Retail and consumer goods industry news

After extensive talks and high diplomatic tension, the EU and the UK have agreed a trade deal, in principle – with just days to go before the Transition Period ends on 31 December. This addresses a major source of uncertainty and risk for businesses on both sides, especially in food and drink markets. Investors in shares and currency may also be reassured. It also deals with an area of pe...

We look at how several of the leading US retailers are supporting the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine. Walmart supporting healthcare workers in rural areas This month, Walmart has started to administer the Moderna vaccine to healthcare workers (Priority 1A) in New Mexico. Store locations have been selected to support its administration in more rural areas. Given the vital role its stores, ...

Due to concerns over the new coronavirus variant a travel ban was imposed by France on people entering the country from the UK on Sunday 20 th December. On Wednesday 23 rd , the ban was eased for those meeting certain requirements. This article provides a summary of the current situation and what has happened over the past few days. Travel ban eased The French government has agreed to ease...

The UK Government has announced that millions more people in East and South-East England will be brought into Tier 4 restrictions as it struggles to bring the pandemic under control. The expansion of the “stay at home” zone follows alarm at the fast spread of the new variant of the virus. Tier 4 extended From December 26 th  four million more people living in counties adjoining the existi...

Bestway Wholesale has announced it has agreed a deal to acquire Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) from Bibby Line Group for an undisclosed amount. Taking annual turnover to nearly £3bn The acquisition, which will complete on approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will see Bestway Wholesale’s turnover reach almost £3bn. It will also take the symbol, franchise, and company sto...

Due to concerns over the new coronavirus variant travel bans have been put in place between the UK and France. We look at these in more detail. 48 hour travel ban The following measures have been taken; France blocked arrivals of UK passengers for 48 hours at 11pm on Sunday 20th Freight lorries cannot cross by sea or through the Eurotunnel Port of Dover has closed to outboun...

Central Food Hall Ladprao is a new food destination using modern robotic assistants to provide shoppers with a seamless shopping experience Celebrating the union of design and food The store is designed for a superior experience for all senses with a shop-in-shop concept and modern décor. Shoppers can observe every stage of food preparation in each zone and enjoy over 30,000 products from T...

The US Congress has agreed a new $900bn stimulus package as further lockdown mandates are implemented. $900bn package The US Congress has agreed a $900bn coronavirus relief package following nine months of negotiations. This builds on the two trillion dollar CARES Act which was passed in March. The agreement includes direct payments of $600 to most adults and $600 per child. Almost $300bn w...

Having risen to prominence at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in 2018, we look at Robomart’s latest beta test, as companies tap into the demand for contactless grocery ecommerce solutions.  Autonomous grocery store concept Robomart is an autonomous grocery store which consumers can summon to their home in less than ten minutes using a dedicated app. Described by the company as a ‘store-hail...

The UK government has introduced new rules for Christmas, with tighter restrictions in some areas of the country. We explore these, and the implications for the grocery sector. What has changed? A new tier has been introduced for London and much of the south-east The whole of Wales has entered another lockdown Scotland will enter a new lockdown from 26 December Where are the n...