Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
Print19 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) Fresh Del Monte wins Del Monte assets
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has recently been selected as the successful bidder to acquire select assets of Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc. through a court-supervised sale under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The proposed $285m transaction, which will reunite the Del Monte brand under one owner for the first time in decades, is subject to court approval and regulatory clearances, with closing expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
2) DIA invests €180m in price promotions
Spanish supermarket group DIA will invest €180 million in promotions throughout 2026 to help lower shopping costs for households and boost fresh food access, according to Grocery Trade News.
Weekly discounts of up to 40% will apply to more than 200 products, with around 40% focused on fresh categories as part of its value strategy to support consumers and strengthen customer loyalty.
3) WHO warns cheap drinks fuel diseases
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently warned that cheaper sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are contributing to rising rates of noncommunicable diseases and injuries worldwide.
Weak tax systems leave these products affordable, prompting WHO calls for stronger health taxes to reduce harmful consumption and ease pressure on health systems.
4) Mondelez pledges expanded forest protection
Mondelez International has pledged to scale up forest protection efforts in Ghana as part of its sustainability commitments amid renewed criticism of its environmental record, CocoaRadar reports.
The company says it will work with local partners to enhance traceability, protect high-conservation forests and improve farmer support, although critics say progress must accelerate to match industry expectations.
5) Pepco Group reports solid Q1 FY26 growth
Pepco Group has recently reported its first quarter trading update for FY26, showing continued growth across key operational areas.
The company highlighted strong performance in retail sales and ongoing strategic expansion, positioning it for continued momentum through the rest of the financial year.
6) Aldi US unveils major 2026 expansion
Aldi US will open more than 180 new stores across 31 states in 2026 as part of a nationwide growth strategy and expanded market entry into places like Maine and Colorado.
The expansion also includes plans for new distribution centres and a redesigned online shopping experience to support its low‑price, high‑demand model.
7) Austria to halve VAT on essentials
The Austrian government has recently announced plans to reduce value‑added tax on essential food items by 50% to alleviate cost‑of‑living pressures for consumers, according to Market Screener.
The measure, aimed at lowering everyday grocery costs, will apply to a defined list of staple products as part of broader economic support efforts.
Read more: Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
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