Louise Deane

Sales Momentum Building At Morrisons After Progress With Recovery Plan Morrisons has delivered another “solid quarter of progress” as new CEO Rami Baitiéh implements his recovery plan, which has focused on improving the chain’s product availability, loyalty scheme, and price competitiveness. In its second quarter to 28 April, group’s like-for-like sales up 4.1%, total sales up 3.7% to £3.8bn.,underlying EBITDA H1 as a whole up 16% to £321m. Morrisons also revealed the group’s debt down by 35% to £4.0bn from £6.2bn after acquisition by PE firm CD&R. The group completed £2.5bn sale of its petrol station business to MFG, and bought 38 Channel Islands convenience stores from SandpiperCI. McColl’s conversion programme concluded, now targeting 2,000 Morrisons Daily convenience stores in 2025, up from 1,600. “I am pleased with the overall performance of the business in the second quarter with supermarkets, convenience, wholesale and online all delivering growth,” said Baitiéh. “Over the last eight months, we have listened carefully to over 340,000 customers, colleagues and suppliers, and the insights from this exercise are helping to refine and shape the activity in all three pillars of our strategy: commercial excellence, operations optimisation and new value creation. It’s clear that availability and our loyalty scheme are the two areas our customers talk about the most and so we are focusing intensively on these areas.” Baitiéh noted that its Aldi and Lidl Price Match scheme introduced in February had given shoppers increasing confidence in the chain’s competitiveness. He also revealed that the investment made in its More Card loyalty scheme had been “very positive”, with over five million active members and transactions using the card growing by around 35% in the last eight months. Morrisons is now aiming for 70% of transactions to go through its More Card over the medium term, up from the current 50%. Chief Financial Officer Jo Goff concluded: “This has been another solid quarter of progress with sales and volume improvements right across the business. Our debt has now reduced by over a third, and we made further progress on our cost savings programme with £78m delivered in the quarter, taking the total since the start of this year to just over £450m, in line with our £700m three year target.” Currently celebrating 125 years since Sir Ken Morrison’s father established the first Morrisons store. Despite sales improvement in 12 months, Morrisons’ market share slipped from 8.8% to 8.7% over the year to 9 June 2024 [Kantar]. NamNews Implications: * Improvements patently taking place in terms of - product availability, - loyalty scheme - price competitiveness. - Debt reduction of 33% - EBITDA up 16% * i.e. key improvements for a PE financed company * Key that it soon results in growth of market share… * Watch this space! #Morrisons #GroceryMarketShare

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🥑 Laser-etched labels trialled on Tesco avocado range Great to see people are thinking outside the box (literally) to reduce packaging but if there is no requirement for the box why have any labeling on it at all! Next we will see laser-etched branded carrots! #sustainability #packaging #foodandbeverage Laser-etched labels trialled on Tesco avocado range (foodmanufacture.co.uk)

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Asda's fuel has become the priciest among supermarket groups - after years of being among the cheapest - despite its pledge to offer the best value, research suggests. According to the RAC, average petrol and diesel prices were higher at Asda at the end of May than at Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Asda disputed the findings, saying they covered its whole estate, including convenience shops, and that it still had the best prices at supermarket forecourts. Global fuel prices are falling, but the RAC said supermarket chains were not passing the savings on to customers. The RAC analyed data submitted by the biggest supermarkets to the Competition and Markets Authority and found that Asda was selling petrol at 146.34p per litre and diesel at 151.71p. By contrast Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys were charging 144.45p and 149.61p per litre - some 1.9p and 2.1p less. RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said it was the first time since the motoring group began tracking supermarket fuel prices that Asda had come out as priciest. He added that the chain had for years been the market leader on fuel prices, encouraging its rivals to drop their prices after it did, but that it had now lost its “crown”. Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3Vv0EIQ The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

WELL DONE PETER!! We are proud to announce that our MD Peter has been awarded the prestigious title of "Plastics Manufacturing MD of the Year 2024". This esteemed recognition, presented by SME News, highlights Peter's outstanding leadership, vision, and contributions to the plastics manufacturing industry. Key Factor Considered for Recognition: • INNOVATION: Peter has driven the development and successful market launch of several new coatings including PolyGuard™, setting new standards for protective coatings in the plastics industry. • SUSTAINABILITY: Peter has championed sustainable practices within the company, including the use of UV curing technology and the installation of solar panels, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility. • GROWTH and EXPANSION: His strategic vision has led to significant expansion of the company's global distribution network, with a focus on establishing strong partnerships and enhancing brand recognition in key markets around the world. • CUSTOMER FOCUS: Peter has fostered a customer-centric approach, ensuring that we deliver bespoke solutions that meet, and exceed, the specific needs of diverse industries. "I am deeply honoured to receive this award." said Peter. "It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Peerless Plastics and Coatings. Together, we have made significant strides in advancing the plastics manufacturing industry, and I am excited about the future as we continue to innovate and lead with sustainability at the forefront of our efforts." Read more on Peter's award here: https://lnkd.in/ezJUTfR7 #awardwinning #managingdirector #teamwork #manufacturing #coatingsindustry #plasticsindustry #sustainable

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Six years on from the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan, there has been very little progress from DEFRA on their proposals to improve packaging recyclability and drive up collection for recycling rates. Read my thoughts below on the impact of repeated delays to key packaging and waste reforms, and how the FMCG sector can achieve cut through in this policy space amid the noise of an election.

