Discount Retail Chain Aldi Ireland's strong partnership with over 330 Irish food and drink producers underscores its commitment to supporting local businesses within the retail industry. By collaborating closely with these suppliers, Aldi remains dedicated to sustaining these vital entities, emphasizing a worldview that prioritizes local alliances. The importance of this support extends far beyond mere commercial transactions, as it significantly impacts the economic and social landscape of Ireland. This initiative not only embodies the retailer's integrity and ethical business practices but also fosters a sense of community solidarity and economic empowerment for local businesses. Supporting Local Producers: A Boon for Both Aldi Ireland and Local Suppliers The partnership with over 330 Irish food and drink producers has substantially bolstered the local economy, leading to a significant economic impact. Aldi Ireland's commitment to supporting local suppliers has not only led to a wide array of high-quality products in its stores but has also positively influenced the livelihoods of the Irish food and drink producers. In addition, Aldi Ireland's stores and customers have reaped the benefits of this partnership by gaining access to a diverse range of locally sourced products, fostering a sense of community and pride. Furthermore, numerous success stories and heartfelt testimonials from local suppliers vividly illustrate the profound impact that the collaboration has had on their businesses and the broader community. Supporting Local Businesses Aldi Ireland's commitment to promoting and stocking local products holds significant importance in supporting local communities and the economy. By working with over 330 Irish food and drink producers and offering over 1,800 products across its stores, it contributes to the economic sustainability of local businesses. This partnership stimulates growth for these suppliers, creating long-term opportunities for them to thrive. Furthermore, the impact of Aldi's dedication to local businesses extends beyond economics, creating a sense of community and pride as customers support and engage with quality products that are authentically Irish. Supporting Local Producers and Communities In conclusion, Aldi Ireland's enduring commitment to partnering with over 330 local food and drink producers has had a significant impact on the growth and sustainability of these businesses. The partnership has not only allowed for the expansion of local suppliers but has also bolstered the country's economy. The importance of supporting local businesses in the retail industry cannot be overstated. As a result of this strong alliance, local communities have benefited greatly, enjoying increased economic activity and access to high-quality, locally-sourced products. This approach exemplifies Aldi Ireland's dedication to the long-term prosperity of local businesses, and highlights the vital role that retail chains can play in supporting and uplifting local economies. read more: ALDI spent €1.1 billion with Irish suppliers in 2023 (rte.ie)

The shopping basket has never been more expensive than in 2023: Spaniards spent a total of 117 billion euros on basic goods for daily use (food, beverages, drugstores and perfumery) last year, 10% more than in 2022, when it had already broken a record, according to data from the consulting firm NielsenIQ. The increase is due to prices, which have been rising considerably for two years (by 9.4% on average in 2023). Thus, a purchase of 100 euros from 2019 now exceeds 126 euros. Mercadona, Lidl and Consum are the three supermarket chains that have gained the most. Despite price pressure, which caused a drop in volume demand in the first months of 2023, demand finally closed the year up 0.9%. In 2022, it fell by 0.7%. Last year saw a shift in the consumption of olive oil, whose price has been skyrocketing for two years, to other rates. And the price of fresh fish continues to fall, by 4.2%. And vegetables grow by only 0.4%. Although, as a whole, fresh produce regained momentum last year, with demand up 1.5%, after falling in 2022. The price helped: although fresh products became 7.2% more expensive, the increase is lower than that of packaged products, which increased by 10.3%. "We see a slight moderation, although accumulated inflation is still putting pressure on consumers' pockets," explained Ignacio Biedma, one of the authors of the Consumer Trends 2023 report, presented on Thursday. Regarding distribution margins, the firm's managing director for southern Europe, Patricia Daimiel, said that margins are very small, around 2%, and said that they have not detected that "companies have taken advantage of the situation to expand them". The expert warned that there are still elements that can put pressure on prices, such as drought, problems in the Middle East, with disruptions to trade due to the conflict in the Red Sea, and the war in Ukraine. Mercadona (27.6%, up 0.6 points), Lidl (6.1%, up 0.2) and Consum (3.7%, up 0.2) are the three supermarket chains that gained the most market share. Meanwhile, Dia and Carrefour lost share, the former lost -0.4 (market share 4.8%) and the French group -0.1 (market share 7.5%). Good private label management is key for companies, according to NielsenIQ experts. These brands continued to grow last year and now account for half of the expenditure in the shopping basket, specifically 48%, two points more than the previous year. The greatest weight corresponds to drugstore and cleaning. Two out of ten baskets are made up exclusively of private labels. Price hikes have prompted consumers to adopt strategies to manage their spending. 93% have modified their purchasing behaviour to control expenses, especially buying private labels, looking for promotions, among others. Households go shopping 8% more often because they put fewer items in the basket (6.5% less). That is, smaller baskets and more frequent purchases. "In the last two years, we have seen how the large cargo baskets have been reduced, which are for weeks, but also the number of households that make this type of purchase has also decreased, 1.5 less," said Ricardo Alcon, another Nielsen expert. Supermarkets and perfumeries are the winning formats of 2023, where sales have risen the most in value: 12% for the former and 18% for the latter. Read more: Spending in the shopping basket breaks records: what cost €100 in 2019 now costs €126 | Economy | THE COUNTRY (elpais.com)

