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7-Eleven

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Global retailers have continued to expand into emerging markets, in spite of the political and economic turbulence seen in many of these countries and the challenges to profitability.

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The rapid development of online retailing has long been a key part of the strategic direction of global food retailers. While the channel represents a growth spot in what can – in many markets – seem a sector struggling for sales growth, there is as yet no clear formula for profitably exploiting it. However, as this month's Talking shop round-up illustrates, a number of grocers are further investing in the channel.

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Ron Burkle, the US billionaire investor who is to take on the bulk of Tesco's US Fresh & Easy arm, has said he believes the loss-making business gives his Yucaipa fund a base upon which to build. But it is not yet clear what his plans are. Dean Best looks at what could be next.

7-Eleven has built a significant worldwide presence since its inception in 1927 but the Japanese-owned international convenience chain still has its eye on building its presence in key emerging markets. Michelle Russell met Henri Honoris, the head of Modern Putra Indonesia, 7-Eleven's operator in the populous Asian market, to discuss the plans for the chain there.

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Ireland-based food group Greencore announced yesterday (27 June) it has struck a deal to acquire US sandwich-to-sushi manufacturer HC Schau & Son. In this month's just the answer, Greencore CFO Alan Williams tells Katy Askew that while the deal is "relatively small" for the company it remains an important step in the group's long-term growth plans for the US.

US-brand Gelato Fiasco marks its debut in Australia with a formal launch in Melbourne tomorrow (5 August).

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7-Eleven is adding two premium lines – 7-SelectGO!Yum and 7-SelectGO!Smart – to its private label 7-Select brand in the US.

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US convenience retailer 7-Eleven has expanded its private label range with the launch of a line of "better-for-you" snack products, 7-Select GO!Smart.

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The operator of 7-Eleven stores in Indonesia has confirmed plans to open up to 2,500 stores in and around Jakarta over the next 10 years.

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7-Eleven hopes to grab a slice of the A$270m convenience market in Western Australia after announcing it is set to expand in the region.

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C-store giant 7-Eleven has sought to cool talk it could re-enter the UK after reports the retailer was poised to return to the market.

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7-Eleven Inc will sell off 72 of its US convenience stores and gas stations it has confirmed.

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Unilever confirmed a fall in third-quarter sales this week it had indicated earlier this month; in between times, just-food met CEO Paul Polman in Germany to discuss the company's food business and emerging markets. The interview was published in two parts this week. Elsewhere, Tesco issued some eyebrow-raising stats on waste, Canada's Saputo upped its bid for Australian dairy Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory and Maple Leaf Foods said it weighing up the options for its 90% stake in Canada Bread.

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Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, the owner of Thai retailer CP All, has reportedly submitted a first-round bid for Hong Kong based supermarket ParknShop.

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7-Eleven has insisted it will start an "aggressive" investigation into the hiring policies of its franchisees after store owners and managers were charged over allegations they exploited immigrant staff.

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Two franchisees of US retail chain 7-Eleven have filed a lawsuit against the convenience store chain for allegedly "failing to keep up with the competition".

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US billionaire investor Ron Burkle is reportedly in discussions to buy Tesco's US chain Fresh & Easy.

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US retailer 7-Eleven has confirmed plans to expand its store network in North America, expansion that may see a doubling of store numbers.

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Ireland-based convenience food group Greencore said it sees "attractive" levels of revenue being generated by its US operations as it continues to scale-up the business.

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The roll-out of Wrigley's caffeine gum has prompted the US Food and Drug Administration to look again at the impact the ingredient has on health.

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US convenience retailer 7-Eleven has confirmed plans to sell around 139 of its stores across the US.

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Thailand's largest convenience store chain CP All has made a bid for cash-and-carry retailer Siam Makro.

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US convenience retailer 7-Eleven has snapped more than 40 stores in South Carolina - its latest deal in the state.

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Greencore has announced plans to expand production in the US as it looks to step up growth in the market.

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Last week ended as it started: with a household brand caught up in the horsemeat contamination scandal. On Monday, Nestle said it had pulled Buitoni products in Spain and Italy after positive tests and, on Friday, Birds Eye said it had recalled ready meals across Europe after similar results. Over in the US, leading executives from some of the largest packaged food companies were at CAGNY to discuss their prospects for the year ahead.

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Japan-owned convenience store chain 7-Eleven is to expand in south-west China, starting in regional centres Chongqing and Chengdu.

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7-Eveven's franchisee in Thailand has indicated that it plans to open 500-550 stores in the coming year, bringing the number of outlets in the country to more than 7,000.

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US convenience group 7-Eleven has continued its M&A march with the addition of 143 Speedy Stop and Tigermarket locations from CL Thomas.