Giant Food Debuts First In-Store Fast Casual Restaurant at Ellicott City, MD Location

Today, Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, announces the opening of its first in-store fast-casual restaurant in partnership with Maryland-based chain Nalley Fresh. The new location will open at Giant's Ellicott City, MD location on Friday, March 24, and offer customers a selection of highly customizable, healthy and fresh meal options to further elevate the in-store shopping experience.

Perfect for lunch or dinner, Nalley Fresh is a chef-driven concept that makes everything fresh daily and features...

The Retail Rundown: Seasonal Switch Supports Deli Counter

Spring, which officially began on Monday, was warmly welcomed by retailers across the nation. While winter-like conditions linger for regions of the country this week, grocers are capitalizing on the seasonal shift by showcasing warm-weather favorites including grilling cuts.

In the latest week, IRI data demonstrated that beef maintained its lead on all other proteins in terms of total sales volume. Ground beef, which is widely utilized in various dishes year-round, was the number one seller within the beef complex at $63.9 million in total sales...

Kroger Delivery Arrives in Denver Metro Area

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's grocer, today announced its Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Aurora, CO is open. This facility expands access to fresh, affordable food and provides more than 200 new associates with opportunities to grow their careers. Customers across the region can order Kroger's fresh produce and trend-setting Our Brands products to be delivered directly to their doors by a friendly associate.

"Kroger Delivery, proudly serving King Soopers and City Market, will connect more Coloradans to a convenient shopping experience," said Rebekah Manis, Senior Director, Kroger Delivery Fulfillment Centers...

Easter Spending Expected to Crush Records

Consumers are expected to spend $24 billion to celebrate Easter this year, up $20.8 billion in 2022 and the previous record high of $21.7 billion in 2020, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

According to NRF, 81% of Americans will celebrate the holiday and spend an average of $192.01, the highest figure on record.

“Easter endures as an important holiday for many Americans, signifying new beginnings and a time of celebration with friends and family,” NRF President and CEO Matthew...

Retailers Plan to Automate Up to 70% of Routine Store Tasks By 2025

The recent 2023 Connected Retail Experience Study, conducted by Incisiv in collaboration with Verizon Business, shows that retailers are prioritizing investments in technologies that improve operational efficiency to reduce costs and increase profitability.

Real-time inventory management has risen to the top of the investment agenda in the face of uncertain supply chain issues that retailers have faced for the last few years. The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) for improving operations will also increase, with a higher percentage of specialty and department stores adopting it than...

$2.9 Trillion U.S. Consumer Retail Market is Set for Repositioning, Reports Circana

Consumer demand is declining across nearly every U.S. discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, even as elevated prices recede from peak levels. At the Growth Summit 2023, presented by Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, Don Unser and Marshal Cohen look below the surface of current retail performance in this $2.9 trillion market, exploring the possibilities for repositioning retail in the year ahead.

“Consumers have developed a different way of thinking about their purchases as their spending power deteriorated,” said Don Unser...

SpartanNash Promotes Ileana McAlary to Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

Food solutions company SpartanNash (the "Company") (Nasdaq: SPTN) today announced the promotion of Ileana McAlary from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. McAlary was hired in November 2021 and oversees the Company's expanding legal, government affairs, compliance and aviation team. She also serves as Corporate Secretary of the SpartanNash Board of Directors and President of the SpartanNash Foundation.

"Ileana and her team have played a crucial role in modernizing our corporate legal function as we champion customer-focused innovation and prepare...

Urner Barry's Market Briefing Highlights Latest Action Across Protein Markets

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Click HERE to view the latest report. 

Hormel Foods Launches New HORMEL Sliced Chorizo for Adventurous Foodies

Hormel Foods – a Fortune 500 global branded food company and the makers of HORMEL® pepperoni products, Americas No. 1 pepperoni brand* - have launched the new HORMEL® Sliced Chorizo. This new innovation has been specifically crafted to help consumers take their culinary game to the next level with flavors that are globally inspired and provide a slice of adventure to pizzas, paninis, tapas and more.

"As the No. 1 pepperoni brand* and pizza topping experts, we know that consumers are increasingly eager to explore new and diverse flavors...