Discount Retail Chain Rema 1000, owned by Norgesgruppen, has broken with 30-year-old practice which, according to the Norwegian Competition Authority, may have been harmful. On Monday, the price of over 200 items will be cut. Now the brand new Rema 1000 boss Christian Hoel goes out and talks about price cuts on goods in most categories from suppliers such as Findus, Orkla and Tine. On average, these 215 prices are cut by 2.5 per cent. The Rema boss guarantees that they won't put up other prices to bring in the money elsewhere. "This is real, without footnotes, real and honest. Prices go down from suppliers, because they have lower costs, and we take that out into the market," he says. How discount competitors react Kiwi: "Kiwis should of course always be the cheapest, and this small price reduction of 2.5 per cent was adjusted with us from this morning. Our price cut, which started on Monday last week, is 20 per cent or more, and is valid until February 29. The price cut applies to large and important everyday goods for many, such as 1.75 litres of milk, wheat flour, Bremykt, gulost, and fish cakes. For us, the most important thing is to win the trust of our customers. That's why we're continuing price pressures in 2024 as well." Extra: "As the first discount chain, Extra started the year with a sharp price cut of over 150 everyday goods by an average of 7.5 percent. This came as a result of lower prices from our suppliers, which we passed on to consumers. Since then, we have adjusted prices further down for a large number of goods. We are also doing this now, so that customers, who are also our owners, can rest assured that they buy the cheapest at Extra." May have hurt the competition The price cut represents a break with well-established practices. Last summer, Rema 1000 announced that they are moving away from the traditional model with defined "price windows". The system has existed since the 90s, according to the Norwegian Competition Authority. Since 2005, it has been agreed that prices from supplier to retail chain are adjusted twice a year, 1 February and 1 July. On average, this has led to far stronger price jumps on food and beverages in February and July compared with the rest of the year. The system is old-fashioned and inflexible, according to Rema 1000. "Continuous negotiations give us the opportunity to be much closer to price throughout the year and challenge suppliers when we know that things are happening in the market," says category and purchasing director Line Aarnes. In a report released by the Norwegian Competition Authority before Christmas, they concluded that the price adjustment system may have harmed competition. More positive attitude When the Norwegian news website E24 reported the change last summer, it was the first time several of Rema 1000's suppliers had heard about the matter. Aarnes says that some suppliers were involved immediately, while others were more sceptical at first. "It's natural when something new happens. When we change something that has been stuck for 30 years, you can get a little uncertain. Over the past six months, she and the price team have had several meetings with the chain's many suppliers to explain how Rema intends to conduct negotiations in the future. "It's a more positive attitude now than it was immediately. A lot of people are involved," she says. Lower costs There has been enormous attention to the rise in prices in stores over the past two years. Throughout the second half of last year, Statistics Norway consistently pointed to food and beverage prices as the strongest contributor to keeping inflation high. The fact that more than 200 prices can now be cut can be explained by lower costs backwards in the value chain. Rema 1000 points to raw materials such as grain and coffee, as well as packaging, shipping and to some extent electricity. "If we see that commodity prices or freight prices go down, for example, we will be much more actively in dialogue with suppliers to get price reductions," says Aarnes. She adds that it will still take some time to get out of the price windows completely. "So what we're doing now is something we're going to do more and more going forward. David vs. Goliath There are two tired Rema 1000 tops who pose for an E24 interview about the price changes. As a new CEO, Hoel, along with the rest of the management, has been around the country to greet, learn from and motivate the chain's 675 merchants. "I feel like I've been at a Coldplay concert for four weeks now, with me on stage. It's been really good. Lots of energy and a bunch of positive merchants who want to make a difference in their local environment. The former Extra boss is ready for battle. The aim is aimed at Norgesgruppen, the trading house with the biggest muscles. "It's fun to attack as a challenger. It's like David versus Goliath," says Hoel, who now heads a company with a turnover of around NOK 50 billion. Norgesgruppen has reached NOK 100 billion. "I think it's under-communicated how we are in a situation with one big and dominant player. In a strategic perspective, and for the Norwegian people, it is deathly important to challenge the largest. Read more: Nytt prisgrep fra Rema 1000: – Gøy å angripe som utfordrer – E24

