INDIA: Spar has launched its first hypermarket in West India. The 35,000 sq ft store in Pune is the group's seventh store in India and joins those in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore and Delhi. The opening is part of Spar's licence agreement with Max Hypermarkets India to boost expansion in the country.

"The opening of this latest hypermarket reflects the ongoing developments of the brand in India to the highest possible standards", said Spar International MD Gordon Campbell.

AUSTRALIA: Woolworths has named Grant O'Brien, COO for its food and petrol business, as successor to CEO and MD Michael Luscombe, who is retiring at the end of September.

"Grant's experience and strong strategic acumen have given him solid grounding to lead Woolworths into its next phase of growth," said chairman James Strong.

BRAZIL: Heinz has completed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Brazilian ketchup maker Coniexpress S.A. Industrias Alimenticias. The deal adds the Quero brand of tomato-based sauces, tomato paste, ketchup, condiments and vegetables to Heinz's portfolio. Quero has annual sales of $325m (£199m) and represents Heinz's first foray into Brazil. Heinz expected the Quero business to double sales in its Latin America business in the first full year.

FRANCE: Nestlé's Professional food and drinks division has opened a new centre providing an interactive and specialist learning environment for the foodservice industry. The Davigel Culinary Training and Expertise Centre aims to help chefs develop professional skills and better their understanding of food legislation and safety. Nestlé Professional provides the commercial and institutional restaurant industry with food and drink solutions.

Coop Atlantique, one of Carrefour's key franchisees, is leaving the group to join rival retailer Systeme-U. After months of discussions a three-year affiliation contract has not been renewed. "Coop Atlantique purchases goods directly from suppliers, which did not favour the emergence of operational synergies," said a Carrefour statement.