Online grocer Rohlik Group and Sereact tie up aims to scale AI robotics beyond pilots and single sites
A roll-out begins with 24 robots across Rohlik’s German and Austrian brands – Knuspr and Gurkerl – operating in Berlin and Vienna fulfilment centres, with Frankfurt to follow. The programme is designed to expand quickly, with both companies aiming to deploy more than 100 robots as the partnership grows. This will allow Rohlik to optimise key parameters such as throughput, reliability, and the coordination between fresh and dry food zones.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Sweden: Axfood sees increased market share as business grows across all segments in third quarter
Swedish retailer Axfood has reported growth in market share and positive earnings trends across all operating business units in the third quarter of its financial year. Net sales increased by 6.6% to SEK 22.3bln, with retail sales growing by 19.5% to SEK 19.625mln. Hemköp, which operates in the traditional food segment, is also modernising stores and focusing on value for money, fresh produce and meal solutions.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ninjacart founders: Revolutionizing India’s agritech supply chains
India Founder Magazine reported: “India produces a huge amount of fruits and vegetables every year, but farmers often struggle to sell their produce at fair prices. At the same time, retailers and consumers face higher costs due to middlemen and inefficiencies in the supply chain. Ninjacart solves this problem”.
Source: foundermagazine.in
UK: Hussain family join SPAR with their County Durham store
SPAR North of England has welcomed new independent retailer Zain Hussain from County Durham into the symbol group. The popular store located in Rodham Terrace has undergone a transformed appearance externally with a new fascia and window vinyls, with a comprehensive changeover of stock in-store supplied by James Hall & Co. Ltd, including an enhanced range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Source: jameshall.co.uk
SPAR Gran Canaria implementing sustainability and community initiatives
In February 2025, SPAR Gran Canaria opened a new 5,000m² logistics platform in El Goro. In addition to the company’s other two logistics centres specialising in fruit and vegetable, as well as dry goods, the strategic location of the new logistics centre and six loading docks enable daily service to the 200+ stores on the island.
Source: spar-international.com
UK: Aldi rolls out staff-only shops as part of drive to cut food waste
Aldi has launched ‘Colleague Shops’ on its distribution sites across the UK to give warehouse operations and office workers the chance to buy products that can’t be sold in its public stores.
Source: kamcity.com
European retailers call for stronger EU & national enforcement against unfair competition from third countries
Christel Delberghe, Director General of EuroCommerce, stated: “EuroCommerce launched its legal recommendations to support a level playing field in European retail. This is a must-read for EU policymakers, as our sector is tremendously suffering from unfair competition from third-country traders and marketplaces. This also jeopardises consumers’ safety and undermines the competitiveness of European retailers.”
Source: eurocommerce.eu
Lidl sponsors women’s football until 2030
Lidl is extending its partnership with UEFA and will sponsor three international women’s football tournaments in the coming years. The discount retailer wants to inspire girls and young women in this way.
Source: retaildetail.eu
SPAR Finland opens second EUROSPAR supermarket
Tokmanni, the SPAR licensed operator in Finland, has opened a EUROSPAR supermarket in Masku, western Finland, offering customers a versatile shopping experience focused on freshness, local products, and quality.
Source: spar-international.com
Indonesia: Infinix redefines everyday tech with ‘SMART Fruit Market’, turning bold ideas into playful experiences
Infinix is exploring new ways for young consumers to connect with technology through its imaginative campaign “SMART Fruit Market” in Indonesia. Shoppers get to experience the Infinix “SMART Fruit Market” inside Super Indo supermarkets, turning fruit picking into a creative tech encounter.
Source: prnewswire.com
Instacart powers in-store and online technology for growing number of independent US grocers
Instacart reports that a growing number of independent grocers across the US are adopting its enterprise technology offerings, including Caper Carts, Storefront Pro, and FoodStorm.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: Target cuts 1,800 corporate jobs in its first major layoffs in a decade
Target said that it’s cutting 1,800 roles across the company, or roughly 8% of its corporate workforce. It marks the largest round of layoffs at the company in a decade. The retailer is fighting to get back to growth and poised to get a new CEO in February.
Source: cnbc.com
US: Afresh completes AI-powered fresh replenishment and inventory management solution roll out across all Albertsons Companies fresh departments
Afresh reported: “Produce: Random-weight items such as bananas or melons make ordering produce notoriously tricky due to unreliable inventory data and high perishability. Solving this problem has been central to Afresh’s success. In Albertsons Cos.’ produce departments, Afresh continues to optimize efficiency, reduce waste and ensure shelves are stocked with the highest-quality produce – improving both sales and customer satisfaction”.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Piggly Wiggly Alabama overhauls digital shopping platform by partnering with eGrowcery
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Company (PWADC), a supermarket warehouse co-op servicing more than 240 stores in the southeast United States, is offering its retail members the eGrowcery digital commerce platform.
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: Publix Vice President announces retirement plan
Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement plan of Vice President of Internal Audit Linda Hall after 40 years of dedicated service and the promotion of three officers, effective January 1, 2026. With Hall’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Meghan Vazquez to vice president of internal audit.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Grubhub expands partnership with Avride to bring autonomous delivery robots to its marketplace
Grubhub reported: “Grubhub is expanding its partnership with Avride to launch a robot delivery pilot for customers ordering from Wonder’s Jersey City location. The initiative marks the first time Grubhub has offered autonomous delivery in its marketplace outside of college campuses – and the first time Wonder is bringing robot delivery to its customers”.
Source: about.grubhub.com
US: Walmart and Avery Dennison collaborate to enhance freshness and increase operational efficiency using RFID
Walmart reported: “Walmart and Avery Dennison announced a new innovation to advance the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in fresh categories previously not possible. Addressing food waste and ensuring freshness are more important than ever for consumers, producers and retailers”.
Source: corporate.walmart.com