MORRISON WM SMKTS

Morrisons is trialling AI-powered Caper smart trolleys at its Ashton-on-Ribble store in Preston that automatically scan, weigh and tally items and let customers pay at the trolley. Shoppers reported easier budgeting and faster trips, though some noted size and initial usability issues. The chain plans further rollouts if the trial succeeds, joining more than 100 cities already using the technology. » More on theguardian.com

Lidl grew sales 8.8% year on year to reach a record 8.6% market share over the 12 weeks to 17 May, surpassing Morrisons which held an 8.3% share after 1.3% sales growth. The discounter has expanded to 1,000 UK stores and reported annual sales of £11.7bn to February 2025, with profits more than doubling to £156.8m. Lidl plans to open 50 new UK stores and invest over £600m as shoppers seek lower-cost options amid ongoing cost pressures. » More on theguardian.com

Morrisons has signed a three-year exclusive license with Applied Nutrition to develop and sell branded food products. From January 2026, an initial 53 protein-rich products will be rolled out in about 400 stores, with additional items such as ready meals, sandwiches, salads, breads and cheese to follow. The range is being positioned as the UK’s first supermarket-exclusive, GLP-1-friendly product line and targets the growing weight-management market; Morrisons will handle recipe development, production and sales. » More on de.investing.com