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
Print20 July 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) Pepco launches €400m share buyback
Pepco Group has launched a tender offer to repurchase up to €400 million of its shares, marking the latest step in its enhanced capital returns programme.
The buyback follows the retailer’s announcement of a new capital allocation strategy and is expected to be funded through a combination of existing cash reserves and external financing.
2) Cyberattack halts Fairlife milk production
Coca-Cola has temporarily suspended US production of its Fairlife milk brand after a suspected ransomware cyberattack compromised production systems, according to CBS News.
The company said product quality and safety have not been affected, while investigations continue with support from cybersecurity experts and law enforcement.
3) Uber launches Delivery Hero takeover bid
Uber has launched a voluntary takeover offer for German food delivery group Delivery Hero, valuing the company at approximately $14.8 billion (€41.50 per share).
If successful, the deal would create the world’s largest food delivery platform outside China, significantly expanding Uber’s presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
4) M&S opens biggest standalone food store
Marks & Spencer has opened its largest-ever standalone Foodhall in Godalming, Surrey, as part of its strategy to grow its food business and attract more family shoppers.
The 22,000 sq ft store features an expanded bakery, fresh food counters, a kitchen shop and an enlarged Remarksable Value range with 175 products.
5) Refresco appoints strategy and transformation chief
Refresco has appointed Minsok Pak as president and chief strategy & transformation officer, Grocery Trade News reports.
He joins the company’s Executive Committee and will lead Refresco’s global strategy, mergers and acquisitions agenda, and transformation programmes as it continues to expand its international beverage manufacturing business.
6) EIT Food names RisingFoodStars scale-ups
EIT Food has announced the 2026 RisingFoodStars Verified Scale-Ups, recognising some of Europe’s most promising agrifood businesses.
The programme supports innovative companies with access to industry expertise, investment opportunities and international partnerships to help accelerate growth.
7) ALDI Nord expands Berlin store network
ALDI Nord has unveiled a major expansion strategy for Berlin through to 2030, with plans to open new stores, relocate existing branches and modernise dozens of locations across the city.
The programme also includes mixed-use developments combining supermarkets with residential housing to improve access to grocery shopping in urban areas.
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