Europe’s food retail industry is set to see the return of mergers and acquisitions, analysts at J.P.Morgan Cazenove said yesterday (12 October) as they started their coverage of the sector.In a report covering 12 European grocers from Carrefour and Colruyt to Ahold and Tesco, Matthew Truman and Paul Diamond argued retailers had to respond to moves from food manufacturers that are driving scale and broadening their global reach. Truman and Diamond said “initial overtures” were starting... ...Read more »

US ice-cream maker Baskin-Robbins has made a move into the UK retail sector with a listing with UK supermarket chain Morrisons. Four variants – Cookies & Cream, Hokey Pokey, Mint Choc Chip and Praline & Cream – are being launched in 500ml tubs on a six-month exclusive with the chain. The products, on sale for GBP3.99 (A$7.06), will be supported by two promotions this year as well as in-store and consumer competitions, consumer sampling and an opportunity for people to win a year’s... ...Read more »

Morrisons become the latest UK supermarket forced to pull an advert comparing its prices to those of rivals today (5 August), after the UK ad watchdog upheld a complaint that the marketing material was misleading.The advert, which ran in the national press, carried the headline: “Trolley loads of savings at Morrisons – see for yourself”. Text underneath read: “Save money everyday thanks to hundreds of great offers at Morrisions”. Pictured in the print advert was a trolley... ...Read more »

For the second year running, UK supermarket chain Morrisons has secured the most sought after award in British retail, ‘The Retailer of the Year’ at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2009. The UK’s fourth largest food retailer received the award after out-performing its peers, due, in part, to an improved fresh offer and a focus on value-for-money which has resonated with consumers. “When we presented this award to Morrisons just twelve short months ago, no-one could have... ...Read more »

Morrisons, the UK’s fourth biggest grocery retailer, is hoping to reduce the number of plastic bags given out in their stores by 50 million with the launch of a campaign to provide 10 million free reusable bags to their customers. From Monday, May 19th, the UK supermarket chain will give away the reusable bags – made from 100% recycled material and larger than standard bags. The new initiative, timed to coincide with the build up to the busy Bank Holiday weekend, will also see... ...Read more »