COVID-19 latest news from Europe

As Covid infection rates rise, Asda has urged customers not to buy more than they need and offered reassurance on product availability and store safety. Online expansion Asda plans to increase online home delivery capacity from 850,000 to 900,000 slots per week by the start of April. This builds on a 90% increase in capacity since last March. The retailer is also doubling the size of its...

(Last updated 26/11/2020) As Western European countries are facing a second wave of COVID-19 infections, several governments are implementing stricter restrictions including second national lockdowns. Here is an update of the latest announcements across the region Germany Latest ( update 26/11/2020) : Lockdown to be extended until at lest 20 December, with non-essential busines...

Carrefour has launched a new initiative to support local producers in France, as part of its ‘Zero kilometer’ commitment. Agreement to focus on ‘ultra-local alliances’ Carrefour is aiming to support local producers and meet shoppers’ growing demand for goods produced as close as possible to their homes. The ‘zero kilometer’ commitment will see the retailer form ultra-local alliances by enab...

Consum has revealed, as part of a collaboration with the Claridae platform, that online sales have increased by 67% compared to in-store purchases. Meanwhile, Eroski has reflected on how it has been impacted by COVID-19 and how it will use this insight in future. Separately, El Corte Ingles has announced its sales decreased by 41% in H1 2020, while, Ahorramás has revealed a positive forecast a...

As the second lockdown in France begins to affect small and medium sized producers and retailers in the country, grocery retailers in France have announced plans to support these companies. Retailers to support fresh and local products… Local trade publication LSA has reported that all large-scale grocery retailers in the country have signed up to supporting and highlighting fresh agricultu...

Jerónimo Martins posted a resilient performance during the third quarter as it announced its results. The retailer said its third quarter saw some return to a new normality, which it underpinned with strict cost control. Biedronka continued to perform well in Poland, showing its flexibility since the beginning of COVID-19.  Sales performance Jerónimo Martins’s consolidated sales, in Q3 2020...

Irish retailer Dunnes has begun trialling an online service from one of its stores, as a response to shoppers increased demand for delivery. Order via website or app Shoppers can now order online delivery from Dunnes Cornelscourt store in Dublin. They can choose from over 230 products, with a minimum order of €20 and a delivery fee of €3. Source: Google Play ...

In the 12 weeks to 14th June 2020 take-home grocery sales in the Republic of Ireland grew 24.7%, according to Kantar. We explore the growth in more detail and look at key retailers' performance. Convenience and online drive growth The 12 weeks up to 14th June encompass the entire lockdown period. The additional spend equates to €628.7m (£573.7m). Similarly to the UK, shopping patterns in...

The group delivered 16.5% revenue growth to £3.8bn in its latest annual results. However, it anticipates slower store openings and ongoing impact of social distancing in the year ahead. Results in brief (52 weeks to 28th March 2020) B&M: Revenue +12.6%. LFL +3.3% (Q4 +6.6%) Heron: Revenue +10.1%. Positive LFL growth Babou: £154m revenue COVID-19 disruption slowing store openi...

In its latest annual report M&S shares further thinking on coronavirus, its impact on the business including sharpening focus on priorities. M&S Chairman Archie Norman hails 2020/21 as a "lost year" In terms of results, Norman highlights the challenges of depressed demand and trading limitations amid social distancing, forecast to hit its clothing and home business much more severely than i...

Lidl Spain has announced a collaboration with Spanish designer, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, to produce hygienic face masks in Spain. The partnership supports the Spanish textiles and fashion industry while contributing to a charity helping vulnerable families affected by COVID-19. Supporting Spain’s economy Lidl Spain has partnered with Agatha Ruiz de la Prada to offer three different designer...

Carrefour Spain revealed expansion plans for its Carrefour Express banner. Meanwhile, Amazon has extended its collaboration with DIA to expand its Prime service to more regions. Finally, Auchan highlighted the knowledge gained during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Carrefour Express continues expansion Carrefour announced the expansion of its Carrefour Express banner. It will focus on ...

B&M has released an unscheduled trading update for the 13 weeks ending 28th March (Q4) and the first eight weeks of the 2020/21 financial year to 23rd May 2020. The retailer saw strong like-for-like sales growth across this period, according to Retail Gazette. Performance driven by grocery, gardening and DIY +6.6% B&M UK like-for-like sales in Q4 +22.7% B&M UK like-for-like sales in t...

Italy-based Esselunga has announced plans to expand its La Esse proximity format. Separately, it has introduced strategies to support suppliers and shoppers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.   Expanding La Esse stores Esselunga revealed it intends to expand its La Esse banner after launching the first proximity store in November 2019. The retailer plans to open its La Esse ba...

As the food retail sector gravitates to a more normalised trading environment, we look at the issues which are top of mind for CPG suppliers. Key workstreams Over the last few weeks, several global suppliers have provided trading updates outlining their performance through the initial phase of the pandemic and their current areas of focus. While these are not all being worked on by every co...

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, convenience operators are implementing measures to ensure everyone has access to the food and consumer goods products they need. We will continue to update this article as the latest initiatives are announced. Latest from UK Co-op is rapidly accelerating its online expansion to more than double the number of stores planned. Find out mor...

