The Supply Side: Wal-Mart and retail supplier briefs

• Pepsi debuts a new bottle design
Pepsi unveils a new shape for its 20-ounce bottle scheduled for release next month.

The new design includes a more contoured bottom half for easier gripping and the label is smaller allowing more of the drink to show through the plastic container.

The change follows a number of splashy moves in the past year by PepsiCo to improve results for its namesake soda has been working to revitalize the brand after losing market share to Coca-Cola Co. in recent years. 

PepsiCo says the new bottle is part of the company's ongoing update of marketing and packaging materials for the carbonated cola.

The beverage volume of PepsiCo’s North American business declined 4% last year, according to regulatory filings. The company makes a wide range of products such as Frito-Lay chips, Quaker Oats and Minute Maid juices in addition to its namesake soda.

The company estimates it will take up to two years before the new bottles entirely replace those that have been in use since 1996.

• Tesco ponders sale of 'Fresh & Easy'
After five years in the California market, Brittish retailer Tesco is pondering the sale of its Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market business, according to an a report from the L.A. Times.

The Times reports an email sent to shoppers recently acknowledges the grocer doesn’t know if Tesco will continue to own the company.
The retailer has posted dismal results from its 200-store operation in California, Arizona and Nevada. The $1 billion investment has netted cumulative losses of roughly $1 billion in the past five years.

Analysts say the retailer has faced ongoing labor issues, merchandising complaints and various supply-chain glitches which gave the retailer a lackluster reputation among consumers.

Tesco is expected to make a formal announcement or give more details about the “Fresh & Easy” stores in April.