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
Print22 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 invests €13m in Spanish expansion
Lidl has announced a €13 million-plus investment in two new stores in Spain, located in Poio, Galicia and La Pobla de Farnals, Valencia, creating 43 jobs and adding more than 3,000sqm of retail space.
The openings form part of Lidl’s wider plan to launch around 50 stores across Spain during its 2026 financial year, including new sites, extensions and refurbishments.
2) China summons Sam’s Club over food safety
Chinese regulators have summoned representatives of Walmart-owned Sam’s Club following a series of food safety issues identified across its stores and online operations, prompting calls for stronger supply chain controls and stricter compliance measures, according to South China Morning Post.
Sam’s Club said it accepts the regulator’s findings and has launched a management-led review and rectification programme as it seeks to address concerns and strengthen food safety standards across its China business.
3) Lidl teams up with Tomorrowland
Lidl has entered a five-year strategic partnership with global music festival Tomorrowland, expanding its brand presence beyond traditional retail and into live entertainment experiences. The collaboration will span Tomorrowland Summer in Belgium and Tomorrowland Winter in France.
The partnership launches at Tomorrowland 2026, where Lidl will operate a pop-up store, bakery and fresh food stations on-site, while also offering exclusive festival content through its Lidl Plus app.
4) Casino and Zouari deepen convenience partnership
French retail group Casino Group and the Zouari family have strengthened their long-standing partnership to accelerate growth in convenience retail, reinforcing plans to expand neighbourhood store formats across France.
The move supports Casino’s wider transformation strategy as it continues efforts to strengthen operations and position itself for future growth.
5) Asda losses near £1bn amid turnaround
Asda reported a pre-tax loss of £989 million in 2025 as aggressive price cuts, IT separation costs and restructuring efforts weighed on profitability while it sought to regain market share from Aldi and Lidl, Sky News reports.
Despite the losses, the retailer said its long-term turnaround strategy remains on track, supported by strong liquidity and ongoing investment in price, availability and customer experience.
6) Kroger maintains outlook despite inflation pressures
Kroger reported first-quarter sales of $46.1 billion, with identical sales excluding fuel rising 1% and e-commerce sales increasing 19%, as the US grocery giant maintained its full-year guidance.
The retailer warned that inflationary pressures are expected to increase during the second half of 2026, with shoppers becoming more selective in their spending, but said it plans further price investments and cost-saving measures to remain competitive.
7) Claire Peters to lead Ahold Delhaize USA
Ahold Delhaize has nominated retail veteran Claire Peters as CEO of its US business, succeeding JJ Fleeman, who departs at the end of June.
Peters joins from Amazon and brings more than 30 years of international grocery, retail and e-commerce leadership experience.
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