International News
Eco-friendly Cars Could Spell Doom for Japanese Fuel Retailers
A rise in the number of environmentally friendly vehicles might force as many as two-thirds of the country’s gasoline stations to close within the next 10 years.
Posted Mar 17, 2010
Ontario Convenience Stores Association Launches Petition Drive
The group is urging the Ontario government to stop implementation of a cigarette tax increase scheduled for July 1.
Posted Mar 15, 2010
Topaz Cracks Top 10 in Ireland’s Best Workplaces List
The company makes the list for the third consecutive year.
Posted Mar 15, 2010
A Caffeinated Car?
BBC Science team builds an experimental car that runs on coffee.
Posted Mar 12, 2010
BP, Brazil Signoff On $7 Billion Offshore Deal
The deal gives BP a greater footprint in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caspian Sea.
Posted Mar 12, 2010
Russian Bill Bans Oil Companies From Gaining Gas Station Monopolies
The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service would like to prohibit oil companies from purchasing or building fueling stations in areas where they currently own at least 35 percent of the market.
Posted Mar 10, 2010
Ottawa Puts Credit Card Industry on Notice
Ottawa lawmakers propose a bill that would give its federal finance minister the authority to regulate Canada’s credit and debit card industry; skeptics say enforcement will be key in assessing effectiveness.
Posted Mar 9, 2010
Retailers Urged Not To Discount Temporary Recruitment
Recruiting too many permanent staff too quickly while the economy is still in flux could lead to “financial danger,” British staffing agency warns.
Posted Mar 9, 2010
Coke: Markets in India, China Recovering Quickly
Company CEO said that economies in the emerging world are getting healthier faster.
Posted Mar 8, 2010
Japan Embraces Quirky Products
Soy-sauce-flavored Kit Kats join McDonald’s Filet-O-Shrimp and Pepsi’s cucumber-flavored soda as a few of the more popular items.
Posted Mar 8, 2010
N.B. Gas Retailers Appeal For Relief
With gasoline mark-ups capped at 5 cents per liter, the Atlantic Convenience Store Association appeals for relief, maintaining that profit margins are squeezing retailers.
Posted Mar 5, 2010
Court Rules Price Fixing Violates EU Regulations
Three EU countries have a minimum price for cigarettes, which the court found undermines competition.
Posted Mar 5, 2010
Israel's Sonol Moving Beyond the Gas Station
The convenience store industry is relatively new in Israel, and gasoline retailer Sonol is expanding rapidly.
Posted Mar 4, 2010
Korea's Stable of Self-Service Gas Stations Expanding Rapidly
Rising fuel prices spur self-service gas station growth in a country that's dominated by full-service stations.
Posted Mar 4, 2010
Ontario Convenience Stores Lose Sales to Contraband Cigarettes
The province has not taken effective steps to curb the sale of illegal tobacco products.
Posted Mar 1, 2010
Starbucks Rolls Into U.K. Service Stations
Partnership will rebrand 29 Welcome Brand Coffee Primo shops as Starbucks over the next 16 months.
Posted Feb 25, 2010
Carrefour Shuts 21 Belgium Stores, Cuts Jobs
Retailer will spend more than $400 million over the next three years remodeling stores while slashing operational costs.
Posted Feb 25, 2010
U.K. Brewers, Pubs Call for Beer Tax Freeze to Protect Jobs
The British Beer & Pub Association said that the government's planned tax increase of two percent above inflation would cost its industry 7,500 jobs.
Posted Feb 25, 2010
Greece Experiences Fuel Shortage
Pumps run dry as strikes and the government’s spending cuts rock the country.
Posted Feb 22, 2010
Asda Expands Into Convenience
To keep up with competitors, Walmart’s U.K. supermarket chain plans to open three small store formats in March.
Posted Feb 19, 2010
Holograms Might Combat Cigarette Counterfeiting
Solution from the EDAPS Consortium could help bring relief to a $50 billion problem.
Posted Feb 19, 2010
Brew Magic! 41 Percent Alcohol Beer Launched
Scottish brewer BrewDog edges Germany's Schorschbrau with the latest high-potency beer.
