Latest News From Produce Retail

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.

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.

Armand Lobato
Making the grade on quality control

It helps to grade well on quality assurance, because when things get out of control, it’s often a downward spiral that follows, says columnist Armand Lobato.

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.

Instacart announces layoffs, C-suite departures
Instacart announces layoffs, C-suite departures

Amid workforce cuts, Instacart says its COO, CTO and chief architect are exiting for personal reasons.

Kroger says it plans to lower prices following Albertsons merger
Kroger says it plans to lower prices following Albertsons merger

With the planned merger looming, Kroger says it has released details showing how it lowered prices in previous mergers, while outlining how it plans to do so again.

Consumer inflation rate at 3.1% in January
Consumer inflation rate at 3.1% in January

The U.S. government-measured year-over-year inflation rate in January was pegged at 3.1%, slightly lower than the annual rate recorded in December.

SpartanNash adding inventory robot to more stores
SpartanNash adding inventory robot to more stores

The food solutions company is expanding its partnership with Simbe, deploying the company's business intelligence solution, Tally, across 60 additional stores in the Midwest to generate real-time inventory insights.

Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes
Tasteful Selections adds new packaging for premium potatoes

The company will introduce a 3-pound mesh pillow pack for its Honey Gold, Ruby Sensation and Sunburst Blend potatoes.

Retail support spurs Mexican produce sales
Retail support spurs Mexican produce sales

The time is now for retail promotions of Mexican produce, distributors say.

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.

Retail report shows customers flocked to bagged avocados during summer holidays
Retail report shows customers flocked to bagged avocados during summer holidays

The Hass Avocado Board's recent avocado holiday retail recap showed strong Independence Day and Labor Day sales, as customers purchased more than 2 million bagged avocados in the third quarter.

Keeping up with the Kardashians and FiveStar Gourmet Foods
Keeping up with the Kardashians and FiveStar Gourmet Foods

What’s trending in the world of pre-packaged gourmet salads? At the recent GOPEX 2024, FiveStar Gourmet Foods' Tal Shoshan dished on the salad trends stealing the show.

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.

MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season
MountainKing readies petite-sized potato varieties for crawfish season

The fresh potato grower and packager says it will offer its Crawfish B-Red potatoes, Crawfish Medley Pack and Crawfish Gold Pack to retailers, along with additional sales support.