Tesco customers donate 1.9 million meals through Winter Food Collection
Tesco stores across the UK experienced an outpouring of generosity during the Winter Food Collection, with customers donating an impressive 1.9 million meals’ worth of long-life food items. The collection took place between 25th and 30th November in both large and Express stores nationwide.
Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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20/Dec/2024 15:45
Asda brings back former CEO as executive chair
Supermarket chain Asda has announced the appointment of Allan Leighton as its Executive Chair.
Leighton served as Asda CEO from 1996 to 2001, before moving on to senior roles with Canadian food retailer Loblaw Companies and UK retailer Co-op.
Current Chair Lord Rose, who has held the role since 2021, will remain on the board for a transitional period to assist with the handover before stepping down.
This is the latest change at Asda in what has been a tumultuous year.
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Leighton served as Asda CEO from 1996 to 2001, before moving on to senior roles with Canadian food retailer Loblaw Companies and UK retailer Co-op.
Current Chair Lord Rose, who has held the role since 2021, will remain on the board for a transitional period to assist with the handover before stepping down.
This is the latest change at Asda in what has been a tumultuous year.
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26/Nov/2024 12:29
Morrisons considers closing loss-making Rathbones Bakery risking 400 jobs
Nearly 400 jobs are at risk at Rathbones Bakery in Wakefield after its owner, Morrisons, announced it is considering closing the site.
Morrisons acquired the Rathbones Bakery manufacturing facility out of administration in 2005. Despite a period of growth and investment, the site has been operating at a loss for several years. Recent accounts filed with Companies House show a loss after tax of £2.2 million for the 52 weeks ending 29 October 2023, following an exceptional impairment charge of £4.5 million. This compares to a loss of £1.4 million in 2022.
“Although we have tried several routes to return the business to profitability.
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Morrisons acquired the Rathbones Bakery manufacturing facility out of administration in 2005. Despite a period of growth and investment, the site has been operating at a loss for several years. Recent accounts filed with Companies House show a loss after tax of £2.2 million for the 52 weeks ending 29 October 2023, following an exceptional impairment charge of £4.5 million. This compares to a loss of £1.4 million in 2022.
“Although we have tried several routes to return the business to profitability.
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26/Nov/2024 12:16
Spar UK Appoints Michael Fletcher as Managing Director
Michael Fletcher has been appointed as the new Managing Director of SPAR UK Ltd. With over two decades of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge from various high-profile roles within the convenience and grocery retail sectors.
Fletcher spent 22 years at Tesco plc, where he held numerous senior commercial roles in the UK, Ireland and Asia. He joined Co-op Retail in 2013 where he held the position of Chief Commercial Officer before moving on to become CEO of Nisa Wholesale, a role he held until 2022.
Since leaving Nisa.
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Fletcher spent 22 years at Tesco plc, where he held numerous senior commercial roles in the UK, Ireland and Asia. He joined Co-op Retail in 2013 where he held the position of Chief Commercial Officer before moving on to become CEO of Nisa Wholesale, a role he held until 2022.
Since leaving Nisa.
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31/Oct/2024 10:58
Majestic purchased Vagabond Wines for £6.5 million
Documents reveal that Majestic Wine acquired the Vagabond Wines business out of administration for £6.5 million.
As part of the deal, Majestic purchased nine of Vagabond’s bars in London and Birmingham in April, securing 171 jobs.
Vagabond, known for offering over 100 wines by the glass through self-pour machines, appointed administrators Quantuma in March after facing financial difficulties due to debts accumulated during the pandemic and the closure of its popular Heathrow Airport bar.
The majority of Vagabond's locations were sold to Majestic.
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As part of the deal, Majestic purchased nine of Vagabond’s bars in London and Birmingham in April, securing 171 jobs.
Vagabond, known for offering over 100 wines by the glass through self-pour machines, appointed administrators Quantuma in March after facing financial difficulties due to debts accumulated during the pandemic and the closure of its popular Heathrow Airport bar.
