Grow ahead: Distributor partners with hydroponic farming startup

Gordon Food Service has joined Square Roots to place small indoor farms close to its distribution centers and grocery stores.

By Jessica Dumont • March 7, 2019

In-store meal kits are driving sector growth, Nielsen says

Retailers introduced 187 new meal kit items last year, while 2.2 million more U.S. households bought selections from their local grocer.

By Jennifer Sweeney • March 6, 2019

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb resigns

The commissioner, who moved forward with initiatives already in progress and on the horizon, is leaving in a month to spend more time with his family.

By Megan Poinski • March 6, 2019

How to optimize meat and poultry trends to drive sales

The "Power of Meat 2019" report found shifting consumer habits are influencing purchasing decisions across all retail departments, with a focus on convenience and animal welfare.

By Cathy Siegner • March 4, 2019

To thrive in retail, Target needs to boost its grocery business

The company's food and beverage segment has struggled in the past and still seems to be a work in progress, analysts say.

By Jessica Dumont • Updated March 5, 2019

Produce Marketing Association takes the stage at SXSW

The organization's second year at the festival will include panel discussions and an experiential component featuring live music and produce displays.

By Jennifer Sweeney • March 1, 2019

Shoppers are looking for 'healthy swaps'

Jackfruit burgers and cauliflower crust pizza are just a few of the better-for-you substitutions that more consumers are making, according to Nielsen.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Feb. 28, 2019

Study: Dollar stores' produce quality matches supermarkets

Although these budget retailers don't have a reputation for freshness, they're adding more fruits and vegetables in an effort to drive regular traffic.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Feb. 28, 2019

Fresh Thyme flourishes in the Midwest

Despite battling both mainstream competitors and other natural grocers, the company is making strides in a crowded segment where fresh food and low prices prevail.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 27, 2019

Walmart unveils plan to reduce plastic packaging waste

The retailer is setting big goals, including one to achieve zero plastic waste, by partnering with suppliers on sustainability efforts.

By Kaarin Moore • Feb. 27, 2019

BrightFarms plans three new greenhouses

The packaged salad company will expand along the East Coast as it opens sustainable greenhouses in Massachusetts, New York and North Carolina.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 26, 2019

Price and rewards are crucial to Gen Zers and young millennials

The primary way younger shoppers learn about new brands is from friends and family, beating Google, social media, Amazon, retail stores and television, per a new survey from Swift Prepaid Solutions.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 26, 2019

Produce sales totaled $60.8B last year

The latest findings from the United Fresh Produce Association show that fresh fruits and vegetables had lower sales gains than any other perishable department in 2018.

By Jessica Dumont • Feb. 26, 2019

Amazon launches private label milk

New Happy Belly brand dairy products, including half-and-half and lactose-free milk, are the first such offerings made by the e-commerce company, according to TJI Research. 

By Jessica Dumont • Feb. 25, 2019

Publix continues its GreenWise store expansion

The retailer is opening three new smaller-format stores in Odessa, Florida; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Lexington, South Carolina. 

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 25, 2019

GetSwift's farm-to-table, scheduling tech deals solidify its last-mile offering

As more companies look to improve their delivery operations, they have found that they also need staffing solutions such as scheduling to go along with it.  

Feb. 22, 2019

Plant-based tuna launches at Whole Foods and Thrive Market

The New York-based startup Good Catch said the retailers will be the first to sell the shelf-stable product that it claims rivals the taste of real fish.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 21, 2019

Delivery mobile app market to hit $16.6B in 2023, report says

Allied Market Research predicts that the global segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of close to 30%, driven by rising internet penetration, standard of living and mobile usage. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 20, 2019

Costco explores farming prospects in Hawaii

Setting up shop on the island state would help the retailer cut down on import costs while providing a greater range of local food products, but farmers may not welcome corporate-scale competition.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 19, 2019

Insurance company pilots meal delivery program

Blue Cross Blue Shield hopes to take the guesswork and obstacles out of using food as medicine, as well as help tackle the accessibility of healthy food. 

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 19, 2019

How to leapfrog Amazon in food

Amazon's strategic challenges in experience, private brands and its overall food proposition spell opportunity for competitors, writes Pete Killian of Vivaldi.

By Pete Killian • Feb. 14, 2019

Gen Z consumers want healthier, more convenient food

Those born between 1995 and 2010 have helped move food culture from three sit-down meals a day to several snacks, according to a Packaged Facts report.

By Cathy Siegner • Feb. 13, 2019

Consumers are warming up to online grocery, report says

Sales for 2018 totaled $58.9 billion, according to IRI, as consumers added more fresh and perishable products to their baskets. 

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 11, 2019

Sam's Club stocks USDA prime beef in all stores

The decision to expand availability nationwide after a trial run suggests demand for high-end meat is greater than the potential costs.  

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 8, 2019

Natural Grocers kicks off fiscal '19 on a high note

The retailer's Q1 comparable store sales increased by 5.5% while gross profit surged 26.7%. 

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 8, 2019