Latest News From Retail

DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings
DoorDash partners with more grocers to expand SNAP/EBT payment offerings

With the newest additions, over 6,000 locations nationwide will support SNAP/EBT payment capabilities on DoorDash for on-demand delivery of eligible grocery items, the company says.

How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships
How vendors can foster strong retailer relationships

What makes a good retail partnership? A panel of retailers discussed what they really want — and don't want — from vendors at GOPEX 2024.

Inflation ticks higher in February
Inflation ticks higher in February

The all-items index rose 3.2% for the 12 months ending February, a greater rise than the 3.1% increase for the 12 months ending January, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024
5 grocery retail trends to watch in 2024

Kroger's retail data science arm says these five key trends are reshaping the grocery shopper experience: Holistic health, engaging experience, flexible shopping, personalization and simple efficiency.

Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple
Fresh Del Monte launches personal-size pineapple

Fresh Del Monte has introduced Precious Honeyglow, a compact, extra sweet pineapple, aimed at reducing food waste and offering sustainability. It is available nationwide through Melissa’s Produce.

Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign
Back to the Roots partners with Bolthouse Farms and Walmart for Seed to Sip campaign

The campaign aims to educate shoppers about healthier and sustainable ways to eat, live and shop. Those who buy Bolthouse Farms juice at select Walmart stores will receive a coupon for Back to the Roots garden seed.

Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024
Kroger delivers Q4 results, eyes sustainable growth in 2024

Kroger has reported $37.1 billion in fourth-quarter sales, while total company sales for 2023 were at $150 billion.

Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores
Aldi acquires Southeastern Grocers, plans to add 800 U.S. stores

Aldi plans to add 800 U.S. stores by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. The company says it will invest more than $9 billion over the next five years for its national expansion.

Whole Foods Market to debut small-format stores, starting in NYC
Whole Foods Market to debut small-format stores, starting in NYC

Whole Foods Market Daily Shop is a quick-shop format set to launch this year. With a footprint ranging from a quarter to half of an average Whole Foods Market store, it aims to offer convenience to urban neighborhoods.

Walmart helps customers combat inflation for Easter celebrations
Walmart helps customers combat inflation for Easter celebrations

Walmart says it will offer an Easter meal that can serve up to 10 people and is available for an average price of less than $8 per person.

Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds
Union workers reject contract, authorize strike, Kroger responds

Kroger union members in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio have authorized a strike, meaning union bargaining committee can call a strike at any moment. Negotiations are ongoing.

Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity
Food Lion launches orange bag campaign to address food insecurity

The campaign, which runs from Feb. 28 to March 19, benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, as well as local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.

Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit
Walmart settles $45M weighted grocery lawsuit

Customers who bought eligible sold-by-weight groceries from Walmart between Oct. 19, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2024, qualify for the settlement. Walmart shoppers have until June 5 to submit a claim.

Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store
Tops cuts ribbon on newly renovated store

The company said the renovation, which totaled $2 million in enhancements, welcomes shoppers into a warm, engaging environment.

Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment
Takeoff and Knapp expand partnership to enhance e-grocery fulfillment

Micro-fulfillment e-grocery solutions provider Takeoff and Knapp said the partnership offers modular solutions for food retailers' automation needs, enabling flexible fulfillment strategies.

FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger
FTC files lawsuit against Kroger-Albertson merger

In a filing, the Federal Trade Commission claims the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history will eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of consumers, while harming tens of thousands of workers.

Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report
Consumer shopping behavior detailed in special report

84.51° has released its "Omnichannel Special Report" that examines consumer behaviors of the unique omnichannel shopper.

Santos International marks 50 years of service
Santos International marks 50 years of service

The McAllen, Texas-based logistics company is highlighting its service, innovation and advocacy and will mark the milestone by hosting events throughout the year.

Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program
Heritage Grocers Group launches loyalty program

Cardenas Rewards offers points for purchases, as well as access to digital deals, exclusive offers and personalized savings via the mobile app or website.

Garden of Eden re-opens culinary destination with Manhattan store
Garden of Eden re-opens culinary destination with Manhattan store

Garden of Eden and Eden Gourmet Marketplace celebrated 30 years with a store re-opening in Gramercy Park, offering premium groceries and community discounts.

Another state files lawsuit to block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger
Another state files lawsuit to block $25B Kroger-Albertsons merger

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is seeking to block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing consumer harm. The companies have defended the merger and pledged to fight lawsuit.

Weavers Way unveils exclusive benefits for new members
Weavers Way unveils exclusive benefits for new members

Celebrating the launch of a new location, the co-op is expanding its existing Member Appreciation programming to include a new Membership Drive offering perks and discounts for newcomers.

IFPA opens registration for The Retail Conference, golf tournament
IFPA opens registration for The Retail Conference, golf tournament

The International Fresh Produce Association says the conference, set for May 1-2 in Phoenix, offers retail insights and networking with industry leaders.

Shop 'n Save partners with Upside for personalized promotions
Shop 'n Save partners with Upside for personalized promotions

Upside says it has partnered with nearly 80 independently owned Shop 'n Save locations in Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Ohio and West Virginia.

Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says
Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says

Big Game celebrations serve as one example of how the country is helping meet U.S. demand for the fruit, says promotional agency ProColombia.

Misfits Market introduces perishable fulfillment solution
Misfits Market introduces perishable fulfillment solution

Fulfilled by Misfits is a service for perishable brands to store, pack and deliver products nationwide through the company's logistics platform.