Coop Italia has announced an increase in sales and has introduced new social distancing measures. Separately, DESPAR Italy has launched an education programme aimed at supporting a healthy lifestyle for children. Furthermore, it also revealed a turnover of €3.6 bn in 2019.  Coop Italia reveals increased sales during coronavirus period Driven by additional spending because of the coronavirus...

Following closure in April due to a court ruling, Amazon is reopening its warehouses in the country after reaching an agreement with workers’ unions. Reopening of six warehouses In April, Amazon closed its six warehouses in France following a court order to ensure safety measures to protect workers against coronavirus (COVID-19). The retailer will now reopen its warehouses this week after r...

Morrisons has launched a new system to make top-up shopping more practical for basket shoppers. Separate lane for basket shoppers Stores will now have a separate lane for basket shoppers so that they will no longer need to share the same queue as shoppers using trolleys. Three Speedy Shopping customers will be invited in for every trolley shopper. Clear signage and marshalls will help custo...

In an excusive interview with IGD, Sainsbury's Commercial Director Paul Mills-Hicks discusses how shopper behaviour has changed since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and the outlook for the rest of 2020.  Below we highlight some of his key points. Preparing for post lockdown Mills-Hicks' “biggest worry” is whether customers will be as relaxed and accommodating if many lines are still not b...

Amazon has expanded its Prime Now grocery delivery service through partnerships with Morrisons in the UK and DIA in Spain. Available across London and major UK cities Morrisons and Amazon announced they are expanding the Prime Now same-day delivery service for Prime members across London and more cities throughout the UK in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. By the end of M...

Asda has launched a new food box service targeted at vulnerable and shielded customers using the StarStock online platform. £30 food box for vulnerable shoppers Available through foodboxes.asda.com , Asda's new 'cupboard filler' food box typically contains 31 ambient lines that have been in high demand since the outbreak of the pandemic. Priced at £30 including delivery, the box includes ...

Carrefour Spain has extended its collaboration with Glovo, the partnership has increased the service to nine extra cities. Separately, the retailer has developed its online channel to improve functionality and efficiency. Expanding its alliance with Glovo Carrefour Spain has expanded its alliance with Glovo to offer shoppers home delivery from Carrefour Express stores. Originally the partne...

Variety discounter Home Bargains has expanded its online food box offering, with four options now available to shoppers. Catering to different missions The retailer has added a personal care, baking and confectionery box to its online offering. Source: Home Bargains   Essentials Food Box The retailer launched its essentials food box in late Ap...

Market update: Grocery sales growth slows to 5.5% in April:  New data from Kantar  reveals a slowdown in grocery market growth from 20.6% in March to 5.5% over the four weeks to April 19th as consumers settle into life under lockdown   Multiples update:   Tesco acts to meet soaring potato demand: Tesco has agreed to take excess stock from potato supplier Branston that ...

Announcing its first quarter results, Coca-Cola European Partners discussed the challenges its country operations were facing given the shifts in demand. 1. Challenging to predict demand The company noted while the switch to more at home occasions had supported sales, the trading had been ‘ volatile ’. CCEP noted that while volumes had benefited from household stocking initially, this had f...

Ocado has announced its trading update for Q2 and business response to coronavirus (COVID-19). In Q2, retail revenue was up 40.4% year-on-year (YoY), compared to 10.3% YoY growth in Q1. Impacts of COVID-19 Following significantly increased demand at the start of the outbreak, Ocado announced the number of items per basket appears to have passed its peak, whilst remaining high. The share of ...

In this regularly updated article, we summarise the latest responses to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Ireland: Aldi Aldi Ireland will be returning to normal opening hours from Thursday 7th May. Stores will once again be open 9am to 10pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday Rolling out new social distancing measures, including posters in-store and clear ma...

Spain-based DIA has introduced an initiative to support food and safety in 2020. Separately, the group offers other initiatives to help different segments of the community facing up to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Social support initiatives DIA has launched a social support programme called DIA Contribuye 2020. The retailer has invested €1m to support vulnerable groups during th...

In this regularly updated article, we summarise the latest responses to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK: Market update: Grocery sales growth slows to 5.5% in April:  New data from Kantar  reveals a slowdown in grocery market growth from 20.6% in March to 5.5% over the four weeks to April 19th as consumers settle into life under lockdown. Multiples update: Sain...

As it reported like-for-like sales growth of 13.3% in its first quarter, Reckitt Benckiser underlined the challenges the business faces in terms of demand planning and understanding whether the buying habits it has seen will continue in the short term. Unclear whether buying will be maintained in rest of 2020 Although the company was able to report strong sales growth across most geographie...

Tesco Ireland confirmed the expansion of its Click and Collect service to 10 locations across different counties, amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Five new locations + expanded slots at five existing locations The brand new collection points are Bailieborough in Cavan, Ballincollig in Cork, Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road and Ballinasloe in Galway, Clonmel and Nenagh in Tippe...

Sainsbury's has announced that profits could be hit by £500m in the year ahead as it takes on costs from the COVID-19 crisis. However the group's ability to weather the storm is strengthened by encouraging full year results for 2019, including seen steady improvements in grocery sales since last year's strategy update.   COVID-19 impact update Sainsbury's base case modelling assumes loc...

