Retail and e-commerce – April 2026
Global express & parcels market size 2025-2029
TI Insights reports that the global express parcels market continued its expansion in 2025, reaching a total value of €596 billion, representing 6.1% year-on-year growth. While this marks a slight moderation compared with 7.9% growth in 2024, it confirms that the market has transitioned into a more stable and sustainable growth phase following the volatility of the pandemic period. You can download the whitepaper after filling in your details.
Eight predictions that will redefine CPG growth in the retail market
Nielsen has published a report (2.2 MB) analysing the growth factors in the retail market. Economic pressure is splitting demand in two, with one consumer group upgrading their baskets and another doubling down on value. At the same time, consumers are limiting waste and buying only what they know they will use. Stock-up behaviour is fading. Traditional assumptions such as “new shoppers will replace old ones” no longer hold.
Walmart and Amazon push GLP-1 weight management medicines into retail
As more customers seek support for weight management and overall health, Walmart is expanding its Better Care Services platform with new offerings that bring together virtual care, nutrition services and pharmacy access in one experience. The platform now includes weight management support services for customers on or exploring GLP-1 therapies, complementing the convenient access they already have to medications through Walmart’s nearly 4,600 pharmacies nationwide.
Dining from the same bonanza, Amazon has launched a comprehensive weight management program through One Medical that integrates primary care, pharmacy services, and virtual care to treat obesity as a chronic condition. The program offers personalized GLP-1 treatment plans with structured consultations, regular monitoring, and evidence-based protocols. Amazon Pharmacy provides Same-Day Delivery to nearly 3,000 cities, expanding to 4,500 by year-end 2026.
Dutch discount chain Action plans for Victory in the United States market as well
After its expansion in Europe, the Dutch non-food discounter chain Action has set its sights on the United States, the company announced recently. The first Action store in the United States will open by early 2028. Action is based in Zwaagdijk (the ‘Bentonville of Europe’) Sales at Action (founded in 1993) have exploded from €100 million in the 2005 to €16 billion in 2025.
Costs of the box and the petrol for last-mile delivery analysed
With the Strait of Hormuz still blocked and petrol prices going through the roof, NVC has analysed (100 kB) the relative cost of the petrol versus the box required for last-minute delivery in Asia. The implications for the development of reusable packaging as well as the use of e-bikes for delivery are clearly indicated as well.
PPWR packaging reporting for last mile delivery will be analysed in a dedicated NVC member meeting on 10 June 2026. Participation is free of charge.
Alibaba goes reusable in packaging influenced by the PPWR
As of April 2026, Alibaba and its logistics arm, Cainiao, have shifted their reusable packaging strategy from ‘experimental pilots’ to a ‘logistics asset’ model. This change is driven by the impending enforcement of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in August 2026. For its wholesale platform Alibaba.com, a new Returnable Container Packaging guide was issued for 2026.
NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411