Discount Retail Chain Aldi has successfully completed the divestiture of Fresco y Más to Fresco Retail Group, LLC, marking an important milestone in their strategic business plan. This announcement comes as part of the larger acquisition deal unveiled in August, which entails Aldi, the discount grocer, acquiring Southeastern Grocers' 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores. The agreement stipulates that Aldi will acquire all outstanding Southeastern Grocers stock in an all-cash transaction. Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the sale, emphasizing the company's commitment to the ongoing operation of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. Hucker stated that Southeastern Grocers remains focused on delivering an exceptional grocery shopping experience, one that meets the expectations of their valued customers and communities. The divestiture of Fresco y Más represents a key step forward in their progressive growth strategy. Expected Finalization Date of the Aldi Acquisition The acquisition of Southeastern Grocers by Aldi is expected to be finalized by the first half of 2024. Until then, the Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores, concentrated primarily in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, will continue to operate under their existing banners. Aldi's CEO, Jason Hart, expressed confidence in a smooth transition, highlighting the company's successful track record of store openings and remodels across the nation. Hart also assured customers that there will be no immediate changes, as Aldi remains dedicated to providing great products at the lowest possible prices. Aldi's Expansion Strategy in the U.S. Market This acquisition is part of Aldi's broader expansion strategy in the U.S. market. In 2023 alone, Aldi opened numerous stores and unveiled its 26th distribution center. With plans to open as many as 120 stores, Aldi is rapidly strengthening its presence in the grocery retail landscape. As of this year, the company has already launched four stores in Illinois, California, Florida, and Arkansas, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. Read more: Aldi acquisition of Southeastern Grocers moves forward (supermarketnews.com)

Discount Retail Chain DALI receives $15 Million investment from Asian Development Bank. DALI, a hard discount grocery store that aims to cater to budget-conscious shoppers, has recently secured a substantial investment of US$15 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Despite originating from Switzerland, a country famous for its luxury watches and expensive chocolates, DALI prides itself on offering good quality products at the lowest possible prices. What sets DALI apart from traditional supermarkets is its streamlined business model, focusing on a limited range of products referred to as "core range items". These include everyday household essentials, snacks, kitchen staples, and cleaning supplies, the majority of which are sold under the store's proprietary brands. What makes DALI so appealing to consumers is its dedication to providing equivalent or superior quality to national brands while keeping costs remarkably low. One of DALI's secrets to success lies in its "hard discount" strategy, wherein the company eliminates unnecessary expenses such as frills, extra services, and advertisements. By minimally staffing stores, often with only two cashiers and no baggers, DALI is able to significantly reduce labor costs while also eliminating the need for shopping bags and additional baggers. Moreover, products are displayed in their original cardboard transport cases, minimizing the labor-intensive process of unpacking and individually stocking items on shelves. These cost-cutting measures allow DALI to offer incredibly competitive prices, which is particularly appealing in the face of rising food inflation in the Philippines. Despite the challenges posed by the highly concentrated retail market in the Philippines, DALI has managed to carve out a solid position for itself. As of the end of 2022, the company boasted more than 250 retail stores across the country. Such impressive growth has not gone unnoticed, as the ADB recognized DALI's potential and made its first investment in a hard discount retail company by acquiring $15 million worth of common equity shares in HDPM Sin Pte. Ltd, DALI's parent company. The ADB's investment will be directed towards expanding DALI's store network, distribution centers, and cold chain infrastructure while also addressing its working capital requirements. Furthermore, this expansion is projected to create approximately 4,300 new jobs, with a strong focus on women's employment. DALI also plans to enhance its sustainability efforts by installing off-grid rooftop solar panels in 200 stores and 5 distribution centers by 2026, further solidifying its commitment to affordable prices, hygienic shopping environments, and integration of local agricultural suppliers into its supply chains. Read more: LOOK: How hard discount grocery DALI wins over value shoppers (rappler.com)

