Tesco has launched a legal challenge to one of the remedies recommended by the Competition Commission in its latest inquiry into the grocery sector. Like the ACCC, the competition watchdog in the UK recently carried out an inquiry into the state of competition in the grocery industry. The UK inquiry was undertaken due to concerns that the four largest retailers (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons) may have too much influence in the marketplace. This concern was based on the fact... ...Read more »

In a move believed to be a world first, 37 of the UK’s leading food and consumer goods companies yesterday announced a major transport collaboration that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries in the UK. Initiatives such as sharing vehicles and more efficient warehousing will result in the industry saving 48 million miles of travel by the end of 2008 alone - equivalent to removing 800 lorries from Britain’s roads - and conserving 23 million... ...Read more »

Archie Norman, the former boss of UK retailer Asda, continues to lure high profile executives to assist Coles with their re-development. Mr Norman has been hired as a consultant by Wesfarmers to assist with the Coles turnaround and has already been instrumental in hiring of former Asda employee Ian McLeod to the position of CEO. The Asda influence is particularly strong with announcements that former Asda colleagues, Joe Blundell and Gavin Parker, will join Mr McLeod’s team in the positions... ...Read more »

Grocery stores worldwide are beginning to move toward self-checkout technology with success. Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, has now adopted an all self-service checkout model in their US Fresh & Easy stores, which has been met with support from consumers after initial skepticism. Tesco Fresh & Easy has also updated their systems to better suit the technology, as they now have all their fruit (except bananas) in packages with barcodes to ensure the consumer has fewer potential problems... ...Read more »

Multinational retailer Tesco has been named Retailer of the Year at the World Retail Congress in Barcelona with French supermarket operators Carrefour rewarded with the prize of top food retailer in Europe. The awards are based on Interbrand rankings which are determined financial performance, company profile, customer service levels and innovation.  Read More →