New Zealand: Foodstuffs’ inflation fight for customers - stores keep grocery price increases below FPI for fifth consecutive month 
“Global food growers, makers and retailers are facing the most complex set of headwinds in decades, which is continuing to impact supply and push up prices”, says Foodstuffs NZ Managing Director Chris Quin. Supplier cost increases to Foodstuffs on the FPI basket of goods outstripped inflation this month. The biggest increases were in grocery, followed by fruit and vegetables.
Source: foodstuffs.co.nz
S&P Global revises Esselunga outlook to negative on inflation concerns
S&P Global Ratings said it had revised its outlook on Esselunga, one of Italy's biggest supermarket chains, to 'negative' from 'stable' after cost inflation hit its profitability more than expected.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Marrows Fruit and Veg in Nailsworth closes due to cost of living and Brexit
A fruit and veg business has closed down after five years of trading. Marrows Fruit and Veg which was based in the Mills Estate in Nailsworth has been providing food to schools, pubs and restaurants. They said in a statement on Facebook that they were ‘heartbroken’ but said it was no longer viable to keep trading due to "Covid, the cost of living, importing, rising cost of produce and Brexit".
Source: stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk
Czech Republic: Albert tests waste-free store in Prague
The Albert supermarket chain is already thinking about the management of food residues and is using some of its unsold products in new ways. “The road to zero food waste is a complex puzzle of activities. Especially fresh, unpackaged food spoils quickly or is not sold in time”, warns communications director Jiří Mareček.
Source: praguemorning.cz
Big C, Thai leading shopping center launches marketing campaign to welcome foreign tourists
Mr. Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer & President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited and Big C Supercenter Public Company Limited., said that "Big C Ratchadamri located in the heart of the city and well-liked by tourists offers a unique shopping experience to everyone. We are to exhibit more Thai products on our shelves with new design of products that comprise more than 1,000 OTOP or One Tambon One Product items. Highlight on the list of Thai products are: durian, mangosteen, crispy vegetables, and fruits as well as ready-made ingredients such as pad thai, curry, instant noodles including snacks and beverages from Thai brands to meet the needs of foreign customers who are looking for products for consumption and to bring back as souvenirs".
Source: en.prnasia.com
UK: Piccolo lands listing in IKEA due to new partnership with wholesaler Bidfood
Beginning October 2022, parents can pick up a free Piccolo pouch with every purchased meal in IKEA stores nationwide, offering parents a range of organic pouches spanning a variety of textures, flavours and dietary requirements. IKEA will now stock a variety of Stage 1 (4months+) and Stage 2 (7months+) pouches. Stage 1: Organic Carrot, Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash 100g, Organic Pear, Apple & Spring Greens 100g, Organic Courgette, Pea & Leek 100g, Organic Sweet Potato, Apple, Pear & Beetroot 100g. Stage 2: Organic Garden Vegetable Three Grain Risotto 130g, Organic Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese 130g, Organic Tomato & Mozzarella Spaghetti 130g, Organic Sweet Potato & Meatballs 130g.
Source: retailtimes.co.uk
Packaged fresh fruits market to see 5.5% CAGR to 2031, study finds
The packaged fresh fruits market is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2021 and 2031, to be valued at $19.8bln (€20.4bln) at the start of the next decade, according to Fact.MR. According to the research firm, the organic packaged fresh fruits segment is likely to grow faster than the overall market, at a CAGR of 7.5% over the period. Conventional packaged fresh fruits accounted for 73.1% of the market in 2021, with packaged fresh pineapples alone accounting for 21.2% due to their wide range of applications within the food industry.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ice cream on the produce page? Here’s FreshDirect’s cross-merchandising strategy
Online-only grocer FreshDirect is merchandising Frutero ice cream on its produce pages - with notable success. Leveraging search terms and SEO has been key to the strategy. “Pineapple”, an ice cream flavor co-developed by the two partners, has brought in an 18.9% increase in first-time category shoppers and a 57.7% increase in customers new to Frutero.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Dollar General with fresh produce and frozen meat opens in Winchester
A new Dollar General sprouted up in Winchester at 850 Old Route 36. City officials said it’s not an ordinary Dollar General, with its fresh produce and meat section making it one of the largest Dollar Generals, or DG Markets in the nation. “It’s like a Walmart for a small town”, said Mayor Rex McIntire.
Source: wgem.com
US: Cardenas Markets preps for 5 California store openings
Cardenas Markets has revealed that grand-opening event planning is well underway for five of its recently acquired store locations in San Bernardino, Perris, Riverside, Fontana and Chino, California. Festivities for these locations that previously operated under the Rio Ranch Market banner will take place on the following dates: October 12: Cardenas Markets in San Bernardino, 25745 Base Line Street. October 19: Cardenas Markets in Perris, 460 East 4th Street. October 19 Cardenas Markets in Riverside, 9001 Mission Boulevard. October 26: Cardenas Markets in Fontana, 116747 Cherry Avenue. October 26: Cardenas Markets in Chino, 5832 Riverside Drive.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Let Edible put in the work this Boss's Day
Edible® reported: "No World's Best Boss mug here. This Boss's Day, October 18, Edible®, the world's largest franchisor of stores offering fresh fruit snacks, dipped treats, and fruit has something sweeter - and it's not the kind of treat your boss will have to go to the breakroom to share. This year, the brand is honoring Boss's Day with specials all week long".
Source: prnewswire.com
Blue Apron meal kits now sold on Amazon.com
Blue Apron is now offering meal kits without a subscription in the U.S. Amazon store. This is a continued expansion of the company’s third-party channel strategy to increase exposure to a wider pool of potential customers outside of its ecosystem.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: ALDI cuts prices on top grocery items ahead of busy holiday season
ALDI reported: "Even more unbelievable savings are coming early this year at ALDI. As Americans start making plans to entertain at home, ALDI announces they will be dropping prices on dozens of top-selling items, including fresh and frozen vegetables, baking ingredients, ground beef, bacon and cheese" (Retails may vary by store location).
Source: corporate.aldi.us