Driscoll’s offering heart-shaped raspberry clamshell
Driscoll’s offering heart-shaped raspberry clamshell

Driscoll’s says the limited-availability packaging can be found at select retailers while supplies last.

Hy-Vee integrates Instacart's fulfillment capabilities for same-day delivery
Hy-Vee integrates Instacart's fulfillment capabilities for same-day delivery

Hy-Vee has expanded its partnership with Instacart, integrating same-day delivery into its platforms via Instacart's fulfillment-as-a-service, to enhancing the customer experience and meeting evolving needs.

Ahold Delhaize USA has new deal with DoorDash
Ahold Delhaize USA has new deal with DoorDash

Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Co., Hannaford and Stop & Shop customers will gain access to an additional delivery option.

Instacart welcomes Whole Foods Market in Canada
Instacart welcomes Whole Foods Market in Canada

The new partnership brings online grocery delivery to Whole Foods Market customers in Canada for the first time.

Report reveals Ontario shoppers' lingering financial concerns
Report reveals Ontario shoppers' lingering financial concerns

The report from the Ontario Produce Marketing Association and Numerator shows Ontario consumer trends amid economic uncertainty, shedding light on spending patterns and sentiments.

FMI president and CEO criticizes politicization of grocery prices
FMI president and CEO criticizes politicization of grocery prices

Despite inflationary increases and short-term price fluctuations, the real cost of groceries in the U.S. as a share of household income has remained consistent, and relatively flat, over the last two decades.

Natural Delights prepares for Ramadan demand for medjool dates
Natural Delights prepares for Ramadan demand for medjool dates

Natural Delights says it is offering 2- and 5-pound window boxes. High demand is expected, as medjool date sales surged during last Ramadan.

Trending in retail: What shoppers want in the produce aisle
Trending in retail: What shoppers want in the produce aisle

Health and convenience are considerations for many produce shoppers, but having fun and experimenting with new and unusual items are factors, according to retail grocers.

Avocados From Mexico launches AI recipe generator
Avocados From Mexico launches AI recipe generator

GuacAImole is a recipe generator that creates personalized guac recipes using a photo of ingredients or a finished dish.

ShopRite receives 'most trusted' honor from BrandSpark and Newsweek
ShopRite receives 'most trusted' honor from BrandSpark and Newsweek

ShopRite has once again been named the 'Most Trusted Conventional Grocery Store in the Northeast' in this year's edition of the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards.

How to build impactful apple displays that help sales
How to build impactful apple displays that help sales

It’s in every produce department, but the popular fruit’s many varieties and visual versatility make it ripe for dynamic displays.

Walmart plans to add new stores, jobs
Walmart plans to add new stores, jobs

The retail giant says it plans to build or convert 150-plus stores and remodel 650 others, introducing sustainable features, creating jobs and enhancing the shopping experience.

Schnucks begins major renovations, expands produce departments
Schnucks begins major renovations, expands produce departments

Schnucks has begun major renovations while expanding produce departments at Florissant, Miss., and St. Louis locations.

Food price inflation to slow in 2024, USDA predicts
Food price inflation to slow in 2024, USDA predicts

Food prices are expected to continue to slow in 2024, according to a new Food Price Outlook report.

Dorot Farm launches baby carrot program worldwide
Dorot Farm launches baby carrot program worldwide

Dorot Farm has introduced baby carrots for U.S. customers, partnering with California growers. Shipment starts next month, and a showcase is planned for Fruit Logistica in Berlin.

Kroger sets new produce supplier biodiversity requirements
Kroger sets new produce supplier biodiversity requirements

The Cincinnati-based grocer says it will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to use Integrated Pest Management practices for all products supplied to Kroger by 2028 or 2030, based on the grower's size.

Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends
Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends

Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends in 2023, according to a report from the International Fresh Produce Association. 

Trader Joe’s reveals customers’ top produce picks
Trader Joe’s reveals customers’ top produce picks

Episode 70 of the Trader Joe’s Podcast reveals the winners of its 15th Annual Customer Choice Awards, including the top 5 picks in the produce category.

ShopRite store adds cooling totes to enhance grocery fulfillment
ShopRite store adds cooling totes to enhance grocery fulfillment

ShopRite says it is the nation's first grocery retailer to implement Phononic’s second-generation Active Cooling Solutions totes, which are used to pick, store and stage online orders and save space in-store.

Survey examines shopper behavior and bagged avocados
Survey examines shopper behavior and bagged avocados

The Hass Avocado Board survey shares insight into shopper behavior and the opportunities for bagged fruit in the retail space.

NGA Show to feature 30 educational sessions, workshops aimed at indies
NGA Show to feature 30 educational sessions, workshops aimed at indies

With more than 30 educational workshops and sessions led by industry experts, the National Grocers Association says its 2024 show will offer highly specialized content designed specifically for independent grocers.

Sunkist offering limited-edition Year of the Dragon carton
Sunkist offering limited-edition Year of the Dragon carton

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Sunkist says the themed 10-pound carton will help keep the citrus category at the forefront of longstanding celebrations domestically and across Asia.

Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge honorees revealed
Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge honorees revealed

The awards provide a total of $1 million annually for innovations that can transform food systems to be more equitable and lead to safe, nutritious and trusted food using sustainable practices.

Nominations open for IFPA Retail Produce Manager Awards
Nominations open for IFPA Retail Produce Manager Awards

This year the International Fresh Produce Association will honor 20 top retail produce managers for their dedication to boosting fresh produce sales, innovative merchandising, community service and shopper satisfaction.