Asda has reported a decline in annual sales and profits as it continues to navigate a challenging turnaround, while warning that geopolitical tensions could drive further inflation and fuel supply pressures.The UK’s third-largest grocer said sales excluding fuel fell 3.3 per cent to £21 billion in the year to 31 December 2025, while like-for-like sales improved slightly but remained in decline at minus 3.1 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA dropped sharply by 33.1 per cent to £764m, reflecting continued investment in price and operational recovery.Despite the weaker financial performance, Asda pointed to early signs of stabilisation under its “Formula for Growth” strategy. The retailer said it had re-established a price gap of between 4 and 7 per cent against traditional supermarket competitors, improved product availability to a near eight-year high of 95 per cent, and returned to positive in-store like-for-like growth in March.Executive chairman Allan Leighton said the business was “edging ... Continue Reading »
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally launched a merger inquiry into the anticipated joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, marking the next regulatory step for the proposed $3.4 billion (£2.5bn) deal.The competition watchdog confirmed on Friday that it has issued a notice to the parties, initiating its phase 1 investigation. The CMA now has until 28 May to decide whether the transaction raises sufficient competition concerns to warrant a more in-depth phase 2 probe.First announced in June 2025, the deal will see Brazil’s Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, acquire a 51 per cent controlling stake in a newly created joint venture, with Kimberly-Clark retaining the remaining 49 per cent. Suzano is set to pay $1.734bn in cash for its share, subject to customary adjustments.The new entity, to be incorporated in the Netherlands, will focus on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, ... Continue Reading »
S&W Wholesale has expanded its logistics partnership with transport provider BradEx as it looks to strengthen delivery capacity and support future growth across the island of Ireland.The Newry-based wholesaler, which services more than 2,500 customers including over 165 Nearby stores, said the enhanced collaboration will provide greater flexibility and resilience as it prepares for the completion of its new 180,000 sq ft multi-purpose warehouse and office facility.The move is designed to protect S&W’s long-standing store-first service model while ensuring the business can manage increased volumes and peak trading periods more effectively.John Paul Harkin, director at BradEx, said the partnership had been shaped through close collaboration over the past six months, including a successful trial of city trailers.“Maintaining personal service was essential, so we worked closely together, trained our teams to S&W’s standards, and became an extension of their operation,” he said. “The trailers increased payload and reduced vehicle movements, supporting ... Continue Reading »
Leading plant-based brand Alpro has today (March 27) announced the launch of Alpro Matcha, the UK’s first ready-to-drink (RTD) soya-coconut based matcha drink. Now launched on shelves in Sainsbury’s, with wider distribution across other major retailers by June, Alpro Matcha is a plant-based drink made with green tea matcha, combined with a soya-coconut base to provide a creamy texture and tropical taste. Versatile and served in a convenient 1L format, Alpro Matcha can be poured cold over ice, warmed, or foamed. Fortified with 5 essential nutrients including Calcium, Iodine and Vitamins B9, D2, and B2, the new drink delivers on both taste and nutrition, designed for afternoon occasions when 80% of matcha consumption occurs. Alpro’s launch responds to explosive growth in the matcha category, with matcha’s presence in tea and RTD products more than doubling from 5% in 2023 to 12% in the first 10 months of 2025. Research ... Continue Reading »
Easter continues to play a significant role in the UK confectionery calendar, offering an important seasonal opportunity for convenience retailers across multiple store formats. New survey findings from 74 convenience retailers highlight how the category is performing across forecourts, local convenience stores, and specialist bakery and confectionery outlets. While the outlook for this year’s Easter season appears broadly stable, retailers remain cautiously optimistic, with impulse purchasing, strong brand recognition and competitive pricing shaping sales expectations.The survey, conducted for the Asian Trader Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery feature, captured feedback from a balanced cross-section of retailers. Forecourts accounted for the largest share of responses at 35.1%, followed by both local convenience stores (Supermarket Local/Express) and Bakery/Confectionery retailers at 32.4% each. The distribution provides a useful snapshot of how Easter confectionery performs across impulse-led retail environments as well as neighbourhood grocery stores and specialist sweet shops.Easter remains keyAcross the sector, Easter remains an ... Continue Reading »
