Author: Dave Antrobus

Co-op is trialling cutting-edge AI technology to tackle the surge in retail crime.The company’s retail crime-related losses have risen by 20% to £39.5m.AI technology is being trialled in 14 stores, identifying item thefts and concealed weapons.The AI system does not use facial recognition and can detect staff assaults, alerting a central team.Despite positive sales, Co-op staff increasingly face attacks and abuse daily.In response to escalating crimes, Co-op has initiated a trial of artificial intelligence technology across 14 of its stores to mitigate the incidence of theft and violent attacks. The system is sophisticated enough to detect not only stolen items…

Kristian Horabin, the Managing Director of Asda’s commercial business, is set to depart.Horabin’s role at Asda included overseeing the retailer’s food service divisions.He joined Asda in 2022 and was promoted in October 2023.His departure was announced by Kris Comerford, Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer.The leadership team at Asda has seen several recent changes, including other high-level appointments.Kristian Horabin, the current Managing Director of Asda’s commercial business, has announced his departure from the company. Having joined Asda in June 2022 as vice president of commercial food, Horabin was promoted to his present role in October 2023. During his tenure, he was responsible…

Morrisons has initiated a pilot programme offering bus tours to farms, aiming to connect shoppers directly with food producers.These tours provide a unique glimpse into daily farm operations and sustainable practices.The first tour visited Barrock End Farms, showcasing cattle, sheep, and crops in the North Pennines.Morrisons is also the exclusive retail partner for British Food Fortnight, highlighting seasonal British produce.This initiative supports Morrisons’ goal to source exclusively from ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030.Morrisons has commenced an innovative programme termed the ‘British Farm Bus Tour’, designed to bridge the gap between consumers and the origins of their food. By allowing…

Recent months have seen a significant increase in instant noodles sales, driven by TikTok trends.Online retailer Ocado reports a 50% year-on-year sales increase for instant noodles.Searches for ramen noodles have outpaced those for other popular brands like Pot Noodles.There’s a growing trend of consumers upgrading their instant meals with additional ingredients.Social media has played a pivotal role in redefining instant noodles as a gourmet option.Sales of instant noodles have experienced a remarkable rise in popularity, largely attributed to viral trends on TikTok. The online supermarket Ocado has observed a 50% increase in year-on-year sales for these products, illustrating a growing…

Co-op has reversed its previous year’s loss, reporting a notable rise in profits.Group profit before tax soared, with a significant contribution from a decrease in interest payments.Co-op’s rapid growth in quick commerce has made it the leading grocery provider on major delivery platforms.The retailer has heightened member engagement and is focused on reaching 8 million members by 2030.Significant investments in staff, pricing, and community support underscore Co-op’s robust performance.Co-op has successfully transitioned from a £33 million loss last year to a profitable position in 2024. This notable turnaround is attributed to robust sales in both its physical food stores and…

AG Barr’s sales and profits saw a significant increase in the first half of 2024, thanks to its thriving soft drinks sector.Sales for the six months ending 27 July 2024 rose by 5.2%, reaching £221.3 million.The soft drinks category, particularly with Rubicon and Irn-Bru, played a crucial role with a 7% increase in sales.The ready-to-drink cocktails segment outperformed market growth, although certain brands faced challenges.AG Barr remains optimistic about its future, expecting continued growth through strategic investments and innovations.Irn-Bru and Rubicon have been pivotal to AG Barr’s growth in the first half of 2024. Overall sales reflected a noteworthy 5.2%…

Low-alcohol beer sales in the UK showed a significant increase post-Brexit, surpassing other global markets.Sales doubled from 650,000 hectolitres in 2022 to nearly 1.3 million hectolitres in 2023.The UK now ranks as the eighth-largest global market for low-alcohol beer, an improvement from thirteenth.Lower tax duties on beverages with less than 3.5% alcohol volume encouraged this growth.Major brewers have launched new and revamped products to cater to health-conscious consumers.Low-alcohol beer sales in the UK have notably increased, outpacing growth seen in other markets, following the UK’s departure from the European Union. This trend has been largely driven by changes in tax…

Next has invested £0.8m for a 16% stake in Rockett St George, a homeware and lifestyle brand.Prior collaborations between Next and Rockett St George included homeware and clothing collections.A Next director will join the Rockett St George board following the acquisition.Next’s investment aims to expand Rockett St George’s product range and consumer reach.Next continues to build its brand portfolio with various acquisitions and investments.Next has made a strategic investment of £0.8 million to acquire a 16% stake in the homeware and lifestyle brand Rockett St George. This move aligns with Next’s ongoing strategy to expand its brand portfolio.Prior to this…

A new addition to Coronation Street is set to capture the audience’s attention.Sainsbury’s Local and Argos stores will appear on Victoria Street from tonight.The storefronts were introduced as part of a renewed partnership with Argos.An unveiling that reflects ongoing collaborations between popular brands and television.This change mirrors historical transitions in Coronation Street’s commercial landscape.The introduction of a Sainsbury’s Local and Argos store facade on Coronation Street’s Victoria Street set is a notable development that aligns with the programme’s tradition of integrating real-life brands. The stores, which have remained hidden behind boardings since July, emerge today following a carefully planned product…

A significant political push is underway urging Asda to resolve its ongoing gender pay dispute.159 Members of Parliament have signed a letter addressed to Asda’s owners, TDR Capital.The MPs call for immediate negotiations to settle claims of gender pay discrimination.The backdated pay claims could potentially exceed £2 billion, according to the letter.Asda is defending its pay practices, citing industry specific pay structures.A major initiative has been launched involving 159 Members of Parliament (MPs) who have signed a letter directed at Asda’s principal owners, TDR Capital. The purpose of the letter is to encourage the owners to promptly engage in settlement…