Tesco has cut jobs at the head office of Fresh & Easy, as it continues a strategic review that could lead to the firm’s exit from the struggling US grocery chain.

A US-based spokesperson for Fresh & Easy confirmed to just-food that the chain, which is owned by UK-based Tesco, has cut “less than 40” jobs as its headquarters.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

“We have cut a small number of positions in the head office as we continue the strategic review of the business,” the spokesperson said late on Friday (18 January). “All our stores remain open and it is business as usual for customers and store employees.

“We are committed to helping the employees who are impacted and have put together a comprehensive package to support them and their families.”

The move is another sign that Tesco is winding-down Fresh & Easy, after what has proved a disappointing venture into the US grocery market, the heartland of Wal-Mart.

“My task is not to re-test the theory of entry but to test whether the time is right to exit,” Tesco’s CEO, Philip Clarke, told reporters in December when questioned on Fresh & Easy. “The journey to sustainable returns is going to take too long.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact