Author: Dave Antrobus

Pilgrim’s Europe has significantly improved its financial performance, reporting a return to profitable growth.The company’s after-tax profits rose to £106m in 2023, up from £27m the previous year.Combined sales for the year were up by 5.5%, reaching £4.2bn.The growth was driven by a combination of easing inflation and shifting consumer preferences towards poultry and pork products.Branded sales within its £400m European portfolio showed substantial increases, particularly for Richmond and Rollover brands.Pilgrim’s Europe has marked a significant turnaround in its financial results, reporting a return to profitable growth for the fiscal year 2023, thereby aligning with pre-pandemic levels. The restructuring of…

Aldi has cemented its commitment to sustainability with a major recognition from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).The retailer has joined major UK supermarket chains in receiving validation for its emissions reduction targets.Aldi South Group commits to significant reductions in both short-term and long-term greenhouse gas emissions.Targets include a 52% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2021 baseline.The comprehensive plan aims for a 90% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, focusing on supplier collaboration and operational efficiencies.Aldi has garnered approval for its emissions reduction strategies from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), marking a significant advancement…

Tesco is launching free Career Clinics in the UK to help over 1,000 individuals gain employment skills, particularly in deprived areas.The initiative offers life skills training and guarantees interviews in Tesco’s festive recruitment drive, addressing employment barriers.Research by Social Market Foundation highlights that a significant portion of the population feels unprepared in job markets, which Tesco aims to counter.By reducing CV and testing requirements, Tesco has streamlined recruitment and fostered a diverse workforce.Tesco’s CEO advocates for government support in training opportunities, emphasising the retail sector’s potential as a major employer.Tesco is set to offer free Career Clinics across the UK,…

Sainsbury’s is taking significant steps to minimize plastic waste through innovative packaging solutions.All doughnuts and pastries will transition from plastic to cardboard and paper packaging, achieving a 90% reduction in plastic usage.Traditional plastic bags for in-store bakery bread will be replaced, resulting in a 60% plastic reduction.These changes are part of Sainsbury’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability across its product range.Similar initiatives have previously been implemented for other products, showing a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.Sainsbury’s has initiated a transformative change within its in-store bakery section by shifting away from traditional plastic packaging in a bid to significantly reduce plastic…

Caroline Rush will resign from her CEO role at the British Fashion Council in June 2025, concluding a 16-year career.Her leadership saw the BFC’s revenue more than double, tackling major challenges like Brexit and Covid-19 with agility.Rush successfully launched the BFC Foundation, which has since generated £4.3 million to support designers.She played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute of Positive Fashion, advocating for environmental and social innovation.BFC Chair David Pemsel will lead the search for her successor, extending his term to ensure a smooth transition.Caroline Rush has announced her intention to step down as CEO of the British Fashion…

Ocado has reported significant customer gains from Tesco and other retailers over the past year.A diverse range of customers are switching to Ocado, reflecting broad appeal.Ocado’s sales growth continues with a 15.5% rise in the last quarter.The company has introduced multiple rounds of price reductions to remain competitive.Recent data positions Ocado as the fastest-growing supermarket in the UK.Ocado has observed a pronounced shift in consumer behaviour, with notable customer migration from various retailers, particularly Tesco. This trend has persisted for 12 consecutive months, according to Hannah Gibson, Ocado’s chief executive. Gibson notes the company’s appeal spans different demographics, income levels,…

London Fashion Week 2024 concluded with an array of diverse and innovative shows.Jawara Alleyne showcased a collection fusing Cayman Islands heritage with London’s subculture.Knwls presented a matured aesthetic embodying leather and corsetry with floral elegance.Marques’Almeida drew inspiration from 17th-century Dutch portraits for a contemporary collection.Labrum embraced West African influences in a striking show at Emirates stadium.London Fashion Week 2024 wrapped up on 17 September after a series of dynamic displays that highlighted both emerging and established designers. The event was a mosaic of creativity and cultural fusion, exemplified by standout performances and innovative designs.Jawara Alleyne’s show, known for its moody…

Ocado remains the fastest growing supermarket with a 15.4% sales increase.M&S follows closely with a 12.4% increase in sales.Waitrose sees a 3.9% growth, drawing more shoppers than last year.Discounter market share stabilises, and online FMCG sales rise to 13%.UK supermarkets face slowed sales growth due to changing shopper behaviours.Ocado continues to outpace its competitors with an impressive 15.4% rise in sales over the last 12 weeks, affirming its position as the fastest growing supermarket brand. Closely following suit is M&S, posting a substantial 12.4% increase, indicating robust consumer demand and effective market strategies.Waitrose has also captured increased shopper interest, experiencing…

In August 2024, the inflation rate remained unchanged, reflecting ongoing economic trends and consumer behaviours.The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.2% over the year to August, consistent with July’s figures.Combined with housing costs, the CPIH increased by 3.1%, also mirroring the previous month.A notable contributor to inflation was the fluctuation in air fares, which increased this year compared to a decline last year.Clothing and footwear prices experienced a slowdown, rising by 1.6% versus 2% in July.The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in August 2024 demonstrated no change compared to July’s annual rate, maintaining a steady year-on-year increase of 2.2%. This…

Tesco is considering using AI to improve customer shopping experiences based on Clubcard data.Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, shared insights into potential AI applications at the Future of Retail event.The AI system aims to suggest healthier and more economical shopping options for consumers.Potential AI prompts include buying advice on upcoming deals and reducing food wastage.Tesco’s initiatives may lead to beneficial changes in consumer buying behaviour.In an effort to harness technology for consumer benefit, Tesco’s CEO Ken Murphy has revealed plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the shopping experience by leveraging data from its Clubcard programme. Speaking at the…