more supermarket news & analysis – Page 1017

  • News

    Talking scanner to identify foods

    2003-08-20T00:00:00Z

    Tesco are said to be in talks with the inventors of a new “speaking” barcode scanner which reads out food ingredients to blind and partially sighted shoppers.The scanner, named Tele-Eye by scientists at the universities of Strathclyde and...

  • News

    Asda and NFU wise up to weather

    2003-08-19T00:00:00Z

    Asda and the National Farmers’ Union have met to discuss the impact of ever-changing weather patterns on food production and minimise the potential disruption to supply. NFU president Sir Ben Gill and Asda boss Tony de Nunzio said the food...

  • News

    Somerfield gets funky for kids

    2003-08-18T00:00:00Z

    Somerfield has launched its Funky Food Factory children’s food brand following trials in pilot stores. Marketing brand controller Nicholas Hall said 20 products would be rolled out by Christmas and a further 40 next year. Somerfield...

  • News

    Consumers back Green

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    As the Safeway saga nears a conclusion, shoppers and industry chiefs reveal their preferred end result. Liz Hamson reportsMost consumers think the supermarket sector would benefit if retail entrepreneur Philip Green bought Safeway. As...

  • News

    Consumer vox pop

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    >>consumers say safeway is out of step with the timesConsumers may not know or care who is in the running for Safeway. But that does not indicate that they have no views on the outcome nor how it will affect the price of their weekly...

  • News

    View from the top

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    The Grocer asks industry chiefs who their money is on to win the battle for Safeway and whether they believe the protracted sale has hurt the market over the past six monthsSince January, the challenge for my colleagues and I has...

  • News

    Giant’s local touch

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    Backed by the mighty Metro, Makro is bent on UK expansion says John WoodCash and carry chain Makro is part of a multinational giant that dwarves even Tesco, but in the cut-throat UK retail sector it aims to use its power to support...

  • News

    Asda depot saves £15m

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    Asda aims to slash £15m from transport costs by centralising distribution of slow-moving lines through a colossal new depot at Lutterworth.The 1.1 million sq ft distribution centre which opened this week will enable Asda to move to daily...

  • News

    New Tesco threatens a star Extra

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    Tesco’s recent purchase of the Co-operative Group’s superstore in Uxbridge Road, Slough, is a surprise given its close proximity to Tesco’s existing Extra store in Brunel Way, just over half a mile to the west of the new site.The converted...

  • News

    Walkers gets top spot back

    2003-08-16T00:00:00Z

    Tesco comes out at the top of the chart this week with Sainsbury less than one percentage behind at number two.Activity in Tesco is focused upon gondola ends and is particularly strong in the alcoholic drinks and health and beauty...

  • News

    Which way Safeway?

    2003-08-12T00:00:00Z

    The threat of legal challenge from Asda's US parent Wal-Mart could delay publication of the Competition Commission ruling on the takeover of Safeway. The Sunday Telegraph said the report is understood to recommend that Asda, Sainsbury and...

  • News

    Working week...

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    >>The highs and lows of a week in the industryProduct development has little to do with sitting around eating, says Carolyn Rastall, a senior product developer for Safeway.In fact, one of the things Rastall likes about her...

  • News

    Thompson’s back after a Gap

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Anthony Thompson has rejoined Marks & Spencer as its director of childrenswear.Thompson joined US fashion retailer Gap in 2000 as senior vice president Europe, responsible for building the brand in the UK, France and Germany. His...

  • News

    Just the tonic for Boots

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Is Boots equipped to face the challenges of grocery? Elaine Watson reportsRichard Baker knows a thing or two about selling toiletries, and with lengthy stints at the marketing departments of Mars and Asda under his belt, he knows a...

  • News

    Tesco tackles Welsh rugby

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Tickets for Wales’ international rugby matches are being sold in Tesco stores in South Wales in order to make ticket sales more customer-friendly and available to new communities.The tickets are being sold by the Welsh Rugby Union in Tesco...

  • News

    Kears takes franchise expertise to Somerfield

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Norman Kears, managing director of Budgens Franchise which trades under the Budgens Local fascia, has been recruited by Somerfield.Kears, 63, has left to take up a two-year contract with the multiple in Yorkshire.Budgens said this...

  • News

    Co-op will now sue Regan

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    The Co-operative Group is to proceed with suing Andrew Regan in a £10m damages claim following his acquittal this week on charges of paying £2m in bribes to secure a lucrative supply deal with the Co-op.After the verdict, Nick Eyre,...

  • News

    Safeway in the top spot

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Safeway leaps ahead this week to take the top spot in the chart, forcing Sainsbury down to number two. The multiple at the centre of takeover activity appears to be focusing on price promotions and buy-one-get-one free offers and is...

  • News

    Safeway slashes distribution costs

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    Safeway will save millions of pounds in distribution costs with a nationwide scheduling system due to launch in seven weeks’ time, according to supply director Mark Aylwin.The new computerised scheduling system, which integrates existing...

  • News

    asda move signals a new era of change

    2003-08-09T00:00:00Z

    from Mark Dorgan, Management Group, PA Consulting GroupSir; Your report that Asda has moved ahead of Sainsbury to become the UK’s second largest supermarket behind Tesco (The Grocer, August 2), has raised a few questions in my mind. ...