Philippines: DA plans to add more Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it plans to increase Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila for residents to purchase high-quality and more affordable agricultural products as the prices of basic commodities rise. An online marketing platform called E-Kadiwa has also been set up, through which "sellers will be allowed to sell their agriculture products, including vegetables, rice and fruits at the suggested retail prices", the agriculture department said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
Woolworths posts tepid annual profit, weak start to 2023
Retailer Woolworths Group posted a nearly flat annual profit, and said supply chain snarls and team absenteeism have dented sales of its key Australian Food business at the start of the new fiscal year. Shares of Australia's largest supermarket chain fell 4% to A$35.92, against a 0.5% gain on the broader market. Total sales at Australian Food segment for the first eight weeks of fiscal 2023 were down 0.5% from last year. Sales in its New Zealand Food segment were down 1% during the same period. The company posted annual net profit after tax from continuing operations, excluding items, of A$1.51bln ($1.04bln), compared with A$1.50bln a year ago.
Source: reuters.com
UK: Lidl to sell misshapen drought-affected vegetables
The supermarket Lidl plans to sell misshapen vegetables that are affected by England's recent drought in an effort to support British farmers. It will also encourage other supermarkets to follow suit in selling "stunted crops". British farmers, who supply most of Lidl's fresh veg, have been hit hard by the recent hot and dry weather which has dramatically lowered yields. As a result, fruit and vegetables on the shelves will be smaller and look different, although they will taste the same. Potatoes, onions, carrots, apples and Brussels sprouts are likely to be worst-affected, experts say.
Source: bbc.com
Indonesia: Traveloka to close e-grocery service after 6 months
Traveloka, an Indonesia-based online travel firm, will soon close Traveloka Mart, its e-grocery service, after operating only for six months. Traveloka Mart was part of the company’s diversification efforts when Covid-19 significantly impacted the travel industry, as various ecommerce firms also made their e-grocery moves. The service provides a variety of products ranging from frozen foods, fruits, and vegetables to stationery and personal care products.
Source: techinasia.com
Kaufland Bulgaria buys Sofia central market hall for 18 mln euro - report
The Bulgarian unit of German supermarket chain Kaufland acquired Sofia's central market hall Tsentralni Hali for 34.8mln levs ($17.7mln/17.8mln euro), in preparation to opening a new store within months, business daily Capital reported. Kaufland Bulgaria took over the 3,435 square metre building and the 0.7 ha land plot from its former owner, Israeli company Ashtrom, at the end of July, Capital said without citing the sources of its information.
Source: seenews.com
Egypt: Ezdehar acquires 60% of Zahran Market
Ezdehar Private Equity Fund acquired a 60% stake in the Zahran Market Chain, with the Egyptian Exchange witnessing the implementation of an OTC deal on Zahran Market shares worth EGP 273mln that Beltone Securities brokered. Zahran Market was established in 1987 in Alexandria and was the first to open supermarket branches in the North Coast. Currently, Zahran Market has 16 branches in seven different governorates across the country.
Source: dailynewsegypt.com
UK: Asda announces major change to help customers reduce food waste and save money
Asda has announced plans to remove the best before dates on almost 250 of its fresh fruit & vegetable products to help customers reduce food waste and save money. From 1st September, the supermarket will remove the dates from a host of packaged fruit and vegetable products including citrus fruits, potatoes, cauliflowers and carrots, across all of its UK stores.
Source: corporate.asda.com
Romania’s consumer protection agency fines 265 Lidl stores for selling expired food, other irregularities
Romania’s National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) sanctioned 265 Lidl stores with fines totalling over RON3.5mln (some EUR 717,000) and closed some of them for several irregularities. For example, the inspectors found expired food, insects on pastry products and inside the baking spaces, mouldy fruits and vegetables, and other hygiene problems.
Source: romania-insider.com
New Zealand: Costco boss says Auckland store could be the 'first of many'
Costco managing director Patrick Noone told Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern he hoped the global retailer’s new Auckland store would be the “first of many”. Ardern visited the store for a tour of its grounds with Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark. Clark said Costco setting up was an example of the kind of competition that was needed in the grocery sector. “Here is a company that is interested in coming in and providing competition in the market”, Clark said.
Source: stuff.co.nz
Publix named on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers by State 2022 list
Publix has been recognized on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers by State list for the fourth year in a row, this year ranked No. 3 in South Carolina. The company also ranked No. 28 in Florida, No. 26 in Georgia, No. 23 in North Carolina, No. 20 in Tennessee and No. 19 in Alabama. To read more about Publix’s ranking and see America’s Best-In-State Employers list, visit forbes.com/best-employers-by-state.
Source: businesswire.com
US: FreshDirect is leaving the Philadelphia area
FreshDirect, the online grocer based in New York, has announced it is leaving the Philadelphia market after a decade of serving the city. The company, in an undated August blog post, said it will be leaving Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to focus on its home markets around New York City.
Source: inquirer.com
Ahold Delhaize USA announces leadership transitions at The GIANT Company
Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Nicholas Bertram, Brand President of The GIANT Company, will leave the organization on August 31 2022, to pursue new opportunities. Upon Nick’s transition, John Ruane has been appointed interim president.
Source: aholddelhaize.com