Food
Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is trialling smart shopping trolleys. The shopping trolleys also serve as cash registers, so that customers no longer have to queue.
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It will not be easy for food retailers to beat the record figures they recorded in the corona year 2020, but in any case, the pandemic has amplified some trends that will determine the food sector this year and in the years to come. An analysis.
A merger of Belgo-Dutch supermarket group Ahold Delhaize and its American competitor Kroger would make sense and allow for 1.2 billion euros in synergies. Together, they would be able to increase their value in the United States by 36 %.
General
Microsoft's retail ambitions are shaping up: American chain Kroger is testing its digital shelves and artificial intelligence in two stores. In addition, it wants to sell the technology to other retailers.
According to a new Kantar Worldpanel report, online grocery sales grew 30 %, in stark contrast with the overall 1.3 % increase. Online sales now contribute 4.6 % to the overall FMCG sales, but that will grow to 10 % (145 billion euro) by 2025.
Analysts expect another acquisition phase in the United States after Amazon acquired supermarket chain Whole Foods. Ahold Delhaize is often named as a possible target.
Following a 2-month testing period, Seattle’s two Amazon Fresh PickUp locations are now also available to Prime subscribers. The formula is focused on speed and also puts the pressure on Walmart even more.
Every year, Deloitte creates a ranking of the 250 largest retailers worldwide and for the first time ever, Amazon enters the top 10. Consumers are looking for surprising experiences and products, the consultant claims.