Discount Retail Chain Lidl Belgium is currently undergoing a trial phase in around twenty of its Belgian stores. The focus of this experiment is to test the viability of higher shelves within their establishments. Instead of the usual height of 1.6 meters, Lidl is investigating the practicality of implementing racks that measure 1.8 meters in height. By taking this step, the German retailer aims to expand its product range without increasing its physical store space. According to SudInfo, customer and staff feedback will be collected at the conclusion of the test period. This comprehensive evaluation will help determine whether the company should proceed with the higher shelves across its other locations. However, concerns have been raised by the unions regarding the potential impact on employees. Questions have been raised as to whether workers may require a step or need to lift items to access the higher shelves. Lidl's decision to experiment with higher racks reflects their dedication to continuously improving customer experience. By maximizing shelf space, the discount chain aims to offer customers a wider selection of products within the same store footprint. As the trial comes to an end, the company eagerly anticipates the valuable insights gathered from both shoppers and employees, which will pave the way for future enhancements in their stores across the country. The valuable feedback obtained through this experimentation will enable Lidl to make informed decisions about implementing higher shelves in their other locations. In conclusion, Lidl's innovative approach to testing higher shelves demonstrates their commitment to meeting the evolving needs and preferences of their customers. By striving to offer a more extensive product range without expanding store space, Lidl aims to provide a more satisfying shopping experience. As the company solicits feedback from both customers and employees, they are poised to make well-informed choices about the future of their store layouts and designs. Through this experimentation, Lidl is actively working towards improving their stores nationwide. Read more: Lidl raises supermarket shelves - RetailDetail BE

Discount Retail Chain Denner is renowned for its affordable product range and frequent special offers, which have proven instrumental in alleviating financial burdens. The anticipated effects of inflation are expected to significantly influence the purchasing habits of the population in 2023. As household budgets become strained, an increasing number of individuals will be drawn to Switzerland's leading discounter Denner. Denner's footfall in 2023 witnessed a notable rise of 5.2 percent, accompanied by a 4% increase in net sales, amounting to an impressive CHF 3.9 billion. Both Denner stores and Denner Franchise Partner stores contributed to this overall increase, with a growth rate of 4.1 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. Moreover, the company continued its expansion efforts last year, adding five additional locations to its current network of 864 stores. Imperative Role of Freshness in Boosting Sales To cater to the growing demand, Denner has recognized the crucial role of fresh products as a driving force behind sales. Responding to this emerging trend, the company initiated the construction of an additional distribution center in Mägenwil in September 2023. This new facility is set to temporarily store over 700 chilled fresh products, ensuring a constant supply to meet customer needs. Furthermore, this expansion effort also translates into a significant boost in employment opportunities, with the creation of 60 new jobs. Valuing and Supporting Dedicated Employees In recognition of the exceptional dedication demonstrated by Denner employees, the Swiss company has taken steps to appreciate and support its workforce throughout 2023. In an effort to offset the rising cost of living, the company has decided to increase the wage bill by 2.4 percent. Additionally, Denner is committed to strengthening the minimum wages for both unskilled workers and employees with vocational training. As a token of gratitude, all employees will receive a special bonus in the form of a Denner gift card worth CHF 500. Such measures reaffirm the organization's commitment to cultivating a supportive and rewarding work environment. Read more: Denner steigert Nettoumsatz auf CHF 3.9 Mrd.

