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
Print9 March 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) ALDI opens Ninth Avenue store in Pensacola
Discount grocer ALDI has opened its newest store at 7135 North Ninth Avenue in Pensacola, according to the Pensacola News Journal.
The location, converted from a former Winn-Dixie, welcomed more than 100 shoppers for its Thursday opening.
2) Private label excellence celebrated at MARCA Awards 2026
At the MARCA by BolognaFiere & ADM private label trade show in Bologna this January, leading companies were honoured with the 2026 MARCA Awards and the ADI Packaging Design Award recognising product innovation and packaging excellence across food and non‑food categories.
Winners included standout innovations in sustainability, wellness, provenance, and manufacturing quality, highlighting the growing strategic role of private label in European retail.
3) SPAR Portugal opens new logistics warehouse
SPAR Portugal has opened a new state‑of‑the‑art logistics warehouse in Torres Vedras to strengthen distribution and improve service across its network.
The facility will enhance efficiency, capacity and supply chain resilience for SPAR partners nationwide.
4) Global food prices rise after five‑month decline
The FAO Food Price Index rose to 125.3 points in February 2026, ending a five‑month downward trend as higher cereal, meat and vegetable oil prices outweighed declines in cheese and sugar.
The increase highlights renewed upward pressure on global food markets, though the index remains slightly below its level a year earlier.
5) Schwarz Group acquires La Cocos
Schwarz Group has completed the acquisition of Portuguese food retailer La Cocos, expanding its retail footprint and strengthening its presence in Southern Europe.
The move enhances Schwarz Group’s market position and supports further growth in the region.
6) Kroger reports Q4 and full‑year 2025 results
Kroger has reported its fourth‑quarter and full‑year 2025 financial results, highlighting revenue growth and updated guidance for 2026.
The US supermarket retailer said performance was driven by strong sales across key business segments and ongoing investments in customer experience and digital initiatives.
7) M&S announces 64p inflation‑beating pay rise
Marks & Spencer has confirmed a 64 cent per hour pay increase for colleagues, providing inflation‑beating wage growth across its UK workforce.
The retailer said the move reflects its commitment to supporting staff amid cost‑of‑living pressures while rewarding performance.
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