Walmart and Symbotic Expand Partnership to Implement Industry-Leading Automation System

Symbotic LLC, a revolutionary A.I.-powered supply chain technology company, and Walmart Inc. announced an expanded commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotics and software automation platform in all 42 of Walmart’s regional distribution centers over the coming years. This is an expansion of Walmart’s prior commitment to deploy Symbotic Systems in 25 regional distribution centers.

The end-to-end software-enabled high-density robotics platform plays a strategic role in supporting the retailer’s goal of modernizing its vast supply chain network and allows Walmart to transform its regional distribution...

Kroger Announces Second Year of Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator

America's largest grocery retailer, The Kroger Co. today announced the second year of its groundbreaking Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator, a program designed to enhance and accelerate the selection of local items sold in the Kroger Family of Companies. The program provides a pathway to entry for local businesses of all sizes by allowing American-based growers and producers the chance to work directly with the retailer. Through the Supplier Accelerator, Kroger is continuing to expand its fresh departments – including produce, deli, bakery, meat, seafood, dairy, specialty cheeses, and...

Cargill Expands RadiPure® Pea Protein into the META & India Markets 

As more consumers aim to add plant-based foods to their diets, Cargill is expanding RadiPure® pea protein in Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META) & India, a move that will help food and beverage manufacturers in the region respond to evolving marketplace trends.

"No individual protein source can solely feed the world. While consumers are looking for alternatives to increase their protein intake, they do not want to compromise on taste and texture. Our RadiPure® pea protein helps us meet this growing demand in the market," Banu Oksun...

NCBA and PLC Welcome Expansion of ELAP

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) welcome the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to cover a portion of the costs incurred from the transportation of livestock to feed sources.

“We are appreciative that the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) listened to requests from producers who are suffering through the continued impact of multiple years of unprecedented drought and skyrocketing input costs. We are also grateful for the efforts of Senator..."

Yum China Expands Share Repurchase Authorization by $1 Billion

Yum China Holdings, Inc. today reported that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has increased the Company's share repurchase authorization by $1 billion to an aggregate of $2.4 billion.

From 2017 to March 16, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 24 million shares of common stock for $971 million, including approximately 4 million shares repurchased for $188 million quarter-to-date 2022. This increase brings the total remaining authorization to approximately $1.4 billion.

"The Board's approval to expand our share repurchase program reflects the strength of..."

Marco's Pizza® Inks 46-Store Phoenix Agreement

Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces a 46-store development agreement that will bring new stores to the Phoenix metro market over the next six years. This development news contributes to the brand's overall growth goal of 1,500 units by 2023, as Marco's sets sights on becoming the No. 4 brand in pizza.

Behind this development agreement is 11-year Marco's area representative and franchisee Robert Pina, who joined the brand in 2011 in Houston, Texas. He currently oversees development in Houston and San Antonio with his...

Blaze Pizza Signs New Franchise Agreement to Propel Expansion Across Tennessee

Blaze Pizza, the nation's leading fast-casual franchise pizza concept, announced today the signing of a new franchise agreement to expand the brand's presence across Chattanooga, bringing three new units to southern Tennessee. The news comes at an exciting period of development fueled by an impressive year for the fast-growing pizza franchise. Throughout 2021, Blaze Pizza achieved significant nationwide growth with the opening of 14 new restaurants in key target markets including Texas, Florida, Nevada, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia and California. The company's investments in operational efficiencies coupled...

NCBA Pleased to See Next Steps in Processing Capacity Funding

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of up to $215 million in grants and resources as part of a continued effort to strengthen the meat and poultry processing sector and create a more resilient food supply chain. NCBA appreciates the Administration’s efforts to expand and diversify processing capacity and looks forward to working with USDA to ensure proper implementation of the funds...

East Coast Wings + Grill Signs Franchise Partners to Expand in Northern Virginia

East Coast Wings + Grill, a full-service and family-dining restaurant renowned for its variety of buffalo wing sauces and heat indexes, announced Lisa and David Ware III will join the franchise system after signing a single-unit franchise agreement to open a restaurant in Northern Virginia.

Lisa Ware, who is a school counselor with an area school system, and David Ware III, who is an IT consultant, chose ECW+G because they felt there wasn't a good restaurant option in their community to order...

GrubMarket Acquires Oakport Transportation to Expand Transportation and Logistics Capabilities 

GrubMarket today announced it has completed the acquisition of Oakland, CA-based Oakport Transportation, a provider of comprehensive trucking and logistics services that stores and ships produce throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Nevada, plus selected routes throughout the rest of the U.S. for certain seasonal items. GrubMarket will leverage Oakport's facilities and logistics networks to address the supply chain challenges introduced by recent trucking shortages, route congestion and skyrocketing consumer demand for fresh food.

The timing of this acquisition is of paramount importance. The coronavirus pandemic has...

Predictive Grocery Delivery Service Jupiter Expands to California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington

Jupiter, the predictive grocery delivery company, today launched across California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington after a successful pilot in the San Francisco Bay Area. The expansion increases Jupiter’s potential customer base by more than 7x, with the opportunity to reach more than 11 million households across the Western United States.

Jupiter is the next generation of grocery delivery, tackling the mounting numbers of hours spent finding recipes, meal planning, and grocery shopping. Jupiter’s goal is to streamline the process, relieve pressure on the people responsible for putting food...

UNFI to Expand Grocery and Delivery Service for Independent Retailers with DoorDash Relationship

United Natural Foods, Inc., today announced it has entered into a reseller agreement with DoorDash, the nation’s leading last-mile logistics platform, to bring on-demand grocery delivery solutions to independent retailers nationwide through the DoorDash marketplace.

UNFI’s arrangement with DoorDash will give local grocers the opportunity to leverage the DoorDash platform to build an ecommerce and delivery offering that meets the needs of their customer base while enabling UNFI to expand its end-to-end and last-mile-delivery services to its suite of...