Co-op Wholesale secures five-year supply extension with Ascona Group
Co-op Wholesale has entered into a new five-year agreement with forecourt operator Ascona Group, ensuring continued grocery supply to its 62 UK sites.
The renewed deal will see Ascona customers continue to benefit from Co-op’s own-label range alongside leading branded products.
Founded in 2011 by CEO Darren Briggs, the company now serves more than 300,000 customers each week and has made significant investments in its network — including a £3m redevelopment of Machynlleth Service Station in North Wales last year.
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The renewed deal will see Ascona customers continue to benefit from Co-op’s own-label range alongside leading branded products.
Founded in 2011 by CEO Darren Briggs, the company now serves more than 300,000 customers each week and has made significant investments in its network — including a £3m redevelopment of Machynlleth Service Station in North Wales last year.
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23/Sep/2025 08:00
Morrisons posts growth for 11th quarter in a row despite rising costs
Morrisons reported a 3% increase in like-for-like sales in its third quarter, extending its run of growth to 11 consecutive periods despite what it described as “significant cost headwinds.”
For the 13 weeks ending 27 July, the supermarket’s total sales rose 3.5% to £4bn, driven in part by strong performance online. The grocer highlighted double-digit growth in its digital business, which it said made it the fastest-growing online supermarket in the market during the quarter.
CEO Rami Baitiéh said Morrisons had shown a “resilient performance” despite inflation and wider economic pressures.
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For the 13 weeks ending 27 July, the supermarket’s total sales rose 3.5% to £4bn, driven in part by strong performance online. The grocer highlighted double-digit growth in its digital business, which it said made it the fastest-growing online supermarket in the market during the quarter.
CEO Rami Baitiéh said Morrisons had shown a “resilient performance” despite inflation and wider economic pressures.
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18/Sep/2025 08:23
Aldi announces rise in annual sales
Aldi recorded a 4.8% increase in sales, reaching £18.1bn in the 12 months to December 2024, according to Kantar Worldpanel data.
However, the retailer’s operating profit fell by 2.4% to £435.5m, down from £552.9m the previous year, reflecting the impact of lower prices, ongoing infrastructure investment, and rising staff costs. Aldi’s market share stood at 10.8%.
Aldi said the sales growth was supported by an increase in family shopping trips and more frequent visits for top-up purchases.
Giles Hurley.
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However, the retailer’s operating profit fell by 2.4% to £435.5m, down from £552.9m the previous year, reflecting the impact of lower prices, ongoing infrastructure investment, and rising staff costs. Aldi’s market share stood at 10.8%.
Aldi said the sales growth was supported by an increase in family shopping trips and more frequent visits for top-up purchases.
Giles Hurley.
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15/Sep/2025 08:49
Lidl to invest £435 million in distribution centres
Lidl has unveiled a £435 million investment to expand and upgrade its warehouse facilities, aiming to improve customer service and strengthen its logistics network.
The discounter has invested £285 million across two buildings at its Belvedere site in London. A new £160 million warehouse was built, while the original facility was refurbished to increase overall capacity. Once complete, the site will support 120 stores.
Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, Richard Taylor, said: “We’re proud to play our role in driving economic growth.
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The discounter has invested £285 million across two buildings at its Belvedere site in London. A new £160 million warehouse was built, while the original facility was refurbished to increase overall capacity. Once complete, the site will support 120 stores.
Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, Richard Taylor, said: “We’re proud to play our role in driving economic growth.
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10/Sep/2025 09:47
M&S names Blakemore as lead wholesale partner for branded goods
M&S Food has appointed A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, the family-owned West Midlands business, as its main wholesale partner for third-party branded products.
Under the multi-year agreement, Blakemore will supply premium products directly to M&S’ regional distribution network seven days a week, helping the retailer boost availability and efficiency.
The collaboration forms part of M&S Food’s ongoing Reshape for Growth strategy, designed to deliver a more consistent and reliable shopping experience for customers.
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Under the multi-year agreement, Blakemore will supply premium products directly to M&S’ regional distribution network seven days a week, helping the retailer boost availability and efficiency.