Easter has long been the second most important trading period in the confectionery calendar, but in 2026 the category is arriving with particular momentum. Brands are investing heavily in new product development, marketing and in-store theatre, whilst wholesalers such as Bestway are delivering structured national campaigns to ensure their retail partners are fully equipped to convert footfall into sales.With the right range, the right displays and the right timing, convenience retailers can make the most of a season that delivers strong return.The foundations look solid. Confectionery was among the strongest performers across packaged snacking in the past year, with value sales growing at 6.6 per cent, ahead of the total packaged snacking category at 4.6 per cent [NIQ Scantrack]. And with three in four shoppers buying chocolate at Easter [Kantar], the seasonal window remains one of the most reliable in the retail calendar.Growth drivers Mars Wrigley offers a candid overview ... Continue Reading »
A prospective tie-up between France's Pernod Ricard and Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman would test whether the powerful families behind the two drinks groups can unite to scale up in a slowing global spirits market.Shares in Pernod, the world's No.2 spirits maker, rose 3.4 per cent on Friday after slumping to a 2009 low the day before when it confirmed merger talks with U.S. rival Brown-Forman.The companies gave no financial details and said there was no certainty a transaction would result.Merging Brown-Forman's American whiskey and tequila with Pernod's global distribution and broader portfolio - currently light in both categories - could deliver annual cost savings of as much as $450 million (£338m), according to Jefferies.It would also create a stronger challenger to global leader Diageo and give the combined group more clout in the critical U.S. market amid intensifying trade tensions.But with multiple generations of founding family members on both sides, ... Continue Reading »
French spirits giant Pernod Ricard and Jack Daniel's owner Brown-Forman said Thursday they are in talks over a potential merger that could create a major industry force, as alcohol consumption weakens worldwide.Pernod said the envisaged deal would represent a "merger of equals" and create a global spirits leader built around their flagship brands, including Absolut Vodka and Jameson whiskey.Brown-Forman, responding to recent market speculation, confirmed it was in discussions and said it "regularly explores and evaluates strategic opportunities".The French beverages company said the tie-up could unlock significant "operational synergies" by combining Brown-Forman's iconic labels with its own distribution strength and exposure to higher-growth markets.Both groups said the combined portfolio would benefit from balanced geographic reach anchored in two historic brand families.The discussions come as the alcohol sector faces a difficult global environment, with consumption falling among younger drinkers and new tariffs - particularly in the US -hurting major producers.Pernod Ricard ... Continue Reading »
A leading independent retailers association has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.The quantity of goods bought fell by 0.4 per cent in February 2026, down from a revised rise of 2.0 per cent in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Supermarket sales fell back as shoppers concentrated their spending in January to capitalise on start-of-year deals, while household goods stores also dipped, with retailers pointing to heavy rainfall reducing footfall during the month.Online sales continued to outperform, rising 11.4 per cent year on year in February, with the proportion of total sales made online edging up from 28.0 per cent in January to 28.2 per cent.Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), said: "These figures are the first sign of consumers beginning to pull back on spending in the face ... Continue Reading »
EG On The Move and Co-op are taking forward their successful forecourt and convenience food franchise collaboration with a new site launching in Essex, creating a fuel and quality food destination in Norton Heath, Chelmsford.The investment in the re-developed site – known as EG On The Move Norton Heath - combines EG On The Move’s petrol forecourt with Co-op convenience.The service station is located on Chelmsford Road, Norton Heath, and includes eight fuel pumps (with 16 nozzles of petrol and diesel); air and vacuum and, electric vehicle charging points coming soon. A new Greggs bakery is also opening on site.Co-op’s convenience store – which is operated as a franchise - brings quality food and drink with deals, value and promotions to the forecourt - everything to refresh and ‘re-fuel’ motorists on the go or, provide food for later. Including meal deals; self-service Starbucks coffee; bakery products; a focus on quality ... Continue Reading »
KETTLE Chips, the UK’s premium hand-cooked chip brand, has announced its expansion into the tortilla category with the brand-new gourmet launch of KETTLE Tortillas.Crafted for those who seek a superior krunch and high-quality, natural ingredients, the new range features three iconic KETTLE Chips flavour profiles designed to redefine the premium tortilla experience: Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream, and Sea Salt & Black Pepper.Each flavour is built on a Mexican-inspired white corn tortilla base with the most-loved KETTLE flavours mixed in to deliver a higher-status snacking experience: Mature Cheddar & Red Onion: A base of white corn, red quinoa, onion, and herbs, finished with a rich mature cheddar and red onion seasoning. Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream: A vibrant base featuring red pepper, pumpkin, and brown linseeds, paired with a creamy sour cream and chilli seasoning. Sea Salt & Black Pepper: A nutrient-dense base of ... Continue Reading »
