Planet Retail 5 May 2008

Reports in The Indian Express suggest that the Indian government has decided to issue a fresh set of guidelines aimed at governing wholesale trading under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, in order to clamp down on misuse of the current policy. According to ministry officials, "it was essential to come up with detailed guidelines on wholesale trading permitted under the current FDI policy. These guidelines will have built-in checks and measures to prevent misuse of the current policy." Refusing to share details, the source added that the guidelines were awaiting internal clearance and were likely to be announced within a month.

Planet Retail 25 Apr 2008

According to reports in the Indian press, Metro's local cash & carry operation is planning a training programme to organise the activities of conventional retailers. The programme, expected to be launched by year-end, will be designed to improve the facilities in small corner shops. According to John Indicula, director (human resources), Metro Cash & Carry, "Metro's key objective is to make traditional kirana stores more organised by helping them to improve offerings, assortments and liquidity." He refused to reveal details of the proposed programme. The company also intends to increase its workforce in India from 1,800 to 5,000 in the next two years.

Commodity Online 12 April 2008
NEW DELHI: The Global Agro Industries Forum 2008, that concluded in New Delhi on Friday called for the creation of adequate infrastructure by various governments to facilitate the promotion of sustainable agro-industries benefiting the vulnerable sections of rural society.

Planet Retail 11 Apr 2008

Speaking at the World Retail Congress in Barcelona yesterday, the boss of Bharti Enterprises, Rajan Bharti Mittal, said that India is seeing a "gold rush" in its fledgling retail industry. He said the company had decided to enter the retail sector due to the purchasing power of India's burgeoning urban middle class and young population. "India is ready for the retail experience and we must realise that India is a country with a young population; there are 720 million people below 35 years of age. There is a gold rush in Indian retailing - good, bad or indifferent, that's where it is heading to." Mittal insisted that opposition would fade as organised retail's "many benefits" emerge.

Planet Retail 4 Apr 2008

Metro Group is set to capture the Punjab market. The company intends to invest INR9 billion (USD228.0 million) in the state by launching six cash & carries there: two in Ludhiana and one each in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Zirakpur and Mohali. Each outlet will cover the space of around eight acre. The stores will be open by 2010.

Planet Retail 4 Apr 2008

According to local reports, Reliance Retail is facing protests against Delight in Andhra Pradesh. Delight is the company's non vegetarian (meat) shop in shop format located within Reliance Fresh stores. At present, the company operates six Delight outlets. All India Fisheries and Fishermen Workers Federation (AIFFWF) secretary Lellela Balakrishna said, "We strongly protest the opening of their (Reliance Retail) non vegetarian retailing store. About 10,000 fishermen and workers in the twin cities will lose livelihood."

Planet Retail 3 Apr 2008

According to reports in the Indian press, Subhiksha is planning to set up private wholesale format (mandi) for fresh produce in Nashik and Pune. The mandi would supply fruits and vegetables to Subhiksha stores and other retailers as well.

Planet Retail 3 Apr 2008

According to unconfirmed reports in the UK this morning, Tesco has identified a preferred partner to help the retailer launch on the Indian market. The retailer is reportedly in exclusive negotiations with the secret party after working its way through a 'shortlist' of 30 potential partners. An agreement is expected soon confirming the joint venture. Andrew Higginson, Tesco's strategy and finance director, said: 'We would never comment on specifics but are pleased with the way discussions are going.'

Planet Retail 26 Mar 2008

According to reports in the Indian press, Reliance Retail is planning to procure fresh produce from local farmers. The company currently procures 10% to 35% of its fruits and vegetables from local markets and the remaining comes from other sources. Reliance Retail business head Amit Bedi said, "Sourcing supplies from local farmers would remain a focus. While it adds to convenience, it also helps us strengthen our ties with the farming community here."

Planet Retail 29 Feb 2008

According to reports in the local press, Reliance Industries has spun off Reliance Fresh as an independent company and is now planning to offer its own FMCG brands along with existing categories including fresh fruits and vegetables. A senior official (Reliance Fresh) said, "We will continue to have fruits and vegetables as one of our categories in spite of the protests in several States and our business will be extended beyond retail to having our own FMCG brands for general trade."