Author: Dave Antrobus

Southern Co-op has successfully implemented over half a million electronic shelf labels across its UK stores, aiming for efficiency and cost savings.This initiative involves 197 stores in the UK, significantly reducing paper and printing expenses by approximately £220,000 annually.The implementation programme was executed in partnership with Scotmid Co-op, who trialled the scheme initially in Scotland in December 2020.Feedback from store employees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting reduced workload and enhanced promotional capabilities.The new electronic labels can display vital information like allergens and promotions instantly as stores open.Southern Co-op has made a significant move within its retail operations by rolling out…

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Nomad Foods proposes increasing freezer temperatures to save energy in an innovative study.The study shows a potential reduction in energy use by over 10% without altering product quality.The research was conducted in collaboration with food science organisation Campden BRI.Nine different products were tested, revealing no significant changes in quality at -15°C compared to -18°C.The initiative could significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the frozen food sector.Nomad Foods, the parent company of brands including Birds Eye, has announced a groundbreaking study revealing that increasing freezer temperatures by just 3°C can significantly decrease energy consumption. By adjusting the storage temperature from the…

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Beyond Meat has revised its annual revenue forecast due to declining demand for plant-based products.Consumers are opting for cheaper animal proteins amidst inflationary pressures.Beyond Meat’s latest quarterly revenue fell short of analysts’ expectations.The company struggles to achieve cash flow positive operations by mid-2023.Efforts to boost demand include price cuts and expanding product ranges.Beyond Meat is navigating a challenging market environment, adjusting its revenue expectations for 2023. The company now anticipates revenue between £283 million and £299 million, a decrease from previous forecasts ranging from £295 million to £326 million. This revision highlights the impact of slowing demand on the financial…

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Meatless Farm products have made a successful comeback to Asda shelves, bringing excitement to plant-based food lovers.This return follows a strategic takeover by Vegan Fried Chick*n, aiming to revitalise the brand.Consumers can now find a range of vegan products like mince, chicken breast, and burgers in Asda stores.The reintroduction also includes innovative products such as beef and porcini mushroom girasole and pork and apple sausage.Despite recent financial struggles, this move marks a new beginning for Meatless Farm with production by former partners.Meatless Farm products have triumphantly returned to Asda after a strategic takeover by the plant-based brand, VFC. The company,…

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Consumers are increasingly facing a trend known as shrinkflation, where product sizes decrease while prices rise.Recent investigations reveal that products in major supermarkets have surged in price, doubling in some instances compared to last year.Specific examples include McVitie’s Digestives and Penguin biscuits, which have seen reductions in size but increases in cost.Economic pressures, including the war in Ukraine, have been identified as contributing factors to rising production costs.Food inflation is anticipated to persist at double-digit rates through the end of 2023, affecting consumer pricing.Consumers are increasingly experiencing the effects of shrinkflation, a phenomenon where the size of the products decreases…

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Concerns have been raised about the condition of chickens at farms supplying a major retailer, sparking calls for action.Secret footage reveals alarming welfare issues, with chickens frequently in distress and dying on site.Animal welfare group Open Cages identified the rapid growth of ‘Frankenchickens’ as a core problem, citing severe health complications.In response to pressure, Co-op has pledged to improve chicken living conditions but has not ended the use of fast-growing breeds.Despite demands for change, economic considerations have led to the continuation of current practices by Co-op.Concerns have been raised over the condition of chickens at three farms supplying a major…

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One Stop is collaborating with Whywaste to cut down food waste using innovative technology.The Whywaste solution offers precise expiration data and markdown recommendations to prevent product wastage.Trial runs of Whywaste’s technology in select One Stop stores achieved a 14.3% waste reduction.The programme will expand across 1,000 stores as part of One Stop’s net-zero strategy by 2050.Success stories from collaborations with Asda and Spar validate the importance of sustainability in retail.One Stop has taken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Swedish company Whywaste. The collaboration aims to minimise food waste through advanced technology that provides precise product expiration data…

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Aldi introduces bag checks in select UK stores to counter rising theft.Customers must show empty bags or reveal contents at checkout.Policy implementation varies as it is not part of national guidelines.Similar measures adopted by other retailers like Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.Aldi’s initiative receives mixed reactions from patrons.In response to increasing shoplifting incidents, some Aldi stores in the UK have begun to check customers’ shopping bags at the checkout. Customers are now required to place their bags on the checkout belt alongside their shopping to demonstrate they are empty or allow staff to inspect the contents of any full bags. Failure to…

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Tesco has revolutionised its employment policies, granting 300,000 workers the right to request flexible working from day one.This policy shift precedes a government change expected in 2024, showcasing Tesco’s proactive stance.All full-time roles at Tesco are now advertised as flexible, offering various part-time or flexible options.Tesco’s initiative includes enhanced access to health and well-being support for employees.The company has also significantly invested in staff pay, reflecting a commitment to its workforce.Tesco has taken a groundbreaking step by granting its entire workforce of over 300,000 employees the right to request flexible working from their first day on the job. This new…

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Amazon’s Fresh grocery delivery is now available to non-Prime members in certain US cities, marking a significant shift in accessibility.Previously exclusive to Prime members, Amazon Fresh delivery has been extended to non-Prime users in select locations like San Francisco and Boston.Delivery fees for non-Prime users vary, starting at $13.95 for orders under $50, with decreased fees for larger orders.This move aligns with Amazon’s strategy to remove barriers and expand its grocery offerings to a wider customer base.Further changes and expansions in Amazon’s grocery services are anticipated in the coming months as they evaluate customer preferences and economics.Amazon has broadened its…

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