Musgrave Budgens Londis is planning a major overhaul of the Budgens and Londis brands, which could include development of new fascia and in-store signage.

Although MBL is keeping details of the new branding under wraps, the makeover will be designed to emphasise that Budgens and Londis are independent retailers, and show they are "different and better" compared with competitors.

"Our desire is to support the independent retailer," said Steve Carter, head of fresh buying at MBL.

MBL has said all Budgens stores will be independently-owned by franchisees by the end of the year. There are currently 73 company-owned Budgens stores and 107 independents. All Londis stores are owned by independents.

Any makeover of the Londis brand could reflect a recent overhaul of the group's own-label packaging. It has been redesigning more than 600 lines across 60 categories over the past 18 months and products now boast a new Londis logo with the famous three diamonds behind the brand name, rather than in front of it.

The redesign had led to a major uplift in sales, said Martin Swadling, Londis's regional director for the west of the UK.

Sales of Somerset White Cider had gone up 20% since the introduction of the new packaging and Rich Roast Coffee sales had risen 15.5%.

The launch of its own-label sandwich range was "one of the company's most successful launches yet," Swadling added.

Earlier this month, MBL said stronger own-label sales had helped Londis record a 4% increase in full-year like-for-like sales in 2006.

Meanwhile, Budgens is to launch a food ordering service. Customers planning parties will be able to order products through a brochure, which they can later collect from their local store.

Budgens also plans to launch a range of 140 premium products later this year.

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