The Retail Rundown: Is Chicken Wing Demand a Slam Dunk this March Madness?

Yesterday tipped off March Madness, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament that runs through April 3. This tournament typically increases the consumption of game-day foods like chicken wings, particularly at foodservice outlets.

This year, however, wing demand leading up to this year's 84th annual edition of the tournament appears to be lackluster, according to Urner Barry market reporter Matt Busardo.

“It’s important to note that with wings moving into March Madness, it’s not like the Super Bowl where...

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Meat Purchases Rise Above Pre-Pandemic Levels, Consumers Look for Value

Americans are buying more fresh meat than before the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking value in terms of price, convenience and better-for attributes in meat purchases, according to the 18th annual Power of Meat report released today by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

Self-described “meat eaters” comprise 78% of Americans, compared to just 7% who describe themselves as vegan or vegetarian. Shoppers spend more than $15 in the meat department per trip and average nearly one trip to the meat department per week (up nearly 5% since 2019). While 50% of shoppers get their meat from a supermarket, many turn to supercenters (35%), club stores (4%) and hard discounters (5%) for their meat purchases.

Despite rising food and beverage prices over the past year, consumers did not..

Flashfood Named to Fast Company's 2023 World Most Innovative Company List

Flashfood, a company that boasts a digital marketplace that is working to reduce food waste by connecting consumers with discounted grocery options, has landed on Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies list for 2023.

Specifically, the firm was atop the “Social Good” list, which highlights companies that innovate for the “well-being of individuals and communities.” It cracked the top 40 companies by landing at 36 overall.

"It's such an honor to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the world's most innovative companies...

PFG’s Core-Mark Division Wins Convenience Store News Category Captains Award

Performance Food Group Company’s (PFG) (NYSE: PFGC) Convenience division, Core-Mark, was recently awarded the Category Captain’s Award in the Foodservice/Prepared Foods category by Convenience Store News for its Perfectly Southern® Fresh Fried Chicken program.

“The Core-Mark team is excited to be honored by Convenience Store News with a Category Captains Award,” said Scott McPherson, Executive Vice President, President & Chief Executive Officer, Convenience. “We’ve seen how the convenience store market is changing with the addition and growth of prepared foods. Core-Mark is committed to helping...

Impossible Foods Launches Its Leanest, Most Protein-Packed Beef From Plants Yet

Today, California-based Impossible Foods expanded its industry-leading plant-based meat portfolio with a leaner version of its flagship Impossible™ Beef product: Impossible™ Beef Lite.

Impossible Beef Lite is designed to be better than lean ground animal beef, featuring 21 grams of protein, no trans fat or cholesterol, and 75% less saturated fat as well as 45% less total fat than 90/10 lean beef from cows.1 The nutrient-packed product is also a good source of fiber, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and potassium...

ChatGPT Accelerates AI Discussions for Grocers; 59% Plan to Test an AI Solution in 2023

Incisiv, a next-generation industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate digital disruption, and Wynshop, the leading provider of digital commerce and fulfillment solutions for local store-based retailers, today revealed the findings from their State of Digital Grocery Performance Scorecard for February 2023, reflecting the latest analysis of shopper orders, plus interviews of grocery shoppers and executives about their 2023 outlook on AI in grocery.

Key findings from February's survey included:

- 67% of grocers say they have discussed ChatGPT at senior level...

Winn-Dixie Helps Customers Save Time and Money with Discounted Prices and Online Ordering

Winn-Dixie is helping customers stretch their grocery budget by lowering prices on more than 150 everyday items. Through the grocer’s “Down Down” program, customers can save more than 15% on average at their neighborhood store. Discounted products for the spring season include fresh produce and dairy items, pantry staples, frozen appetizers and meals, family favorite snacks, health and beauty products and essential household cleaning supplies. Items included in the “Down Down” program are updated each season, giving shoppers more saving opportunities on their favorite products...

Industry Reacts to USDA’s Proposed "Product of USA" Requirements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed rule featuring new regulatory requirements for the “Product of USA” label claim.