Posted Feb 18, 2010
McDonald’s Adds Smoothies to Menu
Meanwhile, McDonald’s Japan will close 430 restaurants in Japan.
Posted Feb 15, 2010
Imperial Tobacco Seeks Judicial Review of Vending Machine Ban
Manufacturer argues that the ban is excessive and fails to achieve the government's goal of preventing cigarette access to children.
Posted Feb 11, 2010
Pepsi Changes to ‘Pesi’ in Spain
A local mispronunciation of the brand in Argentina led to a European campaign.
Posted Feb 8, 2010
Irish Convenience Store Chain Emphasizes Value
Centra will use a soap-opera sponsorship to drive sales of its private-label products.
Posted Feb 8, 2010
Japan's Convenience Stores Faltering?
As the Japanese pull back on spending, combinis could be in trouble.
Posted Feb 8, 2010
Tesco Opens First Zero Carbon Store
New store uses 50 percent less energy; company aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Posted Feb 4, 2010
Coop Supermarket Chain to Target Convenience in Copenhagen
Supermarket giant Coop to compete aggressively with Denmark convenience stores.
Posted Feb 4, 2010
Imperial Takes on U.K. Government Over Packaging Plan
The government wants to make cigarette packaging devoid of branding and logos.
Posted Feb 3, 2010
Tobacco Firms Could Be Forced To Sell Cigarettes in Plain Packets
Britain is moving to force tobacco firms to sell cigarettes in plain, unbranded packets as the next step in the war on smoking.
Posted Feb 2, 2010
Scottish Tobacco Display Ban To Be Approved
New laws to end the open display of tobacco in shops in Scotland are expected to be passed this week and take effect beginning in 2011.
Posted Jan 28, 2010
Pound ($1.62) Stores Rise Toward A Ceiling
Pound stores have experienced rapid growth in the U.K., but analysts expect the good times to level off.
Posted Jan 26, 2010
Irving Oil, Sobeys Argue for Nova Scotia Gas Discounts
Small retailers oppose the move, citing competition obstacles.
Posted Jan 21, 2010
South Korea Restricts TV Food Ads
South Korea announcescurbs on television advertising in a bid to cut obesity and promote healthy eating among children.
Posted Jan 21, 2010
Canada Retailers Support Charging Consumers Transaction Fees
The groups are lobbying to be allowed to pass along swipe fees to customers who pay with plastic.
Posted Jan 21, 2010
Kraft Foods Bid for Cadbury Accepted
After four months of talks, Kraft will purchase the candy manufacturer for $19.7 billion to form the world’s largest confectioner.
Posted Jan 20, 2010
Retailers Make New Call for Ontario To Ban Youth Possession of Tobacco
Ban would complement existing restrictions on tobacco sales and awareness programs.
Posted Jan 19, 2010
China to Expand Smoking Bans in Seven Major Cities
Officials seek to enforce an existing ban on indoor smoking in public places while closing existing loopholes.
Posted Jan 19, 2010
Haiti: How You Can Help
Here’s a look at some ways you can reach out to Haiti through international relief efforts.
Posted Jan 15, 2010
Drive-Up Grocery Proves Successful for Online Grocer
In France, Chronodrive revamps it old business model by dropping home delivery.
Posted Jan 15, 2010
European Governments Seek to Mandate Healthier Diets
McDonald’s hamburgers may soon be taxed in Romania.
Posted Jan 14, 2010
Is H1N1 a False Pandemic?
A leading European health expert claims that the swine flu scare was manufactured by drug companies to make money from vaccines.
Posted Jan 12, 2010
Taiwan 7-Eleven Will Focus on Private-Label Brand
The chain will promote its own brand of products and lower-priced daily consumer items.
Posted Jan 12, 2010
Greece Hikes Alcohol, Tobacco Taxes
The country needs desperately needs revenue because of a debt crisis.
Posted Jan 11, 2010
Food Labeling 'To Lead Farming Revolution'
Britain’s food labeling law provides details about carbon emissions and animals welfare, information that is expected to bring change to farming and retail practices.
Posted Jan 7, 2010
Convenience Stores Linked To Child Obesity
Canadian researcher links convenience stores to childhood obesity and recommends c-store-free zones around schools.
