Author: Scott Dylan

Retailers are strategically adjusting product sizes and prices, impacting consumers as they face ‘super-shrinkflation’.Shrinkflation involves reducing product sizes while maintaining or increasing prices, affecting major supermarkets.Products like McVitie’s Digestives and Penguin biscuits are now smaller yet more expensive than a year ago.Economic factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict have contributed to rising input costs for food manufacturers.Commodity prices continue to climb, suggesting that double-digit food inflation will persist throughout 2023.Retail consumers are experiencing a phenomenon known as ‘super-shrinkflation’, where product sizes are reduced and prices increased concurrently. This strategic move by retailers and manufacturers has led to significant consumer impact…

Ocado is enhancing its same-day delivery service amidst growing pressures for operational improvement.The expansion aims to increase the available delivery slots for customers across the UK.Ocado plans to focus on encouraging customers to place larger orders for same-day delivery.The initiative is part of a strategic move to find a viable operating model, amidst industry scepticism.Insiders suggest this move may affect local convenience stores as Ocado aims for larger orders.Ocado is poised to enhance its same-day delivery offerings as it grapples with mounting pressure from part-owner M&S to demonstrate a successful turnaround. Currently, most locations throughout the UK offer same-day delivery,…

Recent footage from East Midland farms supplying Co-op has revealed distressing conditions for chickens, sparking public concern and calls for action.Hidden cameras captured images of chickens in severe distress, with instances of deformities, agony, and death observed in the facilities.The animal protection group Open Cages documented the use of fast-growing chicken breeds, known as ‘Frankenchickens,’ suffering from numerous health issues.In light of these findings, demonstrators have urged the Co-op to adopt the Better Chicken Commitment, which aims to improve the welfare of chickens.Despite significant member support for welfare improvements, Co-op has opted against discontinuing the sale of Frankenchickens to maintain…

Sainsbury’s has introduced a premium ‘Kitchen Deli’ food-to-go line across 100 stores, enhancing convenience for shoppers.The range includes 13 new items, such as wraps, sandwiches, salads, and ready meals, catering to diverse tastes.With environmentally conscious packaging, the initiative reduces plastic use, aligning with sustainability goals.Richard Crampton, Sainsbury’s director, emphasises customer feedback to refine the offerings continuously.Greggs cafes are also being introduced in Sainsbury’s, indicating a partnership expansion in retail.In an ambitious move to enhance customer convenience, Sainsbury’s has launched a new premium ‘Kitchen Deli’ food-to-go range in 100 select stores. This strategic introduction caters to busy shoppers looking for quick,…

Aldi is piloting sensory-friendly shopping hours in select UK locations to enhance customer experience.The initiative will run in nearly 100 stores across various regions, offering quieter shopping times on Tuesdays.Changes during these hours include stopping announcements and reducing noise from till scans to accommodate sensory-sensitive shoppers.Aldi staff have undergone training to assist customers with non-visible disabilities, supported by the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.Feedback from this trial will inform potential nationwide implementation, demonstrating Aldi’s commitment to accessibility.Aldi, a leading supermarket chain, is launching a trial of sensory-friendly shopping hours across almost 100 stores in the UK, aiming to provide a more comfortable…

Marks and Spencer is transforming its Newcastle store with a £13 million investment, enhancing customer experience.The Northumberland Street store will undergo a thorough redesign while remaining operational during construction.Improvements include a new foodhall by year’s end, with upgrades to clothing and beauty departments completing by early 2024.M&S extends its ‘Scan & Shop’ system to reach more North East customers amidst this investment.The investment aligns with similar developments in London, reflecting M&S’s ongoing expansion priorities.Marks and Spencer reveals a transformative £13 million investment aimed at enhancing its Newcastle store on Northumberland Street, promising an enriched customer experience. The comprehensive redesign of…

One Stop is advancing its sustainability goals by integrating Whywaste technology across its stores.The Whywaste solution provides data-driven recommendations to minimise food waste by targeting products nearing expiration.A trial in four stores achieved a significant reduction in food waste, prompting a nationwide rollout.Richard Turton of One Stop underscores the initiative’s potential to reduce environmental impact.Whywaste’s successful collaborations with other retailers further highlight the effectiveness of their technology.In a strategic move towards sustainability, One Stop has joined forces with Whywaste, a Swedish food tech leader, aiming to reduce food waste throughout its entire store network. The collaborative effort focuses on utilising…

Morrisons has initiated a trial to ease financial strain on British farmers.The scheme will cover 100% of costs for growing crops, including field rent and fertiliser.Initial trials are underway on potato and carrot farms, with produce expected by year-end.Success could see the scheme expand to additional farms next year.Morrisons emphasises its commitment to high-quality British produce.Morrisons has embarked on a strategic trial designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by British farmers. This initiative aims to underwrite the entirety of expenses related to crop cultivation, encompassing costs such as field rent and fertiliser. By removing these financial burdens, Morrison seeks…

Post-Brexit border checks on food imports from the EU face another delay.The proposed Border Target Operating Model was set for October 31.Full implementation of import rules was planned by October 2024.Concerns arise over potential inflation impacts of import controls.The food industry worries about increased costs and supply issues.Post-Brexit border checks on food imports from the European Union are being delayed again due to concerns that new import controls could exacerbate inflation. Originally scheduled to commence on October 31, the Border Target Operating Model, intended to fully roll out by October 2024, has been postponed. These regulations would require consignments of…

Some Aldi stores in the UK have implemented a policy where checkout staff inspect shopping bags to deter theft amid rising shoplifting incidents.Customers are now required to place shopping bags on the checkout belt to ensure they are empty or to display the contents of filled bags.Failure to comply with this bag-check policy may result in refusal of service to customers at the impacted stores.The bag-check measure is temporary and applies only to a select number of stores, not part of a nationwide Aldi directive.Other major retailers are also adopting security measures to address the increase in shoplifting, driven by…