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
Print8 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) Coca-Cola eyes India bottling IPO
The Coca-Cola Company has confirmed it is exploring a potential public listing in India of Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), the parent company of its largest bottling operation in the country, with a possible IPO targeted for 2027.
The company is also considering selling a portion of its stake in HCCH as part of the proposed listing while remaining invested in the business.
2) Heineken faces pressure over CEO search
Major shareholders in Heineken are urging the brewer to appoint an external candidate as its next chief executive, arguing that a fresh perspective is needed following the departure of former CEO Dolf van den Brink after nearly six years in the role, NL Times report.
The company’s board is reportedly divided between promoting an internal candidate and breaking with its long-standing tradition of appointing leaders from within, with a decision on the successor expected soon.
3) SPAR opens new Almaty supermarket
SPAR International has expanded its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of a new supermarket in Almaty, further strengthening the retailer’s growing network in the country.
The store forms part of SPAR’s ongoing development strategy in Central Asia, where the brand continues to invest in modern retail formats tailored to local consumer needs.
4) IGD highlights World Cup retail activations
New analysis from IGD highlights how retailers and hospitality operators are using World Cup-themed promotions, exclusive packaging, competitions and fan experiences to drive engagement ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Major brands including Coca-Cola, Maggi, Unilever, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra are leveraging the global sporting event to boost visibility, footfall and sales across multiple markets.
5) Frostkrone showcases PLMA innovation
Frostkrone Food Group reported a successful showing at PLMA 2026 in Amsterdam, where it unveiled a range of new finger food and snack concepts aimed at the growing private-label market.
Among the highlights were its Cheesy Loops, selected for the PLMA New Product Expo 2026, alongside several other innovations that attracted strong interest from international retail partners and industry professionals.
6) Lidl invests £250m in price cuts
Lidl GB has announced a £250 million investment to lower prices on more than 1,000 products, including everyday staples such as fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, eggs, milk, bread and yoghurt, as it looks to help shoppers manage household budgets, according to The Grocer.
The retailer is also increasing investment in its Lidl Plus loyalty app, introducing enhanced rewards and personalised offers as part of its wider value strategy.
7) Aldi pushes for Sunday trading
Aldi is advancing plans to open all of its Belgian stores on Sunday mornings until 1pm, with employees able to work Sundays on a voluntary basis in exchange for additional pay or time off.
The move comes as competition intensifies in Belgium’s grocery sector, with rivals including Lidl and Carrefour also expanding Sunday trading to meet changing consumer expectations.
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