Kroger records strong private label growth as shoppers stay focused on savings

The Latest

• 

  Harps names first director of AI

  The grocer appointed Will McDoniel to the role to identify ways it can use the technology and more quickly adopt AI capabilities.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Grocers have made 14 CEO changes so far in 2026

  While most of the announced chief executive changes are internal hires, several supermarkets have named leaders with global experience.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Struggling Albertsons gains star power with appointment of Meg Whitman

  The high-profile former tech industry CEO, who is now the grocer's executive chair, has a history of transforming companies including eBay and Hewlett-Packard.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  UNFI is under pressure but still turning a profit

  The grocery distributor and retailer posted positive net income for the third straight quarter during its latest financial period.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Instacart, Shipt launch AI-powered shopping assistants

  The companies’ new marketplace tools can build grocery carts based on a conversation with a customer or an uploaded photo.

  Technology

• 

  Albertsons expands board, names first executive chair

  Meg Whitman will serve in the newly created role as well as act as an advisor to CEO Susan Morris and the rest of the company’s C-suite.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  UNFI names new leader of conventional fresh business

  The distributor has unified several parts of its fresh operations under Jody Barrick’s successor.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  PepsiCo puts fresh foods in focus as consumers move away from processed snacks

  The CPG giant is taking aim at the fast-growing $271 billion store perimeter with healthier fare such as guacamole, hummus and gazpacho.

  Store Operations

• 

  USDA takes new SNAP waiver approach following court ruling

  After a federal district court judge vacated SNAP food purchasing restrictions in five states, the federal government wants public comments.

  Store Operations

• 

  UNFI’s natural sales rise as conventional segment declines

  The grocery distributor saw a net sales decline of about 1% during its latest quarter but remains on track to return to growth in 2027, its CEO said.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  What is Sprouts’ next CEO inheriting?

  Nick Konat will soon helm a specialty grocer juggling multiple priorities, from improving financial results to revamping value messaging and opening dozens of stores.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Kroger taps Walmart tech veteran as store operations chief

  Mark Ibbotson, who helped lead the rollout of Walmart’s e-commerce platform, is the latest C-suite appointment for the supermarket chain.

  Updated Sept. 2, 2026

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Walmart shoppers can now get Dunkin’ delivered alongside orders

  The service follows a similar announcement with Subway as the retailer aims to become a contender in the restaurant delivery space.

  Store Operations

• 

  Column

  Pardon the Disruption: Is grocery’s loyalty boom swaying price-sensitive shoppers?

  Retailers across the industry have made significant changes to their loyalty programs. But there’s more work to be done to connect with value-seeking consumers.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Hannaford brings back seasonal in-store farm stands

  The grocer is partnering with more than 125 local food producers to source fruits and vegetables for the displays.

  Store Operations

• 

  Column

  The Friday Checkout: Erewhon presses ahead with its promise of a ‘radiant lifestyle’

  The luxury California grocer famous for $30 packs of ice cubes just opened its 14th location and is developing two more.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Dollar stores benefit as shoppers remain under pressure

  Dollar General and Dollar Tree both saw strong consumable product sales growth during their latest quarters.

  Updated Sept. 8, 2026

  Corporate Operations

• 

  SNAP bans led to 12% decline in soda purchases

  Recipients didn’t buy more sugary drinks with their own dollars, bucking a common theory held across the food industry, a new academic study found. 

  Store Operations

• 

  Sprouts names its next CEO

  Nick Konat, the grocer’s president and chief operating officer, will take over the top role after current chief executive Jack Sinclair steps down on Jan. 4, 2027.

  Updated Sept. 1, 2026

  Corporate Operations

• 

  8 top grocery executive changes in August

  Albertsons brought on a chief marketing officer, while Trader Joe’s appointed a new head of tech.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Younger shoppers are driving private label adoption, report finds

  Gen Z and millennials have played a key role in store brand sales growing faster than name brands, according to Spins.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Erewhon opens first location outside Los Angeles County

  The luxury grocer recently opened a store in Thousand Oaks, California, as it looks to expand its geographic reach.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  50 years of Aldi in the US: A timeline

  The discounter opened its first stateside store in Iowa in 1976. Here’s a look at key moves by the company over the past half-century.

  Updated Sept. 1, 2026

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Trader Joe’s names new chief information officer

  Prabash Coswatte joined the specialty grocer from Heritage Grocers Group, where he served as chief operating officer.

  Corporate Operations

• 

  Kroger amplifies wellness focus with in-store events and ‘mini-fests’

  The grocery company plans to host activities at participating stores throughout September.

  Corporate Operations

More stories