The rule would allow for the “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) said the USDA’s latest proposal would “result in trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico costing American consumers and businesses billions of dollars...

The Retail Rundown: Key Findings From the 18th Annual Power of Meat Study

The 2023 Power of Meat Study was presented this week at the Annual Meat Conference in Dallas, Texas by 210 Analytics’ Anne-Marie Roerink. 

For this week’s retail rundown, we highlight the compelling findings from this annual report, which identified key trends from a retail meat perspective. 

Despite upward pricing pressure due to inflation, the study found that meat purchases are surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Meat had a 98% household penetration last year, making it the largest player within the fresh departments. Overall meat sales in 2022...

Volpi Foods Launches Pepperoni & Chorizo Crumbles Nationwide

Fourth-generation, family-owned Volpi Foods today announces Uncured Pepperoni & Chorizo Crumbles, the newest sku to join the company's line of award-winning, premium cured meats. Bold, savory and smoky with heavy notes of sweet paprika, peperoncino flakes, and fennel seed, the new Crumbles are a convenient way to add delicious flavor and texture to meals and are ready-to-go right out of the package. Rolling out to grocery stores nationwide by the summer, they are the perfect additions to pizzas, pastas, quesadillas, salads, soups, sauces and more...

Tyson Brand Introduces Chicken Sandwiches and Sliders

Tyson brand knows that when a craving hits, you need to satisfy it instantly. That's why the chicken leader is bringing Instant Craveification to consumers everywhere. The new Tyson Chicken Breast Sandwiches and Sliders are available in Original and Spicy. The flavorful, restaurant-quality sandwich is ready in minutes, made with breaded, all-natural* white meat chicken and an artisan bun. The new product is available in the frozen snacks section at retailers nationwide.

"It's now easier than ever for people to get the chicken sandwich they crave without leaving home...

Eat Meati Begins Major Year of Expansion with Sprouts Farmers Market

Meati Foods™, the producer of delicious, animal-free, whole-food protein made from mushroom root, today announced the expansion of its retail partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market (NASDAQ: SFM), the first major step in a significant year of expansion that will make Meati nationally available. Eat Meati cutlets and steaks have begun their rollout to approximately 380 Sprouts stores across 23 states after exceptional reception during a mid-summer 2022 pilot in Colorado locations, as well as a national direct-to-doorstep events that consistently sold out...

Epic Sales Partners Set to Grow Meat Partnerships by 100% in 2023

As grocery retailers plan to expand meat offerings in 2023, the focus will be on increased access to fresh and organic offerings. Fresh meat products are a critical driver of growth for retailers, and this is why they rely so heavily on dependable suppliers and brokers. Epic Sales Partners, the largest independent fresh-food sales agency in the United States, helped over 75 retail chains and over 2,000 storefronts access over 300 different meat products in 2022. They have increased this commitment in 2023...

Afresh Expands into Meat, Seafood, Deli, and Foodservice

Afresh Technologies, the world's leading fresh food technology company, has announced the expansion of its flagship built-for-fresh solution from produce into other fresh departments including meat, seafood, deli, and foodservice to start. Afresh is a holistic, AI-powered platform designed to optimize store ordering and operations by providing intelligent recommendations and streamlined ordering and inventory workflows. To date, Afresh customers have seen transformational benefits in their produce departments, including an average 3% sales lift and 25% shrink reduction– amassing to a collective 31 million pounds... 

Publix Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Results for 2022

Publix’s sales for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022, a 14‑week quarter, were $15.3 billion, a 22% increase from $12.6 billion in 2021, a 13‑week quarter. The additional week in the fourth quarter of 2022 increased sales by 8.1%. Comparable store sales for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022 increased 12.4%.

Net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2022 were $1.3 billion, compared to $1.1 billion in 2021, an increase of 21.6%...

Pandemic-Era SNAP Benefits End for Remaining 32 States Today

For almost three years, over 41 million Americans relied on the pandemic-era enhancements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide enough food for their families.

The program was part of an emergency legislation enacted by Congress during the early stages of the pandemic in an effort to help low-income families secure enough food. 

