Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
Print12 January 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) Nestlé recalls baby formula worldwide
Nestlé has recently issued a global recall of specific batches of its infant and follow-on formula after identifying a potential risk of cereulide contamination, affecting products sold across Europe and other markets, BBC reports.
While no illnesses have been confirmed, the company is recalling the products as a precaution, advising parents not to use affected batches and offering refunds.
2) Tesco lifts profit outlook
Tesco has recently forecast full-year profit at the upper end of guidance after reporting a 3.2% rise in UK sales over the Christmas period, supported by market share gains and strong value-led performance, RTÉ stated.
The retailer continues to outperform rivals despite mixed consumer sentiment, with solid growth also recorded in Ireland across food, fresh and online channels.
3) Delivery Hero expands management board leadership
Delivery Hero has recently appointed Johannes Bruder to its management board, effective 1 January 2026, to bolster executive leadership and technology strategy.
Delivery Hero SE, the global local delivery platform, has added its chief product officer to the management board alongside CEO Niklas Östberg, CFO Marie-Anne Popp and COO Pieter-Jan Vandepitte, increasing the board to four members.
4) SPAR Slovenia adds commercial director
SPAR Slovenia has recently appointed Uroš Lozej to its management team as executive director responsible for commercial operations.
Lozej brings over two decades of FMCG experience and will focus on strengthening procurement, supplier partnerships and customer-relevant offering as part of the retailer’s leadership team.
5) Aldi and Lidl lead Christmas sales
Aldi and Lidl recently secured a record 16.8% share of UK Christmas grocery sales during the 2025 festive season, as consumers prioritised value amid cost pressures, according to The Guardian.
Discounters outpaced rivals like Asda and Co-op, while overall festive grocery spending rose to £13.8bn, with Lidl emerging as the fastest-growing physical retailer.
6) Lidl expands in Iberian Peninsula
Lidl has recently announced significant new investments to strengthen its presence in the Iberian Peninsula, with plans to expand store numbers and focus on major cities across Spain and Portugal, Cibus Link has reported.
The German discount retailer aims to support long‑term growth through logistics infrastructure, network expansion and enhanced market reach.
7) Sainsbury’s sees strong Christmas grocery growth
Sainsbury’s has recently reported robust trading for the 16 weeks to 3 January 2026, with total retail sales excluding fuel up 3.9% year-on-year and grocery sales driving notable growth.
The supermarket continued to gain grocery market share for a sixth consecutive Christmas and reaffirmed its profit guidance above £1 billion despite weaker general merchandise and Argos sales.
Read more: Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
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