Retail and consumer goods industry news

Tesco has announced changes to make the sourcing of its food simpler, shorter and more transparent. Local sourcing Tesco has decided to extend its policy on local sourcing. Currently all of the retailer’s beef – fresh, frozen and in ready meals – comes from the UK and Republic of Ireland. As of July 2013, Tesco will source all of its fresh chickens from the UK and, over time, ensure t...

As Waitrose reports on a strong 2012/13, we look at three key levers that will drive its sales momentum in the coming year. 1. Becoming a truly omnichannel retailer With an impressive 49% uplift, Waitrose.com outperformed over the year, with the online basket size on average five times higher than in-store. This growth was also driven by the growing number of collection points in-store,...

Delhaize has confirmed 2012 sales of €22.7bn, up 2.9% and reported lower profits, impacted by ongoing price investments. Solid results amidst tough trading conditions Overall, the results gave reason for optimism, not least in improving Q4 sales in Belgium and good growth in Southeastern Europe. The slowdown in profitability, with operating profit down 17% at €810m and operating margin fal...

Following solid full year results, CEO Georges Plassat has outlined Carrefour's plans as strategy transitions from review and refocus into action. Investment: how Carrefour plans to reinvigorate larger stores Carrefour's strategy of review and refocus has seen the divestment of operations in five markets over the year. Combined with a drive towards greater operational efficiency, ...

Netherlands-based SuperDirect.com, in which Sligro has taken a 25% stake, has stated that it wants to operate more than 500 pick up points in the country. First pick up point to open by the end of Q1 The company’s founder, Peter Pompen, was quoted in Distrifood saying that its first pick up point would be opened by the middle of March. Following on from the opening of its first site, Pompen s...

Turkey-based BIM has revealed that net sales rose by 21%, reaching TRY9.9 billion for its 2012 full year. The company’s pace of sales growth slowed during its fourth quarter, relative to the full year, reaching 16%. Company maintains strategy in Turkey In 2012, BIM continued to build its store portfolio, adding 366, against a target of 400, to reach 3,655. BIM also said that during the ye...

The latest data from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks to 17 February 2013 reveals that Aldi continues to set the pace in the Irish market. 12 weeks to 19 February 2012 (% share) 12 weeks to 17 February 2013 (% share) Sales growth (Y-o-Y %) Tesco 28.1 27.7 -0.5 Dunnes 23.2 24.0 4.1 SuperValu 19.9 19.8 0.1 Superquinn 5.6 ...

Lidl Hungary has announced the launch of a new supplier programme as it looks to bolster its presence of Hungarian products. Supporting local suppliers Currently about 54% of SKUs in Lidl Hungary are sourced from Hungarian suppliers. As part of its new supplier programme, Lidl is looking to increase this to 60% by 2014. Eugene Grosz, chairman of the board for Lidl Hungary, said "Our g...

Chile's Falabella achieved consolidated revenue growth of 11% in Q4 2012, and a full year increase of 15%. New stores driving non-banking revenue Revenue from non-banking businesses grew by 10.5% in Q4, mainly driven by an increase in sales area following the opening of 18 new stores.  Positive same-store sales growth reinforced this performance.  Expansion accelerated in the fourth quar...

Following the launch of Bestway's online ordering system last year, the company's Batley's division has now launched its own fully interactive transactional website; providing business customers with direct access to its range of 17,000 SKUs, and offering both delivery and collect fulfilment options. Free handheld scanners to drive usage The company is making available free key-fob product sc...