2+ hour, 18+ min ago (395+ words) From dynamic pricing to real-time storytelling, ESLs are evolving into digital platforms that enhance customer trust, empower staff and unlock new revenue streams, says Finn Wikander, Chief Product Officer at'Pricer,'the in-store communication and digitalisation specialists. What began as a way to automate price changes and reduce compliance risk has evolved into a powerful in-store platform that supports operational agility, sustainability and customer engagement at scale. Connected through cloud platforms such as Pricer Plaza, every ESL becomes part of a digital network that is the foundation of a more responsive, sustainable, and customer-centric store. Retailers need scale and consistency across hundreds or thousands of stores, but also to be able to react locally to conditions that vary by location and even by hour. ESLs bridge this gap. Prices and promotions can be adjusted in response to local weather, competitor tactics,…...

4+ hour, 17+ min ago (279+ words) Britain's Hilton Food has announced that Steve Murrells is stepping down as its chief executive officer, with Mark Allen transitioning to an executive chair role, as the meat and seafood supplier considers CEO succession. The company has faced severe operational challenges in its seafood division and persistent inflation, leading to a profit warning and a share price drop earlier this month, as it also tackles restrictions on US shipments from its Greek facility. The company on Tuesday reiterated its warning that growth is likely to be challenging, but said it remains in a strong financial position and annual performance is expected to be in line with its previous expectation. Murrells has been at the helm for over two years and is expected to provide transitional support through the end of December as the company banks on Allen's varied experience in…...

5+ hour, 18+ min ago (357+ words) Food catering firm Compass Group's annual profit and revenue slightly beat market expectations, fuelled by strong demand at office canteens and new business wins in its largest market of the United States. The world's largest caterer, which serves office workers at the likes of Google, Amazon and Microsoft, also forecast profit growth of about 10% and organic revenue growth around 7% for the new financial year, roughly in line with expectations. Compass Group is also benefiting from new business wins in the region, including at J.P.Morgan's new headquarters in New York, where it won the contract to run a pub and full service restaurants at the 60-storey location. Concerns about the US economy and the impact of President Donald Trump's policies on healthcare and education had initially weighed on the outlook for catering firms. But Compass' diversified model and smaller exposure to…...

6+ hour, 48+ min ago (272+ words) French consumer behaviour is witnessing a profound shift for the holiday season as shoppers are prioritising budget control and focusing on simplicity, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. The analysis is based on observed consumption trends during the 2024 holiday period, Worldpanel noted. French households are revising their priorities in search of better value amid inflation, with clothing, home d'cor, and food emerging as the top categories where they are making cutbacks or adjustments. The French are adapting the way they celebrate by focusing on simpler meals, increasing the use of homemade products, while still holding on to festive essentials, such as Advent calendars, foie gras, seafood, and frozen desserts. The analysis revealed that homemade recipes, cutting premium festive products, and simplified menus are three major trends for the holiday table this year. Shoppers are also spreading purchases over time, monitoring prices,…...

8+ hour, 8+ min ago (353+ words) Spanish cooperative Eroski has finalised a refinancing operation totalling "950 million, restructuring its debt to achieve a simpler, more cost-effective and sustainable financial model. The refinancing package comprises a "500 million senior secured bond, exclusively targeted at institutional investors, maturing in 2031 with an interest rate of 5.750%. This is complemented by a new "370 million syndicated loan and an additional "80 million credit facility, both also maturing in 2031. Additionally, the group will redeem its senior secured bond issued in 2023 (10.5%, maturing in 2029), repay other existing loans, and cover associated transaction costs. Leading national entities such as Kutxabank, Laboral Kutxa and ICO continue their financial commitment, joined by prominent Spanish and international institutions including the Basque Finance Institute (IVF), BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, Banca March, Cajamar, Caja Rural, Rabobank, Intesa Sanpaolo and Deutsche Bank. This transaction does not increase Eroski's overall debt, but, rather, optimises its terms, leading…...