Under the policy, each recipient received a monthly average of $251, according to the USDA. The monthly average is expected to drop to $82 this month...

The Retail Rundown: Marching Towards Spring Demand

March is here and the countdown to spring is rapidly winding down. The transition to warmer weather coincides with increased retail buying occasions as consumers and grocers alike prepare for celebrations including March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.

One week into lent, seafood feature volume has advanced to 40.5% this week, up from 33% the week prior. Currently, the fresh/frozen fillet category accounts for nearly 31% of seafood features. 

According to its annual survey, the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that a record 61% of consumers plan to celebrate St. Patrick's...

DoorDash Partners with ALDI To Expand On-Demand Grocery Delivery

DoorDash (NYSE: DASH), the local commerce platform, and ALDI, the grocery price leader for six years running*, today announced a new partnership to bring on-demand grocery delivery to nearly all ALDI locations across 38 states. With the addition of ALDI, one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, more than 98% of DoorDash’s monthly consumers in the U.S. have access to a non-restaurant store on DoorDash.**

“By partnering with DoorDash, we can conveniently bring our award-winning, fresh and affordable groceries to even more of our...

Instacart Launches New Innovative Tools Designed to Support Grocers of All Sizes

Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced four new Instacart Platform technologies designed to help grocers offer more seamless, connected experiences to customers. The new offerings include online and in-store solutions that help retailers capture new ad revenue, bring more of their store online, better support store associates and seamlessly offer end-to-end fulfillment. These new capabilities are now available to grocers across North America, and are already being used by wholesalers like Associated Food Stores and retailers including New Seasons Market...

SpartanNash Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2022 Results

Food solutions company SpartanNash (the "Company") (Nasdaq: SPTN) today reported financial results for its 12-week fourth quarter and 52-week fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2022 Highlights

- Net sales of $2.3 billion for the quarter, increased 10.3% compared to $2.1 billion in the prior year quarter. Net sales of $9.6 billion for the fiscal year, increased 8.0% compared to $8.9 billion in the prior fiscal year.

- Retail comparable sales increased 9.1% for the quarter and 7.7% for the fiscal year...

New IRI Report Reveals At-Home Food Spend Remains Strong, Despite 13% Increase in Inflation

IRI®, which recently merged with The NPD Group to create a leading global technology, analytics and data provider, today released its Impact of Inflation on Consumer Behavior report, offering new insights on purchasing behavior and key CPG trends to note in 2023.

The report leverages IRI’s latest point-of-sale data, which reveals that at-home food and beverage inflation was up 13.2% in Q4 2022 versus Q4 2021. While consumption levels are continuing to soften, at-home food spend remains strong...

Impossible Foods Launches Three New Chicken Products

California-based Impossible Foods today announced the expansion of its crispy, juicy chicken line with three new products: Impossible™ Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Impossible™ Spicy Chicken Patties, and Impossible™ Chicken Tenders — all made from plants.

The new Impossible Spicy Chicken Nuggets and Patties are designed to indulge heat-seeking palates with a blend of custom spices that add kick to the crispy, juicy, tender bite of the brand’s original plant-based chicken recipe. The all-new Impossible Chicken Tenders feature a deliciously savory blend of spices in a larger, elongated shape...

The Retail Rundown: Rounding Out February

With February nearly behind us, grocers are enthusiastically looking toward spring and warmer weather, which typically improves retail demand following a sluggish start to the year.

For now, winter remains in full force as millions of people face a massive coast-to-coast storm this week. Record-shattering warmth in the East will contrast with below-average temperatures in the West and could contribute to varying retail demand throughout the country this week. 

Along with the weather, Lent—which begins today—is currently influencing consumers' purchasing behaviors. The world’s Catholic population will reduce their red meat consumption over the next several weeks, providing a boost for the seafood counter...

Real Good Foods Announces National Launch of Innovative Asian Entrees in Albertsons and Safeway

The Real Good Food Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGF) (“Real Good Foods” or the “Company”), a leading innovation-centric health and wellness frozen foods company, today announced the expansion of its multi-serve Asian entrees platform into all Safeway and Albertsons locations nationwide. According to data from SPINS, the multi-serve entrees category is valued at $3.1B, has grown 6% year-over-year and under-indexes in better-for-you options.

