USDA picks 5 states for mobile contactless SNAP payments pilot

Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri and Oklahoma are working with the government agency to expand purchasing options for SNAP consumers. 

Green Zebra permanently closing all stores at the end of March

The upscale grocery and c-store retailer “couldn’t overcome all the obstacles” presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, its CEO said.

Winn-Dixie is getting ‘Down Down’ with discounts

The Southeast grocer’s program lowers prices on over 150 everyday items, saving shoppers more than 15% on average. 

UNFI’s profits plunge as sales hit a record

The grocery retailer and wholesaler has slashed its outlook for fiscal year 2023 and is implementing a “transformation agenda” to improve its performance, CEO Sandy Douglas said during an earnings call Wednesday.

Lidl faces a steep path in the US. Will it succeed?

While the German grocer is a household name in Europe, the company faces tough challenges as it looks to connect with shoppers on this side of the Atlantic, analysts said.

FMI: Shopping trips are up in grocers’ meat departments

Consumers are buying more fresh meat than before the pandemic started, but grocers are facing stiffer competition from supercenters, clubs and online outlets, according to the industry group’s latest report.

Newly merged IRI and NPD rebrand to Circana

The new company name for the data providers follows their finalized merger in August 2022. 

Inflation hasn’t lessened consumers’ hunger for produce, report finds

Even with high prices, grocers saw sales of fruits and vegetables increase 4.8% in 2022, to $74.5 billion, according to the Food Industry Association.

Mars launches store-hailing mobile ice cream markets

The new partnership between the treats maker and tech firm Conjure, which kicked off in Los Angeles, can whisk frozen goodies to consumers in as little as two minutes.

With Kroger delivery deal, Olo stakes its claim in grocery

The company's Rails software is now implemented in 1,600 of the supermarket giant's stores as it plans to further its presence in the industry.

As retail media networks multiply, Amazon stands alone

A MediaRadar analysis found the e-commerce giant commanded a larger market share than the mass retailer category last year. 

Albertsons looks to appeal to shoppers’ emotions with new marketing campaign

Through the multimedia effort, known as “Sincerely, Food,” the supermarket operator wants consumers to associate food and other products it sells with key moments in their lives.

Amazon Go closing 8 locations

The company will close two stores each in Seattle and New York City and four in San Francisco as it struggles to build its physical retail footprint.

Sprouts accelerates rollout of smaller stores

The retailer plans to open at least 30 locations in 2023, all of which will be based on its newer format, and to close 11 larger ones based on its legacy design, executives said Thursday.

Blue Apron has a plan to avoid NYSE delisting

The meal kit maker has until June 21, 2024, to address its global market capitalization listing standard deficiency and until June 21, 2023, to fix its share price listing standard deficiency.

The Friday Checkout: Private brands shine in grocery earnings

The CEOs of Sprouts, Kroger and Dollar Tree recently told investors they plan to expand their store brands, noting their private label lines are resonating with inflation-weary consumers. 

DoorDash, Uber boost driver benefits

Uber has updated its app for delivery couriers with several new capabilities, while DoorDash is allowing workers to use cashback rewards at thousands of gas and food retailers.

Target to broaden assortment of $15-and-under products

As part of its strategic investments to fuel growth, the retailer aims to deliver “affordable joy” by adding more items at $3, $5, $10 and $15 price points.

Kroger’s Q4 sales, full-year outlook handily beat Wall Street estimates

Strong identical sales and profit coupled with a higher-than-expected earnings expectations for fiscal 2023 sent the grocer’s stock price up by more than 6% Thursday morning.

Dollar Tree zeroes in on grocery

The company plans to have around 30 cooler doors per store and will add “hundreds” of consumable private label items to its assortment, CEO Rick Dreiling said Wednesday.

Afresh Technologies moves beyond fruits and vegetables

The San Francisco-based startup has started offering its food waste reduction technology to grocers for use in their meat, seafood, deli, and foodservice sections.

Grocery Outlet ramping up private label plans

Executives signaled a significant uptick is coming in its store brand assortment, which is notable given the company’s reliance on name brands and opportunistic sourcing. 

Publix increases capital budget to $2.3B for 2023

That spending projection is $500 million more than what the company spent the prior year.

Homecooked meals marketplace Shef raises $73.5M, plans nationwide expansion

The company is now accepting applications from cooks across the country to sell their meals on the platform.

Nearly three in four consumers plan to keep buying private label when the economy settles, survey says

Retailers’ efforts to improve store-branded offerings are paying off as shoppers make price their most important consideration, data from Attest shows.