Latest News From Retail

As those shining garnet globes pop up in stores this fall, don’t forget to market the functional health benefits, as well as snacking opportunities and recipe versatility of your fresh and dried cranberries.

The contest was close, but Miller won. Get a taste of why in this video interview, and look forward to a more in-depth, multi-sourced story in the September-October issue of PMG magazine.

The Giant Co. is trying to make the fall family table healthier with free cooking classes for all ages available for free on the Zoom video-chat platform. And we know healthy means fresh produce.

The USDA’s new forecast for retail grocery inflation in 2022 tops 10%, close to three times the 3.5% inflation rate in 2021.

As part of its ongoing efforts to expand the local, fresh offerings in its stores, the Cincinnati-based company has named the winners of its second annual Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator program.

Listen to this podcast episode with host Amy Sowder and guest or watch the video to learn how to generate excitement with your region's seasonal produce.

The other day, someone asked me if I like to eat papayas, to which I responded, “What kind of papayas?”

They’re called Hatchheads, a nickname reminiscent of the Deadhead fans who follow the Grateful Dead shows.

CHICAGO — With apologies to Mother Nature, there is just one boss for apple marketers and retailers, one Walmart executive believes.

With the World Cup soccer tournament set to begin in November, Avocados From Mexico and Mexican chip maker Takis have created a new marketing campaign that should score with guacamole fans.

The Woodbury, Minn.-based grocer recently began offering Fyffes Fair Trade Certified Bananas, as part of its ongoing efforts to support responsible companies.

CHICAGO — Describing how consumers are adjusting their shopping habits in response to inflation, retail consultant Tom Barnes outlined strategies for success for marketers and retailers.

Come Oct. 1, Hy-Vee Inc. will have a new CEO and president of retail operations and also chairman of the board of directors: Jeremy Gosch.

Known around the world as a place to buy affordable groceries and more, Walmart says it sees inflation driving shoppers from a variety of income levels to its stores, as consumers prioritize spending.

Produce shoppers will notice some changes in the next 10 weeks at local Gerrity's supermarket, a northeastern Pennsylvania chain of 10 grocery stores — who announced in June their company was joining Wakefern.

From "glocal" food to apples on Instagram, PMG Editor Amy Sowder upacks the August issue.

With three-year revenue growth of 1,385%, the Indianapolis-based Market Wagon has been ranked No. 450 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 annual list.

The Lansing-based Michigan Apple Committee is using social media, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, to build interest in the coming Michigan apple harvest, said Diane Smith, executive director.

Natural Grocers, one of the largest family-operated organic, natural grocery retailers in the U.S., celebrates its 67th anniversary August 18-20 with Epic Savings, prizes, giveaways and more for shoppers.

This November, the Food Safety Modernization Act’s latest law will go into effect, meaning food retailers will have to make big technical, financial and operational changes.

BelleHarvest Sales Inc., Belding, Mich., plans to grow its partnership with the PAW Patrol animated kids TV series, said president Nick Mascari.

Despite the challenges of inflation and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, business overall seems to be strong for produce suppliers in the Boston area market.

These gains reflect the impact of inflation and the crosswinds created by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Brick Meets Click/Mercatus grocery shopping survey.

“Healthier by Dole” recipe series for August spotlights healthful, easy-to-make meal options.

For many Americans, fall means sports — which of course, also means game-time snacking. This is where avocados can play an important role.

Partnering with retailers to promote their product can spur demand and boost sales, many Michigan apple grower-shippers have found.

Shoppers who walk into the newly renovated Tops location in Cheektowaga will notice fresh-cut produce right at the entrance.

The Mushroom Council is preparing for a late summer/fall campaign that spotlights how mushrooms are a nutritious, delicious and budget-friendly solution in the face of rising food prices.

Jonathan Charlton of UNFI sent us photos of some of his best summer produce displays for PMG's summer contest of the Produce Artist Award Series. What about you? Do it before the deadline!

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms will have its 9.8-ounce Mighty Blues jumbo blueberry pack available from all of its production regions this season, said Kasey Kelley, director of business development.

FreshDirect is starting its first loyalty program. The Bronx, N.Y.-based company trucks deliver fresh produce and groceries directly to homes across metropolitan New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

Albertsons Cos. earnings call reveals shoppers are opting for lower-cost versions of what they what, but they’re still willing to spend on certain categories: ready-made meals, organic and convenience.

Listen to the "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode, watch the video interview and read the story: Consumers want functional beverages, so Bolthouse Farms finalized the purchase of a juice brand from Starbucks.

Back-to-school marketing and promotions in the produce retail world has begun for 2022.

The Salisbury, N.C.-based grocer is bringing local produce even closer to home with its continually expanding Local Goodness program.

Kansas City, Kan.-based Associated Wholesale Grocers is partnering with DoorDash to offer on-demand grocery delivery solutions to independent grocers through the DoorDash marketplace app and website.

Aldi, Amazon and Target have the fastest-growing private label brands, but despite perception, low-income households buy private labels the least.

As single-use, plastic packaging increasingly comes under fire, grocers are taking notice, introducing new packaging options and doing what they can to educate shoppers about their choices in the produce aisle.

While the COVID-19 pandemic drags on for the foreseeable future, Tops Friendly Markets is expanding its contactless options to customers.

Hy-Vee’s executive board will change this fall — including a new CEO.

Learn about the findings in a survey of more than 1,000 shoppers conducted in the third quarter of 2022 by stor.ai, a digital commerce service provider.

The Giant Co. of Carlisle, Pa., has made five key leadership appointments.

Buying fresh produce in-store — contactless— just got easier at more Tops Friendly Markets locations.

After diverting 430,000 pounds of food and saving shoppers thousands of dollars, the Cleveland-based grocer will expand the Flashfood program to 140 more stores.

The deadline is August 12 to send us your nomination for 2022 Produce Retailer of the Year. Share the good news of who rocks in your world.

Ohio-based retail giant Kroger is seeking to strengthen its position in grocery delivery.

U.S. grocery food inflation is expected to top 10% in 2022, the USDA reported in an updated Food Price Outlook report.

The Matthews, N.C.-based grocer partnered with Virginia Produce to support students pursuing careers in production agriculture.

Carlisle, Pa.-based The Giant Co. donated $1.1 million to the Rodale Institute by raising money in the Healing Our Planet campaign.

Thirteen produce partners provided 825,000 meals to local food banks through Feeding America when Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix ran its 20th Produce for Kids cause marketing campaign.