The new product placement, which spans each of the approximately 1,800 Safeway...

Acosta Announces Don Byrd, New EVP of In-Store Services for Walmart

Acosta announced today that Don Byrd is joining the company as Executive Vice President of In-Store Services for Walmart. In this role, Byrd will lead a team dedicated to elevating service and outcomes and enhancing talent acquisition and engagement in support of the company's business with Walmart.

Bringing over 20 years of experience with CPG and mass retailers in sales, market research, business development, marketing strategy and retail category management, Byrd joins Acosta from his most recent role with Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), where he served as...

United Natural Foods and ECRS Sign Agreement to Drive Growth and Efficiency for Grocery Retailers

United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) ("UNFI") and ECRS, a Certified Evergreen™ transaction and retail solutions provider, today announced an agreement allowing ECRS to assist new and existing CATAPULT retail users in taking advantage of the UNFI Professional Services suite from digital coupons and third-party delivery services to more affordable electronic payments. The agreement provides for a direct and formal working relationship, particularly around Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) capabilities, and empowers UNFI field associates through ECRS retail automation technology training...

Americans Believe Grocery Store Profits are 14 Times Higher than Reality, dunnhumby Finds

Americans believe that grocery retailers are earning a 35.2% net profit margin, 14 times higher than grocers’ actual net profit margin average of 2.5%, and that food-at-home inflation is 24.3%, double the annual rate reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics according to the latest dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker (CTT) released today. The CTT is part of the dunnhumby Quarterly, a strategic market analysis of key retail themes, with the third edition being focused on navigating uncertainty...

The Retail Rundown: Upcoming Lenten Season Lifts Seafood Sales

Trending topics this week include the upcoming Lenten season and inflation as traders assess the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released yesterday.

The Christian Lenten season begins next week on February 22 and will last through April 6. During this 40-day stretch, observers will reduce their red meat consumption. The seafood counter typically stands to benefit from this temporary shift away from meat on Fridays. 

Although Lent is rapidly approaching, retailers have actually reduced their number of seafood feature activities. For the week of February 20, seafood buying opportunities clock in at 23%, down from 31.4% the week prior. Beef narrowly holds the top spot with 29.2%, closely followed by pork with 28.5%. Chicken makes up around 15% of circular ad space...

Love in a Time of Inflation: How Much Will Valentine's Day Set you Back?

This Valentine's Day is set to look different after a year of record food inflation that has sent up prices of everything from flowers to chocolates and dining in restaurants.

COVID-era supply chain logjams and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have meant that Britons paid a record 16.7% more for food in the four weeks to Jan. 22 compared to the same period last year, according to research firm Kantar.

As a result, romantic Valentine dinners out will cost more and restaurants are modifying their offerings...

Chicory Survey Indicates Greater Reliance on Online Grocery Shopping

Chicory, the leading contextual commerce advertising platform, today released findings from its 2023 Online Grocery Shopping Report. The annual report, which features results from a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, analyzes the key characteristics and behaviors of online grocery shoppers. Insights include online order frequency, average basket value, retailer preferences, cart composition, shopping challenges and more.

"While online grocery adoption has slowed in recent years, activity is rising. Consumers are more comfortable than ever browsing for deals online, meal planning using digital recipes, and purchasing their...

Niman Ranch Certified Humane Meats Now Available at Mariano’s

Niman Ranch, the pioneering leader in humanely and sustainably raised meats, today announced that a broad selection of its fresh and prepared products is now offered at all Mariano’s store locations. Niman Ranch is recognized for its exceptional animal welfare, sustainability practices and award-winning quality and taste.

“On behalf of Niman Ranch’s farmer network, we are excited to now offer our meats to more homes across Chicagoland,” said Paul Willis, Niman Ranch’s Founding Hog Farmer. “By adding Mariano’s as a grocery partner, we are able to support more...

