Big Mac Goes Big Tech, with a Few Hiccups
When McDonald’s first opened for business in the 1940s, its workers stood at physical counters, its burgers and fries were listed on paper menus, and its customers paid cash to its human cashiers.
How quaint.
Today technology so infuses every aspect of McDonald's business that it would only be a slight exaggeration to call it a tech company that happens to sell burgers.
McDonald's mobile app; its human-less, order-taking kiosks; its digitized menus that change based on trends, the weather and more; and even its generative AI - together...
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Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 7 - Meet Us in Las Vegas for the 48th Executive Conference
Join us at the 48th annual Executive Conference in Las Vegas, April 14-16! Featuring special guests: Russ Whitman and Chris Fastiggi.
Kroger Delivers Convenience and Fresh for Springtime Travelers
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"Whether you're planning a road trip to visit family and friends, gearing up for relaxation on the beach or seeking thrills at your favorite theme park, we look forward to connecting more customers to Kroger Delivery," said Rebekah Manis, Senior Director, Kroger Delivery Fulfillment Centers. "Our service enables us to meet our customers' needs during special moments like family vacations, providing exceptional friendly service from...
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Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Assets from Tyson Foods, Inc
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DoorDash Expands Food Access for SNAP Customers With New Grocery Partners
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Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Budget Enhances Economic Prosperity for Millions of Americans Living in Rural Areas
The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy...
Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products
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The RTE breakfast burrito items were produced on February 29, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Import Cargo Returning to Normal After Red Sea Disruptions
With the supply chain adjusting to ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
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Q4 Trends Report: Catering Orders Surge with New Digital Ordering Channels, Food & Alcohol Insights
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Circana Report Reveals Private Brands Surge Amidst Inflation
Supporting shoppers by investing in innovation and promotions is key for retailers.
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America's Low-Price Leader ALDI Expands Footprint Nationwide with 800 New Stores by the End of 2028
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Founded in 1968, Concord Foods is a leading supplier of custom ingredients and retail food products, serving nationally recognized supermarkets, food service operators and food manufacturers...
United Natural Foods Names Giorgio Matteo Tarditi President and Chief Financial Officer
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Whole Foods Market to Open Smaller Format Stores as Part of Ongoing Expansion
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ANALYSIS: Egg Market Faces Shifting Dynamics and Challenges as Easter Approaches
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Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 6 - Record High Cattle Prices, Feat. Special Guest
Scott Ferguson Steps Down From US Foods Board of Directors, Noting Confidence in Company Leadership
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Illinois Senator Proposes Cage-Free Law
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Perdue Farms Welcomes Todd Tillemans as New Chief Commercial Officer to Drive Growth and Innovation
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USDA and University of Georgia Break Ground on New Agriculture Research Facility in Tifton, Georgia
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Kinzie Capital Partners Announces the Acquisition of Arctic Industries
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Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Highlights
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Instacart and Hy-Vee Partner to Meet Growing Demand for Same-Day Delivery
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Instacart's Fulfillment as a Service offering makes it easy for retailers to plug Instacart fulfillment technology into their existing e-commerce via API, seamlessly integrating with their storefronts and brand identity. Retailers can choose from flexible options, including...
USDA Announces $270 Million Awarded to Build Food Supply Chain Resiliency
Secretary Vilsack visits with state agriculture leaders at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference to highlight grant funding available through federal-state partnerships
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Canada Concerned That VCOOL Rule and Prop 12 Could Disrupt Supply Chains
Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington D.C. last month to discuss strengthening agricultural ties between the two countries.
During their meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary country-of-origin labeling (VCOOL) regulations for meat and livestock. These regulations along with California's Proposition 12 could restrict trade and disrupt supply chains, said the Minister.
The USDA proposed a rule last March that allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on...
Publix Vice President to Retire; New Vice President Announced
After 45 years of dedicated service, Publix Vice President of Customer Experience Bob Bechtel announced his decision to retire March 31.
“Bob has spent his career focusing on customer service,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “Through his leadership and efforts, he has helped our associates provide a premier shopping environment that has exceeded our customers’ expectations and helped create raving fans at Publix. We thank Bob for his many years of service to Publix and wish him the best in his retirement.”...
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The National Chicken Council (NCC) projects chicken wing consumption for Super Bowl LVIII at 1.45 billion wings, unchanged from last year's record level. Americans are more likely to prefer eating bone-in wings (53%) than boneless wings, based on the NCC’s survey findings.
Urner Barry's jumbo wing values...
Kroger Announces CFO Transition
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"Todd is a proven leader who has served in key finance roles and has contributed meaningfully to Kroger's growth and transformation over more than 20 years," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman...