The majority of Vagabond's locations were sold to Majestic.
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22/Oct/2024 08:16
SPAR Big Deals of Christmas Returns for 2024
SPAR’s national brand campaign, BIG Deals of Christmas, is back and bigger than ever for 2024.
Launching in SPAR stores on 17th October in Scotland and from 31st October in England and Wales, this year’s campaign promises even more incredible promotional offers.
In addition to unbeatable in-store deals, SPAR will provide recipe ideas, cocktail inspiration, and festive tips to help make the holiday season extra special—designed to drive shoppers into stores.
Ian Taylor.
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Launching in SPAR stores on 17th October in Scotland and from 31st October in England and Wales, this year’s campaign promises even more incredible promotional offers.
In addition to unbeatable in-store deals, SPAR will provide recipe ideas, cocktail inspiration, and festive tips to help make the holiday season extra special—designed to drive shoppers into stores.
Ian Taylor.
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15/Oct/2024 12:30
Australian Lena Lu Donuts launches in the UK
Australian doughnut brand Lena Lu Donuts has made its debut in the UK, with plans to open three locations by the end of November.
The first two locations are inside Primark stores at Lakeside, West Thurrock, and Watford, Hertfordshire, backed by London-based investment firm Gamechangers Investments.
A third Lena Lu location is set to open in November, with additional stores 'on the horizon' for 2025, according to the group.
Lakeside Lena Lu opened its doors on Monday.
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The first two locations are inside Primark stores at Lakeside, West Thurrock, and Watford, Hertfordshire, backed by London-based investment firm Gamechangers Investments.
A third Lena Lu location is set to open in November, with additional stores 'on the horizon' for 2025, according to the group.
Lakeside Lena Lu opened its doors on Monday.
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15/Oct/2024 09:28
Katharine Challinor hired by Morrisons as new head of independent franchise
Katharine Challinor, the former director of retail at Allwyn, will be joining Morrisons next month as the head of independent franchise and new business.
Challinor will be replacing Nick Russell, who is leaving after three years, as the head of independent franchise and new business at Morrisons. In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ franchise partners.
Before joining Allwyn, Katharine Challinor held senior roles at the Post Office, including director of branch retail design.
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Challinor will be replacing Nick Russell, who is leaving after three years, as the head of independent franchise and new business at Morrisons. In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ franchise partners.
Before joining Allwyn, Katharine Challinor held senior roles at the Post Office, including director of branch retail design.
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27/Sep/2024 11:33
Taranjit Singh Dhillon has been appointed as Nisa
Nisa has appointed Taranjit Singh Dhillon as its new head of retail, following the departure of Victoria Lockie. Lockie left Nisa after 12 years to take up the role of retail director at Unitas Wholesale.
Dhillon joins Nisa from One Stop, where he worked for 11 years, most recently as national operations manager. In this role, Dhillon oversaw a network of 350 franchisees, collaborated with retail teams to improve store layouts, and implemented strategies aimed at boosting revenue and profitability.
Before joining One Stop.
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Dhillon joins Nisa from One Stop, where he worked for 11 years, most recently as national operations manager. In this role, Dhillon oversaw a network of 350 franchisees, collaborated with retail teams to improve store layouts, and implemented strategies aimed at boosting revenue and profitability.
Before joining One Stop.
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12/Sep/2024 16:12
SPAR South West partnership with FareShare South West distributes the equivalent of 32,000 meals to those in need
SPAR South West’s primary distributor, Appleby Westward Ltd, is making a huge impact on the fight against food waste and hunger in its trading area thanks to its partnership with FareShare South West and Gregorys Logistics. The partnership officially began at the start of 2024, but the company was already making donations of food to support the charity during the previous autumn and winter.
Between January and June this year, via the partnership Appleby Westward Ltd redistributed the equivalent of 24,400 meals*, taking its total to the equivalent of 32,000 meals. Those 32,000 meals came from 10.