The Retail Rundown: Super Bowl Shines Bright in Otherwise Dull Demand Period

Eager fans are gearing up for Super Bowl weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare to face off in Arizona. Grocers are equally enthusiastic to capture additional sales during what is an otherwise dull demand period for retail and red meat sales in general.  

The National Chicken Council (NCC) estimates Americans will eat a record-shattering 1.45 billion chicken wings during this year's Super Bowl LVII festivities. This is up 2% from last year and equates to about 84 million wings, said the NCC. Urner Barry's Ryan Doyle took a closer look at NCC's latest annual Chicken Wing Report.  

A decline in wing prices along with the return to in-person celebrations, whether it be at home or at a restaurant, is expected to drive the uptick in wing consumption...

Cajú Love's Upcycled and Plant-Based Cashew Fruit Meat Hits US Grocery Stores and Restaurants

Cajú Love has announced their launch in retail with their 200g organic cashew fruit meat pack and the foodservice space with their new 800g packs. The company's sustainable, versatile, and quality whole food plant-based meat alternative is now available at BESTIES Vegan Paradise, Los Angeles; Food Fight! Grocery, Portland; Orchard Grocer, New York, and also on Amazon.

"Customers have been very excited to try Cajú Love. We have had several add it to their weekly shopping list!" said Beth Sullivan, owner of Food Fight...

Albertsons Companies Launches Sincerely Health Digital Health and Wellness Platform

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced the launch of Sincerely Health, a digital health and wellness platform that is now accessible on 16 of its banners’ grocery app and websites* including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Shaw’s, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Tom Thumb and more. Backed by science, Sincerely Health is designed to help improve lives by connecting, educating, encouraging and rewarding customers on their health and wellness journey so they can make informed choices regarding food, physical activity, sleep and mindfulness...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces Change to Board of Directors

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) (“BJ’s” or the “Company”) today announced that Judy Werthauser has resigned from its Board of Directors (“Board”) to pursue a new opportunity.

Ms. Werthauser has served on the Company’s Board since November 2018 and was most recently Chair of the Compensation Committee as well as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. As part of Ms. Werthauser’s departure, the Board intends for Chris Peterson to join the Compensation Committee and Ken Parent to be appointed as Chair of the Compensation Committee...

Kroger Delivery Expands to South Florida

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's grocer, today announced the opening of a new spoke facility in South Florida. Joined by the local community, Kroger celebrated the expansion of the delivery service and welcomed 90 new associates. This facility opening means customers can access Kroger's incredible selection of fresh items, unique Our Brands products and favorite national brands, as well as individualized offers for the groceries most important to their families – all delivered directly to their door by a friendly, professional Kroger associate.

"We are thrilled to connect more Floridians to the Kroger Delivery...

The Retail Rundown: Comparing Urner Barry's Protein Indices

Seafood features climbed to the top spot across proteins this week with 30% of feature volume. Pork follows with 24%, while beef chimes in with 22%—down from 27% the week prior. Chicken accounts for 19.5% of ad space, while turkey holds onto just over 2%. Buying opportunities for eggs have dwindled in recent weeks and are currently registering zero. 

A look at Urner Barry's Weekly Retail Feature Indices so far this year shows that seafood features are priced the highest overall, while chicken features as a whole are the lowest. Seafood and chicken are above their respective year-ago levels, while pork and beef are showing a discount to 2022 levels...

New ALDI Distribution Center to Provide Access to Fresh, Affordable Groceries to 8 Million Customers

Today, ALDI unveiled its completed regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, which will ultimately serve as many as 100 stores across the Gulf Coast. As one of America's fastest growing grocers, ALDI is committed to bringing fresh, award-winning groceries and products at an affordable price to consumers from coast to coast, and the Loxley distribution center will support this commitment.

"At a time when inflation is putting pressure on American wallets, we believe our mission to save people money on the food...

Super Bowl Sneak Peak: What Are Protein Wholesale Markets Doing?

With less than two weeks to go, fans across the country are gearing up for Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs vs Eagles. Philly center Jason Kelce and Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce will be the first brothers to play each other in the Super Bowl, adding to the palpable excitement ahead of the big game. 

