Dear Reader,

It is now six months since Insight/NACS launched the first Global Convenience Store Focus and what a roller coaster ride the worldwide convenience sector has enjoyed in that time.

In this issue, we look at emerging markets in South Africa and Poland. In the former, fresh foods are coming to the fore, especially on the forecourt, where we report on Freshstop, a new collaboration between Chevron SA and leading fresh produce retailer, Fruit & Veg City.

Our exclusive video footage takes us around another new South African JV — Pick n Pay Express — and we visit Fruit & Veg City’s upmarket food emporium, Food Lover’s Market.

Dan Munford reports on the burgeoning c-store market in Poland and, back in the UK, we examine the expansion of Subway, the U.S. sandwich chain, in Northern Ireland.

But while the grocery market remains resilient in recession, it is not immune from the downturn. Value continues to be the card to play, however, and sales of Fairtrade and local products may provide a welcome boost to convenience operators — along with health and beauty lines — as consumers spend more time at home.

We explore how to combat shrink and reduce waste to improve your bottom line. And, if you want to stay ahead of the game, visit Convenience Knowledge Bank, a new business model from Insight, which provides a one-stop shop of executive convenience expertise.

Engaging a consultant has never been so convenient.

Fiona Briggs, Editor

Freshstop launches on the forecourt in new South African JV

Poland offers new opportunities for convenience suppliers