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Between January and June this year, via the partnership Appleby Westward Ltd redistributed the equivalent of 24,400 meals*, taking its total to the equivalent of 32,000 meals. Those 32,000 meals came from 10.
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04/Sep/2024 15:45
Scotmid announces new charity partnership to support cancer patients
Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer, throughout Scotland.
As part of this collaboration.
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This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer, throughout Scotland.
As part of this collaboration.
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04/Sep/2024 15:41
Waitrose to open 100 new convenience stores over five years
Waitrose has announced plans to open 100 new convenience stores over the next five years as part of a £1 billion investment into its store estate.
The upmarket retailer has confirmed the details of what is expected to be one of the 'biggest periods of expansion' in its history. This move represents a significant scaling up of its convenience store estate, which currently stands at 44 locations.
As part of the plans, a Little Waitrose in Hampton Hill, London, will become the retailer's first new store in six years.
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The upmarket retailer has confirmed the details of what is expected to be one of the 'biggest periods of expansion' in its history. This move represents a significant scaling up of its convenience store estate, which currently stands at 44 locations.
As part of the plans, a Little Waitrose in Hampton Hill, London, will become the retailer's first new store in six years.
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22/Aug/2024 10:05
Aldi invests £3bn into British beef suppliers
UK discounter Aldi has announced plans to invest £3 billion in British beef suppliers over the next five years.
Aldi stated that this investment is part of its 'ongoing commitment to championing Great British quality and supporting UK producers.'
The retailer said it hoped that the investment would enable farmers to 'plan confidently' and offer security for supply chains across the country.
As part of this investment.
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Aldi stated that this investment is part of its 'ongoing commitment to championing Great British quality and supporting UK producers.'
The retailer said it hoped that the investment would enable farmers to 'plan confidently' and offer security for supply chains across the country.
As part of this investment.
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13/Aug/2024 16:44
Aldi to create 1,000 new store jobs by the end of 2024
Aldi is set to create 1,000 jobs in new stores across the UK between now and the end of the year.
The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket announced that the available roles will include managerial positions, caretakers, cleaners, and store apprentices.
The discounter, which operates over 1,020 stores and employs more than 45,000 people, plans to open an average of one new store per week until Christmas. Upcoming store openings include locations in Plymouth, Leeds, and London.
In May.
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The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket announced that the available roles will include managerial positions, caretakers, cleaners, and store apprentices.
The discounter, which operates over 1,020 stores and employs more than 45,000 people, plans to open an average of one new store per week until Christmas. Upcoming store openings include locations in Plymouth, Leeds, and London.
In May.
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26/Jul/2024 09:26
M&S poaches Aldi managing director and Morrisons commercial director to boost food team
M&S has brought in senior executives from Aldi and Morrisons to strengthen its food business.
Aldi's Managing Director for National IT, Ecommerce, and Transformation, Kara Greatorex, joins M&S as Chief Commercial Officer. Meanwhile, Jon Downes, Morrisons' Commercial Director for Ambient and Non-Food, will report to her as Supply Chain and Commercial Operations Director.
Kara Greatorex, who has spent 15 years at Aldi in roles such as Buying Director and Managing Director for Stores, will replace Paul Friston.
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Aldi's Managing Director for National IT, Ecommerce, and Transformation, Kara Greatorex, joins M&S as Chief Commercial Officer. Meanwhile, Jon Downes, Morrisons' Commercial Director for Ambient and Non-Food, will report to her as Supply Chain and Commercial Operations Director.
Kara Greatorex, who has spent 15 years at Aldi in roles such as Buying Director and Managing Director for Stores, will replace Paul Friston.
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12/Jul/2024 11:49
Asda shakes up management amid new departures and additions
Asda has reshuffled its management team, amid a series of departures and new appointments.