From friendly sibling rivalry to maybe not-so-friendly opposition between the two fanbases, contrasts can be drawn between the teams and their hometowns. Which city has the best specialties when it comes to food? Do cheesesteaks, a quintessential Philly staple, overtake Kansas City’s delectable slowly smoked barbeque, or is it the other way around? 

While there is no clear answer, wholesalers and retailers alike are cheering for protein lovers from all persuasions. The Super Bowl... 

Gelson's Promotes John Bagan to President & CEO Following Retirement of Leader Rob McDougall

Gelson's has promoted John Bagan to President & CEO following the departure of Rob McDougall, who has retired from Gelson's after 15 years with the Southern California-based brand. The new leadership position marks Bagan's third promotion in two years, most recently moving from COO into the role of president in July 2022.

As President & CEO, Bagan will assume greater responsibility for the company's overall vision, business and growth strategy, as well as managing relationships with the Board of Directors and parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH)...

Women's Choice Award Once Again Honors Eggland's Best

As the trusted referral source for women, the Women's Choice Award® has once again recognized Eggland's Best for being the brand that women would most recommend to their family and friends, earning it the coveted 2023 Women's Choice Award®. In a national survey conducted by the Women's Choice Award, Eggland's Best was the highest rated brand in the categories of Fresh and Hard-Cooked Eggs.

"With so many choices in the marketplace today, the Women's Choice Award is a one-stop solution to help the most important consumer...

TiNDLE Debuts Into Retail - Expanding Into New Channels, Including 6,000 Grocery Stores, Meal Kits

Next Gen Foods – the makers of TiNDLE – announce today the official debut of its line of six new retail products, marking the first time that consumers in Germany and the United States can trial the popular plant-based chicken for convenient, at-home cooking. In Germany, the EDEKA Group's EDEKA and Netto stores will be the first to bring TiNDLE to market, launching in over 6,000 locations this week, making it one of the largest retail debuts of a plant-based meat brand. In the US...

Ovation Foods New Chicken Strips: Whole Food Snacks for Whole Body Health

Today, OVATION FOODS introduces CHICKEN STRIPS, to its revolutionary new line of nutrient-dense meat snacks containing one whole egg – a unique whole food breakthrough that is certain to reinvent the healthy snack food category.

Unlike any other meat snacks or portable snacks on the market, Ovation Foods® uniquely delivers dense-nutrition via the inclusion of one whole egg in each 1.6oz serving. Delicious and hearty CHICKEN STRIPS provide 22g of Protein, 0g Sugar, and 175mg of Choline, plus over 35 naturally occurring nutrients supporting whole body...

NRF Statement on Senate Introduction of Critical ORC Legislation

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French after the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and the Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act were introduced in the U.S. Senate. The bills will create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of ORC and help recover lost goods and proceeds.

“Retailers face security-related challenges on many fronts, and ORC continues to be a formidable threat in communities across the country...

Publix Charlotte Division Vice President to Retire; New Vice President Announced

After more than 47 years of dedicated service, Publix Super Markets Charlotte Division Vice President Chuck Roskovich has announced his decision to retire March 31.

Roskovich, 61, began his Publix career in 1975 as a part-time front service clerk in Lauderhill, Florida. He transferred to the meat department in 1977 and was promoted to meat manager in 1984. In 1992, as meat manager, he had the privilege of being part of the management team that opened the company’s first store in the Atlanta Division...

Planet Based Foods Announces Agreement with Major Southwestern Grocery Retailer

Planet Based Foods Global Inc. (CSE: PBF) (OTCQB: PBFFF) (FRA: AZ0) ("PBFG", "Planet Based Foods" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has reached an agreement with major southwestern grocery retailer, Fry's Food and Drug (or "Fry's"), to offer Planet Based Foods' nutrient-rich "superfoods" in select stores.

Fry's is a popular grocery retail chain based out of Arizona, and offers a wide array of bakery items, dairy, deli, frozen foods, general grocery, meat, pharmacy, produce, seafood, snacks, and liquor. As of late, Fry's has begun offering more sustainable and health-conscious foods, the timing of which bodes a great opportunity for the Company. In total, there are 123 Fry's locations across the state of Arizona.