April Retail Sales Grew With Consumers ‘Taking Higher Prices in Stride’

Consumers accustomed to inflation continued to spend in April as retail sales overcame higher prices to show both monthly and year-over-year increases, the National Retail Federation said today.

“April retail sales demonstrate consumer strength and willingness to spend despite persistent inflation, supply chain constraints, market volatility and global unrest,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “While consumers are facing higher prices, they are preserving their budgets by shopping smart. Retail businesses are also facing increased costs like higher energy bills and rents as well as the..."

Breakfast Bundle Deal from Natural Grocers®

Just in time for Mother's Day, shoppers in Springfield, MO, can stock up on breakfast staples at Natural Grocers®, with a delicious "$5 Breakfast Bundle" deal.

Moms have a special place at Natural Grocers. After all, the leading family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the U.S. was co-founded by Margaret Isely – a nurturing, passionate, progressive mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. Natural Grocers invites customers to come in and save on ways to pamper moms and celebrate with family.

BUY BACON & EGGS: GET THE PANCAKES FREE...

NRF Says Economy Should Continue ‘Bustling Forward’ as Fed Works to Bring Inflation Under Control

The economy’s fast-paced growth could slow somewhat as the Federal Reserve tries to bring inflation under control in the next few months, but consumers are likely to keep on shopping as lower inflation eases uncertainty, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“The Fed’s tightening has kicked off a new cycle of adjustment and the outlook for interest rates has consequences for consumers and businesses alike,” Kleinhenz said. “There is a growing list of uncertainties, and the risks are mounting. But underlying..."

Real Good Foods Highlights Another Consecutive Period of Strong Sales and Velocity Growth

The Real Good Food Company, Inc., an innovative, high-growth, branded, health- and wellness-focused frozen food company, today released the U.S. SPINS retail scanner performance data across all its products from the most recent period ending March 20th, 2022(1). For perspective, SPINS data captures consumption data in the Food, Drug and Mass retail channel, which represents approximately 50% of the Company's sales.

- The overall Frozen category (2) grew 5.8% over the four-week period.
- The Health & Wellness Frozen Food subcategory (2), which includes Health and...

U.S. Plant-Based Food Retail Sales Hit $7.4 Billion, Outpacing Total Retail Sales

Amidst turbulent economic conditions amplified by the pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation, new data released today by the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), The Good Food Institute (GFI), and SPINS, shows U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods grew 6.2% in 2021 over a record year of growth in 2020, bringing the total plant-based market value to an all-time high of $7.4 billion. Overall, plant-based food retail sales grew three times faster than total food retail sales, with most...

NRF Releases 2022 Top 50 Global Retailers

The National Retail Federation today released its annual list of the Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted with Kantar, the 2022 Top 50 Global Retailers list is a compilation of the 50 most impactful international retailers based on their operations at the start of 2021.

Walmart continues to be the world’s largest retailer, having made significant investments in omnichannel marketplaces, in-store services and fulfillment models. Holding on to the same rankings as 2021, Amazon.com came in second, Schwarz Group came in at No. 3 and Aldi came in fourth. Costco came in as...

February Retail Sales Rose Strongly Year-Over-Year While Monthly Pace Slowed Amid Inflation

Retail sales showed a strong year-over-year gain in February, but the monthly pace slowed compared with January as inflation drove up prices and lingering effects of the COVID-19 omicron variant affected the supply chain, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Retail sales data continues to show impressive consumer resilience,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Despite all that’s been thrown at them including inflation, supply chain constraints, market volatility and significant geopolitical events, consumers remain able and willing to spend... 

NRF Forecasts Annual Retail Sales to Grow Between 6 Percent and 8 Percent

The National Retail Federation today issued its annual forecast, anticipating that retail sales will grow between 6 percent and 8 percent to more than $4.86 trillion in 2022. The announcement was made during NRF’s annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual event where retail industry leaders discussed the strength of the consumer economy and the future of retail.

“NRF expects retail sales to increase in 2022, as consumers are ready to spend and have the resources to do so,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said...

White Castle Surpasses 6 Billion Retail Sliders Sold

White Castle, founded in 1921 and known as the nation's first fast-food hamburger chain, has recently achieved some major milestones in its retail division, further strengthening its position as a leader in the consumer packaged goods industry as well as in the restaurant industry.

