The Latest
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Column
Pardon the Disruption: Where does Kroger go from here?
Rodney McMullen’s abrupt exit as CEO caps a tumultuous period for the supermarket chain. The company’s next leader will need to build on its strengths and untangle some stubborn knots.
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Instacart names new chief accounting officer
The grocery technology company has appointed Lisa Blackwood-Kapral, a former Lyft and Shutterfly executive, to the role.
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Ahold Delhaize prices sustainability-linked bond
The grocer is raising 500 million euros through the bond, which is tied to its plans to reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Albertsons names chief operations officer as next CEO
Susan Morris, who has worked at the supermarket chain for nearly 40 years, will take over the top role on May 1 when Vivek Sankaran retires.
Updated March 3, 2025 -
Trump’s trade war heats up as countries retaliate against tariffs
Mexico, Canada and China all announced they would counter the president's orders after additional duties went into effect this week, with China set to target a variety of U.S. agricultural imports.
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Publix reports higher sales and comps, lowers capital budget
The grocer reported comparable-store sales growth of 4.1% in Q4 — the highest rate for that metric since Q3 2023.
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Inflation continues to drive private label growth
Gen Z and millennial shoppers are particularly interested in store brands as they seek out both value and quality, per a Circana study.
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USDA to implement $1B strategy to lower egg prices, curb bird flu
The five-pronged plan, which includes vaccine research and temporary import options, comes after the agency was hit hard by sweeping government layoffs.
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Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen resigns after ethics review
His departure follows a company board investigation into conduct “unrelated to the business,” the grocer said.
Updated March 3, 2025 -
8 notable grocery executive changes from February
Kroger and Heritage Grocers Group named new finance chiefs last month, while Grocery Outlet and The Fresh Market brought on new chief executives.
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Publix sued for allegedly overcharging for weighted items
The class action lawsuit claims the grocer’s point-of-sale system determined that on-sale items weighed more than they actually did.
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Kroger and Ocado plan to open 2 more automated fulfillment centers
Ocado is moving forward with its Kroger partnership but executives for the British company noted that growth in its global customer fulfillment centers is “behind expectations.”
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Grocery Outlet’s problems go beyond a botched tech transition
The discounter is also grappling with C-suite turnover and lackluster value messaging as it launches a multifaceted restructuring program.
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FDA delays crackdown on which foods can be labeled ‘healthy’
The rule would prevent many cereal and yogurt products from making nutrition claims and allow nuts, oils and certain seafood to bear the label for the first time.
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C&S to lay off dozens of customer service workers
The grocery wholesaler is eliminating at least 76 jobs in five states effective March 14, according to a notice filed with labor regulators in Hawaii.
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Canada and Mexico tariffs will take effect March 4, Trump confirms
The president will also impose an additional 10% import tax on China next week and hinted at plans to soon levy 25% duties on the European Union.
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Instacart reports mixed Q4 results as it misses Wall Street estimates
The grocery technology company saw total revenue and gross transaction volume increase by double digits, but revenue missed analysts' predictions.
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Column
The Friday Checkout: Discount grocers still have work to do
The recent struggles of Grocery Outlet and Save A Lot are reminders that these retailers need more than just low prices to succeed.
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Grocery sales growth will rebound this year, report says
Coresight Research expects U.S. grocery sales will increase 3.1% following lackluster growth in 2024, though volume sales will remain challenging.
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Ahold Delhaize faces stagnating online US sales growth
The company’s new annual report shows online sales and penetration have stalled for the last three years, even amid upticks from some banners and a DoorDash partnership.
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Grocery Outlet announces restructuring plan
The discounter said it laid off about 40 workers during the first quarter and will open significantly fewer stores than it previously planned this year, among other moves.
Updated Feb. 26, 2025 -
Column
Number Sense: Cracking the code behind Sprouts’ striking success
The specialty grocer’s same-store sales and stock price have boomed in recent quarters, reflecting the chain’s ability to connect with health-focused shoppers willing to pay higher food prices.
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Walmart doubles down on AI with broader rollout of coding tools
Coding assistance and completion tools saved developers around 4 million hours last year, the retailer recently told investors.
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Consumer sentiment slumps on fears tariffs will fuel inflation
Shoppers are “clearly bracing for a resurgence in inflation,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers.
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Weis breaks ground on new Delaware store
The 64,000-square-foot location will be the anchor tenant for an upcoming shopping center.