Global round-up: market expansion, private label and technology

Europe: potential merger, tech rollout and market expansion

Edeka Rhine-Ruhr and North to merge

The two regional operations in Germany are beginning the process to merge operations. Despite the geographical distance between the two regions, Edeka sees cultural similarities that will allow them to become “more efficient, innovative and competitive” through the merger. No timeline has been provided, as the cooperative members of both regions have yet to approve it.

Dan Butler, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

The merged regions could leverage their combined scale to demand better terms and impose stricter standards. Suppliers that can adapt quickly to the change will likely see increased volumes, lower per-unit logistics costs, and more stable demand.

Aldi introduces self-checkout to Swiss stores

The discounter has rolled out self-checkouts across most of its estate over the summer, following a successful trial period. Jérôme Meyer, Aldi SUISSE Country Managing Director, stated:

The test phase showed us that our shoppers really appreciate self-checkouts. We responded to this positive feedback and are pleased to introduce them across the whole of Switzerland.

Michela Pearson, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

Discounters around the world have been finding ways to provide shoppers with more convenience, and many have been testing and rolling out alternative check-out methods in store. Aldi in Switzerland is adapting to the growing shopper demand for the top-up shop, which other major retailers like Coop and Migros have already capitalised on. This will help Aldi fix a known shopper pain point of long wait times and attract new shoppers through the doors.

Action enters Romanian market

The Dutch variety discounter has entered its 14^th European market, following the opening of its first Romanian store in the city of Pitești. The store offers 6,000 SKUs across 14 categories and introduces 150 new products each week, with over 1,500 products available for less than 5 Lei (~€0.98).

Dan Butler, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

The growth of Action continues, with entry into Croatia and Slovenia expected in 2026. Thanks to its product sourcing strategy it excels in delivering low prices to shoppers, which will put pressure on other retailers in non-food categories, especially health & beauty and homecare.

Asia-Pacific: wholesale expansion, private label entry and sustainability efforts

Wholesaler Makro returns to the Philippines after 15 years

This Dutch wholesaler is set to open under the partnership between Thailand’s CP Axtra and Ayala Corporation. The first Makro store will open in 2027 in Quezon City, beside Ayala Malls Cloverleaf. It will focus on offering a wide range of grocery and non-grocery products for consumers and business operators.

Sabrina Wong, IGD Analyst’s view:

Philippines’ wholesale channel is currently dominated by Puregold. Puregold targets middle to lower class shoppers, while S&R membership (also operated by Puregold) caters to affluent households. Makro’s return will fill the gap for middle to upper class shoppers. Makro is known for its wide range of food proposition and strong sourcing capability; if it can offer unique products and food-for-now without a premium price tag, it has a strong potential to appeal to middle class shoppers.

Whole Foods Market starts selling private label in Singapore

While the retailer does not have any physical stores in Singapore, it has started selling its private label products from 23 September via Amazon Fresh’s delivery service and supermarket chain Little Farms. About 300 items are currently being sold, mostly under the ‘365 by Whole Foods Market’ label.

Jarred Neubronner, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

Whole Foods Market entering Singapore through its private label comes at an opportune time, as shoppers have been increasingly more value-conscious over recent years. Leading retailers like FairPrice and DFI have also grown the range and quality perception of their private label products. However, awareness of Whole Foods Market is low amongst Singaporeans, so strong marketing efforts will be required to increase brand awareness and drive sales. This launch will be a good test-and-learn exercise of how the brand performs in a market where there is no physical presence, and success could be an indicator of further expansion across Asia.

Woolworths and OzHarvest hit 100m meals for Australians

OzHarvest teams collect fresh and nutritious food from over 550 Woolworths supermarkets across the country every week thanks to its decade-long partnership. The food is then delivered directly to more than 1,500 charities that feed people in need, and this week it hit a very significant milestone of 100m meals.

Tan Soo Eng, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

This highlights what a retailer can achieve with the right partners to meet long-term sustainability commitments. Apart from helping families in need, initiatives like these reduce the amount of food waste; Woolworths has made progress here through different partners, with 84% of food waste diverted from landfill across the Group in FY2025 (Source: Woolworths Annual Report 2025).

North America: major private label refresh and first AI-powered trucks

Aldi launches new name-branded items in the US

The discounter is adding ‘an ALDI original’ to beloved brands such as Clancy’s, Simply Nature and Specially Selected, and changing several others to the Aldi name. The move was announced following customer feedback and aims to make it easier for shoppers to find Aldi’s private label products on the shelves. All products will get this packaging refresh over the course of the next few years.

Michela Pearson, IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s view:

Aldi is seeing incredible success in the US, with ambitious expansion plans of reaching 3,200 locations nationwide by 2028. Its permanent assortment consists of around 90% private label products and is a key part of its success; Aldi reports that shopping in its stores saves a family of four around US$4,000 a year by keeping its prices low. Further insights on how private label is evolving around the world can be found in our global private label trends 2025 report.

Loblaw rolls out use of autonomous trucks in Canada

Canada's leading grocery retailer, Loblaw, has signed a five-year agreement with autonomous vehicle startup Gatik to expand the use of AI-powered trucks across the Greater Toronto Area. Building on a successful pilot, the plan calls for 20 vehicles by the end of 2025, and 30 more in 2026. Initially operating with safety drivers, the programme is designed to transition towards fully driverless operations, moving grocery and household items between Loblaw’s distribution centres and stores.

Stewart Samuel, Director of Retail Futures' view:

This marks an important shift from pilot to scale. Autonomous delivery is moving into real-world logistics, with Loblaw applying it to operations across the GTA. Gatik’s focus on high-frequency routes in commercially dense areas makes this a practical and scalable solution. With regulatory support now in place, Loblaw is showing how emerging technology can solve real operational challenges, bringing speed, safety, and resilience to its supply chain.