The popular and market leading discount retail chain, Biedronka Poland, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new app, catering to its 10.5 million users. With improved functionalities, this app is set to revolutionize the shopping experience at Biedronka stores. One of the standout features is the inclusion of the Shopping List, which suggests popular products, reducing search time during store visits. Moreover, the app offers promotions that allow customers to save over PLN 8 million on average every week. With the new Biedronka app, customers can ensure they never miss any important purchases. Starting from Monday, users will have the opportunity to benefit from the enhanced version of the Biedronka app. Depending on the type of mobile device, users can download the app from the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery (Huawei's app store). While retaining the app's favorite features, such as Shakeomat, Only for You offers, Selected for You from the newsletter, price scanner, transaction history, and a list of nearby stores, the new version boasts additional solutions aimed at improving shopping efficiency. Notably, the new app loads faster than its predecessor, enabling a seamless and efficient shopping experience for customers, from filling their baskets to scanning their 'My Biedronka' cards during checkout. Thanks to the innovative Shopping List feature, Biedronka customers can now bid farewell to traditional shopping lists scribbled on pieces of paper or other tools. With the new app update, customers can create and manage their shopping lists directly within the Biedronka app. Another exciting addition to the app is the availability of a dark mode, designed to enhance user comfort for those who prefer this screen position. Additionally, the new version of the app is compatible with all Huawei devices, expanding accessibility beyond those with built-in Android systems. Ewa Piechota, the Product Manager for the Applications Section at Biedronka, expressed her enthusiasm for these new features. Notably, the new app build includes a familiar favorite, the Transaction History feature. Customers can access this tab to view their previous purchases made using the My Biedronka card. Here, they can review the amounts spent, purchase dates and locations, as well as the promotions they have accrued. Furthermore, the Biedronka app allows customers to browse selected offers on household products available in the Biedronka Home online store. By selecting a preferred item, customers can seamlessly transition to the website and make their purchases. Every day, shoppers can benefit from dozens of unique offers on products essential for every home. With over 2 million daily users and more than 400 promotional offers published each week, the Biedronka app consistently delivers tangible savings to its loyal customer base. On average, customers save over PLN 8 million per week and an impressive PLN 32 million per month. Therefore, utilizing the app throughout the year translates to a substantial annual savings of approximately PLN 400 million for Biedronka customers. The future looks bright as Biedronka continues to prioritize customer convenience and enhanced shopping experiences through its innovative app. Read more: Biedronka with a new app for 10.5 million users (dlahandlu.pl)

Turkey's dominant discount retailer, BİM, has recently installed its first on-land Solar Power Panel (SPP) project in Uşak Ulubey. In a significant step toward boosting Turkey's renewable energy efforts, BİM has also completed installing SPPs on the roofs of 16 of its warehouses. The Uşak SPP has an installed capacity of 6.45 MW and is expected to meet the energy needs of BİM's 348 stores in Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, Kütahya and Bilecik, along with its warehouse in Afyonkarahisar. This significant step is an integral part of BİM's long-term commitment to fighting climate change and to helping the environment. BİM's ultimate aim is to lower its greenhouse gas intensity by 20% by 2026 compared to 2019, and with a total of 17 SPP projects under its belt, BİM is leading the way in the mission of a sustainable future and a positive business case. The Uşak Ulubey SPP project comprises 11,718 solar panels, able to produce energy that corresponds to 3,800 households. It is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 6,800 tonnes per year which is equivalent to 98,700 trees. This latest project is part of BİM's 17 SPPs, including the ones on the roofs of its warehouses, with a total installed capacity of 26 MW. This capacity can produce energy equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 13,500 households, benefitting Turkey's carbon footprint. BİM's renewable energy scheme complements the Turkish Government's work to make the country more environmentally sustainable. In conclusion, BİM's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of solar power panels are of great significance to Turkey's push for sustainable energy solutions. BİM is setting a prime example of corporate social responsibility with their extensive investments in renewable energy. As a large company, they are showcasing that going green is a necessary approach toward building a more promising and safer future for everyone. The introduction of these solar power panels will act as a leverage point to decrease Turkey's reliance on fossil fuels and lead the way for other companies to follow. Together with government support and people's awareness, the country can work collaboratively towards a better and greener future. Read more: (+9) BİM launches its first on-land SPP project in Uşak (ortakalan.org)