The supermarket confirmed that its chief transformation officer, Mark Simpson, is stepping down from his role 'by mutual consent.'
Simpson joined Asda in 1997 and has held various senior positions, including chief supply chain officer and vice president of supply chain.
It is believed that the role of chief transformation officer will be eliminated following Simpson's exit.
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The supermarket confirmed that its chief transformation officer, Mark Simpson, is stepping down from his role 'by mutual consent.'
Simpson joined Asda in 1997 and has held various senior positions, including chief supply chain officer and vice president of supply chain.
It is believed that the role of chief transformation officer will be eliminated following Simpson's exit.
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10/Jul/2024 17:24
Iceland aims to target 250 new Food Warehouse stores across UK
Iceland is aiming to double the number of its Food Warehouse stores, as part of its nationwide expansion plan.
The frozen foods specialist is seeking to double its number of Food Warehouse stores by identifying up to 250 new locations, with the help of property advisor Mason Partners LLP, which is leading the hunt.
Iceland is searching for locations with a minimum footprint of 10,000 sq ft on retail parks across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Crawley.
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The frozen foods specialist is seeking to double its number of Food Warehouse stores by identifying up to 250 new locations, with the help of property advisor Mason Partners LLP, which is leading the hunt.
Iceland is searching for locations with a minimum footprint of 10,000 sq ft on retail parks across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Crawley.
more »
04/Jul/2024 13:41
Aldi to upgrade 100 Stores in 2024
Aldi plans to refurbish over 30 UK stores this summer, investing £90 million throughout 2024.
Over 100 stores across the UK, from Crewe to Cardiff and Didcot to Dumfries, will receive varying levels of upgrades in the coming year.
Improvements will include creating more space and incorporating sustainable features, such as energy-efficient technology. This involves installing doors on fridges to reduce energy usage and using natural refrigerants to minimize carbon impact.
The work was scheduled to take place between June and August.
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Over 100 stores across the UK, from Crewe to Cardiff and Didcot to Dumfries, will receive varying levels of upgrades in the coming year.
Improvements will include creating more space and incorporating sustainable features, such as energy-efficient technology. This involves installing doors on fridges to reduce energy usage and using natural refrigerants to minimize carbon impact.
The work was scheduled to take place between June and August.
more »
02/Jul/2024 09:26
Greggs to build new production site in Derby creating hundreds of jobs
The bakery giant Greggs has finalised the lease for a 23-acre site in Derbyshire, where it will establish a sizable food factory and warehouse operation.
As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Greggs plans to open between 140-160 new shops this year, supplementing the 2,500 shops it currently operates nationwide. The establishment of the food factory and warehouse operation in Derbyshire is a pivotal aspect of this expansion plan.
The new facility is under development at SmartParc SEGRO Derby.
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As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Greggs plans to open between 140-160 new shops this year, supplementing the 2,500 shops it currently operates nationwide. The establishment of the food factory and warehouse operation in Derbyshire is a pivotal aspect of this expansion plan.
The new facility is under development at SmartParc SEGRO Derby.
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11/Jun/2024 09:41
Majestic Wine affirms discussions to acquire Vagabond wine bars
Majestic Wine has revealed its ongoing negotiations for the acquisition of the distressed Vagabond wine bar business.
Should the deal come to fruition, it could mark a significant expansion for retailer Majestic, venturing into the hospitality sector with the potential acquisition of 11 wine bars located in London, Birmingham, and Gatwick Airport. Additionally, the deal might include the procurement of an urban winery situated at Battersea Power Station.
Established in 2009, Vagabond boasts a unique concept.
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Should the deal come to fruition, it could mark a significant expansion for retailer Majestic, venturing into the hospitality sector with the potential acquisition of 11 wine bars located in London, Birmingham, and Gatwick Airport. Additionally, the deal might include the procurement of an urban winery situated at Battersea Power Station.
Established in 2009, Vagabond boasts a unique concept.
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21/Mar/2024 07:10