Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
ShelfLife’s pick of the week’s top global industry stories from around the world, focusing on grocery retail
Print12 June 2026
From retail tech moves to brand shake-ups, supply chain shifts, and in-store innovation, this week’s round-up spotlights the key developments reshaping the grocery industry worldwide.
Whether it’s a strategic pivot by a major retailer or a breakthrough in how food gets from shelf to shopper, these are the stories you can’t afford to miss.
1) Lidl and Kaufland accelerate global expansion
Lidl and Kaufland opened 300 new stores worldwide during the 2025/26 financial year, continuing the Schwarz Group’s international growth strategy and bringing its total store network to around 14,500 locations across 33 countries.
According to blue News the expansion helped drive group sales up 5.8% to €185.6 billion, with further investment planned across retail and digital operations in the year ahead.
2) US inflation hits three-year high
US consumer inflation rose to 4.2% in May, its highest annual rate in three years, driven largely by higher energy costs and rising fuel prices.
The figures are expected to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to maintain higher interest rates, despite core inflation remaining comparatively more subdued.
3) Dollarama Sales Surge 21%
Dollarama reported a strong first quarter for fiscal 2027, with sales rising 21.4% to C$1.85bn and net earnings increasing 10.4%, driven by store expansion, higher customer traffic and growth across Canada, Latin America and Australia.
The value retailer also opened 28 new Canadian stores during the quarter and said its low-price proposition continues to resonate with shoppers amid economic uncertainty.
4) German retail eyes World Cup lift
German retailers are expecting only a modest sales boost from the FIFA World Cup, with benefits largely limited to sectors such as food, sportswear, electronics and toys.
The German Retail Association (HDE) said broader retail growth is unlikely, although sales of football-related products could rise if Germany progresses deep into the tournament.
5) Musgrave supports 63,500 Irish jobs
Musgrave has revealed it contributes €6.2bn annually to the Irish economy and supports 63,500 jobs across the island of Ireland, according to a landmark Economic and Social Impact Report released as the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The report also found the retailer generates €12.3bn in annual economic activity and spends €3.34bn each year with local suppliers and producers.
6) M&S expands into Philippines
Marks & Spencer has announced a new franchise partnership to expand its presence in the Philippines, strengthening its international growth strategy across Asia.
The retailer said the agreement will bring M&S food, clothing and home products to Filipino consumers through a network of new stores and digital channels.
7) McBride warns on profit outlook
McBride has warned that profits for its 2026 and 2027 financial years are expected to come in 5% to 10% below market expectations as rising raw material, packaging, freight and energy costs linked to the ongoing Iran conflict continue to squeeze margins.
The private-label household products manufacturer said it has been forced to implement a second phase of price recovery measures to offset the sustained increase in input costs.
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