A leading giant in the British vaping industry which claims to be the country's "largest supplier" of has collapsed into administration.Leicester-based company JM Wholesale tumbled into administration last week after becoming insolvent. According to its website, it sells “trusted brands like Elf Bar, SKE Crystal, Lost Mary, ELUX, OXVA, Vaporesso, Voopoo, and Aspire”.It reported a turnover of £7.4million for the year to February 2025.Administrators reportedly blamed the company’s financial distress on increased government restrictions around vapes. The disposable vapes ban brought in last year made it illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes.Administrators said tighter regulations like this contributed to a fall in orders and loss of revenue for JM Wholesale.JM Wholesale was founded in 2017 by some university students after they struggled to find the “quality products” that they wanted online.Just four years later, in 2021, the company moved to a larger premises in Leicester and hired 30 ... Continue Reading »
Forthcoming changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) risk reducing entry-level opportunities in the retail sector, with retailers increasingly favouring experienced hires to manage rising labour costs, new research suggests.A survey of 100 UK retailers by RSM UK found that 48 per cent plan to recruit more experienced workers following the April 2026 NMW changes, while 29 per cent expect to cut back on entry-level roles. The reforms, which bring younger age bands closer to the main NMW rate, could make it harder for young people to secure their first job.Chris Robson, employment tax partner and fair pay lead at RSM UK, warned the findings point to a challenging outlook for younger workers. “With around one in eight 18-24 year olds not currently in education, employment or training the results paint a worrying picture, suggesting the job market is about to get even tougher for those trying to find their ... Continue Reading »
Retail sales volumes fell by 0.4 per cent in February, signalling a loss of momentum after a stronger start to the year, as shoppers pulled back on discretionary purchases and retailers brace for mounting cost pressures.According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the decline follows a revised 2.0 per cent rise in January and a modest 0.1 per cent increase in December. Falls were led by household goods, down 2.6 per cent, alongside a 1 per cent drop in clothing and a 0.5 per cent decline in online sales. Supermarkets also saw volumes retreat after January’s uplift.Despite the monthly dip, the broader trend showed some resilience, with sales volumes rising by 0.7 per cent over the three months to February, driven largely by a rebound in non-store retailing after a weak November.Industry analysts said February’s slowdown reflects a more selective and value-driven consumer. Nicholas Found, ... Continue Reading »
The number of vapes and pods being thrown away each week in the UK has fallen by 23 per cent following the introduction of the single-use vape ban, but millions are still ending up in general waste, according to new research.Material Focus reports that 6.3 million vapes and pods are now discarded weekly, down from 8.2 million in 2024, indicating the ban has had a measurable impact on disposal levels. However, the organisation warned that the figure remains “a massive waste of valuable materials and a major fire risk.”Over the past four years, an estimated 1.18 billion vapes have been thrown away, with recoverable materials such as lithium and copper lost. The annual volume of discarded vapes could otherwise power nearly 5,000 electric vehicles.Waste operators continue to face operational pressures linked to vape disposal. Material Focus cited evidence from Veolia and Biffa, with the former experiencing around one fire per ... Continue Reading »
Asda has reported a decline in annual sales and profits as it continues to navigate a challenging turnaround, while warning that geopolitical tensions could drive further inflation and fuel supply pressures.The UK’s third-largest grocer said sales excluding fuel fell 3.3 per cent to £21 billion in the year to 31 December 2025, while like-for-like sales improved slightly but remained in decline at minus 3.1 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA dropped sharply by 33.1 per cent to £764m, reflecting continued investment in price and operational recovery.Despite the weaker financial performance, Asda pointed to early signs of stabilisation under its “Formula for Growth” strategy. The retailer said it had re-established a price gap of between 4 and 7 per cent against traditional supermarket competitors, improved product availability to a near eight-year high of 95 per cent, and returned to positive in-store like-for-like growth in March.Executive chairman Allan Leighton said the business was “edging ... 
