
Grocery spending in Europe reaches six-year high

Across the 21...
Grocery spending in Europe rose by 4.4% in the last quarter of 2018 - the highest rise since early 2012, according to data from Nielsen.
Across the 21 European countries measured, the increase in grocery takings came as shoppers bought 1.8% more items and paid 2.6% more per item than they did a year ago.
Price inflation, as well as shoppers actively choosing more expensive items, was the reason for the higher prices, according to the study.
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“After a few tough years, 2017 saw a dynamic economic environment across Europe with positive consumer confidence in the region and record highs in several countries,” said Olivier Deschamps, Senior Vice President Retailer Services Europe.
“This contributed to a strong year for grocery retail, particularly impressive considering shoppers’ savings mindset such as looking for the best deals and a bigger preference for the discounters.
“One of the reasons for the growth against this backdrop is the performance of local brands over the leading international players. They’ve capitalised on the revival of “local pride”, tapping into consumer and retailer tastes towards premium, local champions, particularly the focus on health and wellness through organic and free-from ingredients. Health now being one of Europeans’ two biggest concerns.”
Turkey was highlighted as the country with the highest year-on-year growth with a 16.8% hike in takings at the tills, followed by Hungary which rose 8.2% and Slovakia which increased +7.5%.
Meanwhile, Switzerland, Finland and Belgium had the smallest growth with a 1.6%, 1.7% and 1.8% rise in grocery spending respectively.
Jim Donald appointed the CEO of Albertsons

Donald, who previously worked as the company...
The Idaho-based grocery chain, Albertsons, has appointed Jim Donald as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Donald, who previously worked as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will keep his presidential role.
The new CEO will replace Bob Miller, who will continue in his position as Chairman of the Board.
“Jim Donald has built an exceptional career in retail,” remarked Bob Miller.
“His knowledge of our company and industry is unmatched, and I know his contributions will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Albertsons Companies.”
“We look forward to tapping his experience in leading large consumer brands as we work every day to meet our customers’ needs, both in-store and online.”
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In his career, Donald has held positions such as the CEO of Starbucks and the CEO of Pathmark Stores.
The newly-appoint CEO also worked for Albertsons for 15 years, starting 1976, becoming the Vice President of Operations in Arizona.
“Albertsons Companies is uniquely positioned to operate in both a 'four walls' traditional environment and the 'no walls' world of technology,” stated Jim Donald.
“We serve 34 million customers each week across our 2,300-plus stores and serve 5.5 million patients in our 1,700-plus pharmacies.”
“That's a significant food, health and wellness footprint. We're well positioned to serve the evolving needs of today's customer, wherever and whenever they choose to shop with us.”
“I am looking forward to leading this dynamic company as we focus on innovation and customer-centric retailing in all its forms.”