The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have come in the past three years alone. The division is poised for continued...

Consumers Pull Back on Purchasing as Retail Prices Remain Elevated, Reports NPD

U.S. consumers have started to pull back on discretionary general merchandise purchases, but average selling prices continue at the pandemic’s elevated levels. Unit sales declined in excess of 8% for six consecutive weeks following the holiday shopping season, when compared to a year ago, according to The NPD Group. Despite higher prices, these unit declines kept retail sales revenue performance marginal, at best. The one exception so far in 2022 has been the pre-Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day week, ending February 12, which saw a...

January Retail Sales Overcome Omicron and Inflation to Show Strong Gains

Retail sales powered through COVID-19’s omicron variant, inflation and other challenges to post strong increases in January, the National Retail Federation said today.

“January’s numbers show that 2022 is starting very strong for consumers and retailers, especially on the heels of a record holiday season and record sales in 2021,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “While the year ahead has challenges with inflationary pressures, labor shortages, COVID-19 impacts and uncertainty related to international tensions in Russia and China, today’s numbers show that despite these..."

Tyson Foods Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein with leading brands including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair, today reported the First Quarter 2022 Results.

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Adjusted operating income and adjusted net income per share attributable to Tyson (Adjusted EPS) are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the end of this release for an explanation and reconciliation of these and other non-GAAP...

Fourth Quarter 2021 Revenue Grew 9% Over Last Year, While Overall Consumer Spending Grew 15%

U.S. consumer spending on general merchandise ended the year up 15% compared to 2020, with a 6% increase in unit sales. While the holiday shopping brought positive retail results, the early part of the year delivered more significant year-over-year gains. The fourth quarter of 2021 contributed 9% revenue growth and 1% unit growth over the prior year, according The NPD Group.

“Consumers’ grab-it-when-you-see-it mentality, especially related to pandemic-driven needs has not gone away..."

November Retail Sales Put Holiday Season on Track to Set New Records

Retail sales continued to grow in November, putting the 2021 holiday season on the home stretch for record spending despite inflation, supply chain disruptions and COVID-19, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Despite economic headwinds, November retail sales data confirms that consumers continue to spend, as demonstrated by a 14 percent increase in sales year-over-year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We expect demand will remain strong through December, even though consumers started holiday shopping earlier than ever this year. Despite the rise of..."

Real Good Foods Highlights Sales Growth and Velocity Acceleration in Retail Channel

The Real Good Food Company, Inc., an innovative, high-growth, branded, health- and wellness-focused frozen food company, today released U.S. SPINS retail scanner data for the most recent four week period ending November 28, 2021.(1) For perspective, SPINS data captures consumption data in the Food, Drug and Mass retail channel, which has historically represented approximately 50% of the Company's net sales.

- The overall Frozen Food category grew 7.1% over the period.
- The Health & Wellness Frozen Food subcategory grew 12.6% over the period...

Tyson Foods: Outpacing a Growing, Global Protein Market

Tyson Foods is a global protein leader with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands and a clear and compelling path to growth, company leaders told investors and analysts today during Tyson Foods’ virtual Investor Day.

Chairman John H. Tyson, President and CEO Donnie King and members of the company’s senior leadership team spoke at the event. They showcased Tyson Foods’ role as a leading protein company in a growing, global market; the company’s efforts to increase value-added and overall production capacity as part of a plan to drive accelerated volume and...

Hormel Foods Reports Record Fourth Quarter Sales And Earnings 

Hormel Foods Corporation, a leading global branded food company, today reported results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. The fourth quarter and full year of 2021 contain an extra week as compared to the prior year. All comparisons are to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 unless otherwise noted.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - FOURTH QUARTER

- Volume of 1.4 billion lbs., up 14%; organic volume1 up 8%
- Record net sales of $3.5 billion, up 43%; organic net sales1 up 32%
- Operating income of $358 million, up 29%
- Operating margin of 10.4%...