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally launched a merger inquiry into the anticipated joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, marking the next regulatory step for the proposed $3.4 billion (£2.5bn) deal.The competition watchdog confirmed on Friday that it has issued a notice to the parties, initiating its phase 1 investigation. The CMA now has until 28 May to decide whether the transaction raises sufficient competition concerns to warrant a more in-depth phase 2 probe.First announced in June 2025, the deal will see Brazil’s Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, acquire a 51 per cent controlling stake in a newly created joint venture, with Kimberly-Clark retaining the remaining 49 per cent. Suzano is set to pay $1.734bn in cash for its share, subject to customary adjustments.The new entity, to be incorporated in the Netherlands, will focus on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, ... 
S&W Wholesale has expanded its logistics partnership with transport provider BradEx as it looks to strengthen delivery capacity and support future growth across the island of Ireland.The Newry-based wholesaler, which services more than 2,500 customers including over 165 Nearby stores, said the enhanced collaboration will provide greater flexibility and resilience as it prepares for the completion of its new 180,000 sq ft multi-purpose warehouse and office facility.The move is designed to protect S&W’s long-standing store-first service model while ensuring the business can manage increased volumes and peak trading periods more effectively.John Paul Harkin, director at BradEx, said the partnership had been shaped through close collaboration over the past six months, including a successful trial of city trailers.“Maintaining personal service was essential, so we worked closely together, trained our teams to S&W’s standards, and became an extension of their operation,” he said. “The trailers increased payload and reduced vehicle movements, supporting ... 
Leading plant-based brand Alpro has today (March 27) announced the launch of Alpro Matcha, the UK’s first ready-to-drink (RTD) soya-coconut based matcha drink. Now launched on shelves in Sainsbury’s, with wider distribution across other major retailers by June, Alpro Matcha is a plant-based drink made with green tea matcha, combined with a soya-coconut base to provide a creamy texture and tropical taste. Versatile and served in a convenient 1L format, Alpro Matcha can be poured cold over ice, warmed, or foamed. Fortified with 5 essential nutrients including Calcium, Iodine and Vitamins B9, D2, and B2, the new drink delivers on both taste and nutrition, designed for afternoon occasions when 80% of matcha consumption occurs. Alpro’s launch responds to explosive growth in the matcha category, with matcha’s presence in tea and RTD products more than doubling from 5% in 2023 to 12% in the first 10 months of 2025. Research ... 
Easter continues to play a significant role in the UK confectionery calendar, offering an important seasonal opportunity for convenience retailers across multiple store formats. New survey findings from 74 convenience retailers highlight how the category is performing across forecourts, local convenience stores, and specialist bakery and confectionery outlets. While the outlook for this year’s Easter season appears broadly stable, retailers remain cautiously optimistic, with impulse purchasing, strong brand recognition and competitive pricing shaping sales expectations.The survey, conducted for the Asian Trader Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery feature, captured feedback from a balanced cross-section of retailers. Forecourts accounted for the largest share of responses at 35.1%, followed by both local convenience stores (Supermarket Local/Express) and Bakery/Confectionery retailers at 32.4% each. The distribution provides a useful snapshot of how Easter confectionery performs across impulse-led retail environments as well as neighbourhood grocery stores and specialist sweet shops.Easter remains keyAcross the sector, Easter remains an ... 
