Latest News From Produce Retail

Bland Farms sees Gold Rush for Vidalia onion promotions
Bland Farms sees Gold Rush for Vidalia onion promotions

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AWG's Innovation Showcase draws its biggest crowd yet
AWG's Innovation Showcase draws its biggest crowd yet

With about 20 produce exhibitors alone and dozens of other food exhibitors besides, the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase and Annual Meeting was bigger than ever.

EmpowerFresh highlights software for produce department management
EmpowerFresh highlights software for produce department management

EmpowerFresh executives featured its cloud-based software for managing fresh produce department operations at the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

Sweetpotato consumption keeps rising
Sweetpotato consumption keeps rising

Sweetpotato retail per capita availability rose from 3.78 pounds in 2000 to 6.02 pounds in 2020, USDA statistics show. The momentum continued in 2023, according to retail scan data.

Instacart and AWG expand partnership, introduce smart carts
Instacart and AWG expand partnership, introduce smart carts

The partnership enables more direct access to same-day delivery and artificial intelligence-powered smart carts to AWG member companies across 3,500 locations in 32 states.

With harvest on the horizon, California avocados will soon be ready for retail
With harvest on the horizon, California avocados will soon be ready for retail

Industry experts recently shared their insight on what to expect for this year's crop and and avocado trends in retail.

USDA predicts food inflation rate for 2024
USDA predicts food inflation rate for 2024

Food prices are expected to continue to decelerate in 2024 and are projected 2.5% up compared with 2023, according to a new USDA report.

EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers
EmpowerFresh partners with AWG to support independent retailers

The partnership will offer Associated Wholesale Grocers members tools to enhance inventory management for independent supermarkets.

Armand Lobato
How a successful grocer can become a faint memory

Any retail grocery chain is susceptible to regress and failure. The produce department figures prominently in customer satisfaction, store profits — and the future of a store or chain, explains columnist Armand Lobato.

NGA calls for congressional action after FTC report on pandemic-era supply chain
NGA calls for congressional action after FTC report on pandemic-era supply chain

A Federal Trade Commission report has prompted the National Grocers Association to respond to the report's suggestion that major grocers' practices during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted competition and consumer choice.

How retailers are making strides toward diversity in leadership roles
How retailers are making strides toward diversity in leadership roles

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives aim not only to increase diversity in entry-level positions, but also to provide concrete pathways for employees to advance into leadership roles.

Sweetpotato commission seeks to spur consumer demand beyond Easter rush
Sweetpotato commission seeks to spur consumer demand beyond Easter rush

Fueled by Easter shopping lists, sweetpotatoes are expected to be in high demand in late March and into the spring. But the demand won’t stop there, industry leaders say.

Joe Watson
Why it matters to be present and engaged in the industry

While attending industry events requires taking time away from regular business, there is a return on investment from being involved — and a cost of missing out, says columnist Joe Watson.

Lack of understanding remains a key issue in FSMA 204 readiness
Lack of understanding remains a key issue in FSMA 204 readiness

Liz Sertl, senior director of supply chain visibility at GS1 US, shares how companies operating in the produce industry need to prepare for FSMA 204 compliance.

Melissa's debuts Tropical Flight for dragon fruit varieties
Melissa's debuts Tropical Flight for dragon fruit varieties

Inspired by wine flights, where patrons experience a tasting flight of multiple varietals, this retail program offers consumers the opportunity to discover the flavor profiles and vibrant colors of each variety.

Save Mart partners with Flashfood to lower grocery prices, reduce food waste 
Save Mart partners with Flashfood to lower grocery prices, reduce food waste 

The Save Mart Cos. has become the first California grocer to partner with Flashfood, an app that connects shoppers with fresh produce and other groceries at up to 50% off.

Fresh From Florida touts state’s produce
Fresh From Florida touts state’s produce

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has come up with a plethora of ways to promote the state’s fruits and vegetables through the Fresh From Florida retail promotion this spring.

Save A Lot names chief development officer
Save A Lot names chief development officer

Bill Mayo spent the past 29 years at Wakefern Food Corp. As chief development officer, Mayo will lead the strategic growth of Save A Lot’s licensed retail business to support and strengthen the Save A Lot brand.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Armand Lobato
Handling the inbound: A crucial first step of any operation

Mishandling an inbound produce load can make the work done before its arrival all for naught — and it's a recipe for rapidly declining quality, unsatisfied customers and increased shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations
Survey: Political leanings color food inflation expectations

The Purdue University survey evaluated consumer expectations for food prices and how they correlate with other consumer perceptions, behaviors and characteristics.

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.

Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer
Circana lead discusses how to connect with the conscious consumer

Alex Kalausich, produce lead for the fresh foods group at Circana, kicked off this year's Global Organic Produce Expo with a look at fresh produce trends and how those trends apply specifically to the organic market.

GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule
GOPEX panel breaks down the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule

With the USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule going into effect March 19, Organic Trade Association co-CEO Matt Dillon led a panel discussion to help attendees understand actionable items ahead of enforcement.

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.

How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?
How is fresh produce faring amid inflation?

Fresh produce had one of the strongest performances in 2023, said Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics during "The Power of Produce 2024” session at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, March 8.

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.

Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year
Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year

Oakdale, Calif., Save Mart store manager Robert Alton was honored for his leadership at the company's 30th Annual Management Awards Gala, which also recognized other store managers.

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.

New Jersey to participate in Summer EBT program
New Jersey to participate in Summer EBT program

New Jersey is one of 35 states that will participate in the USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program to provide more food availability to children and families in need during the summer months.

Armand Lobato
What chess and produce share when it comes to success

With merchandising and labor demands for March Madness, spring break, Easter and more on the horizon, produce managers should analyze the challenges like a chess grandmaster, says columnist Armand Lobato.

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.

Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert
Convenience, well-being and digitization key to consumer loyalty, industry leaders assert

New research from FMI, Oliver Wyman, and Circana reveals opportunities for food industry partners to meet evolving shopper values.

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.

Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior
Report shows gap between loyalty membership and consumer shopping behavior

Upside's survey highlights the evolving landscape of loyalty programs, revealing gaps in consumer behavior and retailer expectations despite widespread enrollment.

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.

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.

Armand Lobato
Put potatoes to bed properly with these storage and handling tips

It's Potato Lover’s Month, and what's not to love about the budget-friendly, nutritious potato? Tell customers how to handle this produce rock star's sensitive side to ensure the spuds they're buying don't go to waste.

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.

Save Mart Cos. names new chief merchandising and marketing officer
Save Mart Cos. names new chief merchandising and marketing officer

Chris Hooks, whose experience spans conventional grocery, discount retail and private label, joins the Modesto, Calif.-based grocer's executive leadership team.

Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports
Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports

Honeybear Brands says it is gearing up to deliver a bounty of fresh Chilean apples and pears to retailers nationwide.