Did you know?... The UK saw its fastest economic growth for nearly a year in the three months to July thanks to strong consumer spending lifted by the World Cup and unusually warm weather, official figures showed today. UK gross domestic product in the three months to July was 0.6% higher than in the previous three-month period, the Office for National Statistics said.
Did you know?... A new “state-of-the-art” facility has been officially opened by Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards, Co. Down. Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the processor unveiled its new automated packing facility – following an investment of €5.54 million. The new facility “further enhances the capabilities of this major dairy processing site, which plays a key role in the Foodservice Division of Lakeland Dairies”, a statement from the processor explained.
Did you know?... Amazon.com on Tuesday launched a Hindi version of its mobile website and app for Android smartphones in a bid to make deeper inroads into India's fast-growing e-commerce market, stepping up its battle with Walmart's Flipkart unit. None of India's other leading e-commerce portals - Flipkart, Snapdeal or Paytm Mall - currently have a local language version of their apps or websites, and the move to launch a Hindi app and website could give Amazon access to tens of millions of new customers in India's small towns and villages.
Did you know?... South African retailer Steinhoff, owner of Dealz, said its subsidiary has agreed to sell a 50 percent stake and related properties in German furniture chain POCO to Andreas Seifert for €270.68 million. In February, a Dutch court ordered Steinhoff International to amend its 2016 accounts, handing victory to former business partner Seifert in a dispute over the ownership of discount furniture store chain.
Did you know?... In the UK, Tesco has angered shoppers in its inner-city stores by hiking the cost of individual bananas. The retailer has stopped charging by weight and is instead charging by single banana, meaning the cost of each yellow fruit has more than doubled at its Tesco Metro and Express stores, The price rise, from around 10p-15p to 25p, has led to a flood of angry complaints on social media. The grocer blames the increase on "more expensive" leases.
Did you know?... Waitrose and parent company John Lewis are set to roll out a new corporate identity as they look to differentiate from rivals by flagging up their partnership business model. The retailers have been renamed Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis & Partners as part of a wider effort to enhance and celebrate customer service. The new names will feature across stores, carrier bags, uniforms, trolleys, and their respective social media channels and websites.
Did you know?... As part of London Cocktail Week 2018 (1st – 7th October), The Dead Rabbit Taproom Takeover will take place for one night only and sees Anna Kremen, Jessica Friedman and Genesis Cruz of the serial ‘World’s Best Bar’ winners team behind the bar. They’ll be serving up a menu comprised of three cocktails hand-selected from their exclusive Taproom by beverage director Jillian Vose menu showcasing The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, which launched earlier this year.
Did you know?... Dairygold Food Ingredients UK is demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation with the launch of a new exciting range of added value cheeses. The new range, available from late August, marks the beginning of a New Product Development (NPD) strategy for the company, with the aim of enabling food manufacturers and foodservice operators to grow their product category in line with current and future consumer trends.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