Easter has long been the second most important trading period in the confectionery calendar, but in 2026 the category is arriving with particular momentum. Brands are investing heavily in new product development, marketing and in-store theatre, whilst wholesalers such as Bestway are delivering structured national campaigns to ensure their retail partners are fully equipped to convert footfall into sales.With the right range, the right displays and the right timing, convenience retailers can make the most of a season that delivers strong return.The foundations look solid. Confectionery was among the strongest performers across packaged snacking in the past year, with value sales growing at 6.6 per cent, ahead of the total packaged snacking category at 4.6 per cent [NIQ Scantrack]. And with three in four shoppers buying chocolate at Easter [Kantar], the seasonal window remains one of the most reliable in the retail calendar.Growth drivers Mars Wrigley offers a candid overview ... 
A prospective tie-up between France's Pernod Ricard and Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman would test whether the powerful families behind the two drinks groups can unite to scale up in a slowing global spirits market.Shares in Pernod, the world's No.2 spirits maker, rose 3.4 per cent on Friday after slumping to a 2009 low the day before when it confirmed merger talks with U.S. rival Brown-Forman.The companies gave no financial details and said there was no certainty a transaction would result.Merging Brown-Forman's American whiskey and tequila with Pernod's global distribution and broader portfolio - currently light in both categories - could deliver annual cost savings of as much as $450 million (£338m), according to Jefferies.It would also create a stronger challenger to global leader Diageo and give the combined group more clout in the critical U.S. market amid intensifying trade tensions.But with multiple generations of founding family members on both sides, ... 
French spirits giant Pernod Ricard and Jack Daniel's owner Brown-Forman said Thursday they are in talks over a potential merger that could create a major industry force, as alcohol consumption weakens worldwide.Pernod said the envisaged deal would represent a "merger of equals" and create a global spirits leader built around their flagship brands, including Absolut Vodka and Jameson whiskey.Brown-Forman, responding to recent market speculation, confirmed it was in discussions and said it "regularly explores and evaluates strategic opportunities".The French beverages company said the tie-up could unlock significant "operational synergies" by combining Brown-Forman's iconic labels with its own distribution strength and exposure to higher-growth markets.Both groups said the combined portfolio would benefit from balanced geographic reach anchored in two historic brand families.The discussions come as the alcohol sector faces a difficult global environment, with consumption falling among younger drinkers and new tariffs - particularly in the US -hurting major producers.Pernod Ricard ... 
A leading independent retailers association has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.The quantity of goods bought fell by 0.4 per cent in February 2026, down from a revised rise of 2.0 per cent in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Supermarket sales fell back as shoppers concentrated their spending in January to capitalise on start-of-year deals, while household goods stores also dipped, with retailers pointing to heavy rainfall reducing footfall during the month.Online sales continued to outperform, rising 11.4 per cent year on year in February, with the proportion of total sales made online edging up from 28.0 per cent in January to 28.2 per cent.Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), said: "These figures are the first sign of consumers beginning to pull back on spending in the face ... 
EG On The Move and Co-op are taking forward their successful forecourt and convenience food franchise collaboration with a new site launching in Essex, creating a fuel and quality food destination in Norton Heath, Chelmsford.The investment in the re-developed site – known as EG On The Move Norton Heath - combines EG On The Move’s petrol forecourt with Co-op convenience.The service station is located on Chelmsford Road, Norton Heath, and includes eight fuel pumps (with 16 nozzles of petrol and diesel); air and vacuum and, electric vehicle charging points coming soon. A new Greggs bakery is also opening on site.Co-op’s convenience store – which is operated as a franchise - brings quality food and drink with deals, value and promotions to the forecourt - everything to refresh and ‘re-fuel’ motorists on the go or, provide food for later. Including meal deals; self-service Starbucks coffee; bakery products; a focus on quality ... 
