Supply Chain Analysis news

Lidl Ireland is set to invest more than €75 million in extending its regional distribution centre (DC) at Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Increasing the capacity to around 62,000 sq m After the completion of the extension work, the facility is set to span across 62,000 sq m, making it one of the largest DCs in the country. According to Lidl, the extended facility is set to include sustainable f...

Unilever is teaming up with Asda and Co-op to ramp up refillable packaging trials across the UK. Participating stores include Glasgow, York, Rugby and Leeds According to Unilever, the aim of these new ‘test and learn’ trials is to gain a deeper understanding of the likelihood and habits of consumers using refillable and reusable packaging. The trials are set to test different refill models,...

Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland is partnering with Irish startup Manna Aero to provide a drone delivery service in Oranmore, near Galway. “The largest commercial drone delivery trial of its kind in the world” According to Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, the new drone delivery service is “the largest commercial drone delivery trial of its kind in the world”, with plans...

Kroger’s second customer fulfillment centre (CFC) powered by Ocado technology is a real milestone as it marks the entry of the retailer in a new state, Florida. Accelerating with digital This month, Kroger opened its second automated CFC in Groveland, Florida. As part of its strategy to accelerate with digital, Kroger is ramping up its ecommerce development. Florida is one of the few states...

Convenience retailer Circle K has introduced 100 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in its 140,000 square foot distribution centre in Hong Kong. AMRs provided by Geek+ Geek+ is a technology company specialised in advanced robotics and AI technologies, and provides robotics solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. The AMRs will be used to move racks of goods to human employees p...

The German wholesaler Metro has teamed up with Plastic Bank to launch an international, multi-year collaboration which aims to collect 65 million plastic bottles before they enter the world's oceans. The equivalent of 1 million kilos of plastic waste The Metro Plastic Initiative was launched on World Ocean Day, which took place on 8 June, and will take place in all 24 countries in which the...

Continuing the changes seen amongst European buying alliances, Tesco and Carrefour have announced they have decided ‘not to extend their Purchasing Alliance beyond the three-year operational framework agreed in 2021’. Focus to now switch to working on their own opportunities The retailers said ‘over the last three years, [we] have benefited from a number of joint buying opportunities across...

Retailers and suppliers are generating positive returns as they implement omnichannel-focused initiatives. From higher shopper spend to more efficient operations, omnichannel projects are helping companies stand out and gain share. Driven by evolving shopper habits, accelerated by COVID-19, omnichannel is becoming the trend to watch. It is set to grow significantly over the coming years as...

French retailer Group Casino and Amazon have announced the launch of a new click and collect service in France. Initially available in Annecy and Clermont-Ferrand The new click and collect service will be rolled out initially in Annecy and Clearmont-Ferrand, before expanding into a dozen Casino stores by the end of summer. Amazon prime members will be able to order from a selection of ...

Grocery retailer Albertsons Companies has made the first commercial emissions-free delivery in the US with a class 8 truck. Volvo VNR Electric trucks The retailer has recently taken delivery of two Volvo VNR Electric trucks at its distribution center in Irvine, California, which it paired with electric-powered transport refrigeration units from Advanced Energy Machines (AEM). The truck...