Cargill “Protein Profile” Finds Shrinking, Time-Strapped U.S. Households Demand Easier Meal Options
Annual trends report reveals top industry insights, including consumers’ desire for more diverse and globally inspired foods on their menus
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Save A Lot Partners with Swiftly to Bring World-Class Digital Capabilities to its Retailers
The partnership will help drive advertising revenue, provide customers with budget-friendly savings and boost growth opportunities for supplier partners
Swiftly, a leading provider of innovative technology tools and solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Save A Lot, one of the country's largest discount grocery chains. This collaboration aims to expand Save A Lot's digital footprint while enhancing customer, supplier and retail media engagement. Swiftly, uniquely positioned as the best technology provider suited for Save A Lot's independent owner model, brings expertise and resources...
Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
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Each year, NPFDA recognizes individuals for a lifetime of contributions to the protein industry. Perdue is the 33rd recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, joining his dad, Frank Perdue, who was the first person recognized in 1991.
“My grandfather, Arthur W. Perdue, built our business on quality, integrity and trust, and my father...
NRF Economist Says Labor Market and Interest Rates Will Play Major Roles in 2024
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Amazon Could Face Government Order Making It Liable for Third-Party Products
Order from Consumer Product Safety Commission could classify company as a distributor, giving it the same safety responsibilities as traditional retailers
Amazon.com is facing a government order that could make it responsible for the safety of goods that it sells for outside vendors on its website and ships for them through its logistics network.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing an order that could classify Amazon's online retail business as a distributor of goods, according to people familiar with the matter. That designation could give Amazon...
Hormel Foods Announces the Retirement of Mark Coffey, Group Vice President of Supply Chain
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Mark Coffey, group vice president of supply chain. The company announced that Steve Lykken, group vice president of Jennie-O Turkey Store, will advance to group vice president of supply chain. In this role, Lykken will lead the company's One Supply Chain organization, including procurement, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, research and development, quality management and plant operations.
"Mark has been a highly respected and impactful leader over his almost...
CJ Logistics America to Open New Cold Storage Warehouse in Georgia
CJ Logistics America will be opening a brand new, state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in Gainesville, Georgia. This development project is being led by RL Cold, a leader in the cold storage development industry. The 270,000 square foot building will feature Alta EXPERT Refrigeration Systems and QFM blast freezing, the latest evolution in QuickFreeze technology.
“Our customers have come to expect a seamless experience at every step of the supply chain,” said CJ Logistics America CEO Kevin Coleman. “This new warehouse, coupled with our integrated transportation...
Foodie Card Acquires The Forking Group Agency
Foodie Card, Inc. is excited to announce the acquisition of The Forking Group Agency, a New York-based media agency founded by Genna Apfel in 2020. Foodie Card has been offering marketing services to restaurants since its inception in 2018 and acquired The Forking Group in July 2023. This acquisition reinforces Foodie Card's founding mission to support independent restaurant businesses in the Tri-State Area and beyond.
"We are thrilled to introduce this expansion of our organization as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation on behalf of the independent restaurant community...
Instacart Expands Online SNAP Acceptance to Reach 96% of SNAP Households Nationwide
Instacart , the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced a series of retail expansions that will allow customers to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop online for groceries for same-day delivery from Food City, Gordon Food Service, Hy-Vee, Schnucks, and additional Kroger banners including Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Marianos, Metro Market, Pick n' Save, Smith's and QFC. The new retail expansions help make groceries more accessible to more SNAP families, allowing...
USDA Partners with Minnesota to Award Over $9.5 Mln to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Minnesota under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Minnesota are working together to offer over $9.5 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Minnesota is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through April 3, 2024.
In May 2023, USDA announced the availability of up to $420...
Rise of Ketogenic Dietary Preference Spurs High Protein Launches in Asia, says GlobalData
Growing awareness of the significance of a ketogenic diet for weight loss and weight management is driving consumers to read labels and ingredient lists when shopping for food and drinks. Brands are therefore focusing on innovations to keep up with changing consumer demands for high protein products, says to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Parthasaradhi Reddy, Consumer Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Health is an important motivator for Asian shoppers when buying food and drinks, given the high obesity levels and the need for...
Maersk Appoints Charles van der Steene as New Regional President for North America
Maersk is beefing up its executive leadership team with the appointment of Charles van der Steene as the new Regional President for North America. A long time employee of Maersk, van der Steene is set to step into his new role on February 1, 2024.
“Charles has a proven track record and enjoys great respect among our North American customers and within the Maersk organization as a natural collaborator and leader,” commented Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc. “North America is our number one market...
The Retail Rundown: Touching Down on Super Bowl Spending
The retail sector is touching down on the first major retail food-buying occasion of the year—the Super Bowl. The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will take place on Sunday, February 11th and grocers have plenty to celebrate ahead of what could be a record-smashing milestone for sales.
A record 200.5 million viewers are expected to tune in to Super Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Collective spending on food, drinks, apparel, decorations, and other purchases could hit $17.3 billion, also...
US Foods Reaches Agreement With Illinois Union To End Strike
Early this month reports began circulating that US Foods employees in the Teamsters Local Union No. 705 in Chicago were preparing to strike. US Foods has now confirmed that they have reached a “fully recommended tentative agreement” with the union representing the company’s drivers.
