Asda Exec exits after brief six-month tenure in leadership reshuffle
Asda faces another senior management exit as Vice President for Ambient, Adrian McLeod, prepares to leave less than six months after re-joining.
McLeod, previously a leader at Accolade Wines, re-joined Asda in January amid executive chairman Allan Leighton’s management restructuring.
Leighton said McLeod “understands the language of Asda” when he joined.
McLeod’s appointment comes after he first joined the supermarket chain in 2010 and was later promoted to Asda brand director.
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McLeod, previously a leader at Accolade Wines, re-joined Asda in January amid executive chairman Allan Leighton’s management restructuring.
Leighton said McLeod “understands the language of Asda” when he joined.
McLeod’s appointment comes after he first joined the supermarket chain in 2010 and was later promoted to Asda brand director.
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28/May/2025 09:24
Morrisons appoints former Lidl director as new head of marketing
Morrisons has named Claire Farrant, former marketing director at Lidl, as its new head of marketing.
Farrant is set to join Morrisons in early June as group marketing director, succeeding Rachel Eyre, who is departing the company after more than four years.
Farrant has spent the past two years at BP, serving as vice president of mobility and convenience for Europe.
Before joining BP, Farrant spent 18 years in the grocery sector.
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Farrant is set to join Morrisons in early June as group marketing director, succeeding Rachel Eyre, who is departing the company after more than four years.
Farrant has spent the past two years at BP, serving as vice president of mobility and convenience for Europe.
Before joining BP, Farrant spent 18 years in the grocery sector.
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08/May/2025 10:06
Asda recruits Morrisons executive as its new Chief Customer Officer
Asda has appointed Rachel Eyre, the marketing director at Morrisons, as its new Chief Customer Officer.
Eyre previously held the role of Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons, overseeing the grocer’s customer service, brand, marketing, digital, and PR functions.
Before joining Morrisons in 2021, Eyre held several senior marketing and commercial positions at Sainsbury’s and Barclays.
Eyre succeeds David Hills.
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Eyre previously held the role of Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons, overseeing the grocer’s customer service, brand, marketing, digital, and PR functions.
Before joining Morrisons in 2021, Eyre held several senior marketing and commercial positions at Sainsbury’s and Barclays.
Eyre succeeds David Hills.
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07/May/2025 13:53
Asda reduces kids' café meal deal price to celebrate its 60th anniversary
Asda is reducing the price of its ‘kids eat for £1’ café meal deal to kick off its 60th birthday celebrations.
The supermarket is lowering the price to 60p from 1 May to 31 May, available at 205 Asda cafés throughout the month. This offer allows a family with four children to enjoy a hot meal for under £2.50.
Shoppers can choose from over nine different meals, including penne pasta with meatballs, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, and Margherita pizza. In addition, children will receive a free piece of fruit with the hot kids' 60p meal deal.
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The supermarket is lowering the price to 60p from 1 May to 31 May, available at 205 Asda cafés throughout the month. This offer allows a family with four children to enjoy a hot meal for under £2.50.
Shoppers can choose from over nine different meals, including penne pasta with meatballs, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, and Margherita pizza. In addition, children will receive a free piece of fruit with the hot kids' 60p meal deal.
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30/Apr/2025 11:51
Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, steps down as CEO of EG Group
Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, has stepped down as CEO of petrol station chain EG Group in preparation for its initial public offering.
Issa, who co-founded the forecourt business with his brother Zuber, has been replaced by the company’s chief financial officer, Russell Colaco.
Issa’s departure from EG Group comes amid reports that the company is exploring a potential $13bn (£10.7bn) listing in New York, following the sale of the majority of its UK petrol station business to Asda in 2023.
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Issa, who co-founded the forecourt business with his brother Zuber, has been replaced by the company’s chief financial officer, Russell Colaco.
Issa’s departure from EG Group comes amid reports that the company is exploring a potential $13bn (£10.7bn) listing in New York, following the sale of the majority of its UK petrol station business to Asda in 2023.
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28/Apr/2025 13:17
Asda plans to launch 25 new convenience stores by the end of the year
Asda is accelerating its expansion into the convenience sector, with plans to open 25 new c-stores nationwide by the end of the year.
The supermarket giant announced that the new c-stores will open between June and December, aligning with its strategy to reach more consumers in town and city centres.
The new stores will include former Co-op locations, following Asda's acquisition of 478 convenience sites from Co-op and EG Group over the past two years.
The new expansion drive follows a slowdown in the grocer's convenience store openings last year.
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The supermarket giant announced that the new c-stores will open between June and December, aligning with its strategy to reach more consumers in town and city centres.
The new stores will include former Co-op locations, following Asda's acquisition of 478 convenience sites from Co-op and EG Group over the past two years.
The new expansion drive follows a slowdown in the grocer's convenience store openings last year.
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25/Apr/2025 10:26
Marks & Spencer set to launch 17 new London stores in £90m expansion
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced plans to launch a series of new Foodhalls across London, supported by a £90 million investment drive.
The high street giant is set to open six new Foodhalls in Clapham, Covent Garden, Fulham Broadway, Putney, New Malden, and Leytonstone. In addition, eleven existing stores across London will undergo refurbishments, including a complete revamp of the iconic Pantheon location on Oxford Street.
The plans also involve upgrades to seven existing Foodhalls, located in Brooklands.
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The high street giant is set to open six new Foodhalls in Clapham, Covent Garden, Fulham Broadway, Putney, New Malden, and Leytonstone. In addition, eleven existing stores across London will undergo refurbishments, including a complete revamp of the iconic Pantheon location on Oxford Street.
The plans also involve upgrades to seven existing Foodhalls, located in Brooklands.
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24/Apr/2025 10:46
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