Italian discount channel performance 2023 on private label and total sales. Share of private label in total sales per format, %: hyper+super+self-service 21.1 discount                                         60.1 on line                                 16.1 others 2.7 Total 100 Private Label sales by channel (%, source: elaborations on Circana data) Hypermarkets 6.1 Superstore 8.9 Supermarkets 30.3 self-service small 7.9 discounter 43.8 on line 1.3 others 1.7 Total 100 Italian market shares trend by channel: Sales by channel (%, source: Nielsen IQ) 2005      2020      2023 Traditional 8.2 3.4 2.9 Discount 8.8 19 21.5 Self-service 18 9.9 9.5 Supermarkets 47.9 52.3 51 Hypermarkets 15.8 10.3 9.8 Others 1,3 5,1 5,3 Total 100 100 100 Italian FMCG is worth 92 billion euros, this means that almost 20 billion euros of sales passes through the discounter, in other words more than one in five products is sold by the discounter. Read more: Perché il discount non è un supermercato e perché le parole sono importanti - Alimentando

Discount Retail Chain Lidl Spain will launch in 2025 its largest logistics investment in Spain since it arrived in the country three decades ago, with 140 million euros. It is a 66,000m2 complex in Martorell (Barcelona) that will complement the warehouse currently operating in Montcada i Reixac (Barcelona) and which responds to the supermarket chain's plans to strengthen itself in the north-east area. It will be one of Lidl's largest warehouses both in Spain and Europe, and is part of a national growth plan that, in terms of logistics, includes three other projects distributed throughout the territory in the coming years: one in Parla (Madrid), on a plot of more than 145,000m2; another in Constantí (Tarragona), on a plot of about 185,000m2, with the entry into operation in mid-2024 of a provisional warehouse in the same municipality until it is built and a last one in Villadangos del Páramo (León), on a plot of about 158,000m2. After having recently opened its warehouse in Escúzar (Granada), the German multinational now has a network of 12 logistics platforms in Spain, as well as a network of more than 670 stores and a workforce of around 18,500 people. In Catalonia, the area that will be mainly served by the future Martorell warehouse, Lidl has a network of more than 120 stores and a workforce of more than 4,000 people, and purchases more than 820 million euros worth of regional products annually from more than 180 suppliers. Throughout the country, it collaborates with more than 900 national suppliers from whom it buys products worth about Euro 6.7 billion annually, exporting more than half. Read more: Lidl will raise in Martorell its largest logistics investment since it arrived in Spain, for 140 million euros (eleconomista.es)

Private label is practically leaving the brands of manufacturers in the perfumery and drugstore sector out of the Spanish market. According to data compiled by Alimarket with information from the Circana barometer, the change in consumption patterns has caused distribution brands to account for 82% of sales in volume compared to 18% of manufacturers' share. Between October 2022 and the same month this year, while retail brands grew by 7.1% in terms of volume, manufacturers' brands fell by as much as 6%. According to data from Alimarket and Circana, in terms of value, the growth of private labels reached 16%, a percentage much higher than the 7.6% of manufacturers' brands. Thus, in terms of turnover, private label distribution brands are clearly dominant in the category with 62.3% of the market share in value, five percentage points above the percentage of food products. This strong growth in the brands of distribution in perfumery and drugstore comes at a time when Mercadona has reached the largest market share in its history, with a share that has already reached 27.1%, according to the latest data from the consulting firm KantarWorldpannel. The second position in the market is for Carrefour, with 9.9% and the third for discounter Lidl, where the private label also has a very strong penetration, with a 6.4% share. Read more: Private label accounts for 82% of sales in volume in drugstores and perfumeries (eleconomista.es)