Qatar cuts Sainsbury’s stake to end near two-decade reign as top shareholder
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund plans to reduce its stake in Britain’s second-largest supermarket group Sainsbury’s by nearly 4%, a term sheet showed, ending its near-two-decade reign as top shareholder in the chain.
Source: reuters.com
Colruyt closes last five French stores
The chain will close its last five French stores (in Carling, Faulquemont, Masevaux-Niederbruck, Montchanin and Sens) due to a lack of interest from buyers, French news medium LSA reports.
Source: retaildetail.eu
UK shop inflation cooled in November but prices likely to rise in 2026, BRC says
British store chains last month reported lower inflation in the run up to Black Friday sales but higher costs in 2026 mean retailers might struggle to keep inflation on its downward path, the British Retail Consortium said. Annual shop price inflation of 0.6% in the 12 months to November followed a 1% rise in the 12 months to October, the BRC said. Food inflation fell to 3% in November from 3.7%, with fresh food prices dropping by the most since December 2020, although prices for other items including oils, and meats and fish continued to accelerate as producers passed on higher costs to consumers.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Asda updates on ESG performance
Asda reported: “Asda has published its fifth Environmental, Social and Governance Report, updating on the progress made towards its ESG targets last year. In 2024, Asda achieved full Leaf Marque certification across its UK fresh produce growers, covering over 500 – marking a major step forward in supporting sustainable farming and in improving water, biodiversity, and soil outcomes on Asda fresh produce farms”.
Source: corporate.asda.com
Rumors about Carrefour’s exit from Belgium are growing
According to business newspapers De Tijd and L’Echo, Carrefour is reviewing its Belgian operations with a view to a possible sale. Rumors that the retailer wants to focus on its three core markets of France, Spain, and Brazil have been circulating for several months.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Health as a lifestyle: Why fruit & veg are set to lead UK grocery in 2026
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) reported: “Health isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s becoming a defining lifestyle choice for UK shoppers. And as we head into 2026, all signs point to fruit and vegetables taking centre stage in a retail landscape shaped by wellbeing, value and simplicity”.
Source: fpcfreshtalkdaily.co.uk
METRO AG Supervisory Board extends contracts of Management Board until 2030
METRO AG reported: “The Supervisory Board of METRO AG has extended the contracts of Dr. Steffen Greubel, CEO METRO AG, Christiane Giesen, COO and Labour Director METRO AG, Eric Riegger, CFO METRO AG and Guillaume Deruyter, Chief Customer and Merchandise Officer METRO AG ahead of schedule until 31 December 2030”.
Source: newsroom.metroag.de
At Britain’s first plant-based Michelin-star restaurant, most diners aren’t vegan
At Plates, the first vegan restaurant in Britain to earn a coveted Michelin star, the tables are packed – but not with vegans. About 95% of diners still eat meat or fish elsewhere, chef-owner Kirk Haworth says, proof that plant-based fine dining is breaking out of its niche.
Source: reuters.com
Purchasing group Concordis names Globus managing partner as president
Matthias Bruch, managing partner of Globus Holding, has been elected president of the newly formed buying alliance Concordis. The international alliance was established in July by French retailers Carrefour and Coopérative U.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Belgium: Dismantling of LDz (Louis Delhaize) group nears completion
Now that the sale of French garden chain Truffaut has been completed, the LDz group (formerly Louis Delhaize) is only waiting for approval from the Belgian competition authority for the transfer of Delfood to Delhaize.
Source: retaildetail.eu
foodora makes history in Czech Republic with Starship robot deliveries pilot including McDonald’s
foodora, an online food delivery brand owned by Delivery Hero, has notched up a first in Czechia with Starship Technologies. The pair have started testing robot delivery in the streets of District 8 of Prague, with McDonald’s onboard as a partner.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
UK: Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2025-26
Waitrose reported: “This year’s report highlights a fundamental change in how customers shop, influenced heavily by concerns over UPFs (ultra-processed foods) and the rise in GLP1 (weight loss jabs). Up: courgettes // Down: cauliflower”.
Source: johnlewispartnership.co.uk
Jumbo parent to acquire full ownership of Dutch variety retailer HEMA
The investment vehicle of the van Eerd family and owner of Jumbo, Mississippi Ventures, has agreed to acquire the remaining 50% of HEMA’s shares from Parcom Capital after five years.
Source: esmmagazine.com
US: Natural Grocers shares key trends for living well in 2026
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has revealed its Top Trends for 2026. Now in its 10th year, the forecast spotlights emerging practices and products poised to influence four key categories: Health and Wellness, Body Care and Beauty, Food and Beverage, and Ecologically Thoughtful. Food and Beverage Trends: 1. Organic is the gold standard for food quality; 2. We’ll eat quality carbs from veggies for healthspan and happiness; 3. Eating on a budget, but healthy and delicious.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: BJ’s Wholesale Club announces grand openings of three clubs
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that it will open three new clubs in December. Clubs in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Sumter, South Carolina, will open on December 12. The Casselberry, Florida, location will open on December 17.
Source: businesswire.com
US: United Natural Foods, Inc. reports first quarter fiscal 2026 results
United Natural Foods, Inc. (the “Company” or “UNFI”) reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 (13 weeks) ended November 1, 2025. First quarter fiscal 2026 performance (comparisons to first quarter fiscal 2025) Net sales decreased 0.4% to $7.8bln. Net loss of $4mln; Loss per diluted share (EPS) of $0.06.
Source: businesswire.com