Posted Jan 5, 2010
British Retailers Skeptical of 2010 Recovery
2010 will still be tough for retailers, according to a BRC survey.
Posted Dec 30, 2009
Waivers for Foodservice Customers?
Restaurants begin asking customers to sign a waiver before consuming "risky" foods.
Posted Dec 29, 2009
Privatizing the Ontario Lottery
Ontario officials are researching options on privatizing all or part of the province's lottery.
Posted Dec 24, 2009
Japan to Raise Tobacco Tax by 4 Cents a Cigarette
The tax increase will increase the cost of cigarettes by 33 percent.
Posted Dec 23, 2009
Checks to be Phased Out in U.K. by 2018
The Payments Council Board revealed last week that it will stop clearing checks on Oct. 31, 2018.
Posted Dec 21, 2009
McDonald’s to Ramp Up Russian Expansion in 2010
The fast-food chain sees lots of growth possibilities in that country.
Posted Dec 21, 2009
Yum Brands Expands to India
By 2015, Yum is planning to have 1,000 restaurants in India.
Posted Dec 18, 2009
Tobacco Firms Await Japan Tax
Increase could hobble Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris and BAT as government tries to curb cigarette smoking.
Posted Dec 17, 2009
Gambian Students Study Gas Stations in Taiwan
The three interns are learning the ins and outs of gas station operations.
Posted Dec 14, 2009
Topaz Earns Forecourt Retailer of the Year Award
The Topaz Dublin Port store is recognized for its ‘professional, modern and innovative retailing.’
Posted Dec 11, 2009
Private Label Beers Gain Share in West Europe
In terms of brands, private label beers collectively outsell every brand in both East and West Europe.
Posted Dec 10, 2009
Tesco Plans U.K. Surge of New Store Openings
Retailer has about 76 pending applications for locations ranging from convenience stores to hypermarkets.
Posted Dec 7, 2009
New Democrats Call For Tighter Rules On Card Fees
Party Leader and MP launch a consumer awareness campaign targeting swipe fees.
Posted Dec 3, 2009
Canadian Retail Sales Rise in September
While the domestic side of Canada’s economy seems to be in full recovery, its exports continue to lag.
Posted Nov 30, 2009
Coca-Cola Aims to Triple China Sales
Global goal is to double revenue to $200 billion within 10 years, with 60 percent of its growth coming from China, India and other emerging markets.
Posted Nov 24, 2009
Tesco Aims to Double Number of Convenience Stores
The grocer says it thinks there’s room for 1,000 more Tesco Express stores in the United Kingdom.
Posted Nov 17, 2009
Nestle: Food Price Volatility Has Become Permanent
Food summit in Rome later this week will consider ways to deal with price volatility while still responding to humanitarian emergencies.
Posted Nov 16, 2009
FamilyMart Seeks Purchase of am/pm Japan Co.
Japan’s third-largest convenience store operator is in talks to purchase smaller competitor.
Posted Nov 13, 2009
Processing Fee Fight Heading To Ottawa
Retail Council of Canada leads fight over debit processing fees.
Posted Nov 5, 2009
Japan Considers Higher Cigarette Taxes
Complicating the plan is Japan’s ownership of Japan Tobacco.
Posted Nov 4, 2009
Leaf Groups Seek Challenge of Canadian Law
Burley farmers urge U.S. trade officials to take their complaint to the World Trade Organization.
Posted Nov 3, 2009
National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco Applauds Quebec’s Stance on Contraband Tobacco
Coalition urges Ontario government to take similar action.
Posted Oct 30, 2009
Northern Ireland’s Alcohol Sales Soar
High alcohol tax rate has Ireland’s citizens crossing into Northern Ireland, spiking alcohol sales by 30 percent. Officials are pushing for alcohol tax reform.
Posted Oct 29, 2009
Nestle, Marks & Spencer Embrace Palm Oil
The food manufacturer and the U.K. retailer have committed to using sustainable palm oil.
Posted Oct 28, 2009
Call to End Tobacco Display Ban
Retailers Against Smuggling claim that Ireland’s legal tobacco trade has been “practically wiped out” since a display took effect in July.
