The Office of Fair Trading, which usually looks at major deals such as the proposed takeover of Safeway, is considering whether the purchase of a single Slough store by Tesco should be referred to the Competition Commission.
If it decides that the proposed purchase of a Co-operative store is covered by the 2002 Enterprise Act, it will further consider whether it "may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK".
A spokesman said it was highly unusual for the OFT to consider such a small deal, but that it would not rule out similar investigations in the future. This paves the way for closer regulatory scrutiny of multiples' impact on local markets.
Waitrose are re-introducing a variety of carrot first developed at the turn of the 19th century in France, according to this week's Grocer. The 'Parisienne', grown by Isleham Fresh Produce is a unique round shape and will be sold under Waitrose's Speciality Range.
Following a trial last year, IFP have increased acreage, taking production from 15 to 100 tonnes this year.
Welsh lamb raised by National Trust tenant farmers is set to go on sale in Sainsbury stores under a scheme which the supermarket says is the first of its kind. The lamb, sourced from farmers on the Dolaucothi Estate in the Cothi valley, have been reared using methods which respect the environment, protect historic features and enhance the wildlife habitat.
Safeway has launched a scheme that offers customers the opportunity to visit a local farm and see for themselves how their food is produced.
By visiting the companys website and entering their home postcode, customers can select the farm nearest to them and book a visit online.
Through its partnership with LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), the retailer is working to bring farmers and consumers closer together. Safeways partnership with LEAF has been a key element in its strategy to develop practical approaches to whole farm management, which help conserve and enhance the farmed environment.