The collaboration forms part of M&S Food’s ongoing Reshape for Growth strategy, designed to deliver a more consistent and reliable shopping experience for customers.
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10/Sep/2025 09:35
Co-op reshuffles leadership team as it enters next growth phase
Co-op has revealed changes to its leadership team as it enters the next phase of its expansion plans.
Jerome Saint-Marc, Co-op’s managing director for growth since November 2023, is leaving the business to pursue other opportunities.
During his tenure, he developed the retailer’s B2B capabilities and managed partnerships with Independent Co-op Societies via Federal Retail Trading Services.
Following his departure.
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Jerome Saint-Marc, Co-op’s managing director for growth since November 2023, is leaving the business to pursue other opportunities.
During his tenure, he developed the retailer’s B2B capabilities and managed partnerships with Independent Co-op Societies via Federal Retail Trading Services.
Following his departure.
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02/Sep/2025 13:32
Ascona to develop new holiday park in major multi-million forecourt revamp
A filling station, acquired by Ascona in 2021, is set for a major transformation, with plans to introduce 14 new holiday lodges and 10 caravan pitches on the site.
The Forge Service Station in Saint Clears, Carmarthenshire, sits on the A40, just seven miles west of Carmarthen and 30 miles east of Haverfordwest.
The site currently includes a restaurant and a small holiday park with several chalets, along with an indoor pool and sauna. An established four-pump forecourt and shop serve motorists on the westbound carriageway of the A40.
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The Forge Service Station in Saint Clears, Carmarthenshire, sits on the A40, just seven miles west of Carmarthen and 30 miles east of Haverfordwest.
The site currently includes a restaurant and a small holiday park with several chalets, along with an indoor pool and sauna. An established four-pump forecourt and shop serve motorists on the westbound carriageway of the A40.
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02/Sep/2025 12:17
Asda to expand with 25 new convenience store openings this year
Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion, targeting 25 new openings in the second half of the year.
This marks a key step in the supermarket’s strategy to expand its smaller store formats and strengthen its presence in towns and city centres.
According to The Telegraph, the supermarket reduced the pace of its convenience store rollout in the previous year, with only 12 openings recorded.
The renewed expansion forms part of a wider turnaround strategy led by executive chairman Allan Leighton.
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This marks a key step in the supermarket’s strategy to expand its smaller store formats and strengthen its presence in towns and city centres.
According to The Telegraph, the supermarket reduced the pace of its convenience store rollout in the previous year, with only 12 openings recorded.
The renewed expansion forms part of a wider turnaround strategy led by executive chairman Allan Leighton.
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29/Aug/2025 12:06
Co-op Wholesale secures supplier deal with Sewell on the Go
Co-op Wholesale has unveiled a new supply partnership with Sewell on the Go, the independent forecourt retailer based in East Yorkshire.
Under the agreement, Co-op Wholesale will supply 12 convenience stores across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Katie Secretan, MD at Co-op Wholesale, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sewell on the Go. This is a fantastic business with deep roots in its communities and a genuine commitment to quality and service.
“Our wholesale model is built to give partners like Sewell the freedom to stay true to their brand while delivering a market-leading range and operational support.
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Under the agreement, Co-op Wholesale will supply 12 convenience stores across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Katie Secretan, MD at Co-op Wholesale, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sewell on the Go. This is a fantastic business with deep roots in its communities and a genuine commitment to quality and service.
“Our wholesale model is built to give partners like Sewell the freedom to stay true to their brand while delivering a market-leading range and operational support.
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28/Aug/2025 11:53
Waitrose Managing Director resigns after five years in role
The John Lewis Partnership has announced that James Bailey will leave his role as Waitrose managing director at the end of September, bringing to a close more than five years at the helm of the supermarket.
Bailey, who joined in 2020, guided Waitrose through the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, overseeing record customer numbers, strong sales growth and a return to profitability.
Partnership chairman Jason Tarry praised Bailey’s leadership during “a period of change,” noting that he had overseen “significant transformation and growth” and leaves the business in a stronger position.
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Bailey, who joined in 2020, guided Waitrose through the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, overseeing record customer numbers, strong sales growth and a return to profitability.
