n.448

Veneto: corporalism and unfair practices in the large-scale retail trade


"... the regional councillor of the Mixed Group, Stefano Valdegamberi, who in a note denounces the expansion of a parallel system made up of forced labour, exploitation, tax evasion and fraud on traceability, which is bringing honest farming to its knees, leading to the lowering of prices... In the Veneto region, Valdegamberi reports the activity of companies created with the sole purpose of importing vulnerable foreign labour, sometimes in return for bribes of up to eight thousand euro. The working conditions offered are said to be seriously degrading, with wages of 2-3 euro per hour and housing situations described as 'inhuman'. The agricultural products obtained through this system would then be placed in large-scale distribution at prices lower than the real production costs... Read : Unfair practices : The failure of regulations and Francesco Mutti : Chinese imports damage the 'dignity' of Italian tomatoes

AgricultureFruit and vegetables
 

n.445

China falls in love with American-style wholesale shopping at Sam’s Club (Walmart)


despite trade tensions in the US Walmart's warehouse chain reaches the tipping point to become one of the fastest growing foreign retailers in the country... Although economic momentum has slowed in China, Sam's Club's revenue grew more than 40 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, as consumers flocked to the stores for their low prices and bulk purchases... Walmart's sales in China rose 17 per cent to $20 billion in the last fiscal year. Eight of Sam's Club shops are each expected to record half a billion dollars in sales this year, Walmart China CEO Christina Zhu told investors in April... Half of Walmart's sales in China take place online, compared to less than 20 per cent in the US. To fulfill e-commerce orders, China CEO Zhu described Sam's Club locations as "mother clubs" that accumulate goods for networks of eight to 15 delivery hubs serving dense neighbourhoods within a three-mile radius... About Sam's Club discounters read here.

DiscountE-CommerceWalmart
 

n.442

Ferrero continues acquisitions: expands in France with Cpk and Carambar


Ferrero, the world's leading confectionery group, continues its growth strategy with the acquisition of Cpk, a French company that owns historic brands such as Carambar, Krema candies and Poulain chocolate. The transaction, announced by Eurazeo - the French investment fund that is currently Cpk's largest shareholder - is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the approval process of the antitrust authorities still underway... On Ferrero read here.

AntitrustFerrero
 

n.437

The Wall Street Journal: ‘Ferrero prepares US shopping spree and deals with Kellogg’


The American newspaper: 'The group is working on a 3 billion deal. The target is the colossus' breakfast products'. No confirmation from the Alba company. The history of corn flakes is interesting and crosses over with the methods later used by Ferrero: the prizes combined with the products, already in the early 1900s, reminiscent of Kinder egg surprises. On the 'healthy' corn flakes - they are full of sugar - I would instead draw a veil. Ferrero made the acquisition directly. Edited 10 July, updated 11 July 2025

FerreroMarketing