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Morrisons Develops App So Wholesale And Franchise Partners Can Top Up In Its Supermarkets Morrisons is to allow its wholesale and franchise partners to top up on food and drink lines in its supermarkets at prices based on agreed terms. According to trade magazine The Grocer, a newly developed app allows retailers within the Morrisons supply network to scan the items they need in stores using their smartphones. Once they have completed their shop, they check out with a duty manager. However, rather than buying at normal in-store prices, the wholesale customer is invoiced on their existing agreed terms, with an electronic delivery note sent to their store EPoS systems and email. Morrisons wholesale division currently stocks a range of over 9,000 products for delivery, supplying more than 1,600 stores across five countries. The top-up solution is seen as an extra tool for its customers, who will continue to be serviced by the existing delivered model. NamNews Implications: * Morrisons have, in effect, increased their wholesale/franchise distribution points… * …to include all of their retail branches as a top-up facility. * Neat! * And probably makes them the best UK wholesaler in terms of coverage… #Wholesale #CashnCarry #Morrisons

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Earlier this month, B dynamic Group launched Big Value Box, a group-buying platform for businesses that redefines purchasing behaviours to create true value for both sellers and buyers. Sellers offer discounts on bulk quantities, and buyers can now purchase only what they need while still receiving bulk discounts by combining their orders with others. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/gF4Qth32 This initiative demonstrates B dynamic Group's commitment to innovation and simplifying the supply chain for our customers. Big Value Box has partnered with Signify Australia to clear their end-of-line and overstocked items at amazing discounts. I had the opportunity to talk with Simon O'Donnelly, Cluster Marketing Leader at Signify, about how Big Value Box could benefit their business. https://lnkd.in/gbPh6uV8 B dynamic Logistics #bigvaluebox #BIGdiscount #Supplychain #buybulk #bargain #electrical #groupbuying #greatvalue #3plservice #signify #bdynamic

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Some might wonder: Is this genuinely about exploring alternative sustainable packaging solutions or simply skirting the plastic tax? Either way, Aldi's move seems to capture the best of both! https://lnkd.in/eaaiAu3F #aldi #packaging #plastictax #recycledplastic #sustainablepackaging #crisplover #packagingmaterials #recycle #plasticwaste

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Following the coverage in the #uk with the packaging reduction on #avocados by the team Tesco it was great to see it first hand in store. A significant step forward and multiple benefits clearly. A couple of observations in that it seemed to add some complexity at the checkout process and the potential handling of any rejected stock, but can envisage this being rolled out across other of fresh product extending the sustainability benefits #freshproduce #ukretail #australianretail #packagingreduction #reducewate #reduceplastic #innovation Prof. Consulting Group #privatelabel #ownbrand #sustainablesourcing Peter Turcich Melissa Woods Cristina Lesseur Sarah Blanchard

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The LACA Buying Group allows members to procure cost effective food and supply contracts. There are 18 frameworks available covering food, drink, equipment categories and more. By using the LACA Buying Group for your procurement needs, you will receive… ✅ The support of an award-winning, experienced CIPS-qualified team ✅ Access to a variety of compliant framework agreements ✅ Simple to use service, free of charge for LACA members ✅ Quick to set up – you can be procuring goods within 4 weeks of enquiring ✅ Free Further Competition service for additional support ✅ Due diligence and peace of mind - all Food & Drink suppliers are required to have additional 3rd party food safety accreditation ✅ Access to market intelligence, insight and research to help you stay one-step-ahead when it comes to food trends, supply chain information and latest challenges affecting the industry ✅ Access to training courses, professional development and networking events – for all departments not just catering – covering skill sets such as Leadership, Finance, Chef’s Skills, Allergies & Food Safety, Plant-Based Menus, and more.. ✅ Inclusion in Tender Working Parties – your chance to have your say ✅ Annual Value for Money report detailing your return on investment The LACA Buying Group is simple to use and can be used by LACA members without charge, to find out more visit our website or contact Jane Eve, head of contracts on 07535 713 054 or email jane.eve@tuco.ac.uk. >>https://lnkd.in/edgmYpRB

