Aldi milk bottles are being fitted with tags to allow experts to track empties. The retailer is piloting a scheme to track the journey of empty bottles from homes to recycling centres, in a bid to better measure how many arrive for recycling.

As part of an eight-week project with dairy cooperative Arla and tech firm Polytag, selected Aldi bottles will have invisible, fluorescent tags printed on their labels. Once any empties reach recyclers, the tags will be scanned and their arrival recorded.

Aldi and Arla plan to use the data gathered to better understand where the bottles go after they are thrown away. The scheme should also help them gain a more accurate measure of recycling rates.

Customers don’t need to do anything differently and are encouraged to continue recycling as usual.

Luke Emery, Aldi’s plastics and packaging director, said: “This next phase with Polytag represents an exciting step forward in how we use data to drive our sustainability strategy.

“By integrating this advanced traceability technology into our packaging, we can gain deeper insights into the lifecycle of our materials.”

This latest pilot comes after Aldi, Arla and Polytag teamed up for a previous scheme, which used pressure-sensitive labelling.

Polytag’s chief executive, Alice Rackley, said the latest phase showed that UV tagging technology could be used on a larger scale.

She said it offered brands a cost-effective way to obtain more comprehensive information about recycling.

Sun Chemical developed the fluorescent ink used on the labels. Stefaan D’Hoore, its director of business development for speciality inks and coatings, said it was the first commercial use of its fluorescent ink with Polytag’s tech.

The trial will run for eight weeks, after which the companies are expected to assess the recycling data gathered by the tags.

Morrisons upped hourly pay at its UK stores second time in 2026 last month. In May, the grocery giant announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers been given the greenlight by USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large sections of Morrisons’ workforce.

It paved the way for implementing pay rises for all eligible hourly-paid staff across three phases. It started with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants rising to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles seeing a 10p uplift. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores saw their pay going up from £12.81 to £13.00, while all other established hourly rates for the other roles rose by 19p.

The final increase will come into effect from Monday, October 26, 2026, when the hourly rate will rise from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles seeing an 11p increase.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said in addition to the pay rises, all eligible hourly paid colleagues would receive a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Jodie Keating, group people director of Morrisons, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.” It came as rival supermarket chains also upped workers’ pay this year to retain and attract staff, as cost-of-living pressures continue to hit British households.

Morrisons is just one of several retailers who introduced pay increases this year, as retailers look to attract and retain staff.

For example, Sainsbury’s previously brought in an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers in March, with hourly pay pushed up to £13.23 per hour nationally, whilst in London it rose to £14.54 per hour.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay increased to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay rise (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20, respectively, based on length of service.

Morrisons will be upping hourly pay at its UK stores later this month for the second time in 2026. In May, the grocery giant announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers been given the greenlight by USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large sections of Morrisons’ workforce.

It paved the way for implementing pay rises for all eligible hourly-paid staff across three phases. It began with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants increasing to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles seeing a 10p uplift. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores will see their pay going up from £12.81 to £13.00, while all other established hourly rates for the other roles will rise by 19p.

The final increase will come into effect from Monday, October 26, 2026, when the hourly rate will go from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles seeing an 11p increase.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said in addition to the pay rises, all eligible hourly paid colleagues would get a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Jodie Keating, group people director of Morrisons, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.” It came as rival supermarket chains also upped workers’ pay this year to retain and attract staff, as cost-of-living pressures continue to hit British households.

Morrisons is just one of several retailers who introduced pay increases this year, as retailers compete to attract and retain staff.

For example, Sainsbury’s previously introduced in an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers in March, with hourly pay boosted to £13.23 per hour nationally, whilst in London it rose to £14.54 per hour.

From March 1, Lidl increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, a rate that increases to £14.00 depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay upped to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay increase (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

Morrisons will be increasing hourly pay at its UK stores from late October as part of a three-stage uplift. In May, the supermarket chain announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers had been resoundingly approved by the USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large parts of the workforce.

It opened the door for implementing pay increases for all eligible hourly-paid staff in three phases. The pay boost began with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants rising to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles increasing by 10p. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores will see pay increase from £12.81 to £13.00, with all other established hourly rates for the other roles rising by 19p.

Then, from Monday, October 26, 2026, the hourly rate will climb further, from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles upped by 11p.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said that, in addition, all eligible hourly-paid colleagues would receive a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Morrisons’ Group People Director, Jodie Keating, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.”

It comes as Morrisons’ supermarket rivals also upped workers’ pay this year in a bid to retain and attract staff, as UK households continue to wrestle with cost-of-living pressures.

From March 1, Lidl increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, a rate that rises to £14.00 depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay upped to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay increase (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service. Aldi said at the time that the change would benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers.

Other major retailers that increased hourly pay in 2026 include Sainsbury’s, Primark, and John Lewis.

Aldi has announced the return of its popular Cucina Margherita Pizza Crisps and shoppers do not have long to wait before they hit shelves once again. These crisps will return to stores from next Thursday, priced at just £1.15 per bag alongside the equally popular Cucina Garlic Bread Crisps. Shoppers have previously dubbed the Margherita flavour “amazing” and the Garlic Bread “loved” so these middle-aisle must-haves will not stay on shelves for long.

