Natural/organic: Page 2

Dive Awards

Executive of the Year: Jack Sinclair, Sprouts Farmers Market

At a time when specialty chains are struggling, the CEO of the natural foods grocer has laid out a bold roadmap to make Sprouts a smarter and more efficient retailer.

By Sam Silverstein • Dec. 09, 2020

Immunity-boosting supplements will be a top 2021 trend, grocers predict

Natural Grocers and The Fresh Market also say high-quality olive oil, health-conscious snacks and sustainably sourced products will be big next year.

By Rosie Bradbury • Dec. 08, 2020

The Fresh Market continues year of change by naming another grocery industry newcomer to its top ranks

Carlos Clark, who previously worked in the hospitality industry, will join the specialty grocer as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

By Sam Silverstein • Dec. 07, 2020

Whole Foods offers 'turkey insurance' to early-bird shoppers

Shoppers who buy their Thanksgiving birds early from the grocer will be eligible to submit a claim for a $35 Whole Foods gift card if they have a cooking fail.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 11, 2020

Sponsored by Fibre Box Association

Catering to the plant-based diet trend: What about the package?

Isn’t it only natural to put plant-based food in a plant-based package?

Sprouts' ID sales growth slows as it stays the course on long-term strategy

The natural foods chain's digital sales increased 337% during the quarter, and it began taking pickup and delivery orders directly through its website and app.

By Sam Silverstein • Oct. 29, 2020

New e-grocer Hive looks to ride an online wave

Helmed by veterans from Jet.com, Casper and Freshpet, the company helps shoppers track the social and environmental impacts of their orders.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 22, 2020

Whole Foods forecasts upcycled foods, alcoholic kombucha among 10 trends for 2021

Elevating breakfast and expanding coffee-flavored products are also trends that will boom next year, according to predictions by the grocer's buyers and culinary experts.

By Rosie Bradbury • Oct. 20, 2020

Kroger adds more than 50 new items to plant-based brand

The grocer has launched a new line of plant-based "Chick'n" patties and plans to sell more than 75 plant-based foods under its Simple Truth brand by the end of 2020. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 14, 2020

Earth Fare has opened 13 stores in less than 4 months

After closing in bankruptcy earlier this year, the Earth Fare grocery chain has gradually been resurrected under new ownership.

By Rosie Bradbury • Oct. 12, 2020

Seafood and meat post 30% sales growth in Q2, report says

Produce made up 34% of total fresh sales as deli and bakery saw sales decline this summer, according to the United Fresh Produce Association.

By Rosie Bradbury • Oct. 07, 2020

Natural Grocers takes nutrition education program online

The Colorado-based specialty chain now offers free virtual coaching sessions and a series of online classes to promote health and wellness. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 06, 2020

Fresh Thyme to close 3 remaining Nebraska stores

After opening five stores in four years in the Cornhusker State, the company is now pulling out of the area as it and other specialty grocers make strategic adjustments.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 28, 2020

GrubMarket enters the Texas market

The farm-to-table delivery service moves into the Lone Star State with its acquisition of fruit and vegetable supplier Fresh Tex Produce.

By Rosie Bradbury • Sept. 16, 2020

The Fresh Market names grocery outsider as CFO

The hiring of cruise line veteran Jim Heaney follows the specialty grocer’s appointment of a new CEO in March.

By Sam Silverstein • