Co-op Wholesale signs multi-year partnership agreement with Roadchef
Co-op’s newly rebranded wholesale division has announced a multi-year partnership with UK motorway services operator Roadchef, aimed at fuelling growth.
The agreement will see Co-op take over eight grocery stores formerly operated by Spar, introducing a wide selection of its own-brand products to motorway service areas nationwide.
Roadchef, which welcomes over 52 million visitors each year, is continuing to invest in the modernisation of its sites. Co-op Wholesale described the new partnership as a significant milestone for the motorway services operator.
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The agreement will see Co-op take over eight grocery stores formerly operated by Spar, introducing a wide selection of its own-brand products to motorway service areas nationwide.
Roadchef, which welcomes over 52 million visitors each year, is continuing to invest in the modernisation of its sites. Co-op Wholesale described the new partnership as a significant milestone for the motorway services operator.
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23/Apr/2025 09:37
Morrisons strengthens leadership team through internal reshuffle
Morrisons has announced the appointment of Clare Grainger, currently serving as group people and corporate services director, to its group board effective 1 May 2025.
With over 16 years at the supermarket, Grainger will take on a part-time role focused on strategic matters, bringing her deep insight and extensive experience to the board.
Alongside Grainger’s new role, Jodie Keating has been promoted to group people director.
Keating.
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With over 16 years at the supermarket, Grainger will take on a part-time role focused on strategic matters, bringing her deep insight and extensive experience to the board.
Alongside Grainger’s new role, Jodie Keating has been promoted to group people director.
Keating.
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22/Apr/2025 15:25
£100m Iceland Distribution Centre brings 750 Jobs to Warrington
Situated at Omega Park, Iceland’s new £100 million facility marks a significant milestone in the food manufacturing and logistics sector. Developed in partnership with GXO Logistics, the cutting-edge distribution centre is set to create over 750 new jobs.
As Iceland’s largest warehouse to date, the new facility will serve as a central hub, distributing products to over 350 Iceland stores, with the capacity to potentially support up to 500 locations in the future.
The distribution centre features a range of storage solutions.
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As Iceland’s largest warehouse to date, the new facility will serve as a central hub, distributing products to over 350 Iceland stores, with the capacity to potentially support up to 500 locations in the future.
The distribution centre features a range of storage solutions.
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22/Apr/2025 10:22
Founder of Maginhawa Group leaves to launch own Filipino bakery brand
Florence Mae Maglanoc, co-founder of Maginhawa Group, has departed the business to launch her first bakery under her new bakery brand, 1996 Group.
In 2019, Maglanoc co-founded Maginhawa Group with Omar Shah, which was behind popular Filipino-inspired concepts like Bintang and the ice cream parlour Mamasons in Camden, as well as Donia in Carnaby, which debuted in late 2023 and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Having departed from the business, Maglanoc is now set to open a second Panadera's bakery in Soho—an endeavor she has dreamed of for many years—under her new brand.
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In 2019, Maglanoc co-founded Maginhawa Group with Omar Shah, which was behind popular Filipino-inspired concepts like Bintang and the ice cream parlour Mamasons in Camden, as well as Donia in Carnaby, which debuted in late 2023 and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Having departed from the business, Maglanoc is now set to open a second Panadera's bakery in Soho—an endeavor she has dreamed of for many years—under her new brand.
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22/Apr/2025 08:20
Lola’s announces new spring openings at London travel hubs
Lola’s is experiencing a growth surge this spring, with two new locations opening at major London travel hubs: Paddington Station on 18 April and Clapham Junction on 28 April. These openings come just weeks after the launch of its latest store in Solihull.
Both high-footfall station locations are a key part of the brand’s expansion strategy, aiming to meet customers where they are—ranging from commuter routes to popular shopping destinations.
The Paddington location is a four-month pop-up in the former Paddington in Peru site.
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Both high-footfall station locations are a key part of the brand’s expansion strategy, aiming to meet customers where they are—ranging from commuter routes to popular shopping destinations.
The Paddington location is a four-month pop-up in the former Paddington in Peru site.
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16/Apr/2025 10:41
Morrisons partners with Kellogg’s to launch kids’ breakfast clubs
Morrisons is offering free bowls of Kellogg’s cereal and fruit in all its cafés during the Easter holidays to support families facing the challenges of the cost of living.
The supermarket chain has partnered with Kellogg’s to relaunch its popular “Kellogg’s Breakfast” initiative, now available in all 396 Morrisons cafés across the UK until Sunday, April 27.
Any customer can request a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the café counter to receive a free bowl of cereal, including favourites like Corn Flakes.
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The supermarket chain has partnered with Kellogg’s to relaunch its popular “Kellogg’s Breakfast” initiative, now available in all 396 Morrisons cafés across the UK until Sunday, April 27.
Any customer can request a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the café counter to receive a free bowl of cereal, including favourites like Corn Flakes.
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09/Apr/2025 10:59
Lidl issues recall over Salmonella contamination concern
Lidl GB recalls multiple batches of popular snacking product due to Salmonella contamination.
Sol & Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratchings (100g) recalled due to Salmonella contamination, posing risk of fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Packs with date codes from 05 August 2025 to 12 August 2025 should not be consumed as they could be contaminated.
Lidl GB will place point-of-sale notices in all stores carrying the product to explain the reason for the recall.
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Sol & Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratchings (100g) recalled due to Salmonella contamination, posing risk of fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Packs with date codes from 05 August 2025 to 12 August 2025 should not be consumed as they could be contaminated.
Lidl GB will place point-of-sale notices in all stores carrying the product to explain the reason for the recall.
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01/Apr/2025 10:30
Majestic set to acquire Enotria&Coe
Wine retailer Majestic has announced its acquisition of fellow wine and spirits supplier Enotria&Coe for an undisclosed sum.
Majestic said the deal would support its ambition to become one of the UK’s major suppliers of wines, beers and spirits, as well as improving value, choice and service for its on-trade partners.
Enotria&Coe and Majestic’s on-trade division, Majestic Commercial, will continue to operate as independent businesses, with their head offices remaining in Park Royal, London.
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Majestic said the deal would support its ambition to become one of the UK’s major suppliers of wines, beers and spirits, as well as improving value, choice and service for its on-trade partners.
Enotria&Coe and Majestic’s on-trade division, Majestic Commercial, will continue to operate as independent businesses, with their head offices remaining in Park Royal, London.
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31/Mar/2025 13:50
M&S to raise store worker pay as part of £95m investment
Marks & Spencer will invest £95 million into increasing pay for its retail staff, despite facing “cost pressures” from the government.
Starting from 1 April, the pay rate for UK Customer Assistants at Marks & Spencer will increase from £12 to £12.60 per hour, reflecting a 5% rise year on year and a 26% increase since 2022.
The new pay rate of £12.60 per hour is higher than the government’s national living wage of £12.21 per hour.
“Following the Government’s recent increases in tax and national insurance contributions.
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Starting from 1 April, the pay rate for UK Customer Assistants at Marks & Spencer will increase from £12 to £12.60 per hour, reflecting a 5% rise year on year and a 26% increase since 2022.
The new pay rate of £12.60 per hour is higher than the government’s national living wage of £12.21 per hour.
“Following the Government’s recent increases in tax and national insurance contributions.
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05/Mar/2025 13:53
M&S strengthens its international leadership team with new appointments
As part of its efforts to reset its international business, M&S has strengthened its global leadership team with three new senior appointments.
Manish Kapoor joins M&S from Pepe Jeans as the new managing director for M&S India. Victoria Jones, previously with Clarks, takes on the role of commercial director, international, while Richard Davies has been promoted to international partnerships director, having previously served as head of category for brands at M&S.
All three new appointees will report to Mark Lemming.
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Manish Kapoor joins M&S from Pepe Jeans as the new managing director for M&S India. Victoria Jones, previously with Clarks, takes on the role of commercial director, international, while Richard Davies has been promoted to international partnerships director, having previously served as head of category for brands at M&S.
All three new appointees will report to Mark Lemming.
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19/Feb/2025 12:22
Former Co-op Food Chief joins Asda’s Board of Directors
Jo Whitfield, former Co-op Food chief executive and Matalan CEO, is re-joining Asda’s board as a non-executive director.
Whitfield previously spent eight years at Asda and its George clothing brand starting in 2008, where she held various senior leadership roles across operations, e-commerce, commercial, general merchandise, and Asda Money & Mobile.
Following her time at Asda, Whitfield joined Co-op in 2017 as chief executive for food, a role she held for five years. Most recently, she served as CEO of Matalan.
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Whitfield previously spent eight years at Asda and its George clothing brand starting in 2008, where she held various senior leadership roles across operations, e-commerce, commercial, general merchandise, and Asda Money & Mobile.
Following her time at Asda, Whitfield joined Co-op in 2017 as chief executive for food, a role she held for five years. Most recently, she served as CEO of Matalan.
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11/Feb/2025 08:00
Lidl given the green light to open a pub in one of its supermarkets
Lidl has received approval to open a pub inside one of its stores.
The supermarket chain has successfully secured approval to open a tap room at its Dundonald store in Northern Ireland, allowing customers to enjoy a well-deserved beer after their grocery shopping.
The tap room will be situated at the back of the supermarket, offering space for approximately 45 people, with a bar area seating about six.
According to court records.
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The supermarket chain has successfully secured approval to open a tap room at its Dundonald store in Northern Ireland, allowing customers to enjoy a well-deserved beer after their grocery shopping.
The tap room will be situated at the back of the supermarket, offering space for approximately 45 people, with a bar area seating about six.
According to court records.
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31/Jan/2025 12:04
Tesco announces 400 jobs cut in plans to 'simplify' the business
Tesco is cutting 400 jobs across its stores and head office management as part of a major efficiency programme aimed at “simplifying” the business.
Tesco said the job cuts were driven by the “more competitive than ever” grocery market, requiring the company to find new ways to invest in pricing.
Tesco UK CEO Matthew Barnes announced that the company had begun discussions with colleagues about a series of proposed changes in stores and head offices, aiming to find “new, more efficient ways of working.
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Tesco said the job cuts were driven by the “more competitive than ever” grocery market, requiring the company to find new ways to invest in pricing.
Tesco UK CEO Matthew Barnes announced that the company had begun discussions with colleagues about a series of proposed changes in stores and head offices, aiming to find “new, more efficient ways of working.
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29/Jan/2025 12:28
Morrisons axes hundreds of staff in cost-cutting drive
Morrisons has announced plans to cut over 200 jobs as part of a cost-cutting initiative to address rising expenses tied to changes introduced in the Autumn Budget.
After reviewing its people structure, Morrisons announced it will eliminate the roles of regional people manager, store people manager, and case specialist.
Employees in these roles have been placed at risk of redundancy and will now undergo a 45-day consultation process.
According to a Morrisons spokesperson.
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After reviewing its people structure, Morrisons announced it will eliminate the roles of regional people manager, store people manager, and case specialist.
Employees in these roles have been placed at risk of redundancy and will now undergo a 45-day consultation process.
According to a Morrisons spokesperson.
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24/Jan/2025 16:06
Sainsbury’s to cut 3,000 jobs as it closes down cafes and hot food counters
Sainsbury’s is set to cut 3,000 jobs in the UK by closing its hot food counters and cafés and reducing senior management roles by 20%, as it grapples with rising labour costs.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said that the job cuts are part of the company’s previously announced plan to reduce costs by £1 billion. He stated that the business is “facing into a particularly challenging cost environment.”
“We have had to make tough choices about where we can afford to invest and where we need to do things differently to make our business more efficient and effective.
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Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said that the job cuts are part of the company’s previously announced plan to reduce costs by £1 billion. He stated that the business is “facing into a particularly challenging cost environment.”
“We have had to make tough choices about where we can afford to invest and where we need to do things differently to make our business more efficient and effective.
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23/Jan/2025 14:12
Waitrose launches first new store in six years
Waitrose has launched its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, London. The retailer also revealed plans for an expanded presence in the convenience sector, building on its existing partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell.
The Hampton Hill store is the 47th convenience shop operated by Waitrose. The retailer stated that its primary focus will be on opening smaller, typical convenience stores around 3,000 sq ft, such as the one in Hampton Hill. However, it is also exploring opportunities for larger convenience stores, approximately twice that size.
The Hampton Hill store also highlights the importance of Waitrose's partnerships with Deliveroo.
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The Hampton Hill store is the 47th convenience shop operated by Waitrose. The retailer stated that its primary focus will be on opening smaller, typical convenience stores around 3,000 sq ft, such as the one in Hampton Hill. However, it is also exploring opportunities for larger convenience stores, approximately twice that size.
The Hampton Hill store also highlights the importance of Waitrose's partnerships with Deliveroo.
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13/Jan/2025 13:12
Co-op to open 75 new stores this year in major expansion
Co-op is preparing for significant growth with plans to open 75 new stores over the coming year. The initial locations will include Salford Quays and Newcastle Upon Tyne, though specific opening dates have not yet been announced.
Of the 75 planned openings, Co-op will directly operate 25 outlets, while the remaining locations will be franchise-run. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to launch 120 new Co-op stores over the next four years.
Co-op is also focusing on enhancing its existing locations.
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Of the 75 planned openings, Co-op will directly operate 25 outlets, while the remaining locations will be franchise-run. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to launch 120 new Co-op stores over the next four years.
Co-op is also focusing on enhancing its existing locations.
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07/Jan/2025 11:17
Like a Phoenix rising – SPAR Old Laira Road celebrates grand reopening after overcoming fire
Residents in the Laira area of Plymouth got an extra Christmas present this year – the reopening of the SPAR Gilletts store on Old Laira Road – which is bigger and better than before.
The popular local store burnt down on Boxing Day 2023, after an accidental fire led to severe smoke damage across the building. Since then, the store has been nicknamed ‘the phoenix’ as SPAR team members and local shoppers anticipated what would rise from the ashes.
Thirteen people worked at the Old Laira Road site.
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The popular local store burnt down on Boxing Day 2023, after an accidental fire led to severe smoke damage across the building. Since then, the store has been nicknamed ‘the phoenix’ as SPAR team members and local shoppers anticipated what would rise from the ashes.
Thirteen people worked at the Old Laira Road site.
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23/Dec/2024 13:12
Tesco customers donate 1.9 million meals through Winter Food Collection
Tesco stores across the UK experienced an outpouring of generosity during the Winter Food Collection, with customers donating an impressive 1.9 million meals’ worth of long-life food items. The collection took place between 25th and 30th November in both large and Express stores nationwide.
Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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20/Dec/2024 15:45
Asda brings back former CEO as executive chair
Supermarket chain Asda has announced the appointment of Allan Leighton as its Executive Chair.
Leighton served as Asda CEO from 1996 to 2001, before moving on to senior roles with Canadian food retailer Loblaw Companies and UK retailer Co-op.
Current Chair Lord Rose, who has held the role since 2021, will remain on the board for a transitional period to assist with the handover before stepping down.
This is the latest change at Asda in what has been a tumultuous year.
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Leighton served as Asda CEO from 1996 to 2001, before moving on to senior roles with Canadian food retailer Loblaw Companies and UK retailer Co-op.
Current Chair Lord Rose, who has held the role since 2021, will remain on the board for a transitional period to assist with the handover before stepping down.
This is the latest change at Asda in what has been a tumultuous year.
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26/Nov/2024 12:29