News and Trends

The Grocer, By  George Nott ,  Steve Farrell | 19 January 2022 Source: Aldi Aldi has ended its relationship with Deliveroo, today removing 130 stores nationwide from the platform.  The discounter first partnered with the courier business  in May  2020, and rolled out the service to 20 stores in London, Greater Manchester, Cambridge and the Midlands. The number of participating stores had more than doubled by the end of that year, and continued to rise through last year.  Customers living within a 6km radius of the participating stores could choose from about 400 essential Aldi grocery items, which were picked and packed by store staff. The service came with a £4.99 delivery charge and a mark-up on shelf prices.  But a return to more normal shopping patterns has seen demand for the service fall away, The Grocer understands.  The Grocer approached Aldi for comment after spotting several of its stores had disappeared from the platform.  “We have...

Namnews, 20th January 2022 2021 saw many major challenges for logistics and supply chain professionals. With capacity constraints, e-commerce growth and driver shortages creating dilemmas for many as well as the increased focus from the industry on the environment and machine learning, it was a year that was definitely not without its tests. While reflecting on some of the ways the industry sought to overcome these challenges, Chris Jones, Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group, takes a look at what to look out for in 2022. Global supply chains will be busy, congested, and chaotic The challenges facing global supply chains show no signs of slowing down, with UK businesses left to navigate the complexities of Brexit and the subsequent delays to their operations, alongside the extra administrative burdens. Whilst some of the uncertainties surrounding the transition are beginning to ease, many firms remain concerned about how delays could impact their...

Namnews, 20th January 2022 Pilgrim’s Food Masters, the former Kerry business that owns brands including Richmond and Fridge Raiders, is forecasting strong growth for the plant-based category, expecting it to be worth £998m by 2026 – a 74% increase over the next four years. An explosion of growth in the plant-based category over the last few years means it is currently worth £572m. Research shows that demand is predominantly being driven by flexitarians: 43.7% of UK shoppers consider themselves to be following a flexitarian diet compared to 2% following a vegan diet and 5.2% a vegetarian diet. Pilgrim’s Food Masters is predicting that in the next two years even more consumers will opt to moderate their meat consumption. Veganuary is a key selling occasion for the plant-based category. In 2021 more than half a million shoppers signed up to Veganuary. And the impact is long-term with only 10% who took part intending to return to their original diet. This presents a clear opportunity for r...

Namnews, 20th January 2022 A.F. Blakemore saw strong performance over the Christmas period with sales climbing 18% during the four weeks to 2 January 2022. The wholesaler and distributor stated that effective planning and additional capacity generated from its new, purpose-built distribution centre in Bedford had meant it was well-positioned to meet strong customer demand. Chairman Peter Blakemore commented: “Much of the sector had forecast a challenging operating period with predictions of supply chain failures impacting availability and the ongoing Covid pandemic affecting staffing levels. Without doubt Covid continues to impede colleague availability, however by investing and putting importance on our people capability, it has enabled us to continue to operate as normal despite Covid related absenteeism, which were similar to peak pandemic levels.” He added: “Christmas stock management required tactical stock builds, centralisation of supply and backhaul for our suppliers; but i...

Namnews, 20th January 2022 IGD has revealed what it regards as the ‘must-see’ grocery stores that are pushing boundaries and moving the industry forward. Its new study – Top stores to visit in 2022 – highlights how retailers continue to invest in their physical estate to create shopper destinations that compete with rival stores and the expanding online and quick commerce channels. Laura Jacobson, Head of UK Retail Analysis at IGD, commented: “Shopper behaviour and priorities have evolved quickly since the emergence of Covid-19 and retailers have reacted by creating store experiences that stand out. “From hydroponic herb greenhouses and walkout payment technology, to restaurant meals and refill stations, we are seeing some really exciting new concepts and opportunities that drive footfall and spend.” The list features 60 global stores, selected from the world’s new store launches and refits, reviewed and ranked against five themes from IGD’s Store of the Future model: Exciting and expe...

Namnews, 25th January 2022 Restaurant chain Carluccio’s will be rolling out its own product range in 300 Sainsbury’s stores this week. The 16-strong fresh offer includes chilled pizzas, pastas and sauces that use authentic Italian recipes and ingredients. Six ready meal options include Beef and Chianti Lasagne for two, Roasted Mushroom Tagliatelle for one, plus an array of 12-inch pizzas from Margherita to Prosciutto Crudo & Mozzarella. In collaboration with Italian pasta brand Bertangi, the range also includes three fresh pasta variations; Ravioli, Mezzelune and Girasoli, and two stir-in sauce options. Phil Neale, Marketing and Communications Director at brand owner Boparan Restaurant Group commented: “From listening to customers, we know people would like to access our brands more regularly as part of their eating-at-home occasions, and this brand new fresh range from Carluccio’s allows us to bring them high-quality dishes inspired by our restaurants into their own home kitchens....

Namnews, 25th January 2022 Booker is introducing a delivery fee for retailers in the convenience sector to offset rising costs. From 28 February, members of its Premier and Family Shopper symbol chains will be charged £29.95 for each delivery. The fee for all other retail customers will be £34.95. Budgens and Londis stores are unaffected. The Tesco-owned wholesaler stated that it was a transparent fixed cost and will not fluctuate, regardless of the size of the order. Its minimum drop of £1,000, excluding tobacco, still applies. The introduction of the charge is said to be due to increasing driver costs and growing charges for vehicles, fuel and equipment, as well as the challenges posed by Covid-19. Following a review, Booker said it had no option but to introduce a delivery fee to provide a sustainable delivery service to all retailers. A spokesperson for the wholesaler commented: “We take these changes very seriously and regrettably have been forced to take this difficult decision d...