Posted Oct 27, 2009
Record Number of Brazilian Delegates Attend NACS Show
More than 350 franchise owners from Ipiranga attend the NACS Show.
Posted Oct 23, 2009
International Forum Provides Networking, Seminars
The two-day event offered valuable networking opportunities for international attendees.
Posted Oct 23, 2009
Worldwide Ideas Inspire Operators
NACS Show workshop presents a global view of a changing c-store industry.
Posted Oct 22, 2009
Tesco Opens First Self-Checkout Store in U.K.
Some critics warn that the “death of the sales clerk” could backfire for the U.K. supermarket chain.
Posted Oct 22, 2009
Russian Roulette: Carrefour Beats Hasty Russian Retreat
Citing an absence of growth prospects in the short- and medium-term, the world’s second largest retailer withdraws from Russia, just months after opening its first store.
Posted Oct 20, 2009
Marks & Spencer Explores Online Food Sales
A company spokesperson confirms that the retailer is eyeing Internet food sales.
Posted Oct 16, 2009
MPs Approve Cigarette Vending Ban
The U.K. may ban cigarette vending machines and prevent stores from displaying tobacco products.
Posted Oct 15, 2009
Nova Scotia Price Gouging Fines To Increase 100-Fold
But government concedes that it lacks the expertise to evaluate emergency plans from utilities, gas companies, and stores.
Posted Oct 15, 2009
Carrefour Launches Mini Format
French hypermarket chain Carrefour is launching a new retail format to bolster its position in the Thai market.
Posted Oct 15, 2009
Australia Bans Some Energy Drinks
Investigation reveals that more than three-quarters of energy drinks for sale in New South Wales may contain illegal levels of caffeine, with some exceeding the legal limit by more than 30 percent.
Posted Oct 8, 2009
Quebec Plans Suit Against Tobacco Companies
Quebec’s announcement falls just days after Ontario filed a $50 billion (CDN) lawsuit against tobacco manufacturers.
Posted Oct 8, 2009
Receding Food Inflation Erodes U.K. Supermarket Growth
News is favorable for consumers but ominous for food retailers, who are experiencing slower sales growth and falling revenue.
Posted Oct 8, 2009
Support Grows to Hide Cigarettes at U.K. Retailers
Anti-smoking groups use consumer petitions to urge the government to mandate that cigarette displays be hidden.
Posted Oct 6, 2009
Ontario Government Launches $50B Tobacco Lawsuit
Province seeks reimbursement for health-care costs linked to tobacco-related illnesses.
Posted Oct 1, 2009
McDonald’s Gears Up for European Assault on Starbucks
The QSR takes its McCafe overseas in the hopes of becoming the “number-one coffee seller in Europe.”
Posted Sep 30, 2009
Asian Convenience Stores See Earnings Rate Soar
Retailers outside Japan have seen profits increase and margins expand.
Posted Sep 29, 2009
Visa Europe, MasterCard To Appeal Hungary Cartel Fine
Hungary’s competition authority assesses $10.49 million fine on European credit card companies as part of a cartel charge for setting commission rates.
Posted Sep 28, 2009
Waitrose Plans Additional 300 Convenience Stores
U.K.-based retailer will add more smaller format stores with a focus on fresh foods.
Posted Sep 25, 2009
Canadian Coalition Welcomes Ontario Debate on Contraband Tobacco
NCACT says every politician should be shocked at the crisis of contraband tobacco.
Posted Sep 25, 2009
Retail Sales Unexpectedly Slide
Canadian sales fell a surprising 0.6 per cent in July amid lower prices at the pump.
Posted Sep 24, 2009
Germany to Launch Nationwide Hydrogen Fuel Network by 2015
Signs a memorandum of understanding with eight industrial partners, including Daimler, Shell, and Total.
Posted Sep 17, 2009
Canada to Boost Food Safety With $75 Million in Upgrades
Canada will upgrade its food safety system and hire more inspectors in the wake of a listeriosis outbreak in 2008 that killed 22 people.
