Author: Dave Antrobus

Ocado has launched a groundbreaking retail media service, signalling a significant shift in its business strategy. The service aims to provide brands with measurable growth opportunities using sophisticated advertising methods. It features tools for campaign management and analytics, fostering a data-driven advertising environment. The initiative seeks to enhance personalised customer experiences through various media channels. Ocado is positioning itself as a leader in UK grocery advertising innovation.Ocado has taken a bold step forward by launching its innovative retail media service, which it describes as “a new chapter in its journey”. This initiative, known as Ocado Ads, is designed to offer…

The landscape of convenience retailing is evolving rapidly with a significant increase in store openings.In the first half of 2024, convenience stores saw over one new opening per week, totalling 85.Supermarkets are prioritising smaller store formats as opposed to traditional full-sized outlets.Major chains like Asda, Morrisons, M&S, and Waitrose are leading the charge in expanding their convenience store footprint.Retailers are making substantial investments to modernise stores and enhance energy efficiency.Convenience stores are experiencing notable growth, being one of the few retail categories witnessing significant expansion. In the first half of 2024 alone, there were 85 new convenience store openings, highlighting…

John Lewis has reported a decrease in losses, thanks to a successful transformation plan, signalling a positive future.The Partnership posted a loss of £30m before tax for the 26 weeks ending 27 July, improving from £59m the previous year.Losses before tax and exceptional items decreased significantly, and revenue rose by 2% to £5.2 billion.While John Lewis saw an increase in revenue, its adjusted operating profit faced challenges due to lower general merchandise demand.Major cost savings were achieved, and the brand anticipates enhanced profits in the latter half of the year.John Lewis Partnership has demonstrated significant progress in reducing financial losses,…

Asda’s decision to remove 40 items from its online Just Essentials range has sparked debate.The move follows a regular review to adjust to changing consumer buying habits.Despite the cuts, over 200 items remain available online, with the full range still offered in stores.Launched in 2022, Just Essentials replaced Asda’s previous budget Smart Price range.The brand saw a significant rise in popularity, with an 87% increase by mid-2023.Asda has announced the removal of 40 products from its budget online line, Just Essentials, following a strategic review aimed at better aligning with shopper preferences. An Asda spokesperson noted that adjusting product availability…

Jamie Oliver unveils a new line of frozen ready meals inspired by favourite cookbook recipes.The meals will be available in Iceland and debut in Waitrose stores next month.The range includes seven main courses such as moussaka, chicken tikka masala, and cottage pie.Sides featured include marmalade-glazed carrots and hasselback potatoes.Oliver highlights freezing as a means of reducing waste and enhancing convenience.Jamie Oliver, a renowned British chef, has launched a line of frozen ready meals. These meals are inspired by some of the most cherished recipes from his cookbooks and are currently available in Iceland. His vision is to reach broader audiences…

Tony’s Chocolonely has raised concerns over Lidl’s chocolate bar design, highlighting sourcing principles as a key issue.Lidl’s ‘Way To Go’ chocolate bar mimics Tony’s Chocolonely’s design but lacks equivalent sourcing standards.Tony’s Chocolonely emphasises their strict sourcing principles, aiming to reduce child labour and support cocoa farmers.Lidl defends its Fairtrade-certified approach, promoting income improvement and sustainability for farmers.The debate centres on ethical sourcing and the responsibility of brands in supporting sustainable cocoa farming.Tony’s Chocolonely has expressed dissatisfaction with Lidl’s creation of a chocolate bar that closely resembles their own, citing a divergence in sourcing ethics. According to Tony’s, Lidl’s ‘Way To…

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has strongly criticised the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) over its agricultural budget underspend.Defra’s budget was underused by £358 million over three years, a situation described as ‘unacceptable’ by NFU president Tom Bradshaw.The NFU has consistently advocated for timely implementation of replacement schemes following the reduction in the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).Farmers and growers face financial uncertainty due to unspent funds intended to support them during agricultural transition.Newly appointed Defra secretary Steve Reed is urged to ensure budgets align with necessary investments for the farming sector.The NFU has raised significant concerns after…

Flooid introduces innovative features to enhance the fuel and convenience retail sector.The platform facilitates seamless integration with various services, improving user experience.Retailers can now manage complex fuel transactions with advanced POS capabilities.New self-service options allow customers to efficiently pay for fuel and order food.Flooid’s evolving platform aids retailers in adapting to market changes with a unified solution.Flooid has unveiled a series of new features aimed at revolutionising the fuel and convenience store industry. The platform is designed to integrate effortlessly with an array of services, providing a streamlined and cohesive experience for users. This integration extends from payment systems to…

Alistair Carmichael, MP, elected as Chair of Efra select committee, brings extensive experience and vision for UK rural affairs.Carmichael assumes the position succeeding Sir Robert Goodwill, standing unopposed in the election.His focus areas include providing a voice to farmers, addressing animal welfare, and setting agendas for food security.Carmichael is committed to shaping key decisions affecting UK rural life for the next decade.Recent statements from the Defra minister highlight alignment with food security as a national security priority.Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, has been elected as the new Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee.…

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has highlighted the need for comprehensive charging infrastructure.Over one million fully electric cars are now on UK roads, with an additional 620,000 plug-in hybrids.Supermarkets and grocery sites are emerging as prime locations for EV charging hubs.EV charging infrastructure not only supports current EV drivers but also attracts more customers to retail sites.A free guide by Mer provides insights for landowners on establishing EV charging hubs.With the number of electric vehicles on UK roads surpassing one million, the need for robust and widespread EV charging infrastructure has become more pressing than ever.…