NEWS
8 ASIAN TRADER 19 SEPTEMBER 2025
Selected Snappy Shopper
retailers are now listed on
Google Shopping, the ser
vice provider, putting
local convenience stores
in front of high-intent
customers and powering
the next chapter of the
UK’s digital high street.
Snappy Shopper is the
first UK-based quick
commerce platform to
fully integrate with
Google Shopping via the
Google Merchant Center,
unlocking a significant new
sales channel for local conveni
ence stores and establishing a
competitive advantage in the
market.
Snappy Shopper retailers
now have the opportunity to
appear in top Google results,
showcasing live product
listings, real-time pricing and
delivery within the hour.
“This is a game-changer for
local retail,” said Snappy
Shopper CEO Mike Callachan.
“Integrating with Google
means we’re helping local stores
stand shoulder-to-shoulder
with the biggest online players,
capturing customers at the
exact moment they are ready to
buy.”
The new integration with
Google allows retailers to
showcase their stores and stock
across Google platforms
including Search, Maps and
more.
This aims to enhance
visibility through free
listing, richer store
profiles and, most
importantly, drives
real-time customers in
the purchasing mindset
straight to Snappy
Shopper stores, unlock
ing a wave of new
customers.
The integration marks
a major milestone, not
just for Snappy Shopper,
but for every retailer on its
platform. By integrating with
Google, Snappy Shopper is
helping local stores tap into new
streams of high-intent digital
footfall and driving increased
order volumes across the board.
This breakthrough feature is
available for all existing Snappy
Shopper retailers. New stores
can join the platform today to
unlock access and start reaching
more local customers through
Google.
Industry first for c-stores unlocks new sales channel
Snappy Shopper integrates
Snappy Shopper integrates
with Google Merchant Center
with Google Merchant Center
Asda is resuming its
Express convenience
store expansion, with
up to 20 new locations
set to open from
October.
The programme will
restart with an opening
in Castleford in early
October, followed by a
rapid rollout of further
stores in high-footfall urban
areas, residential communi
ties, and transport hubs.
The move marks a return
to standalone Asda Express
store launches after a pause
during which the retailer
focused on integrating the
469 fuel and convenience
sites acquired from the
Co-op and EG Group.
Each Express store will
offer up to 3,000 branded and
own-label products, covering
everyday essentials, food-to-
go, and meal solutions. Asda
says its pricing remains
“notably lower” than rival
convenience operators,
helping Express sales
outperform the wider
market.
David Lepley, Asda’s
chief supply chain
officer, said: “In just
three years, we’ve
grown from zero
convenience stores to
establishing a major
presence in the channel,
with almost 500 stores by
the end of the year. This
continued investment
reflects the confidence we
have in our convenience
strategy and our focus on
bringing Asda’s low prices to
more local communities.”
Asda resumes Express store
rollout: 22 new sites planned
Co-op Wholesale deal
Co-op Wholesale deal
with Griffiths
with Griffiths
South Wales retailer Griffiths
Forecourts has signed a new five-year
supply agreement with Co-op
Wholesale, reinforcing a long-term
partnership.
Operating three Nisa Locas – in
Llantwit Fadre, Bridgend and Miskin
– Griffiths Forecourts has been serving
local communities for generations.
The business remains fami
ly-owned, with directors Brett and
Daniel Griffiths continuing the
tradition of delivering great service,
quality products and strong
community connections.
The renewed agreement with
Co-op Wholesale will see Griffiths
Forecourts continue to benefit from
an extensive product range, including
the Co-op own brand.
Premier Foods acquires
Premier Foods acquires
Merchant Gourmet
Merchant Gourmet
Premier Foods has agreed to acquire
healthy meals brand Merchant
Gourmet for £48m, in a move that
strengthens its portfolio of premium,
convenient food brands.
The deal will see Premier Foods take
full ownership of the fast-growing brand
on a cash- and debt-free basis, with
completion expected on 1 September.
Merchant Gourmet, known for its
ready-to-eat pulses, grains, microwave
able rice and ‘meals in minutes,’ is
projected to generate around £28m in
revenues for the year to 28 March 2026,
following strong double-digit growth
over the past two years.
Mults slammed over ham
Mults slammed over ham
cancer chemicals
cancer chemicals
Retailers including Tesco, M&S,
Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are under
fresh scrutiny after new laboratory
tests revealed that their Wiltshire ham
products still contain nitrites,
chemicals linked to cancer risk., almost
a decade after the WHO classified
them as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Commissioned by the Coalition
Against Nitrites, the independent
analysis found nitrites in all 21
processed meat samples tested.
The findings show that while
nitrite levels remain below the legal
UK and EU limit of 150mg/kg,
campaigners argue that even these
quantities pose a health risk.