at 2025 Holiday and Winter Selling Show
During its inaugural Holiday and Winter Selling Show of 2025, in Las Vegas, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) recognized 11 high-performing retailers for their innovative products, programs and experiences as part of the distributor's second annual Customer Circle of Excellence Awards.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Lidl US opening a fresh new store in Bowie, MarylandLidl reported: "We're opening a new Lidl US location at 2017 St Josephs Dr., Bowie, Maryland, 20721 on Wednesday, August 13. NEW! Wednesday Weekly Deals: Our usual refresh of exciting discounts across fresh produce, pantry staples, and more - now starting on Wednesdays. New deals drop every Wednesday to keep your cart full and your wallet happy. NEW! Weekend Super Sale: Our new six sizzling items at prices so hot, they won't last long. These limited-time deals are only available Friday through Sunday - grab them before they're gone!"
Source: mediacenter.lidl.com