Europe news & analysis

Global retailer Tesco has announced it is to launch online grocery shopping in China and Thailand. Bangkok and Shanghai targeted Tesco is planning to launch its online food operations next month in Thailand , one of the retailer's most significant markets. As with previous markets, Tesco will launch the service first in the capital city Bangkok, before what is believed will be a wider ro...

Coop Schweiz achieved operating profit growth of 3.4% in 2012. Objectives largely met Chief executive Joos Sutter said the group had largely achieved its objectives as he reported an operating profit margin increase of 0.1 percentage points, to 2.8%, and gross profit up 0.7%.  Coop reported group sales figures in January - click here for the news story. Pressure on prices is the new ...

The latest retailer share data from Kantar Worldpanel, for the 12 weeks to 17 February 2013, shows the UK grocery retail market accelerating on the previous period, with growth up to 3.7%.  However, inflation remains persistently higher.  The Kantar measure indicates this stood at 4.7% for the period, suggesting that volumes remain negative. 12 weeks to 19 February 2012 (% sha...

Leading Irish retail distributor Musgrave has set out its 2013 plans for the expansion of its convenience symbol network Centra.  At its annual National Retailer Conference, Centra managing director, Martin Kelleher revealed that 20 new stores will be opened by retailers this year, including a number on greenfield sites. 18 stores added in 2012 Despite the tough economic climate Centra has co...

Eroski has met with more than 400 fresh and grocery private label suppliers in Bilbao today, to outline plans to strengthen the parties' already close co-operation as part of the strategic plan for 2013-16. Economic crisis requires joint efforts Group CEO Javier Amézaga said suppliers play a key role in developing the  Eroski model.  The retailer prides itself on its closeness to suppliers...

Asda has promoted brand director Hemant Patel as its new strategy director. Shaping Asda's future According to press reports Patel, who has worked at Asda for seven years, has already taken up his new role. The move follows the news last week that Asda will be working with strategy consultancy McKinsey to devise a new five year plan under the leadership of CEO Andy Clarke.  Strategy has previ...

Italian retailer Esselunga has ended 2012 with a turnover of €6.8bn, up 3% on 2011. Prices held at 2011 levels Esselunga achieved the sales growth without increasing prices, according to the press reports.  The retailer invested some €380m in 2012, in real estate development projects.  One of these is a large store in central Milan, one of the largest in the area, which we saw under con...

Spanish co-operative Consum's franchise network, Charter, has reported sales growth of 22% for 2012. New stores driving sales growth Charter franchise stores reported turnover of €114.2m in 2012, driven by expansion.  A number of new members joined the franchise network during the year.  Charter opened 18 new stores in 2012, mainly in the 'home market' of Comunidad Valenciana where it op...

Netherlands-based Jumbo has announced that it will be introducing a new store concept, which will bring in elements of foodservice, when it opens the Jumbo Food Market in Breda in March. Jumbo aiming to offer ‘unique experience’ On announcing the new store concept, Jumbo said that it will combine elements of a supermarket and a consumer foodservice operation. At more than 6,000 sq m the sto...

Morrisons has strengthened its marketing team with the appointment of a new customer director and launched a new microsite to mark its sponsorship of ITV's "Ant and Dec's Saturday night takeaway." Crawford Davidson appointed Crawford Davidson joined Morrisons last week from mobile specialist Telefonica and has extensive experience in senior marketing roles, including acting managing director ...