Posted Sep 15, 2009
British Medical Association Calls for Ban Alcohol Ads
New report claims that a ban on all alcohol advertising will curb the U.K. drinking culture.
Posted Sep 11, 2009
Consumers Continue to Focus on Enjoyment
A recent global consumer trends survey finds that people are discovering ways to lighten the mood.
Posted Sep 9, 2009
NZ Convenience Store Association Tackles Energy Shot Guidelines
The group is working with manufacturers and retailers to keep energy shots out of the hands of children.
Posted Sep 8, 2009
Lawson Announces Drug Store/C-Store Combo
Japan’s second-largest convenience store chain announced plans to jointly open stores with the nation's largest drugstore operator, Matsumotokiyoshi.
Posted Sep 4, 2009
Down Under Going Up In Smokes
Cigarettes prices in Australia would increase to $20 per pack under new plan.
Posted Sep 3, 2009
5,000 British Retailers ‘Could Go Bust Next Year’
Annual business failures have nearly doubled in the U.K. since 2007.
Posted Sep 3, 2009
Soup’s On! (Oden, Actually.)
The heat is on as Japan’s convenience stores aim to lure customers with steaming oden.
Posted Sep 3, 2009
Tea Prices Brewing Up To Beat Record
Depleting global inventories are sending tea to all-time high prices.
Posted Sep 3, 2009
Chevron Obtains Bribery Evidence in Ecuador Lawsuit
The oil company said that it has video recordings of meetings that reveal a scheme related to its $27 billion environmental damage lawsuit.
Posted Sep 2, 2009
Reserve Bank of Australia Re-Affirms Interchange Fee Reforms
RBA considered easing its control over interchange fees, though it determined that the card industry did not take sufficient steps to provide assurances that abuses would not recur.
Posted Sep 1, 2009
Mexico City Bans Plastic Bags
Mexico City gives businesses one year to phase out non-biodegradable plastic bags.
Posted Aug 27, 2009
MasterCard, New Zealand Agree on Fees
Now, credit card issuers can individually set the interchange fees.
Posted Aug 25, 2009
Tesco Displays Milk’s Carbon Footprint
The supermarket chain becomes the United Kingdom’s first retailer to add carbon footprints to its private-label milk.
Posted Aug 19, 2009
The End of Buy One, Get One Free in the U.K.?
In effort to reduce food waste, UK government pressures supermarkets to ban BOGOF deal.
Posted Aug 13, 2009
U.K. Grocers Wage Price War
Sales and profits rise at major U.K. grocers, whose common theme is value.
Posted Aug 11, 2009
Seniors Seek Full Serve
Group is urging local gas stations in Canada to bring back full-service.
Posted Aug 7, 2009
Canadian Gas Consumption Hits All-Time High
April consumption in Canada 3.6 percent higher than last year; economists see another sign that recession has not been as deep as in the U.S.
Posted Jul 23, 2009
Japan’s Convenience Store Sales Fall on Cigarettes
Sales decline is the first in more than a year.
Posted Jul 23, 2009
The Ultimate in General Merchandise Sales
South Korean convenience store retailer GS25 begins selling cars.
Posted Jul 21, 2009
Japanese Beer Companies Discuss Merging
Together, Kirin and Suntory would control half of Japan’s beer market.
Posted Jul 15, 2009
Philip Morris to Purchase Colombia Cigarette Manufacturer
The tobacco company will buy Productora Tabacalera de Colombia for $452 million.
Posted Jul 13, 2009
Taiwan’s Booming Convenience Store Industry
Country ranks number one in the world with the highest density of convenience stores.
Posted Jul 10, 2009
Aussie Smokes Could Hit $20 (AUS) Per Pack
Australia’s effort to reduce smoking could have die-hards reaching for their wallets, shelling out roughly $16 US per pack.
Posted Jul 7, 2009
Supermarkets Expand Outlets in Czech Republic
Concepts especially aggressive in adding more locations include discount and convenience stores.
Posted Jul 6, 2009
Circle K joins Vietnam’s Retail Market
Circle K’s expansion plans include opening more than 500 stores in 20 provinces and cities throughout Vietnam.
Posted Jun 23, 2009
Vending for Gold
German man hopes to rollout and franchise vending machines that sell gold coins.
Posted Jun 22, 2009
Germans Turn To Sweets and Snacks
ACNielsen data shows that German consumers seek sweet and savory comfort foods to soothe their financial discontent.
Posted Jun 22, 2009
Study Cites Global Retail Trends, Prospects
A.T. Kearney report says economic downturn has increased emerging market opportunities for global retailers.
Posted Jun 19, 2009
Is Water the New Oil?
Today, more people worldwide are living in water-stressed areas, with that number expected to increase.
Posted Jun 17, 2009
Esso Stations Get Drive-thru ATMs
By the end of this year, 10 Singapore stations will have drive-thru ATMs with five more planned in 2010.
Posted Jun 16, 2009
U.K. Wine Sales Slows
The decline is attributed to a trend toward healthy lifestyles and heavy taxes.
Posted Jun 15, 2009
Japan Deregulates OTC Drug Sales
Convenience stores could tap into the country’s $12.4 billion OTC drug market.
Posted Jun 2, 2009
Canadian Legislation Prohibits Additives in Tobacco Products
The bill would not permit fruit flavors and other additives, such as sugar or vitamins, to be added to little cigars, cigarettes and blunt wraps.
Posted May 27, 2009
Starbucks Offers Mobile Coupon Loyalty Deal
The coffeehouse chain teams with Codilink for a test program in Mexico.
Posted Apr 28, 2009
Retailers Want Ottawa to Regulate Card Fees
In Canada, retailers also express concern for the future of debit transaction fees and seek to keep Interac’s system in-check.
Posted Apr 23, 2009
The NACS Global Forum: New Ideas, Foodservice Innovations
Explore fresh perspectives from performance-driven industry leaders and experts at the NACS Global Forum in June.
Posted Apr 3, 2009
Health Canada Against Electronic Smoking
The agency advises Canadians not to buy or use e-cigarettes.
Posted Apr 3, 2009
Council to Revisit Plastic Bottle Debate
Decision to scrap plastic drink containers could be reconsidered.
Posted Mar 19, 2009
Companies Drop Dairy With rbST
Dairies and retailers are cutting the synthetic hormone from dairy products.
Posted Mar 18, 2009
Walmart Takes Freshest Candy Honors
Quick turnover keeps Walmart’s Canadian chocolate inventory fresher than the competition.
Posted Mar 17, 2009
Carrefour to Launch New Value Line
French supermarket giant aims to compete with rivals over price.
Posted Mar 13, 2009
Canadian Retailers Welcome Card and Debit Fees Review
A decision to hold hearings on Canada’s card business is lauded by retailers.
Posted Mar 12, 2009
BK Launches Whopper Bar
The new restaurant concept takes burger customization to the next level.
Posted Mar 12, 2009
Hong Kong Smokers Undeterred by 50 Percent Tobacco Tax
Anti-tobacco groups welcome tobacco tax increase, but smokers vow to keep smoking.
Posted Mar 5, 2009
Is Banning Tobacco Displays Effective?
The New Zealand Prime Minister says that there is no evidence to support banning tobacco displays from shops is working.
Posted Feb 25, 2009
Tesco Backtracks U.S. Business Plan
The U.K. retailer admits to making mistakes with its Fresh & Easy concept in the United States.
Posted Feb 24, 2009
U.S., Canada Join on Energy Plan
President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced last week an energy initiative to strengthen NAFTA on the environment.
Posted Feb 23, 2009
PepsiCo Worldwide Sales Rise
PepsiCo’s worldwide sales increased for both snacks and beverages in its fourth quarter.
Posted Feb 19, 2009
Cow Urine Spices Up Soft Drink Sales
Bovine waste will debut in “Gau Jal” by year’s end, a drink that touts medicinal benefits.
Posted Feb 19, 2009
Smoking Fatwa Issued in Indonesia
An Indonesia fatwa prohibiting smoking angers smokers.
Posted Jan 30, 2009
Visa Nears Interchange Fee Deal With EU
Visa Europe is close to ending its dispute with EU competition authorities regarding transaction fees.
Posted Jan 22, 2009