Kraft Heinz Announces Intention to Combine U.S. and Canada Businesses to Form the North America Zone

The Kraft Heinz Company announced today that it will combine its U.S. and Canada businesses to create the North America Zone, which is expected to be effective in the second fiscal quarter of 2022. The move is meant to advance the global food and beverage leader’s long-term, sustainable growth plans—which were first outlined at its Investor Day event in September 2020—by bringing increased agility to its innovation agenda, operations, and go-to-market approach. The Company’s U.S. and Canada businesses...

U.S. Pet Treat Sales Approach $10 Billion Mark

In its just-released report on Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S., Packaged Facts projects that U.S. retail sales of dog and cat treats will reach $9.87 billion by the end of 2021, after two years of double-digit increases.

Sales growth in treats has consistently outpaced the more mature pet food market and pet supplies in general, and this growth accelerated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Pet owners spending more time at home with their pets has translates into more opportunities for treat-giving,” notes Packaged Facts analyst...

Kroger Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results and Raises Full-Year Guidance

The Kroger Co. today reported its third quarter 2021 results and will update investors on how key initiatives are positioning the company for long-term sustainable growth.

Comments from Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen

"Kroger's strategy to lead with fresh and accelerate with digital continues to connect with our customers. Our agility, and the commitment from our amazing associates, is allowing us to navigate current labor and supply chain conditions and provide the freshest food at affordable prices across our store and digital ecosystem.

"Our focus on execution, combined..."

Discounter Market Set to Top £34 Billion as Sales Spring Back in 2022

From the lure of the middle aisle to the thrill of a bargain, Britain’s savvy shoppers are set to splash out £34.4 billion at food and non-food discounters in 2022—an annual increase of 6.6%—as the sector looks set to spring back to growth, benefiting from continued economic uncertainty.

Next year’s forecast return to growth will be much welcomed by the sector, as food and non-food discounter sales in 2021 are expected to drop to £32.3 billion, following a bumper 2020... 

In-store Retail Sales Rise to Pre-pandemic Levels, as E-Commerce Growth Slows, Reports NPD

The steady, gradual growth of e-commerce dramatically accelerated during the pandemic, elevating the amount consumers spent shopping online to almost equal the amount consumers spent in stores. Now, with brick-and-mortar stores open across the U.S., online revenue growth is slowing down. At the same time, physical store sales have increased, rising to 64% of all retail sales in September 2021, according to The NPD Group.

“Physical stores are more relevant today than they were before the pandemic,” said Marshal Cohen... 

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 41

On this week’s episode, UK beef market expert Mike Nesbitt discusses holiday demand for beef not meeting expectation, COVID fears affecting foodservice and retail, and more.

October Retail Sales Grew as Consumers Got an Early Start on Holiday Shopping

Retail sales rose in October as many consumers began holiday shopping early to avoid any shortages amid pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions that are dominating businesses and shoppers this holiday season, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Retail sales data for October reflects the enduring strength of consumers’ finances and willingness to spend as the holiday season gets underway,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The robust balance sheets of American households are being met by retailer preparation and hard work to provide products that consumers...

Tyson Foods Reports Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein with leading brands including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair, today reported the following results:

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Adjusted sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted net income per share attributable to Tyson (Adjusted EPS) are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the end of this release for an explanation and reconciliation of these and other non-GAAP...

Maple Leaf Foods Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

"Our meat protein business delivered exceptional results in the third quarter," said Michael H. McCain, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. "Our revenue grew by over 13% and our Adjusted EBITDA grew by 22%, driven by a 90 bps improvement in margin to 13.0%, the result of outstanding execution of our strategies to become the most sustainable protein company on earth. I am grateful for the tireless commitment of our teams who are..."

Pilgrim’s Pride Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results with Strong Growth in Sales and Adjusted EBITDA

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, one of the world's largest poultry producers, reports its third quarter 2021 financial results.

Third Quarter Highlights

- Net Sales of $3.83 billion, up 24% from prior year.
- Consolidated GAAP Operating Income margin of 3.2% with GAAP Operating Income margins of 2.9% in U.S., 11.5% in Mexico and marginally positive in Europe. Adjusted U.S. Operating Income margin of 8.2%.
- GAAP Net Income of $60.8 million. Adjusted Net Income of $162.5 million or adjusted EPS of $0.67...

