Author: Scott Dylan

Co-op’s MD, Matt Hood, addresses allegations of profiteering amidst a surge in shoplifting.The retailer reports over 175,000 crime incidents, including shoplifting, in six months.Comments defending shoplifting due to alleged supermarket profiteering disappointment Hood.Hood dismisses the cost-of-living excuse, attributing theft to organised crime.Despite increased shoplifting, only a fraction of police-recorded cases result in charges.Co-op’s Managing Director, Matt Hood, has countered accusations of profiteering emerging amid a significant rise in shoplifting incidents. The retailer has recorded over 175,000 occurrences of crime, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour in just the first half of 2023, which is almost 1,000 incidents per day. Raising strong concerns,…

Co-op announced its largest pricing investment of £70 million, focusing on member price benefits.The initiative offers ‘member-only’ prices on essentials like milk, eggs and bread.Members can save up to 11% on retail prices, averaging £500 annually.New pricing strategy covers over 600 items to match competitor pricing.Includes a membership campaign, with rewards available via a partnership with Uber Eats.Co-op has disclosed its most substantial pricing strategy to date, marking an investment of £70 million aimed at enhancing member price benefits. This strategic move is offering lower prices exclusively to Co-op members on everyday essential commodities such as milk, eggs, and bread.…

Tesco has announced an additional £10 million support package for UK egg farmers, marking progression in industry recovery.The egg industry previously faced restrictions due to supply chain pressures from price hikes and avian flu.Tesco’s earlier investment of £27.5 million in 2022-2023 underscored its commitment to UK-sourced eggs.The support aims to alleviate costs associated with handling, processing, and production, including feed expenses.With easing conditions, Tesco has removed purchasing limitations on shell eggs, ensuring customers access to British products.Tesco has declared an additional £10 million support for British egg farmers. This funding reflects encouraging signs of recovery within the egg industry following…

Tesco, a leading retailer, is launching Creams café concessions in its UK stores.The initiative follows a successful trial of a standalone site at Tesco Extra Streatham.The first in-store café to feature Creams products will open in Newcastle, followed by another in Maryhill.Customers can enjoy a diverse menu, including 24 flavours of gelato and various desserts.Tesco plans to digitally transform its cafés with new ordering and inventory technologies.The major retailer Tesco is set to introduce Creams café concessions within its UK stores, adding a range of dessert offerings to its in-store cafés. This move follows a successful trial of a standalone…

The UK government has announced changes in alcohol duty based on drink strength, aligning with broad public health and tax goals.Drinks with an alcohol by volume (ABV) below 3.5% will see a lower tax rate, while those above 8.5% ABV will remain unchanged.Port, sherry, vodka, and red wine will experience notable tax increases, affecting consumer prices.Sparkling wine will benefit from a minor tax reduction, and beer taxes will rise in retail settings but not in pubs.Authorities aim to modernise the tax system, reflecting growing demand for low-alcohol beverages, despite concerns of unfair treatment towards premium products.The UK government has introduced…

Too Good To Go urges DEFRA to reconsider voluntary food waste reporting.80% of consultation respondents favour mandatory reporting.Government cites cost concerns for voluntary reporting approach.Critics warn the decision may hinder 2030 and 2050 environmental targets.Mandatory reporting considered vital for reducing food waste efficiently.Too Good To Go has publicly urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to reconsider its decision to implement voluntary rather than mandatory food waste disclosures until 2026. This appeal follows a governmental consultation where 80% of the respondents supported mandatory reporting, highlighting widespread agreement on the need for compulsory action in food waste management.In…

Asda updates its loyalty app to aid customers in saving for Christmas with a new feature.Introducing the ‘Christmas Saver Cashpot’, users can now allocate savings specifically for the festive period.Customers benefit from a cash bonus when transferring funds to this new Cashpot.Flexible usage options allow conversion of Cashpot savings into in-store or online vouchers.Asda’s Income Tracker highlights the financial pressures faced by UK families, underpinning this initiative.In a strategic move to assist customers during the festive season, Asda has incorporated a novel feature in its well-regarded Rewards app, aimed at providing economic relief to shoppers. This feature, known as the…

Greggs has announced a notable rise in pre-tax profits and sales, highlighting strong trading momentum amid unchanged expectations due to economic uncertainties.The company’s pre-tax profit reached £80 million for the first half of 2023, up from £55.8 million in the same period for 2022.Sales increased by 21.5% to £844 million, with like-for-like sales seeing a 16% rise.Despite the robust performance, Greggs maintains a cautious outlook for the full year, citing ongoing economic uncertainties.Expansion plans are underway with 150 new shops expected by year’s end, following 94 openings in the first half.Greggs has reported a significant increase in its pre-tax profit…

Retail crime has surged by 35%, prompting calls for action.Co-op faces rising shoplifting and anti-social behaviour incidents.Police response to serious retail crimes is reportedly lacking.Substantial investments have been made to ensure safety in stores.Concerns are mounting about community safety and ‘no-go’ zones.Retail crime has surged by 35% year on year, according to Co-op, which has led to an urgent call for enhanced police intervention. Matt Hood, the Co-op food managing director, has expressed concern over the escalation in criminal activities in stores, describing the situation as ‘out of control.’ More than 175,000 incidents have been recorded within the first half…

Five major brands have introduced their newest products, creating a buzz in the FMCG sector.Heinz has expanded its line with a new range of culinary tomatoes available in various forms including chopped and peeled tomatoes.Tesco celebrates National Ice Cream Day with two new flavours in their Finest range.Nescafé unveils a dessert-inspired coffee collection featuring Chocolate Caramel Brownie Mocha and Sticky Toffee Pudding Latte.Mars Wrigley introduces a Smooth Mint flavoured chocolate bar to reinforce its Galaxy brand.Loyd Grossman offers two new stir-in sauces, tapping into growing demand for Italian-inspired options.Heinz’s latest launch includes a diverse selection of culinary tomatoes, tailored for…