Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
ShelfLife’s pick of the week’s top global industry stories
Print22 September 2025
From bold 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 UK unveils record £1.6bn expansion
Aldi has recently announced plans to invest a record £1.6bn (€1.8bn) over the next two years (2026-27), opening 80 stores as sales continue to rise.
The supermarket said it was ‘more determined than ever’ to meet the UK’s growing demand for affordable groceries as more families look to balance household budgets.
2) Lidl France appoints Jassine Ouali as director
Jassine Ouali, who has been in office since 1 August, joins the Lidl France Executive Committee. This new position reflects the company’s desire to strengthen its customer strategy. He will oversee a specific program aimed at simplifying and optimizing the customer journey across all Lidl France channels.
Holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Services Marketing from DHBW Mannheim (Germany) with a specialization in sales, marketing and human resources, Jassine Ouali has spent most of his professional career within the Lidl brand, which he joined in 2016.
3) Morrisons sales rise despite cost pressures
Supermarket chain, Morrisons, has reported a rise in group like-for-like (LFL) sales of three per cent, with total sales up 3.5% to £4bn in its quarter three trading for the 13 weeks ended 27 July 2025, according to The Business Desk.
The Bradford-headquartered business recorded strong performance from its online operations, with double-digit LFL growth in the period.
4) SPAR Netherlands expands with parcel lockers
SPAR Netherlands is enhancing its convenience proposition with the rollout of smart parcel lockers at an increasing number of stores across the country.
In partnership with DHL, DPD, and Vinted Go, customers can now send or collect parcels at their convenience.
5) Coopérative U expands into Rwanda market
French supermarket group Coopérative U is strengthening its position in Africa with the opening of its first store in Rwanda. The chain announced plans to open ten stores in the Central-African country within five years, according to the Retail Detail.
The chain’s first Rwandan store, a U Express, will open in early next year in the Inzovu Mall, Rwanda’s largest shopping centre at 27,000 sqm. Together with the complex’ French owner Duval, ten Rwandan stores would be added in the next few years, accounting for 500 new jobs, French website LSA reports.
6) Will Shu to step down as Deliveroo CEO
Deliveroo founder and boss Will Shu is to step down from the takeaway delivery giant, The Independent reports.
Shu, who founded the business in London in 2013, said he will step down as chief executive officer once it completes its £2.9 billion (€3.3 billion) takeover by rival DoorDash.
7) No plans to close UAE Carrefour
There are no immediate plans to replace Carrefour supermarkets in the UAE, following closures in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, the Dubai-based operator of the retail chain has reported.
The decision to go ahead with the closures in the four markets was taken by Majid Al Futtaim, its retail division chief executive Gunther Helm told Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast programme on Thursday (18 September), according to The National News.
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