The Latest
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Deep DiveFarmstead takes a tech-first approach to online grocery
The retailer's cheap, speedy delivery and artificial intelligence-powered sourcing model could help it make headway against a growing slate of competitors.
E-commerce -
Farm Bill secures food assistance measures sought by retailers
The $867 billion bill that passed House approval yesterday preserves SNAP funding while also boosting online and promotional programs.
Center store -
Amazon opens first small-format Go store
The e-commerce giant has evolved its Go model to include compact stores for office buildings and hospitals.
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Meet Flippy, Walmart's newest fry cook
Currently testing at the company's Bentonville headquarters, the robot cook automates the frying process for basic deli items like chicken tenders.
Technology -
Kroger's new prescription membership cuts costs for generic drugs
Alongside price comparison firm GoodRx, Kroger built its first membership-based program for prescription drugs, with individual and family plans that offer three-month supplies of many generics for under $6.
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Whole Foods' 365 stores continue to bloom under Amazon
The specialty retailer will open two of the small-format, lower-priced stores in Atlanta today.
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ColumnPardon the Disruption: Micro markets could be a huge opportunity for grocers
As traditional store expansion becomes increasingly difficult, placing outlets inside office buildings, hospitals and even other retailers could boost companies' sales and their brand.
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Kroger buys pharmacy records from 42 Shopko stores
The deal aims to boost Roundy's pharmacy business in the Upper Midwest and comes three months after the grocer merged the division with its Mariano's business in Chicago.
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Whole Foods stops using takeout containers with problematic chemical
A study of food packaging in five major grocery companies found more than two-thirds may have been treated with PFAS, a toxic chemical known to cause health problems.
Natural/organic -
Deep DiveWill automation take online grocery to the next level?
Using robots to fill and deliver orders promises to save retailers money and boost consumer demand, but with the technology still in its test phase, the broader impact remains unclear.
E-commerce -
Wawa's limited-edition seasonal beer has customers buzzing
The northeast convenience chain teamed up with Pennsylvania brewer 2SP to release the private label coffee stout, which drew more than 500 fans to a preview tasting.
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Report: Despite increased competition, Amazon will continue to lead online grocery
A survey from RBC Capital Markets found the e-tailer's preferred status has dropped sharply over the past year as more grocers invest in e-commerce.
E-commerce -
Costco plans to beef up animal antibiotics policy
By 2020, the warehouse club retailer will only use medicines for therapeutic use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Natural/organic -
SpartanNash jumps aboard the skip-checkout train
Customers at two Family Fare stores near the company's headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan can scan items as they shop and pay with a single app-generated bar code.
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Target partners with German grocer on retail accelerator program
The tie-up with Metro AG aims to open up Target's development initiative to international product and service providers.
Technology -
Deep DiveIt's not easy being green: Romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak rattles food, grocery industries
The FDA's decision to request that the popular green gets pulled from shelves sent "a strong message" to the produce sector, according to a former agency official, while costing supermarkets millions of dollars in losses.
Fresh food -
Dive AwardsThe Grocery Dive Awards for 2018
These awards recognize the top innovators, disruptors and comeback kids that are shaping the future of the grocery industry.
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United Supermarkets will hold FedEx packages for customers
With porch piracy on the rise, the Albertsons-owned grocery chain will accept deliveries on consumers' behalf.
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Study: Smart shelf management can drive sales
Getting product assortment and placement right may be the most important factor in influencing in-store purchasing decisions, according to Acosta.
Center store -
C&S Wholesale to acquire Olean Wholesale for undisclosed sum
The merger is the latest deal in the space as distributors look to gain scale and as supermarkets do the same amid growing pressure from Aldi, Lidl and Amazon.
Financial news -
UNFI surprises with big earnings miss
The wholesaler struggled against industry headwinds such as supplier out-of-stocks and high labor costs. It also lowered guidance, suggesting a tough integration ahead with Supervalu.
Financial news -
Instacart contractors call for boycott under new pay structure
The grocery e-commerce provider says it factored shopper feedback into its revised payment system, but some personal shoppers say earnings are poor and inconsistent.
E-commerce -
University of South Florida brings Publix to campus
The addition of Florida's leading grocery retailer introduces a more robust retail option to the array of convenience stores and fast-casual dining options on the USF campus.
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Kroger reports in-line sales as investment pressures continue
Digital sales grew 60%, but income declined as the grocer continues to fund store improvements and alternative growth streams.
Financial news -
Dive AwardsTurnaround of the Year: Whole Foods
By leveraging its Prime membership platform, Amazon has steadied the specialty grocer and positioned it for growth.
E-commerce