UK roundup: latest store developments, acquisitions and environmental initiatives

In this instalment, our UK analysts offer their take on some of the market’s latest developments and initiatives. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Co-op opens third new ‘on the go’ store

• Boots acquires Concepta Diagnostics to expand healthcare services

• Iceland grows Irish presence in Dunnes

• Tesco expands environmental data to UK beef and lamb farmers

Co-op opens third new ‘on the go’ store

With two sites already trading, and more to come, Co-op has opened its third dedicated food-to-go store on High Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.  With just 600 sq ft of sales space the store underlines the new format as a grab and go destination tightly focused around key day-part missions, especially breakfast and lunch.   Seating is available outside and, inside plus phone-charging points, and the store also includes hot noodles, bakery goods, pastries and adds a very small range of ‘daily essentials’ including tea, coffee and bread.

Insight Partner, Patrick Mitchell-Fox’s view: new product development has been key to creating an offer that moves the Co-op ‘on the go’ proposition beyond the traditional core, cold options of its core convenience estate.   New hot products served from the counter include hot baguettes, buttermilk chicken tenders, breakfast and protein pots as well as pizza by the slice.   New additions to the cold selection include new ‘deli’ products such as smoked salmon, egg and spinach pots; sweet potato bhaji wraps; falafel and houmous salad bowls; chicken, bacon and avocado caesar wraps and tomato, mozzarella & pesto focaccia bagels. 

Boots acquires Concepta Diagnostics to expand healthcare services. 

Boots has completed the acquisition of the healthcare and wellness test company from MyHealthChecked. Concepta offers a range of 20 at-home health testing kits, which will allow Boots to expand its private testing and diagnostics services. Concepta’s platform also provides advice from clinicians based on their test results. Users can further share the results with their GP. The retailer plans to integrate the services into its own operation, with MyHealthChecked CEO, Penny McCormick, joining Boots to lead the offer. 

Senior Insight Analyst, Rachel Sibson‘s view: this acquisition enables Boots to further develop its testing and diagnostics capabilities, offering customers a more personalised experience. This moves beyond generic health advice, ensuring shoppers get science-backed, individualised solutions. 

Iceland grows Irish presence in Dunnes

Having previously divested its direct operation in the Irish Republic frozen food specialist Iceland is now expanding in the country again, through concessions sited in Dunnes Stores outlets.  With four new concessions opened in recent months an Iceland-branded store-in-store offer is now present in eight of Dunnes’ foodhalls across Ireland.  More concessions will likely follow as Iceland continues to see growth avenues for increasing its overseas footprint.

Insight Partner, Patrick Mitchell-Fox’s view: the development of a store-in-store offer within Dunnes Stores is a logical extension of the long-term arrangement that Iceland has with the major Irish retailer, which already sees a range of its products stocked in 70 Dunnes locations.  Frozen is a key category for Irish shoppers especially as a value alternative to chilled.  While Iceland may seem a slight mismatch with the more premium feel of many parts of the Dunnes’ offer, the exclusive ‘foodservice’ brands and strong stream of innovation that Iceland can offer certainly brings a clear element of differentiation to the wider Dunnes mix. 

Tesco expands environmental data to UK beef and lamb farmers 

Tesco has committed over £1.5m to expand its environmental data baselining programme, supporting 360 British beef and lamb farmers in capturing soil, water, and biodiversity data at scale for the first time. Delivered in partnership with Soil Association Exchange, the year-long programme will establish baseline metrics and provide tailored advice to participating farmers to help them strengthen resilience and sustainability. The initiative follows new research conducted by Tesco, showing farms want to improve environmental performance but face barriers from inconsistent data standards, limited access to innovation, and insufficient government support. 

Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view: Building on its August initiative that invested £800,000 to help dairy farmers baseline soil and water data, Tesco’s expanded programme signals a decisive move towards sustainable UK farming. While retailer-led schemes are important, Tesco’s research also demonstrates the need for a standardised national framework to prevent fragmented progress and safeguard food security. 

 

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