End of an era? Tesco ‘on the brink of axing remaining butchers and fishmongers in 279 stores’ as shoppers opt for pre-packaged items – after Sainsbury’s, Asda and Aldi scrapped fresh food counters
The iconic fresh food banks could now go to the history books
So far, Tesco had stocked 279 of its delis and fishmongers
But after canning 300 earlier this year it has been reported that the rest are at risk
Refused to deny reports, insisting it ‘never comment on rumors or speculation’
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Supermarket giant Tesco has refused to deny that it is on the verge of putting its own butcher and fishmonger on ice following a slump in interest.
The Every Little Helps chain would not comment today on reports that its specialty food areas would be canned.
It is claimed that the 279 fresh food counters still in stores across the UK will be closed to cut costs.
If true, it means none of the so-called ‘big four’ – comprising Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Aldi – will offer the service.
It was claimed that the 279 fresh food counters still in stores across the UK will be closed to cut costs
Tesco already announced this year that more than 300 delicatessens would close, but kept 279
Tesco already announced this year that more than 300 delicatessens would close, ending years of fresh meat and weighed pies or cheese.
A spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports, telling MailOnline: “I’m afraid we never comment on rumors or speculation.”
Data mentioned by the Telegraph suggests that consumers stop using delis.
Retail analytics company IGD has conducted a study showing that by the end of 2021 less than 10 percent of shoppers visited supermarket fresh food stores.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg looks thoughtfully at a fishmonger in a Tesco in 2013
Richard Hyman, an independent retail consultant, said: “I take a negative view of it as it pulls away from a business area – service – where UK supermarkets could offer real differentiation.
“But if you’re going to do something in retail, you have to do it right, and if you do it in a mediocre way, just as an excuse to charge higher prices, it’s going to result in the kind of reactions from shoppers that we have seen. .
“There is [a] fresh food market, and during the cost of living crisis I think we’ll see people eating out less and cooking at home more often so the kind of variety that these counters can provide is maybe something that’s more in demand .
“But you have to believe in your offer and invest in it.
“Tesco will never be more expensive than Aldi and Lidl, so you have to give customers a reason to shop with you.”