Local 705’s contract at US Foods expired on December 29. A few days later Teamsters Local Union 705 signed a charge against US Foods, stating “refusal to bargain” and “bad faith bargaining.” Local 705 Secretary-Treasurer Juan Campos, while on a worksite...
Super Bowl 2024: Total Spending Expected To Reach Record $17.3 Billion For Chiefs vs. 49ers Game
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are heading to the Super Bowl this year. The two teams are set to face off against each other in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11. And while there could be a debate as to whether people are tuning in for the actual game or just Taylor Swift sightings, the National Retail Federation (NRF) says that 200.5 million adults plan to watch.
According to the latest consumer spending data from NRF and Proper Insights & Analytics...
United Natural Foods Expands Supply Chain Evolution with A.I.-Powered Warehouse Automation System
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (the “Company” or “UNFI”) today announced plans to implement an A.I.-powered robotic automation system in its soon-to-be-completed distribution center (DC), in Manchester, PA. This advanced system, manufactured by Symbotic, is the second installation for UNFI and part of the Company’s commitment to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its distribution center network. Once installed, UNFI expects the system to enhance the customer experience, improve quality and service to customers, increase capacity within its facilities, and lower...
Two US-flagged Maersk Ships Turn Around in Red Sea After Explosions
Shipping company Maersk said on Wednesday two U.S.-flagged vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait northbound had turned around after seeing explosions nearby.
The vessels and crew were unharmed and were being escorted back to the Gulf of Aden by the U.S. Navy, Maersk said.
GS Foods Group Acquires Diamond Foods – Expanding Operations in Louisiana
GS Foods Group, Inc. (“GS Foods”), a world-class foodservice partner owned by affiliates of Highview Capital, LLC (“Highview”) and A&M Capital Partners (“AMCP”), today announced its acquisition of Diamond Foods, a regional K-12 food distributor based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A leader in food service distribution and product solutions, GS Foods has nearly 50 years of experience meeting the unique needs of its customers nationwide. By integrating Diamond Foods into their operations in Louisiana, GS Foods builds on its recent acquisition of Lamm Foods...
Divert Hires Bob Watkins as Chief Information Office
Divert, Inc., an impact technology company on a mission to Protect the Value of Food™, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Bob Watkins as Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Watkins brings over 25 years of global experience to his role at Divert. Throughout his career, he’s worked with startups to Fortune 50 companies and across a range of industries including medical devices, electronics, materials, engineering and manufacturing. His leadership experience heading up teams across multiple functions includes information technology, supply chain, product marketing and engineering...
The Retail Rundown: Packing on the Protein
The retail space is packing on the protein as grocers promote healthy eating campaigns and hearty options like roasts during the wintry woes endured by much of the country in recent weeks.
For the second week in a row, seafood features take the top spot with 30.7% of retail buying opportunities. Pork climbed to second place with 23.7% of ad space, followed by beef with 20.4%. Chicken feature volume stands at 19% this week, up two points from the week prior. Turkey saw a slight decrease to 3.7% while eggs held...
USDA Partners with Illinois to Award Over $5 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Illinois under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Illinois are working together to offer over $5 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Illinois is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through March 15, 2024.
Wendy's Launches Portable Bacon Perfection with New Hearty Breakfast Burrito
Busy mornings demand a hearty breakfast! Introducing Wendy's® newest morning delight: the Breakfast Burrito. Available starting today, in select regions, Wendy's has expertly crafted a delectable combination of freshly made, quality breakfast favorites, all wrapped up for a satisfying breakfast on the go.
The new Breakfast Burrito is loaded with all the best parts of Wendy's breakfast menu. It includes two fresh cracked eggs and six strips of oven baked, applewood smoked bacon – the same amount of bacon found on the iconic Baconator®! But there's more...
Kroger CIO Discusses Digital Innovation Trends for Grocery Retail in 2024
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today shared Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Senior Vice President (SVP) Yael Cosset joined Sucharita Kodali, Vice President at Forrester Research, this week at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Big Show for a conversation on Kroger's digital journey and how that transformation impacts customers and associates.
"We continue to invest in our digital transformation journey by enhancing our customer and associate experiences, recognizing that both are equally impactful to gaining loyalty and earning our customer's...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 4 - Don't Mess With Farmers
Jamie and Simon cover farmer protests in Germany, winter weather impacts on food markets, and the global shipping crisis. Listen Now!
Wakefern Food Corp. Names Chief Sales Officer
Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners, today announced the appointment of a new chief sales officer to the leadership team.
Darren Caudill, who joins the cooperative this week, brings over four decades of experience working in both grocery wholesale and retail. As Wakefern’s new chief sales officer, he will head up center store, own brands, fresh and prepared foods departments along with digital and innovation...
Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Pat Schwab, Vice President of Retail Sales - East
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Pat Schwab, vice president of Retail Sales – East. The company announced that Darren Carter, vice president of sales strategy at Hormel Foods, will advance to vice president of Retail Sales – East, replacing Schwab in this role. Carter will oversee the sales functions for all retail customers throughout the Eastern half of the United States.
"Pat has been a tremendous leader for our company and has...
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