The products form part of the supermarket’s Italian-inspired range available in the middle aisle from June 4. These crinkle-cut crisps are seasoned with Italian herbs, cheese and a hint of tomato, while the Garlic Bread version has a smoky garlic and herb flavour.

The supermarket said that the crisps are back, but that shoppers need to act fast. Aldi’s Italian range is available in stores from June 4 while stocks last.

Other products launching as part of the range include the Cucina Lattice Crisps (£1.49, 125g) in bruschetta and green pesto flavours, alongside Specially Selected Giant Grissini (£1.49, 125g) and a Gourmet Pasta Assortment (£1.49, 500g).

The range also features filled gnocchi, air fryer Gnocchi, limoncello and a selection of pasta sauces, biscuits, and desserts.

Aldi has confirmed it will open a huge new supermarket in Salford later this month. The discount retailer is moving into the former Morrisons site on Trafford Road, which has been empty for around a decade.

The new store will open its doors to customers at 8am on May 28. Plans for the redevelopment were approved by local councillors in October 2025, clearing the way for Aldi to take over the 50,000 sq ft building.

The site had stood vacant for years before the supermarket stepped in.

Once open, shoppers can expect Aldi’s full range of fresh fruit and vegetables, everyday essentials and its Specially Selected products.

The store will also include the brand’s well-known middle aisle, where Specialbuys are updated every Thursday and Sunday.

The opening is part of a wider revival of the former Morrisons building.

A new PureGym is also set to launch at the site on May 22. The 24-hour gym will replace the Exchange Quay branch.

Local councillors have welcomed the development. Ordsall councillor Brendan Keville said: “This will bring back jobs and services, it will increase the availability of affordable food and retail for residents, and it brings back into use a building without any major demolition or construction, provides investment into retail and leisure and increases jobs and the local economy.

“For all these reasons, we’re very supportive of it.”

Aldi has continued to expand across the UK in recent years, opening new stores and taking over former retail sites.

Customers will be able to visit the new store from 8am on May 28, when it officially opens to the public.

Aldi has announced a major £1billion move that will be welcome news to British farmers. The German supermarket giant, which has more than 1,050 stores across the UK, has committed to investing £1.1billion over five years into British egg production to further strengthen and support its domestic supply chain.

Aldi says it sells more than 1,500 tonnes of British eggs every week, equivalent to around 2.5 million packs, sourced from poultry farms across the UK. The investment is underpinned by newly established five-year long-term agreements (LTAs) with the supermarket chain’s egg suppliers, running to the end of the decade.

Aldi says the agreements “provide farmers with greater financial certainty, enabling long-term investment in efficiency, infrastructure and animal welfare”.

Aldi is the second-largest retailer in the country for free-range egg volume.

Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “Our egg supply depends on British farmers, and we want to give them the certainty they need to plan ahead.

“By working closely with our suppliers through long-term agreements, we’re able to provide the stability and confidence they need to continue investing in their farms, while ensuring our customers have access to high-quality, British eggs every day.”

Daniel Fairbun, chief executive officer at L J Fairburn & Son, one of Aldi’s major egg suppliers, added: “The long-term nature of Aldi’s agreements gives us the certainty to invest and keep improving how we produce British eggs.

“That confidence also helps us plan year after year to meet customer demand.”

The announcement builds on Aldi’s wider commitment to long-term partnerships with British growers. The supermarket has already increased the number of long-term agreements in place with UK produce and horticulture suppliers earlier this year.

Aldi is aiming to secure at least 50% of its domestic produce supply through long-term agreements by the end of 2027, providing greater certainty for growers and supporting more resilient supply chains.

Fans of a British beer brand have expressed their disappointment after it was pulled from supermarket shelves. The range of pale ales, IPAs and stouts was sold at Asda, as well as in smaller and independent alcohol retailers. However, after the brewery went bust, supply to UK supermarkets has been paused. Overtone Brewing Co., based in Scotland, announced it entered liquidation last week. 

The company became known for its unique craft beers, packaged in eye-catching designs. The brand is set to be taken over by a new owner, but it has paused beer supply to supermarkets and smaller shops for the time being. A notice was published in The Gazette on Tuesday, revealing that liquidators were appointed on February 13. George Dylan Lafferty, an insolvency practitioner of Begbies Traynor, has been appointed Provisional Liquidator of Overtone Brewing Ltd, the notice revealed. 

Fans and suppliers have shared their disappointment in the news. One shop that sold Overtone beer, The Wee Beer Shop, shared a post on social media about the liquidation news. 

“What a shame – they produced some of the best IPAs in the UK a few years ago,” the post reads. 

“If you have a hankering to try one last beer, their latest – Stovies – is as good as some of the ones they brewed in the past. I still have cans for sale.”

Another customer shared: “Awful news, I loved Overtone. Normally, they’re the only decent craft on draft down in Ayr.”

No formal closure of the brewery has been announced, but it has been confirmed that it’s pausing beer supply to supermarkets and off-licences across the country, with no return date announced. 