We look at how retailers in Portugal are implementing measures to ensure everyone has access to products, as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Continente Sonae MC-owned Continente has announced it continues to support shoppers by improving its contingency plan. The group has improved its response capacity in all grocery stores and is increasing communication between all stakeholders...

In this article we round up the latest initiatives from Aldi and Lidl UK to address the challenges created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Aldi Aldi has introduced a voucher scheme to make it easier for volunteers to buy food on behalf of the vulnerable and those self-isolating. The vouchers are available to buy on a new Aldi voucher website  vouchers.aldi.co.uk . Once purchased,...

Grocery market growth slowed from the exceptional rate of 20.6% in March to 5.5% over the last four weeks, according to new Kantar data. In this article, we explore the performance of key retailers as life under lockdown becomes the new normal for British shoppers. Out of home consumption reverts to the home Take home grocery sales grew 9.1% in the 12 weeks to April 19th. There was a lack o...

France-based Casino said first quarter sales rose 7.9% in organic terms, while it enjoyed same-store sales growth of 6.4% across its three divisions: France Retail, Cdiscount and Latam Retail. Total net sales fell by 0.8%, to €8.3 bn, due to the store disposals and closures it undertook in 2019. The retailer, as part of its Q4 results announcement, had already removed guidance for its 2020 full f...

In this article we look at what UK variety discounters are doing to address the challenges created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Temporary store closures B&M will be closing 49 stores as a response to the current trading conditions. The retailer has not announced what stores these will be, but has said it is likely they will be small format stores Poundland will be closing 1...

As part of its first quarter results, Nestlé discussed the impact the coronavirus pandemic had had on all parts of its operations and how it had performed in China towards the end of the quarter as the country exited the worst effects of its lockdown. 1. China exiting the quarter ‘gradually’ Given China was loosening its lockdown towards the end of the quarter, Nestlé discussed what it was ...

Following Unilever’s first quarter results we look at five key takeaways from the announcement and the impact that the coronavirus has had on its operations. 1. Change has required new ‘Agile markets organisation’ As a reaction to the pandemic Unilever said it had established a new structure to manage the organisation through its response to coronavirus. The five workstreams were built arou...

In this article, updated daily, we summarise the latest responses to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK: Multiples update: Tesco opens first NHS Nightingale hospital stores:  Tesco has opened stores at the NHS Nightingale hospital, at London's ExCeL centre and the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Open 24 hours a day and staffed by colleagues from nearby stores, they ...

We summarise the latest news from France as the country deals with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. All non-essential stores to reopen on 11 May Bruno Le Maire, France’s economy minister, announced on 23 April the plan is for all non-essential stores to be able to reopen at the end of the lockdown measures, on 11 May. However, this date could change from one region to another, as so...

Announcing its first quarter results, which were ‘ stronger than [it] had anticipated ’ Danone underlined why it believed its long term One Planet. One Health. strategy remained ‘ so relevant, urgent and meaningful ’. Shift in consumption patterns affected operations Danone highlighted the several shifts its operations have had to deal with during the first quarter. Initially it said had se...

We unpick Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Q3 results to understand how it is planning to trade its way through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, and highlight the lessons for other CPG suppliers. 1. Sales cycles are varying by geography P&G delivered a strong quarter, with sales up 6%. However, while it experienced strong consumer demand in North America and certain European markets, this was o...

We look at how retailers across Spain are implementing measures to ensure everyone has access to products as they respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We will continue to update this article with the latest measures. Mercadona Mercadona has outlined how it will increase awareness and safety by communicating with shoppers, the group’s recommendations are:   No family or grou...

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Amazon will provisionally be allowed to invest in food courier service Deliveroo, considering the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. US$575m funding round In May 2019, Amazon became the biggest investor in a US$575m investment round in Deliveroo, with the exact amount Amazon spent unknown. Deliveroo said the new investme...

On 23 March, we reported that all the UK’s largest food-to-go operators had closed their doors after the government announced restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and measures to support businesses during this time. Nearly four weeks later, the news that three of the UK’s most popular chains were re-opening selected stores will have delighted many of their fans (a...

Waitrose has unveiled a range of measures to help it support its most vulnerable suppliers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. £200,000 from the Waitrose Foundation Global Fund Some of the measures put in place include a £200,000 purse from the Waitrose Foundation Global fund, which will support its overseas farming communities. The purse is due to be used to convey advice on social...

We look at what Iceland Foods is doing to meet the evolving challenges of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Increasing home delivery capacity Iceland will be increasing its online capacity 250% according to The Grocer; The retailer will be adding its The Food Warehouse branches to its online service Iceland began adding the larger banner’s stores to its online service last year,...

Aldi UK is launching an online delivery service to help vulnerable shoppers. Essentials food parcels The new service will be launched on Friday 17th April. Aldi will be offering food parcels that cost £24.99 (US$31.34), including delivery. They will be limited to one per shopper. The parcels will contain 22 essential products including tea, pasta and antibacterial handwash. The majority ...