KETTLE Chips, the UK’s premium hand-cooked chip brand, has announced its expansion into the tortilla category with the brand-new gourmet launch of KETTLE Tortillas.Crafted for those who seek a superior krunch and high-quality, natural ingredients, the new range features three iconic KETTLE Chips flavour profiles designed to redefine the premium tortilla experience: Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream, and Sea Salt & Black Pepper.Each flavour is built on a Mexican-inspired white corn tortilla base with the most-loved KETTLE flavours mixed in to deliver a higher-status snacking experience: Mature Cheddar & Red Onion: A base of white corn, red quinoa, onion, and herbs, finished with a rich mature cheddar and red onion seasoning. Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream: A vibrant base featuring red pepper, pumpkin, and brown linseeds, paired with a creamy sour cream and chilli seasoning. Sea Salt & Black Pepper: A nutrient-dense base of ... 
A leading giant in the British vaping industry which claims to be the country's "largest supplier" of has collapsed into administration.Leicester-based company JM Wholesale tumbled into administration last week after becoming insolvent. According to its website, it sells “trusted brands like Elf Bar, SKE Crystal, Lost Mary, ELUX, OXVA, Vaporesso, Voopoo, and Aspire”.It reported a turnover of £7.4million for the year to February 2025.Administrators reportedly blamed the company’s financial distress on increased government restrictions around vapes. The disposable vapes ban brought in last year made it illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes.Administrators said tighter regulations like this contributed to a fall in orders and loss of revenue for JM Wholesale.JM Wholesale was founded in 2017 by some university students after they struggled to find the “quality products” that they wanted online.Just four years later, in 2021, the company moved to a larger premises in Leicester and hired 30 ... 
Forthcoming changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) risk reducing entry-level opportunities in the retail sector, with retailers increasingly favouring experienced hires to manage rising labour costs, new research suggests.A survey of 100 UK retailers by RSM UK found that 48 per cent plan to recruit more experienced workers following the April 2026 NMW changes, while 29 per cent expect to cut back on entry-level roles. The reforms, which bring younger age bands closer to the main NMW rate, could make it harder for young people to secure their first job.Chris Robson, employment tax partner and fair pay lead at RSM UK, warned the findings point to a challenging outlook for younger workers. “With around one in eight 18-24 year olds not currently in education, employment or training the results paint a worrying picture, suggesting the job market is about to get even tougher for those trying to find their ... 
Retail sales volumes fell by 0.4 per cent in February, signalling a loss of momentum after a stronger start to the year, as shoppers pulled back on discretionary purchases and retailers brace for mounting cost pressures.According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the decline follows a revised 2.0 per cent rise in January and a modest 0.1 per cent increase in December. Falls were led by household goods, down 2.6 per cent, alongside a 1 per cent drop in clothing and a 0.5 per cent decline in online sales. Supermarkets also saw volumes retreat after January’s uplift.Despite the monthly dip, the broader trend showed some resilience, with sales volumes rising by 0.7 per cent over the three months to February, driven largely by a rebound in non-store retailing after a weak November.Industry analysts said February’s slowdown reflects a more selective and value-driven consumer. Nicholas Found, ... 
The number of vapes and pods being thrown away each week in the UK has fallen by 23 per cent following the introduction of the single-use vape ban, but millions are still ending up in general waste, according to new research.Material Focus reports that 6.3 million vapes and pods are now discarded weekly, down from 8.2 million in 2024, indicating the ban has had a measurable impact on disposal levels. However, the organisation warned that the figure remains “a massive waste of valuable materials and a major fire risk.”Over the past four years, an estimated 1.18 billion vapes have been thrown away, with recoverable materials such as lithium and copper lost. The annual volume of discarded vapes could otherwise power nearly 5,000 electric vehicles.Waste operators continue to face operational pressures linked to vape disposal. Material Focus cited evidence from Veolia and Biffa, with the former experiencing around one fire per ...