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Suppliers Push Back Against Sainsbury’s New Data Fees Some of Sainsbury’s suppliers are reportedly refusing to pay new fees to access the supermarket’s forecast data, which was previously provided for free. The store-level forecast data has long been shared with suppliers via Sainsbury’s Horizon system for no charge. However, according to trade publication The Grocer, suppliers will now require a ‘Silver Tier’ subscription to access a new data platform. The report revealed that the subscription charge is based on the size of the supplier, with some firms facing a fee of up to £400,000. The Grocer said that the introduction of the new charges has been met with widespread resistance from suppliers, which has led to a delay in the planned decommissioning of the old Horizon system. One major supplier is quoted as saying: “We fall into the camp of suppliers that refuse to pay. If they insist, then we will just do without the data.” They added: “A strange way to try and make money. They should stick to putting things on shelf and selling them.” The replacement for Sainsbury’s Horizon system is called SupplyHub, with access to data split into three tiers: ‘Free to Air’, Bronze and Silver. The free tier replaces “existing operational data systems”. The top Silver tier gives access to “the most complete analytics” to allow suppliers “to pinpoint opportunities for the most advanced decision making” based on “store level forecasts for demand and supply chains”. Ged Futter, founder of supermarket supplier consultancy The Retail Mind, told The Grocer: “The deeper insights – I think people are prepared to pay for. But they’ve chucked into the top tier data they get for free that is crucial for the commercial teams. “Forecasting data is now going to be costing suppliers a huge amount of money. All of a sudden, it comes to this being implemented, and it kicks off big time. Suppliers are saying ‘I’m not paying’.” NamNews Implications: * In the absence of precise forecasting data… * …suppliers will have to carry buffer stocks to facilitate availability. * An additional financing cost that suppliers will attempt to transfer to Sainsbury’s… #IncrementalRevenue

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Are you a seasoned entrepreneur or a starter with a brilliant idea on how you can bring value to waste?    You could have the opportunity to win £10,000 and become the next Biffa Change Maker in three simple steps.     🤳🏾 Share you business concept and why you started it  📑Explain why you’re the next Change Maker  🎙Tell us how Biffa can support your journey  Enter now: https://lnkd.in/eYsUDZxf

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Drayton are thrilled to be working with Greggs plc. to secure an outstanding #SupplyChainDirector, based in the North East.   As a renowned leader in the food retail industry, Greggs has continually pushed boundaries and set benchmarks for excellence. With millions of products manufactured and distributed across the country to 2,500 shops every day, Greggs' supply chain is a testament to meticulous planning, coordination, and efficiency.   In its latest Annual Report and Accounts published in April, the business reported that it: ✔ Focused on their four strategic pillars: quality, service, value and engagement. ✔ Continued to ensure its people are at the heart of the business. With 32,000 amazing colleagues, its people that makes Greggs successful. Greggs refer to its unique culture as being the ‘secret sauce’, because when people enjoy coming into work, they do a better job, and that makes Greggs a stronger, better business. ✔ Continued to enhance their offering by growing and developing the Greggs estate with 220 new shop openings. ✔ Developed their digital channels, including the Greggs App and a new delivery partnership with Uber Eats. ✔ Expanded their evening trade by keeping 1200 shops open until 7pm or beyond, and opened its first 24-hour drive-thru locations. ✔ Consistently delivered exceptional financial performance – 13.7%+ company-managed shop like-for-like sales, driving sustainable growth. ✔ Focused on community engagement and sustainability initiatives, making significant progress towards the ten commitments outlined in The Greggs Pledge and donating at least 1% of its underlying pre-tax profits to its corporate foundation - the Greggs Foundation each year.   The Supply Chain has seen significant investment too – with a fourth savoury line installed at Balliol Park manufacturing site where their iconic rolls and bakes are made; allowing for 4 million additional bakes every week. An additional pizza line at their Enfield site was commissioned in late 2022 and has doubled their capacity, and there are exciting plans to build two state-of-the-art facilities in the Midlands opening in 2026, crucial for securing future growth.   This opportunity isn't just about leading a supply chain; as a member of the operating board, reporting to the CEO, it's about shaping the future of an iconic brand. As the Supply Chain Director, you'll have full ownership of all in-house manufacturing, the owned logistics fleet and associated warehousing as well as managing the capital investment strategy. This is a chance to leave a legacy in an iconic British business. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about this career-defining opportunity!

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It was great to attend the CIPS Futures conference this week, making new contacts and getting some alternative perspectives on the future procurement landscape. My favourite quote from one of the sessions was that “Procurement is uniquely positioned to work with all parts of the business, we are the corporate glue to bring the business together”which is why I love working in Procurement #CIPSfutures #networking #Procurement

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No surprises at the point of entry and engagement with your audience to share information ahead of time is gold standard. Obviously it helps if your event is one of the biggest and best in the whole world and the nations media will help push your messaging for you, but the principle remain. Getting your communication strategies right to support your overall safety plan with both generic and specific information and any requests being made of your crowd should be an integral part of the planning process.

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