UK: Waitrose to open distribution centre to serve south west
Waitrose, the upmarket grocery retailer, has announced plans for its first distribution centre in the south west of the UK, as it seeks to lay the groundwork for further expansion in the region. The 360,000 sq ft site site, which will open towards the end of 2026, will make deliveries to around 50 of the retailer’s […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Jeff Lenard, NACS Show 2025
Gama spoke to Jeff Lenard, Vice President of NACS Media & Strategic Communications, ahead of the latest edition of the NACS Show. What are your expectations for the NACS Show 2025? We always focus on what attendees say they most want at the event. They tell us they like the format of the NACS […]
Spain: Carrefour to add 100 new stores in 2025
Carrefour, the leading European supermarket giant, is strengthening its presence in Spain with plans to open 100 new stores in 2025, according to a report in European Supermarket Magazine. The move is described as being part of a wider expansion strategy, backed by a €150 million ($174 million) investment, that has seen Carrefour launch 691 […]
France: Colruyt to sell store network
Grocery retailer Colruyt has confirmed that the company is planning to sell its 101-strong store network in France in order to refocus its efforts on its home market of Belgium. According to sources, the firm’s French retail network is mostly concentrated in eastern France, and is largely comprised of mid-size stores around 1,000 sq m in size. […]
Germany: Rewe to trial “cooking robots”
German supermarket chain Rewe is set to trial an in-store system that utilizes autonomous “cooking robots” to prepare fresh meals for consumers, according to an ESM report. Reportedly claimed as a world first, the innovation is said to stem from a partnership with AI robotics and software firm Circus SE. Beginning in autumn 2025, three stores […]
France: Groupe Casino, H&S form partnership to enter Morocco
French retailer Casino has announced that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with H&S, a Moroccan multi-business group, to enter the Moroccan market. Through the partnership, Casino is set to open 210 convenience stores under the Franprix and Monoprix banners across Morocco by 2035. The rollout will be managed by a dedicated subsidiary and […]
Switzerland: Lidl launches own brand for local produce.
Discount retailer Lidl has announced the launch of a new brand in Switzerland focusing on “quality” and local products. The Qualite Suisse (Swiss Quality) range has launched with fruit and vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, charcuterie and dairy products, with categories such as frozen food, iced tea, chocolate, flour, and sugar to be added in later stages. […]
‘Soy waste’ inspires sustainable food launch
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 14th May 2025: As the issue of sustainable resource use becomes ever more firmly embedded in the consciousness of companies, policymakers and the public, so the question of food waste – at every stage of the supply chain – looms ever larger for brands and retailers. This […]
Belgium: Lidl to invest €122 million in new logistics centre
German retail chain Lidl has announced it is investing €122 million ($136 million) in a new logistic facility in Herentals, Belgium. At 43,000 sq m, the distribution centre is described as Lidl’s largest in Belgium to date, and from 2027 will supply supermarkets in the Antwerp area. In line with sustainability objectives, offices at the facility will be warmed […]
China: Iceland Foods to open first Asia store
Iceland Foods, the specialist UK frozen food retailer, has announced plans to open its first store in China in partnership with BTG We Link. BTG We Link is a retail concept company that brings Western cuisine to the Chinese retail market. The partnership will allow customers in China to purchase Iceland Foods products via e-commerce […]