When searched on Google, it is labelled as temporarily closed. “Overtone is undergoing liquidation, but a new owner will continue to operate the brewery and brand in the future,” a spokesperson said.

Another customer called it “awful news”, while another simply said: “Sad times”. 

Liquidation is a legal process to help a company sell off its assets. Most of the time, the final result is the closure of the company and a cease in trading and/or operations. 

The money raised from selling off these assets is then used to pay creditors when they can no longer otherwise pay. 

Tesco, the UK’s leading supermarket chain, has celebrated its largest market share in over a decade, as it notched up a rise in festive sales despite “intense” competition. The retail giant reported a 3.3% surge in like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland during the six weeks leading up to January 3, with a 3.2% rise in the UK and a 3.8% boost in Ireland.

In the 13 weeks leading up to November 22, which includes the third quarter before Christmas, sales rose by 4%. According to Worldpanel data, Tesco increased its share of the UK grocery market to 28.7% in the three months leading up to December 28, which leapt to 29.4% during the crucial Christmas month. The company stated that this robust Christmas performance puts it on track for annual profits at the higher end of its recently revised guidance of between £2.9 billion and £3.1 billion.

However, the growth in festive sales represents a slight deceleration from the 3.7% reported across the UK and Ireland business for the same period the previous year. The company acknowledged that competition remains cut-throat as major players vie on price.

Sales in its Booker wholesale business also saw a decline of 2.1% during the six-week Christmas period, a downturn from a 0.9% drop in the third quarter.

Ken Murphy, chief executive, said: “Our investments in value, quality and service drove further gains in customer satisfaction and strong growth in fresh food, contributing to our highest UK market share in over a decade.

“Competition is as intense as ever, and we know value remains a priority for customers.”

The retailer recently announced it was reviving its iconic blue-and-white striped value branding as it intensifies its pricing battle with German rival Aldi.

Earlier this week, Tesco revealed the comeback of the blue-and-white stripes – axed back in 2012 – would “symbolise value at Tesco” and feature as the centrepiece of a major marketing blitz showcasing bargain prices on top branded goods.

The supermarket giant reported its busiest shopping days fell on December 22 and 23, whilst celebrating its most successful Christmas for digital sales with website transactions surging 11.2% and two purchases processed every second in the run-up to December 25.

Sales of its premium Finest collection soared 13% as Mr Murphy noted customers also prioritised quality during the festive period, with party product lines climbing 22%.

Tesco shares tumbled 5.5% during Thursday morning trading after sales growth fell short of City forecasts.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Tesco continued to deliver for shoppers and investors alike this festive season, scooping up market share and increasing consumer satisfaction scores in an extremely competitive market.

“However, performance at its wholesale business, Booker, wasn’t as good as hoped due to the long-running decline in tobacco sales.

“The net effect was that Tesco only nudged its full-year underlying operating profit guidance to the top end of its current £2.9 to £3.1 billion range, while many had been hoping for a bigger upgrade.”

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, added: “Tesco may see full-year profit coming in at the top end of expectations, but its festive update did not pass the smell test with investors after a slowdown in underlying sales growth over Christmas.”

However, he noted: “These numbers are not a disaster as the company has its highest share of the British grocery market in more than 10 years. A more than doubling in the share price from the 2022 lows means the company will be judged more harshly for the slightest misstep.”

He added: “The recent strong Christmas trading by the discount names Aldi and Lidl shows competition is intense, even if Tesco is well placed among the established supermarkets to fight back.

“Offering discount prices through its Clubcard scheme enables it to drive customer loyalty while offering the kind of value the UK’s hard-pressed households are looking for.”

Aldi has confirmed a change to its opening times this week as all stores prepare to close for one day.

The budget supermarket has issued a reminder to shoppers that its stores will be closing on New Year’s Day before reopening again on Friday, January 2. Aldi stores reopened to customers this week after closing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to allow staff to enjoy the celebrations. But store opening times will be slightly different than normal in the run-up to January 1, with the supermarket operating on reduced hours some days.

Aldi’s normal opening times are from 8am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, but this may vary ahead of New Year.

Aldi has advised shoppers to check the opening hours of their local store online before visiting for any variations using its store finder.

The full breakdown of Aldi’s opening hours this week is as follows:

• Monday, December 29 – 8am until 8pm
• Tuesday, December 30 – 8am until 8pm
• Wednesday, December 31 – 8am until 6pm
• Thursday, January 1 – Closed
• Friday, January 2 – 8am until 10pm

The announcement on new year opening hours comes after Aldi opened 16 new UK stores in five weeks in the lead-up to Christmas.

Aldi also announced plans to double down on its investment with a £1.6 billion commitment over the next two years, opening 40 stores each year.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “At Aldi, we’re focused on making affordable, high-quality food accessible to as many people as possible – and opening new stores is at the heart of how we do that.

“Launching 16 new stores in just over five weeks is a significant milestone for our business and a clear demonstration of the pace and ambition behind our growth plans. It means more communities will benefit from Aldi’s value and choice in the weeks ahead and beyond.”