Acosta Europe

We couldn’t possibly wrap up Spotlight Awards 2026 without this…  We still can’t get over the energy, the moments...and the magic!! So, we’ve pulled together something special, our exclusive Spotlight 2026 Highlights Reel.. Relive the celebrations. Revisit the standout moments.  And get ready to feel that Spotlight buzz all over again. #OneTeamNoLimits #SpotlightAwards2026

Europe isn’t one market anymore. It’s a network of fast-moving, uneven, opportunity-rich economies, each with its own shopper behaviour, growth trajectory, and path to purchase. And in 2026, that changes the rules. Winning brands won’t rely on one campaign or one strategy rolled out everywhere. They’ll win by executing brilliantly, market by market, store by store, channel by channel. In our blog, we explore why execution will outperform advertising in Europe’s race for market leadership, and what it really takes to activate effectively across the continent. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dUkQgN

Ready to mix things up? We’re looking for a Field Sales Executive to represent Sazerac across major multiple retailers. From creating standout in-store displays to building strong relationships with retail teams, you’ll play a hands-on role in driving visibility, performance, and growth across your patch. With the freedom to take ownership and the backing of a globally recognised brand, no two days will look the same. 📍 Opportunities across Milton Keynes, York, Sheffield & Basildon If you’re confident, motivated, and ready to get out in the field, this role is your chance to make your mark. Take a closer look and apply: careers.acosta-europe.com #GetInTheMix #FieldSales #FMCGcareers #SalesJobsUK #RetailCareers #ConvenienceRetail #Sazerac #AcostaEurope #CareersUK

When it comes to tech, seeing isn’t enough, customers want to experience it. Shoppers are far more likely to convert when they can try products before they buy. In fact, over 70% of purchase decisions are still made in‑store, where demos, training and hands‑on experiences build confidence and reduce hesitation. From interactive demos to expert-led education, we help brands bring technology to life, turning complex products into experiences customers understand, trust and choose. Because confidence is what really powers the sale.

Creating space to support mental health matters, both in and beyond the workplace 💚 This week, we marked Mental Health Awareness Week by coming together as a team. From our bake sale in support of GroceryAid to Wear It Green Day, it was encouraging to see so many people get involved and show their support! A big thank you to all our colleagues who got involved!! Mental Health Foundation

 For big purchases, proof beats price.   They’re prioritizing reliability (90%), durability (88%), and quality (86%) over price, even as average spend has declined across every measured electronics category.    When a shopper is standing in front of the product, weighing tradeoffs, and asking, “Is this worth it?”, our credible product experts step in to translate features into benefits, answer the real questions, and help shoppers feel great about their investment.    CE brands that justify their long-term value — in real time, in-store — will win. 

Syndicated field sales isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing the right things, in the right stores, at the right frequency. For many brands, syndicated field sales has become the most efficient way to maintain strong in-store standards, without the full-time cost of a dedicated team. We’ve explored this in more depth in our blog, breaking down Syndicated vs Dedicated field sales and when each model delivers the strongest return. Read now: https://bit.ly/4tAKzz7

ANOTHER POST ABOUT AI IN RETAIL - SORRY This article from Retail Gazette highlights something important. The store isn’t competing with digital anymore, it’s being enhanced by it. https://lnkd.in/e2ZVmtPa What stood out from this article for me: 1. Personalisation at scale AI is helping retailers deliver tailored experiences in-store, not just online 2. Smarter stores (Adds immense value to brands) Real-time data is driving better merchandising, stock availability, and decision-making 3. Enhanced colleague impact (My favourite) AI is freeing up teams to focus on selling, service, and relationships 4. Frictionless journeys From product discovery to checkout, convenience is being redefined 5. Connected experiences Blending online insight with physical execution 6. Experience over transaction Stores becoming destinations, not just points of sale (I think we're a little way of this yet in #Norfolk) SO WHAT? 🤷♀️ So what does this actually mean for us at Acosta Europe? It’s not about talking about AI. It’s about operationalising it into better execution, better data, and better outcomes in-store. Here’s how we’re leaning in: 1. Turning data into action We’re not just collecting data, we’re using it to drive perfect store execution, smarter ranging, and real-time decision making at shelf. 2. Embedding AI into field delivery From image recognition to performance tracking, we’re enabling teams with tools that elevate execution quality and consistency at scale. 3. Making teams more effective, not replacing them AI frees up time, but the value comes from better conversations, stronger relationships, and more commercial impact in store. 4. Driving value-led selling We’re moving beyond activity to outcome-based KPIs, linking execution directly to sales, availability, and #ROI. 5. Building a European model, not local silos Combining central insight + local execution to create a consistent, scalable offer for pan-European clients. The winners will be those who turn AI from a tool into a commercial lever, improving execution, consistency, and customer value at scale. For me, this reinforces something we see every day. Great retail is still about people... AI just makes them better. Talk to us: https://lnkd.in/eijKxMsW

Q3 will be defined by more intentional, informed and tech‑enabled shopping. UK consumers are balancing value with wellbeing, convenience with trust, and personalisation with privacy. According to recent UK research, trust, clarity and convenience are now central to loyalty, while technology increasingly shapes how and where decisions are made.   What Brands & Retailers need to focus on: ✅Designing for clarity at shelf and screen – simplify messages, benefits and value cues ✅Making health and use‑case benefits unmistakable ✅Invest in seamless tech and human execution – frictionless journeys still need support ✅Using personalisation with purpose – relevance builds trust ✅Ensuring in‑store consistency – trained teams matter in delivering compliant, accurate messages where it counts   In Q3, winning won’t be about doing more it’ll be about doing things better, clearer and faster. Get in touch to see how we can help you: https://bit.ly/49IdiuB

Action starts with us, but it shouldn’t stop there. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re focusing on action: the small, everyday steps we can take to support our own mental health, and the bigger actions workplaces must take to create safer, more supportive environments for everyone. That’s why having Mental Health First Aiders matters: to listen, support, and help turn awareness into real change at work. Read more about Mental Health Foundation here: https://lnkd.in/gq7NeA8