Latest News From PMG Retailer Insight

Caruso Foods unveils strategy for fresh food industry
Caruso Foods unveils strategy for fresh food industry

Jeff Burt, president and chief operating officer of Caruso USA, highlighted Caruso Foods' commitment to industry demands, emphasizing quality and innovation in a recent interview with The Packer.

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.

SpartanNash implements new food traceability program
SpartanNash implements new food traceability program

SpartanNash now enables the real-time exchange of food traceability data across its suppliers, distribution centers, company stores and independent grocer customers.

Publix opens its first Kentucky store
Publix opens its first Kentucky store

The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer has opened its first store in Kentucky, entering its eighth state of operation, with a 55,701-square-foot Louisville store.

Walmart teams up with Denali to tackle food waste at retail
Walmart teams up with Denali to tackle food waste at retail

The retail giant's partnership aims to provide food waste recycling at its 4,700 stores across the U.S., seeking to divert millions of pounds of food waste from landfills.

Price Chopper/Market 32 to use Invafresh AI forecasting to fight food waste
Price Chopper/Market 32 to use Invafresh AI forecasting to fight food waste

Now using the cloud, Invafresh helps Price Chopper/Market 32 forecast, replenish orders, plan production and manage inventory by integrating in-store production data into the AI-enhanced Fresh Retail Platform.

The Giant Co. puts money toward young farmers
The Giant Co. puts money toward young farmers

Celebrating National Farmers Day on Oct. 12, The Giant Co. of Carlisle, Pa., said it will donate $20,000 to agriculture education programs growing future generations of food and agriculture leaders.

Meijer registered dietitian: Think you know everything about pears?
Meijer registered dietitian: Think you know everything about pears?

Here are some “pear”ed-down facts and tips about this favorite fruit.

Why this guy won PMG’s 2023 Produce Retailer of the Year
Why this guy won PMG’s 2023 Produce Retailer of the Year

Joseph Bunting of United Supermarkets in Texas has been at it a while now, and he’s impressed quite a few people along the way. Dive into the details and find yourself inspired.

Giant Food florists weave Preakness Stakes winner horse blankets
Giant Food florists weave Preakness Stakes winner horse blankets

When Kathleen Marvel took a job as supermarket florist, she didn’t expect her creations would be seen on TV by millions worldwide.

How produce prescriptions work at Giant Food
How produce prescriptions work at Giant Food

Leslie Jefferson, a certified nutrition specialist and community health manager at Giant Food, expands what food-as-medicine means for a grocery store by factoring in equal access to healthy opportunities for all.

Giant Food’s produce approach to destination retail
Giant Food’s produce approach to destination retail

Your supermarket has to be a destination for fresh, says Robert Nickels, who spearheads category management, procurement and merchandising of fresh produce and floral for Giant Food.

Albertsons Cos. adds budget tracker, cooking mode to Meal Plan tools
Albertsons Cos. adds budget tracker, cooking mode to Meal Plan tools

The meal plan feature includes a budget tracker, an expanded library of more than 8,000 exclusive recipes, shoppable ingredient lists and hands-free cooking mode with step-by-step timer.

Kroger, Albertsons to divest with C&S Wholesale Grocers to advance merger
Kroger, Albertsons to divest with C&S Wholesale Grocers to advance merger

In a move to advance the Kroger-Albertsons merger, the retailers have entered an agreement to divest with C&S Wholesale Grocers, selling 413 stores, eight distribution centers, two offices and five private-label brands.

Walmart gives GenAI power to all store associates
Walmart gives GenAI power to all store associates

This is what Walmart rolled out to tens of thousands of store associates and how it will affect their jobs.

Encouraged by strong Q2, SpartanNash tees up new strategy
Encouraged by strong Q2, SpartanNash tees up new strategy

The Michigan-based food solutions company is advancing its long-term strategic plan and repositioning its go-to-market strategy in the second half of 2023, encouraged by strong second-quarter earnings.

Harmons roasts hatch chilies with hoopla
Harmons roasts hatch chilies with hoopla

Shoppers can sample and purchase hatch chilies products as part of the 15th annual Chile Roast event.

Trader Joe’s podcast answers burning questions with CEO Q&A
Trader Joe’s podcast answers burning questions with CEO Q&A

Are Trader Joe’s employees really told to flirt with shoppers? How is it so fun to work there? Why have the two CEOs stayed so long? CEO Bryan Palbaum and company President and Vice CEO Jon Basalone answer.

