UK: Morrisons to close 145 sites in major shake-up
Morrisons has confirmed that 145 sites across the UK will close in 2025 as part of a sweeping operational overhaul. The closures include 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, over 50 cafés, 13 florists, four pharmacies, and all 18 Market. read more

In recent years, there has been a growing demand to reduce the use of chemicals for weeding orchards. This shift is a result of EU guidelines moving towards more sustainable practices, as well as major retail chains imposing strict limitations on herbicide usage. While it is feasible to successfully eliminate weeds through mechanical means, the appropriate... read more

Jason Te Brake, the chief executive of kiwifruit marketer Zespri, has stated that in-store sampling at Tesco and Sainsbury’s has contributed to a significant increase in sales during the spring and summer in the UK. read more

Belgium: OKay Supermarkets Welcome Bon'Ap Shop-In-Shops

Belgian grocery retailer Colruyt has announced that four former Comarkt stores in East and West Flanders will reopen as OKay supermarkets, each featuring a new Bon'Ap department. This 'shop-in-shop' concept launched in Machelen (Zulte) on 5 read more

Banana workers in Costa Rica have received compensation payments as a result of a complaint filed by Oxfam Germany and the Costa Rican trade union SITRAP under the German Supply Chain Law. The complaint addressed alleged violations of labor rights at a banana supplier for Aldi in Costa Rica, including. read more

Agrico Ukraine has successfully accomplished its objective of making Agrico potato varieties available to Ukrainian consumers, after starting efforts in 2018. The company's potato varieties Ranomi and Alouette are now sold in three of Ukraine's largest retail chains: Silpo, Novus, and Metro. read more

The retailer's own brand drives overall consumption, but even more so for organic products. While private labels represent 30% of sales in large-scale retail, for organic products, the share jumps to 47%. This is one of the data points reported in the Bio Focus Bank-Supermarkets & Specialized Stores 2025. The recovery of stores read more

UK: Employers collaborate with the government to address health issues and maintain employment in Britain.Emma Taylor, Chief People Officer, Tesco: "As the UK's largest private sector employer, we contribute to job creation and local communities nationwide. We understand that quality employment not only benefits our... read more

Maccio Capatonda, actor, comedian, and director among the most beloved faces of Italian humor, will be a special guest at Forum Retail 2025, the leading event for the Italian and international retail community. read more

We recently launched BOB in France, a friendly and interactive robot designed by Fresh Del Monte to enhance the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets. This initiative is currently taking place at Intermarché Gif-sur-Yvette and includes a vibrant setup with premium exotic fruits. read more

Fresh Del Monte has launched Bob, a friendly and interactive robot designed to animate the fruit and vegetable department of the supermarket. The activation at the Intermarché store in Gif-sur-Yvette, France, is enjoying great success. The goal is to expand this initiative. read more

The UK supermarket chain Asda is being sued for infringing on plant breeders' rights (PBR) due to the sale of its Tang Gold (also known as Tango) mandarin variety. Nador Cott Protection SAS alleges that this variety is derived from its protected Nadorcott variety. The lawsuit revolves around the genetic relationship between the two varieties. read more

A proposal to ban retailers in Wales from selling fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic has prompted warnings that the move could lead to higher food waste and household costs. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies responded to a call from independent Senedd member Rhys ab Owen, who urged read more

Kilian De Geyter has been traveling with his consultancy company FreshCon for over a year and a half. The seasoned retail professional made the decision in early 2024, after 12 years at Aldi, to bid farewell and start a new adventure on his own. He has no regrets about it. "The first read more

Enza Zaden's sweet mini conical pepper marks a turning point in the retail sector with its seedless peppers. This consumer-driven innovation has the potential to double the market value of the category. read more

Market conditions in terms of consumption and retail sales seem to have stabilized, with strong demand observed for packing-quality material. Prices have also leveled off. However, demand for the bagging and peeling trade is weak due to an excess of potatoes from the previous season, but this situation is expected to improve now. read more

The vegetable export season in the Spanish province of Almeria is picking up pace as the supply increases, and European retailers are almost exclusively focused on their Spanish programs. In this scenario, attention is once again on Thrips parvispinus due to its impact on pepper production. read more

The data released by Istat regarding retail sales in September show a slight year-on-year increase in value of +0.5%, accompanied by a decrease in volume of -1.4%. In September, a negative trend in consumption is confirmed, particularly in the retail sector. read more

Lidl Italy announces that Massimiliano Silvestri, after 24 years in the company, the last 6 of which as CEO, has resigned to pursue new personal and professional challenges. read more

SPAR supermarket in Heverlee, Belgium underwent modernization. The updated store now features various new developments and innovations, such as a diverse and fresh assortment of fruits and vegetables, along with freshly baked bread rolls, baguettes, and other breads available daily. read more