Partnership chairman Jason Tarry praised Bailey’s leadership during “a period of change,” noting that he had overseen “significant transformation and growth” and leaves the business in a stronger position.
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22/Aug/2025 15:00
M&S to invest £340 million in major supply chain expansion
Marks & Spencer is investing £340 million in a new automated National Distribution Centre in Northamptonshire. It represents the largest single investment in its supply chain to date.
The 1.3 million sq ft facility, located at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, is scheduled to open in 2029 and will be central to M&S’s strategy to double the size of its food business.
The site will showcase cutting-edge automation, including pallet cranes, high-speed shuttles, and hands-free picking systems.
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The 1.3 million sq ft facility, located at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, is scheduled to open in 2029 and will be central to M&S’s strategy to double the size of its food business.
The site will showcase cutting-edge automation, including pallet cranes, high-speed shuttles, and hands-free picking systems.
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21/Aug/2025 11:13
Lidl launches new health logo on all own-label items
Lidl GB has taken the lead as the first discounter to roll out a health marker across its own-brand range.
Created to guide customers towards smarter choices, the Lidl Live Well logo marks products that support both balanced nutrition and sustainability.
In collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and building on its WWF partnership principles, Lidl has developed the label to align with the Planetary Health Diet – a pioneering step for the industry.
Over the next six months.
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Created to guide customers towards smarter choices, the Lidl Live Well logo marks products that support both balanced nutrition and sustainability.
In collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and building on its WWF partnership principles, Lidl has developed the label to align with the Planetary Health Diet – a pioneering step for the industry.
Over the next six months.
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21/Aug/2025 09:48
Southern Co-op secures first franchise partnership with Wenzel’s to grow its food-to-go offering
Southern Co-op, a regional UK co-operative, has formed its first franchise partnership with the popular bakery chain Wenzel’s.
The partnership supports Southern Co-op’s strategy to address rising demand for food-to-go (FTG) in high-traffic locations. It also represents Wenzel’s first step into franchising.
Central Services Director at Southern Co-op, Nick Smith, said: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Wenzel’s as they take their first step into franchising.
“This partnership represents a powerful alignment of values – great food.
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The partnership supports Southern Co-op’s strategy to address rising demand for food-to-go (FTG) in high-traffic locations. It also represents Wenzel’s first step into franchising.
Central Services Director at Southern Co-op, Nick Smith, said: “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Wenzel’s as they take their first step into franchising.
“This partnership represents a powerful alignment of values – great food.
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19/Aug/2025 10:38
Aldi to renovate more than 20 stores by the end of 2025
Aldi has announced plans to upgrade over 20 of its UK stores by the end of 2025 as part of its ongoing effort to enhance the customer shopping experience.
The discounter will carry out major expansions at its Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) and Ebbw Vale (Wales) locations. 21 additional stores will see refreshed layouts, updated fixtures, and improved sustainability features.
The supermarket chain said the upgrades are part of Aldi’s ongoing enhancement programme, which has already modernised over 500 stores with brighter aisles.
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The discounter will carry out major expansions at its Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) and Ebbw Vale (Wales) locations. 21 additional stores will see refreshed layouts, updated fixtures, and improved sustainability features.
The supermarket chain said the upgrades are part of Aldi’s ongoing enhancement programme, which has already modernised over 500 stores with brighter aisles.
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19/Aug/2025 08:30
M&S names former Asda Executive as New Chief People Officer
Marks & Spencer has appointed Hayley Tatum as its new chief people officer, taking over from Sarah Findlater, who is departing after 27 years with the company.
Tatum, who is set to join the high street retailer’s executive committee in October, is expected to spend her first month working across M&S stores and distribution centres.
She joins from Asda, where she spent 14 years as chief people officer and later as chief people and corporate affairs officer, after more than 20 years in various roles at Tesco.
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Tatum, who is set to join the high street retailer’s executive committee in October, is expected to spend her first month working across M&S stores and distribution centres.
She joins from Asda, where she spent 14 years as chief people officer and later as chief people and corporate affairs officer, after more than 20 years in various roles at Tesco.
