Deep Dive: Page 2

8 trends that will shape the grocery industry in 2021

After one of the most tumultuous years in recent memories, experts say 2021 will be the year grocers move from reacting to strategically managing for long-term growth.

Jeff Wells, Sam Silverstein and Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 4, 2021

5 questions to ask before adopting a coronavirus vaccine policy

As grocers examine worker vaccination policies following new recommendations from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel, they may find they have more questions than answers.

Ryan Golden • Dec. 22, 2020

Is cashierless tech ready for prime time?

The pandemic has juiced demand for automated checkout systems, and retailers are having positive experiences with them, but the technology still has to prove itself over the long term.

Sam Silverstein • Nov. 30, 2020

'It's our Super Bowl': How food manufacturers are preparing for an unorthodox holiday season

The pandemic has upended how consumers plan to celebrate, prompting CPG companies to reduce product sizes, tout offerings for novice cooks and shift more resources online. 

Christopher Doering • Nov. 23, 2020

Bottoms up: How grocers can keep alcohol sales pouring in

As the coronavirus pandemic boosts category sales, retailers are setting the table for long-term shopper engagement with larger departments and expanded online availability.

Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 11, 2020

Grocers look to online subscriptions to lock in digital demand

New programs from the likes of Kroger, Ahold Delhaize and Albertsons can be a defensive move, but experts say companies need to dangle additional perks to get any value out of them. 

Jeff Wells • Nov. 9, 2020

To own or not to own delivery? Grocers reassess the Instacart dilemma.

Third-party e-commerce services pose a challenge for food retailers as they seek to balance their online strategies with efforts to maintain their brands.

Sam Silverstein • Nov. 2, 2020

4 mealtime innovations that picked up during the pandemic

Retailers like Barons Market, The Giant Company and Hy-Vee are helping customers solve the age-old dilemma of what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Jessica Dumont • Oct. 28, 2020

Grocery pickup is here to stay. Here's how it's evolving

As grocers continue to expand their pickup offerings, emerging technologies promise to solve pain points like labor shortages and inventory management.

Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 26, 2020

Can digital marketplaces feed grocery shoppers' growing e-commerce appetite?

Kroger's marketplace could be the first of many new platforms in the coming years, but experts wonder if there's enough consumer demand for an endless-aisles strategy. 

Jessica Dumont • Oct. 19, 2020

How the pandemic has sped up autonomous grocery delivery

Four tech firms say growing demand and a shifting regulatory environment are accelerating rollouts of drones and driverless vehicles.

Jeff Wells • Oct. 14, 2020

MFCs promise to revolutionize grocery e-commerce. That doesn't mean they're right for everyone.

Grocers face unique e-commerce challenges that make deciding whether to automate fulfillment operations a complex choice, experts say.

Sam Silverstein • Oct. 12, 2020

Exploring the future of grocery e-commerce

What many thought would take years to achieve has happened in just a few months. Grocery Dive looks at the top trends, strategies and investments that retailers are evaluating to try to stay ahead of consumer demand.

Oct. 12, 2020

Smart carts get a charge from Amazon and COVID-19

More retailers are looking at the technology thanks to the pandemic and the online retailer's endorsement, but high costs could stymie a broader rollout, experts caution.

Krishna Thakker • Aug. 31, 2020

Grocery apps get smart during the pandemic

Adoption has skyrocketed in recent months, and now retailers are considering how to update mobile platforms that have become a critical part of the store experience.

Jessica Dumont • Aug. 3, 2020

Less is more: Why retailers and CPGs are moving toward selling fewer products in stores

As the coronavirus pushes some items off supermarket shelves, the food industry is finding a smaller selection reduces consumer confusion, boosts sales and trims expenses for grocers.

Christopher Doering • July 20, 2020

Heinen's rolls out Sally the salad-making robot

Could a machine that dispenses fresh, custom-made bowls be a lifeline for retailers trying to boost their prepared food sales?

Jeff Wells • July 13, 2020

Grocers ponder the future of their self-service stations

More than three months after shutting down, salad bars and hot bars are burning a hole in retailers' bottom lines. Getting them up and running safely and profitably is a major challenge, according to retailers, consultants and other sources.

Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020

Private label prospects brighten as recession hits cash-strapped consumers

Even before the pandemic, sales growth in the sector was forecast to outpace that of national brands for the fourth straight year, according to IRI.

Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020

Bi-Lo sale clears the way for Southeastern Grocers to energize Winn-Dixie. But will the competition be too much?

The company's sale of 62 stores will add much-needed investment capital as it turns its focus to Florida, analysts said.

Sam Silverstein • June 5, 2020

6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future

Retail experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.

Sam Silverstein and Jeff Wells • May 26, 2020

How companies are helping vulnerable shoppers

A growing number of retailers and service providers are concluding that dedicating store hours for pregnant, elderly, disabled and other at-risk shoppers is not enough.

Krishna Thakker • May 11, 2020

How grocers are filling the mealtime void during the pandemic

As homebound consumers re-connect with cooking and look for new prepared options, grocers are seizing the opportunity to once again become America's preferred meal providers.

Jessica Dumont • April 27, 2020

Should grocery stores go dark?

As safety concerns mount, a handful of retailers across the country have temporarily converted their stores to pickup and delivery service only. More may follow suit.  

Jeff Wells • April 3, 2020

Grocers race to keep their front lines trained and healthy

As staffing surges, companies are trying to balance rapid onboarding with new health and safety measures, from better sick leave policies to four-day work weeks. 

Jessica Dumont • March 23, 2020