Cyberattacks disrupt European grocery operations 

Recent cyber incidents have exposed the operational vulnerability of increasingly connected grocery businesses. In France, cyberattackers reportedly altered refrigeration settings at supermarkets, contributing to equipment failures and the loss of fresh food. Meanwhile, a cybersecurity incident affecting Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall forced Ahold Delhaize to take systems offline, interrupting online ordering, deliveries, loyalty functionality and parts of the supply chain. 

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view:

greater digitisation and connectivity can improve efficiency and the shopper experience, but they also create more potential entry points through which attackers can disrupt store operations. Retailers will need to build resilience into connected equipment and platforms, with safeguards and backup processes that allow stores to continue trading when systems fail. 

For further insights on this topic, see our the hyper-connected store: from vision to reality report. 

Metro uses insect technology to close the food waste loop 

Metro Germany is piloting a new food waste recycling process with Omnivore Recycling that uses black soldier fly larvae to convert unavoidable food waste, such as fruit, vegetables, yoghurt and bakery products, into valuable raw materials. The larvae transform nutrients into protein-rich biomass for animal feed, while their residue is used as organic fertiliser, helping to keep nutrients within the food and agricultural cycle. 

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view:

the initiative extracts greater value from food waste than traditional methods such as biogas production, preserving nutrients rather than simply generating energy. It also supports Metro’s circular economy ambitions by reducing waste, creating alternative feed sources and lowering reliance on virgin agricultural resources. 

Billa Plus launches handheld scanners 

Using Shopreme technology, the supermarket banner of the REWE Group in Austria has launched handheld scanners in two stores in Vienna, including the newly-refurbished Penzing district location. With the addition of express checkouts, shoppers can scan their own items and then use a QR code for fast payment. 

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view:

The REWE Group has always been an innovative retailer, and while handheld scan and go devices have been around for some time in other European markets, this is a first for Austria. Billa, who launched a Scan and Go app in 2019, is now expanding to including these handsets in store, showcasing its commitment to meet the growing need for a fast and convenient shopper mission. 

Carrefour sells property in France and Spain  

Carrefour announced its selling property which is home to 35 hypermarkets and supermarkets across France and Spain. The net selling price is approximately €290 million, which is being bought through a joint venture between Atrato and GIC. The agreement will see Carrefour still operating the buildings as tenants.  

Senior Insight Analyst, Lucy Beaumont’s:

the move is unsurprising from Carrefour as its 2030 plan outlined it planned to generate a significant capital gain. The retailer has been operating a sale-lease back agreement to gain a financial advantage. Carrefour has not disclosed how the extra capital will be spent but potential allocation could be for additional investment into store renovations, expansion, online investment or in its omnichannel strategy to debt reductions.