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13/Aug/2025 10:09
Waitrose Reports Surge in Low and No-Alcohol Sales, Declaring a ‘Sober Summer’
Waitrose experienced a marked “sober summer” in 2025, driven by soaring sales of low and no-alcohol beverages.
The supermarket giant reported a 32% year-on-year increase in low and no-alcohol drink sales, including an 85% rise in spirits and a 50% increase in beer.
Additionally, sales of low and no-alcohol wines rose by 21%, while cider revenues increased by 28% year-on-year.
Sales of Waitrose’s 0% Codorniu Rosé.
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The supermarket giant reported a 32% year-on-year increase in low and no-alcohol drink sales, including an 85% rise in spirits and a 50% increase in beer.
Additionally, sales of low and no-alcohol wines rose by 21%, while cider revenues increased by 28% year-on-year.
Sales of Waitrose’s 0% Codorniu Rosé.
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06/Aug/2025 09:28
Morrisons’ Head of Property departs company
David Scott, Morrisons’ Head of Property, has stepped down after nearly eight years with the retailer.
The news follows Morrisons’ announcement that it is reviewing the resourcing of its property team at the Bradford head office.
A Morrisons spokesman said: “We can confirm David Scott has left the business, he made a valuable contribution to Morrisons over the last eight years, and we wish him all the best.
“We’re currently reviewing options for the future resourcing of our property team.
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The news follows Morrisons’ announcement that it is reviewing the resourcing of its property team at the Bradford head office.
A Morrisons spokesman said: “We can confirm David Scott has left the business, he made a valuable contribution to Morrisons over the last eight years, and we wish him all the best.
“We’re currently reviewing options for the future resourcing of our property team.
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01/Aug/2025 14:03
EG Group names Mark Segal as new Chief Financial Officer
EG Group, the operator of a global network of convenience stores, foodservice outlets, and fuel stations, has announced the immediate appointment of Mark Segal as Group Chief Financial Officer.
Segal brings 35 years of experience in finance and operations to the role and will report directly to Chief Executive Russ Colaco.
In his previous role, Segal spent 20 years at Spin Master Corp., where he played a key part in the company’s IPO in 2015.
During his tenure at Spin Master.
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Segal brings 35 years of experience in finance and operations to the role and will report directly to Chief Executive Russ Colaco.
In his previous role, Segal spent 20 years at Spin Master Corp., where he played a key part in the company’s IPO in 2015.
During his tenure at Spin Master.
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15/Jul/2025 10:47
M&S Food appoints former Asda executive to drive food transformation
M&S has named former Asda executive Matt Featherstone as Head of Business Improvement within its Food Operations team.
Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in operational and transformation roles at Asda, Featherstone will lead M&S Food’s transformation agenda, focusing on “innovation and technology.”
As part of his induction, Featherstone has spent the past few weeks working in stores to gain frontline insight and help fast-track operational improvements.
Featherstone’s appointment follows a series of senior leadership changes at M&S Food.
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Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in operational and transformation roles at Asda, Featherstone will lead M&S Food’s transformation agenda, focusing on “innovation and technology.”
As part of his induction, Featherstone has spent the past few weeks working in stores to gain frontline insight and help fast-track operational improvements.
Featherstone’s appointment follows a series of senior leadership changes at M&S Food.
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14/Jul/2025 12:48
Greggs issues 2025 profit warning as heatwave impacts sales
Bakery chain Greggs has reported a drop in early summer sales, attributing the slowdown to reduced customer demand during the recent hot weather.
In its first-half trading update, Greggs reported that sales in June were affected by the heatwave, noting that “very high temperatures across the UK boosted demand for cold drinks but reduced overall footfall.”
The group warned that “current trading conditions” may result in full-year operating profit coming in “modestly below” 2024 levels.
Like-for-like sales at the 2.
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In its first-half trading update, Greggs reported that sales in June were affected by the heatwave, noting that “very high temperatures across the UK boosted demand for cold drinks but reduced overall footfall.”
The group warned that “current trading conditions” may result in full-year operating profit coming in “modestly below” 2024 levels.
Like-for-like sales at the 2.
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03/Jul/2025 10:38