23+ hour, 28+ min ago (336+ words) Dutch online supermarket Picnic has announced a successful funding round, raising "430 million from its existing investors. The capital infusion will be primarily allocated to support the company's growth strategy in Germany. Founded a decade ago by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, Picnic offers a comprehensive range of supermarket items with free home delivery. The company's business model promotes a more environmentally friendly food supply system by using small electric vans for its deliveries, reducing waste and carbon emissions. The online supermarket quickly gained popularity in the Netherlands and currently serves two million customers across 200 towns from seven distribution centres in its home market. Following its success in the Netherlands, Picnic expanded into Germany in 2018 and subsequently into France in 2021. Germany, with a population nearly five times that of the Netherlands and almost nine times its geographical size, presents a vast…...

1+ day, 3+ hour ago (390+ words) Uber has reached agreement on key elements of a deal to acquire Turkish delivery company Getir's food business from Emirati controlling shareholder Mubadala, and they have sought approval from Turkish authorities, two sources told Reuters. A sale of Getir Food would mark another step in the exit from T'rkiye of Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's $330 billion sovereign wealth fund, and would also expand the local market share of Uber Eats, the food delivery app of Uber Technologies. Any final purchase deal would hinge in part on the review that has begun by T'rkiye's Competition Board, according to the two people familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential information. The proposed sale price was unclear, and the sources said a final deal may not ultimately happen. One source said the proposal was submitted to authorities "for final approval". Representatives from…...

4+ day, 6+ hour ago (307+ words) Shoppers in France spent 2.1% more on FMCG across major retail stores, boosted by an increase in purchase frequency, in the latest four weeks to 2 November 2025, according to Worldpanel. The online channel continued its growth momentum, gaining 0.4 points to reach a market share of 11.1% in terms of value as it saw a 20% increase in new shoppers. Proximity retail gained 0.3 points in this period to reach a market share of 8.1% by value, supported by new and loyal customers. The EDMP segment, chiefly comprising discounters, gained 0.1 point of market share to 12.1%, driven by a 0.9 point increase in penetration. Hypermarkets saw a 0.3 point decline to take a value market share of 37.8% as customer loyalty declined. Supermarkets registered a 0.5 point fall with market share at 30.9%, again due to a drop in loyalty coupled with weaker basket spend. Cooperative U continued to lead the market with…...

4+ day, 8+ hour ago (283+ words) Germany's REWE Group is testing self-driving vehicles to deliver groceries to customers. The retailer has partnered with Swiss technology company Loxo and Bochum Economic Development. The pilot project is scheduled to run for six-month in Bochum, Germany. Loxo has implemented its Digital Driver software in a VW ID. Buzz. The vehicle is said to operate at level 4 of autonomous driving capability. REWE Group claims to be the first retailer to implement this level of self-driving technology nationwide. REWE Germany has confirmed that a safety driver will be present on every journey, although the delivery van can operate fully autonomously. The retailer intends no changes for its customers. Groceries will continue to be handed over by the mandatory safety driver. Delivery routes will be planned manually and handled through REWE e-commerce systems. REWE Germany emphasised that the goal of this project is…...

5+ day, 1+ min ago (477+ words) Around four months ahead of the opening of ISM 2026, the booked space has already exceeded the final result of ISM 2025. Scheduled in Cologne, Germany, from 1 to 4 February, companies from 71 countries and all continents have already confirmed their participation, indicating the dynamism and international significance of the world's leading trade fair for sweets and snacks. In 2026, there are new exhibitors from various countries, such as Albania, Bangladesh, Iran and Luxembourg. Established international brands are also focusing on continuity: Morinaga, one of the leading sweet manufacturers in Japan, is returning after its successful debut in 2025 and has significantly expanded its stand area. Walker's Shortbread, a long-standing exhibitor in the UK pavilion, will once again be represented with its own exhibition stand. Fazer, which previously had a lounge in the Europasaal, also has its own stand this year. With 37 pavilions from 27 countries and…...