COVID-19 latest news from around the world

Two of the UK’s leading food-to-go operators, Pret and Leon, are in discussions with landlords over new rent agreements as part of a focus on reducing their cost bases.  Like many hospitality businesses, the companies are under substantial financial pressure resulting from a sharp decline in footfall since the start of the UK’s coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.  Pret’s ‘comprehensive transforma...

Co-op is rolling out robot deliveries to further communities across Milton Keynes and surrounding towns and villages in response to increased demand for convenient delivery services during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.  The convenience retailer was the first to trial same-day autonomous robot deliveries in the UK when it teamed-up with Starship Technologies in April 2018 , extendin...

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...

We look at the latest developments from SPAR International’s partners in Albania, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia and Sri Lanka. SPAR Albania expands online services Responding to demand instigated by the coronavirus pandemic, SPAR Albania has launched a home delivery service of three different grocery boxes. The service has seen strong consumer uptake due to increased demand for groceries ...

Alibaba has posted its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. Total revenue was up 35% to CNY509,711m (US$71,985m) YoY. Robust top line figures for the fiscal year GMV transacted in the Alibaba Digital Economy was CNY7,053bn (US$1tn), CNY6,589bn (US$945bn) of which came from China retail marketplaces Core commerce revenue up 35% YoY to CNY436,104m (US$61,130m) ...

To help shoppers manage their new eating routines during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Kroger is offering a free telenutrition service. Effects of COVID-19 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Kroger has developed a customer trends report based on data from its 84.51 ° analytics business. The report found that 51% of shoppers are cooking and baking more than they were pre-crisis, wi...

Canada’s leading food and drugstore retailer has outlined the adjustments it’s making in-store as emergency measures steadily loosen across the country. Reopening service counters Over the coming weeks, Loblaw will start to make several changes in-store. This will include re-opening service counters within its supermarket formats, including in meat, seafood and bakery. It also plans on reop...

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...

The drugstore operator is selling coronavirus antibody tests online, announces two new appointments, and other latest news.   Coronavirus antibody test available online Superdrug is now selling coronavirus antibody testing kits online. This test allows consumers to know if they have had coronavirus at least 14 days after the start of the symptoms. The home test kit retails for £69 with free...

Gojek drivers have the option to make food deliveries to supplement their income with the new partnership. Income dropped significantly during lockdown Many drivers have reported that their incomes have dropped as much as 70% since the lockdown started. A recent change in law allows taxis and private hire cars to deliver food and groceries in this period. Gojek will strengthen Deliveroo's s...

We look at ecommerce developments in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. UAE: Noon.com launches next-day delivery Online marketplace Noon.com has launched noon Daily, a next day grocery delivery service, in Dubai. The service was developed to provide shoppers with a safe and fast grocery delivery service for essential supplies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Avail...

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...

We review Target’s first quarter performance, including the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Target’s key numbers Target’s total revenue in Q1 increased by 11.3% to $19.6bn. Comparable sales increased 10.8%. Comparable digital sales were up 141%. Operating income was down 58.7% to $468m. Source: Target 1. Shopper needs changed throughout the quarter ...

Following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in January, retailers in China have responded with urgency and empathy as the situation evolves - we will continue to update this article with the latest developments... May updates Second lockdown: the cities of Jilin and Shulan in Jilin province, with more than five million populations, have been put on lockdown since mid May after the...

Like-for-like sales up 1.9%, adjusted operating profit up 11.2% to £237m and revenue up 2.1% to £6bn marks a positive year for M&S's food division for the 52 weeks ending 28 March 2020.  Volume-driven growth Volume grew ahead of value for M&S, up 3.3% in the period, a trend which accelerated across the year. This reflects the ongoing work to improve price perceptions, part of the retailer's...

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...