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

• Aldi France’s new strategy

• Schwarz Group’s acquisition in Romania

• Sushi concession expands to REWE’s convenience network

• Carrefour’s new tech partnership

• Auchan launches Biodiversity labelling

Aldi announces investment for France

The discounter, run by Aldi Nord in the region, has been reviewing its strategy to ensure future success in the French market. With a more modest expansion plan compared to neighbour Spain, 25 new stores a year will see it grow in specifically target areas. 100 refurbishments across the existing store estate will also see improvements brought to the shopper journey, with a focus on fresh produce as a category.

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view: Aldi has struggled in France in recent years, with Aldi Nord making a significant cash injection to salvage operations in 2023. Nonetheless, green shoots of growth appear to be on the horizon, and swirling rumours of a market exit have been vehemently denied. The investment plan will see it build on the growth obtained in 2025, which saw it reach €6.6bn in sales with 6.4% YoY growth.

Schwarz Group receives approval for La Cocos takeover

The Romanian Competition Council has conditionally approved Schwarz Group’s acquisition of the La Cocos retail chain through its subsidiary Project Brazil Beta GmbH. Approval was granted after Schwarz committed to maintaining La Cocos’s low‑price, high‑volume business model, protecting supplier relationships, and investing in national expansion. The group must keep La Cocos operationally separate from Lidl and Kaufland, maintain pricing and format stability for several years, and safeguard exclusive suppliers using a defined delisting procedure.

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view: for the Romanian market, the commitments mean intensified price competition nationwide as La Cocos expands while preserving its discount model, adding further pressure on rivals. For suppliers, the safeguards reduce the risk of margin pressure or delisting, ensuring continuity for those currently exclusive to La Cocos and preventing consolidation driven squeeze from Lidl and Kaufland. Schwarz Group has also indicated that the format will be expanded into other European markets, seeing great potential in the hypercash model.

REWE opens first convenience store with sushi concession

The new REWE To Go store in Karlsruhe train station is the first to include a shop-in-shop with partner Eat Happy. The sushi and Asian specialties offering complements the store’s existing assortment of essentials and food-to-go, tailored to the needs of the on-the-move shopper.

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view: transport hubs are a key area of focus for REWE To Go’s expansion, with new stores in stations, airports and motorway services being opened frequently to target commuters and on-the-go missions. Adding a partnership with Eat Happy highlights REWE’s commitment to meeting evolving shopper needs and further blending the lines between the retail and away from home sector.

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Carrefour to scale smart stores with Vusion

Following successful pilots since June 2025, Carrefour has announced a strategic partnership with Vusion to scale the digital transformation of its hypermarkets and supermarkets in France. The retailer will roll out millions of cloud-connected shelf labels, smart rails and AI-powered sensors. The system includes real-time pricing, product geolocation for faster e-commerce picking, and AI shelf-monitoring to detect gaps and errors automatically. The initiative, positioning Carrefour as a leader in retail digitalisation, aims to boost efficiency and create a more seamless experience for both shoppers and staff.

Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view:  this strategic partnership supports Carrefour’s wider push into automation and AI, while raising the bar for competitors as digital infrastructure becomes core to retailer performance. It reflects a broader shift towards digitalisation that could redefine in-store operations, shaping how retailers manage availability and respond to customer demand.

Auchan sets new standard for transparency with Biodiversity labelling

Auchan has become the first major retailer to add the Collectif Nouveaux Champs Biodiversity label to its private label products, starting with two varieties of Agen prunes. The label highlights farms that preserve and restore biodiversity through practices such as agroecological infrastructures, soil‑health management, reduced pesticides, and sustainable fertilisation. Auchan plans to extend this approach across more fruit and vegetable lines as part of its broader transparency strategy.

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view: this will help to strengthen shopper trust through clearer environmental information and supports healthier, more sustainable eating choices. Suppliers need to be aware of rising expectations around biodiversity performance, potential investment in more sustainable farming practices, and new opportunities to stand out for those able to meet the label’s standards.

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