NRF Predicts Highest Holiday Retail Sales on Record

Holiday spending has the potential to shatter previous records, as the National Retail Federation today forecast that holiday sales during November and December will grow between 8.5 percent and 10.5 percent over 2020 to between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a previous high of 8.2 percent in 2020 to $777.3 billion and an average increase of 4.4 percent over the past five years.

“There is considerable momentum heading into the holiday shopping season,” NRF President and CEO...

September Retail Sales Grew as Delta Variant Favored Spending on Goods Over Services

Retail sales increased again in September as worries about the COVID-19 delta variant pushed consumer spending toward merchandise rather than services like dining, entertainment or travel despite supply chain disruptions and inflation, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Today’s retail sales data confirms the sheer power of the consumer to spend, and we expect this to continue,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Despite persistent challenges related to the global pandemic, supply chain and labor shortages, retailers and their partners have shown resilience..."

Retail Sales Rise, Showing Strong Consumer Demand and Higher Inflation

Americans stepped up their spending in September, a sign of resilient demand and rising inflation as consumers head into the holiday shopping season.

Sales at retail stores, restaurants and online sellers rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in September from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday. The rise in sales reflects persistently strong demand and higher consumer prices.

Consumers, armed with stimulus payments and rising wages, have stepped up spending this year, shrugging off the Delta variant of Covid-19, the end of enhanced unemployment benefits and... 

General Mills Reports Fiscal 2022 First-Quarter Results

General Mills today reported results for the first quarter ended August 29, 2021.

“I’m proud of the way our team is performing in a dynamic and challenging operating environment,” said General Mills Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening. “Our strong execution in the first quarter enabled us to deliver top- and bottom-line results ahead of our expectations. We delivered these good results while continuing to advance our Accelerate strategy, including making important progress on portfolio reshaping in the quarter.”

General Mills is executing its Accelerate strategy to drive sustainable, profitable...

Blue Apron Files Registration Statement for Fully Backstopped Rights Offering

Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. today filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its previously announced proposed fully backstopped equity rights offering, which represents $45.0 million of its planned $78.0 million capital raise.

As part of the $78.0 million capital raise, the company previously disclosed a planned $30.0 million investment by RJB Partners LLC, an affiliate of Joseph N. Sanberg, and a $3.0 million investment by Matthew B. Salzberg, Blue Apron’s co-founder and former board chair, on the same terms as...

August Retail Sales Rise Despite 'Trifecta of Macroeconomic Headwinds'

Retail sales increased during August as consumer demand outweighed the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and other factors affecting spending, the National Retail Federation said today.

“The increase in August retail sales reflects the continued strength of the American consumer and the resilience of our nation’s retailers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “In spite of the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, concerns about the delta variant, and supply chain and workforce constraints, the retail industry continues to do what it does best – serve customers and support communities..."

Zoglo's Incredible Food Corp. to List Products with Leading North American Retail Co-operative

Zoglo's Incredible Food Corp. is pleased to announce the listing of its IncredibleTM plant-based product line with Calgary Co-operative Association Limited, solidifying its retail footprint in the Alberta market. The entirety of Zoglo's IncredibleTM line which includes consumer favourites such as chicken strips, meatballs, and burgers will be available in all 22 Calgary Co-op. supermarkets in the Calgary metropolitan area.

Calgary Co-op. is one of North America's largest retail co-operatives with over 440,000 members. They ranked 8th in sales among all...  

The Pandemic Lifted Average Retail Spending Per Shopping Occasion, Reports NPD

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the average amount U.S. consumers spend on each shopping occasion, whether it is a trip to a physical store or a visit to an online shopping site. Since reaching $34 in March of 2020, average shopping occasion spending has remained elevated at or above that amount through July 2021, according to The NPD Group. This increase is partially due to a general shift toward online purchasing, where average selling prices (ASPs) and the amount spent on each transaction...

The Factors Propelling Retail Food Sales Forward

Sales spiked significantly in 2020 (+14% from 2019 levels) due to the impact of the coronavirus, according to the update of Packaged Facts' benchmark coverage of retail food sales in Food Market Outlook 2021: Grocery Shopping, Home Cooking, & Food Preferences in the Waning Pandemic Period.