Armand Lobato
How well are you serving your senior shoppers?

When the senior bus rolls up, some clerks scoff at or avoid helping these customers. That's unfortunate, because there should be more consideration for the needs of this growing segment, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Why The Giant Co.'s Breanna Norris is one of the nation's best produce managers
Why The Giant Co.'s Breanna Norris is one of the nation's best produce managers

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — Dana Barnett rolled his shopping cart by the blueberries at The Giant Co.’s produce department, pausing to lean toward Produce Manager Breanna “Bre” Norris.

The Fresh Market: Prepare for pumpkin-mania (and apples, other squash)
The Fresh Market: Prepare for pumpkin-mania (and apples, other squash)

In the race to promote the produce of the next holiday or season, The Fresh Market takes first prize for fall 2023. You can bet there'll be pumpkins at this party.

Kroger data company report offers peek into the omnichannel shopper
Kroger data company report offers peek into the omnichannel shopper

What brand loyalty? Constrained budgets increase deal-seeking behavior and the importance of a seamless omnichannel experience. There’s more, of course.

 Whole Foods Market’s impact report underscores vision to be a 'force for good'
Whole Foods Market’s impact report underscores vision to be a 'force for good'

The natural and organic grocer’s impact report is showcasing achievements in reducing carbon footprint, agriculture, responsible sourcing and supporting employees.

How to sell bell peppers, according to a Rouses Markets registered dietitian
How to sell bell peppers, according to a Rouses Markets registered dietitian

Many of the shoppers retail dietitian April Sins speaks with don’t realize what a great source bell peppers are for vitamin C.

SpartanNash to gather indie grocers at annual Food Solutions Expo
SpartanNash to gather indie grocers at annual Food Solutions Expo

SpartanNash's largest-ever Food Solutions Expo showcases supply chain and merchandising transformations, enhanced independent customer support services and ongoing focus on customer success.

Retailer recipe for kiwi: Fresh Thyme Market
Retailer recipe for kiwi: Fresh Thyme Market

We know companies provide recipes for the products they sell. So, let's spotlight some good ones we see from produce retailers.

Why Target’s Lisa Roath appointment matters to grocery
Why Target’s Lisa Roath appointment matters to grocery

Roath's promotion comes as mass retailers such as Target and Walmart are already gaining on traditional grocery retailers for the consumer’s share of food shopping.

The Giant Co. puts $200K toward making food system more resilient
The Giant Co. puts $200K toward making food system more resilient

Pennsylvania agriculture officials and Carlisle, Pa.-based The Giant Co. leaders toured nonprofit, community-based York Fresh Food Farm, which helps some of the million-plus Pennsylvanians experiencing food insecurity.

The Fresh Market showcases local produce, meal solutions for 41st anniversary
The Fresh Market showcases local produce, meal solutions for 41st anniversary

The specialty food retailer is also offering a gift card promotion and sharing the stories behind products that make its brand special.

Q&A: Steve Mayer, new president of Bashas’
Q&A: Steve Mayer, new president of Bashas’

Chandler, Ariz.-based Bashas’ new president, Steve Mayer, talks about his career, the supermarket and its banners, prioritizing produce, differentiation, foodservice at retail and other goals he has in store.

More than 1,300 Publix stores join 13 produce brands for Produce for Kids campaign
More than 1,300 Publix stores join 13 produce brands for Produce for Kids campaign

Healthy Family Project’s 21st Publix Produce for Kids campaign helps secure 775,000 meals for families in Publix communities.

The Giant Co. dietitians spotlight summer produce in virtual classes
The Giant Co. dietitians spotlight summer produce in virtual classes

To take advantage of the bounty of produce available in July, dietitians from The Giant Co., Carlisle, Pa., created a bevy of free virtual classes to give shoppers related buying and cooking tips.

How to prevent produce department pitfalls, (almost) literally
How to prevent produce department pitfalls, (almost) literally

Learn these tips to avoid a crushed ankle or bloody thumb in the supermarket backroom, warehouse or produce aisle.

The Giant Co. shoppers 'rounded up' to grant $300,000 for Healing the Planet program
The Giant Co. shoppers 'rounded up' to grant $300,000 for Healing the Planet program

In partnership with keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the retailer’s funding to 23 recipients goes toward projects focused on food waste prevention, reduction and recovery.

Bashas’ names new president, unveils new headquarters
Bashas’ names new president, unveils new headquarters

Steve Mayer was promoted to president of Bashas’ Operating Cos., announced June 14, at a grand opening ceremony that also celebrated Bashas’ new headquarters in Chandler, Ariz.

GrubMarket to help disadvantaged farmers get organic certification
GrubMarket to help disadvantaged farmers get organic certification

The process for gaining organic certification can be long, hard and financially unfeasible for many growers, so San Francisco-based food-tech firm GrubMarket is working on helping, starting in California.

IFPA seeks nominations for Retail Merchant Innovation Awards
IFPA seeks nominations for Retail Merchant Innovation Awards

It’s time for the International Fresh Produce Association to recognize retail leaders who show passion and purpose through innovative strategies to drive produce consumption.

Albertsons Cos. consolidates brands under Signature Select name
Albertsons Cos. consolidates brands under Signature Select name

The grocer has launched a new creative campaign, logo and packaging to celebrate 60 years of the brand, which includes packaged salads.

These 15 retail produce managers win IFPA award
These 15 retail produce managers win IFPA award

The 2023 Retail Produce Managers Award Program recognizes 15 produce managers nationwide for their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction.

Walmart creates summer grilling basket deal for 12 — cheaper than in 2022
Walmart creates summer grilling basket deal for 12 — cheaper than in 2022

Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Walmart has deepened its price cuts for summer grilling promotions, including fresh produce favorites.

ShopRite launches two more fresh-meal stores inside Klein’s Family Markets
ShopRite launches two more fresh-meal stores inside Klein’s Family Markets

The new concept features a convenient store-within-a-store format with a variety of fresh, on-trend meal options featuring fresh produce.

'Tip of the Iceberg Podcast' — Live, shoppable videos at The Fresh Market? Yes, it's a thing
'Tip of the Iceberg Podcast' — Live, shoppable videos at The Fresh Market? Yes, it's a thing

Learn how an award-winning partnership between The Fresh Market and Firework is inspiring shoppers to buy produce and other grocery ingredients while attending live virtual cooking events.

This AI-powered, grocery-shoppable livestream video will be ‘always on'
This AI-powered, grocery-shoppable livestream video will be ‘always on'

Video commerce platform Firework has released a beta version of possibly the first-ever generative, artificial intelligence live-shopping solution — and the pilot program is with a grocery retailer.

Community responds after supermarket founder Stew Leonard Sr. dies
Community responds after supermarket founder Stew Leonard Sr. dies

More than 4,645 people in the community — from former employees, longtime shoppers, family, colleagues and friends — posted tributes within two days after the death of the Northeastern grocer founder.

These are 5 things ShopRite is doing toward sustainability
These are 5 things ShopRite is doing toward sustainability

Learn about the five specific areas of the grocery retailer’s sustainability and conservation efforts.

H-E-B launches more fresh-focused convenience stores, plus taco shop cafes
H-E-B launches more fresh-focused convenience stores, plus taco shop cafes

The gas station H-E-B convenience stores are being rebranded as H-E-B Fresh Bites, offering on-the-go customers fresh produce and convenient meal options.

3 things to know about Loblaw's new CEO and president
3 things to know about Loblaw's new CEO and president

Per Bank will be the president and CEO of Loblaw Cos. Ltd., a Canadian supermarket chain and distributor headquartered in Brampton, Ontario.

These are the top 3 grocery stores, Market Force says
These are the top 3 grocery stores, Market Force says

The market research firm surveyed grocery shoppers on factors affecting their choice of store, ranking the stores with the most favorable outcomes. Hint: Trader Joe's found the top of several lists.

5 ways Tops Markets prioritizes Earth-friendliness
5 ways Tops Markets prioritizes Earth-friendliness

The northeastern grocery chain keeps making changes that benefit the planet, from biodegradable potato bags and kinder cleaners to electric vehicle charging stations, solar power and compressed natural gas trucks.

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Kroger: Earth Day, what? We’re doing Earth Month

The grocer gives back with a shopper-matching donation program, inviting consumers to join efforts to protect wildlife at the cash register with a topping-off strategy.