Alibaba is set to introduce local versions of the China online store in Europe
J. Michael Evans, president of Alibaba announced that the company plans to bring its China E-commerce products Tmall to Europe. Alibaba’s international focus has been on AliExpress where you can find products made in China and then transported into Europe. But, Evans’ suggestion is that Tmall located in Europe is geared towards the local market and selling products to shoppers in the local area.
Source: cnbc.com
Ireland: Wexford strawberry producer at the top of Lidl’s drive to create sustainable packaging
Lidl has launched the new packaging it has for its strawberry line, showing its commitment to an eco-friendly economy. One of the main suppliers that are in the middle of this is Kearns Fruit Farm based in Ballindaggin located near Enniscorthy which is located situated in Co Wexford. The packaging change is a first in the industry which will result in 9.3 tons of polymer, which is approximately 375,000 bottles being stopped from being released into the ocean during the present Irish season for strawberries. Lidl’s Deluxe Strawberries and 250g Strawberries are now 100% recyclable, and are made from minimum 30 percent Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP).
Source: independent.ie
Freshippo increases opportunities in Australia
Freshippo Alibaba Group’s latest digital intelligence-powered retailer, has just completed an efficient sourcing and networking visit to Australia with more than 40 brands to discuss future cooperation.
Source: alibabagroup.com
France holds $7bn talks on debt as Casino looks to reach a deal with the creditors
Casino and holders of the 6.4bln euros ($7bln) of debt were greeted by France’s finance minister as the struggling retailer tries to come up with a plan for its future security the future, two sources familiar with the situation confirmed.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Lincolnshire beans could be a British alternative to imports
Farmers and researchers say they believe that an agricultural crop of beans planted in Lincolnshire could be the first sign of the arrival of beans on toast that are grown at home. Up until now, it’s been virtually impossible for farmers to plant the variety of haricot used to make bake beans across the UK since they’re not compatible to the climate. However, scientists have created an idea for a plant that can allow plants to flourish after the 12-year-long project. Prof Lang from City, University of London, said that it was “very vital” that the experiment succeeded.
Source: bbc.com
Retailer Tesco states that Britain has reached the point of peak inflation.
Tesco the largest British retailer, reported “encouraging first indications” that inflation is beginning to slow across the entire market after it posted a 9 percent increase in its overall UK sales for its last quarter. The group has a greater than 27% of the British market for grocery and has reiterated its forecast for a broadly unchanged operating profits for retail which is its primary profit measurement in the current year. The company earned 2.49bln pounds ($3.18bln) in 2022/23.
Source: reuters.com
New Zealand: Cutting the GST on fresh fruits and vegetables isn’t going to help those in need. A tailored method is more effective.
Ranjana Gupta Senior Lecturer Taxation Auckland University of Technology reported: “Food prices are rising by the highest rate since the last four decades including vegetables and fruits rising by over 22% over the last year. Like many times during an economic crises, there have been requests to abolish the tax on goods and services (GST) of fresh food items. However, is this really a wise concept? If not, what other options are there to assist those who struggle to make ends meet with fruits and veggies? “.
Source: theconversation.com
Issa brothers set to auction off Asda properties that are worth PS650m in the US to US investors
The Issa brothers close to negotiating the sale of an enormous chunk of the Asda real estate empire to an US investor for a price that is worth PS650mln. The billionaires siblings Mohsin Issa and Zuber Issa – who bought the retailer in 2020 – are aiming for selling the Asda portfolio to ease the company’s massive amount of debt despite rising interest rates. According to an React News report React News, a New York-based investor called Realty Income Corporation is said that it is nearing a buyout of approximately 25 Asda stores that are leased for as long as 20 years.
Source: grocerygazette.co.uk
US: Bashas’ names new president
Bashas”has promoted its CEO to president during the grand opening celebration that was also a celebration of the new headquarters located in Chandler, Arizona. Steve Mayer has been named the president of Bashas’ Operating Company. In his new job as president, he’ll oversee the Bashas company throughout Arizona as well as New Mexico, including all stores and distribution centers and the sales and marketing department.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US Kroger posts 1Q1’s sales growth
For the three-month period ending on May 20th, net sales reached $45.17bln which was up 1.3 percent from $44.6bln one year ago the Kroger, a Cincinnati-based company Kroger announced. This was a boost from the 8% increase during the quarter ending in fiscal 2022. With gasoline excluded, sales for the period 2023 grew 3.5 percentage. This quarter saw Kroger extend its End-to Ended Fresh Produce program to 1 738 locations that have been certified by the company Kroger said helped in ID the growth in sales.
Source: winsightgrocerybusiness.com
US: Walmart opens largest fulfillment center in Indiana
Walmart LLC. opened its largest fulfillment center in the city of Indianapolis. The newly-built 2.2mln-square-foot fulfillment center is located 20 miles north of the city and is located at 5259 West 500 N. in McCordsville. The next-generation facility will allow the retailer to fill many orders more efficiently.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Tropical Acai announces a new partnership with Dot Foods
Tropical Acai has revealed an exciting collaboration in partnership with Dot Foods, North America’s largest food industry distributor. Tropical Acai has now firmly gained a well-deserved name for growing and providing the highest quality Acai. The family-owned, wholesale distributor, and bulk seller of organic 100% GMO-free Acai and Pitaya and Pitaya, is further evidence of the rising need for their shelf-stable and frozen items.
Source: prnewswire.com
Ahold Delhaize America CIO departing from company
Rom Kosla, the EVP, IT, and CIO at Ahold Delhaize USA Rom Kosla is expected to depart the company in order to be CIO of Houston-based edge-to-cloud firm Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HBE) on July.
Source: progressivegrocer.com