Consumers sharply curtailed dining out or using school cafeterias and instead did more grocery shopping to prepare and eat most meals and snacks at home. Going forward, retail grocery sales are projected to increase at a significantly lower rate in 2021 from this high base as...

Kroger Reports Second Quarter Results and Raises Full-Year 2021 Guidance

The Kroger Co. today reported its second quarter 2021 results and will update investors on how key initiatives are positioning the company for long-term sustainable growth.

Comments from Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen –

"Our strategic focus on leading with fresh and accelerating with digital continues to build momentum across our business. Kroger's seamless ecosystem is working. This was evident during the quarter as we saw customers seamlessly shift between channels, and we continued to see strong digital engagement. Customers are eating more food at home because...

Hormel Foods Reports Third Quarter Results and Updates Full Year Earnings Guidance Range

Hormel Foods Corporation, a leading global branded food company, today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2021. All comparisons are to the third quarter of fiscal 2020 unless otherwise noted.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – THIRD QUARTER

- Volume of 1.2 billion lbs., up 1%; organic volume1 down 2%
- Record net sales of $2.9 billion, up 20%; organic net sales1 up 14%
- Net sales growth from all four segments and all four sales channels
- Net sales up 25% compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels
- Operating income of...

Walmart Responds to Continued Growth by Hiring 20,000 Additional Supply Chain Associates

As our business continues evolving to meet the needs of today’s customers, having a robust supply chain is more important than ever. That’s why we’re excited to announce that our team is growing.

We released FY22 Q2 earnings last week, and they revealed just how much Walmart has grown over the past year — we had another strong quarter. Innovation across all areas of the business had a huge impact on our growth, and earlier this year, we shared plans to roll out high-tech automation systems to...

Surging Delta Variant Continues to Impact the Way Consumers Shop

Just as normalcy appeared to be on the horizon, surges of COVID-19 cases brought by the Delta variant are once again leaving many Americans in fear of what’s to come. Thirty percent of shoppers are more worried about COVID as Delta cases continue to rise, and 40 percent report feeling the same level of discomfort as they did one month ago. Of those concerned Americans, 43 percent report that the Delta variant is impacting the way they shop, and nearly half (47 percent) are more worried about shopping...

July Retail Sales Slow Amid Tight Supply Chain but Demand Continues

Retail sales slowed during July as retailers continued to face supply chain disruptions and increased COVID-19 vaccinations allowed consumers to shift some spending from goods to activities like going out to dinner and traveling despite the delta variant, the National Retail Federation said today.

“July retail sales showed slight deceleration in spending, but nothing to derail our outlook for a record year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Though the delta variant is presenting health challenges while supply chain disruptions along with unfilled job openings are presenting..."

May Retail Sales Reach Near-Record Level Despite Monthly Decline

Retail sales remained at elevated levels in May despite month-to-month fluctuations that masked near-record performance, the National Retail Federation said.

“While May retail sales were down slightly, largely due to supply chain constraints, the more accurate indicator remains in the year-over-year data which, as the NRF calculates, showed growth of over 17 percent,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “For the first five months of this year, retail sales are already tracking 17.6 percent above the same five months of 2020, giving us further confidence in our newly revised sales forecast of growth between 10.5 percent and 13.5 percent to more than $4.44 trillion for 2021. While there are downside risks related to...

Retail Sales to Now Exceed $4.44 Trillion in 2021, as NRF Revises Annual Forecast

The National Retail Federation issued its revised annual forecast for 2021, anticipating that retail sales will now grow between 10.5 percent and 13.5 percent to more than $4.44 trillion this year as the economy accelerates its pace of recovery.

“The economy and consumer spending have proven to be much more resilient than initially forecasted,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The combination of vaccine distribution, fiscal stimulus and private-sector ingenuity have put millions of Americans back to work. While there are downside risks related to worker shortages, an overheating economy, tax increases and over-regulation, overall households are healthier, and consumers are demonstrating...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Inventories Mount as Proposition 12 Deadline Draws Closer

While cage-free inventories have been steadily climbing over the past several years as producers prepare for the forthcoming deadlines, USDA data shows they’ve begun to increase at a faster pace in recent weeks, surging...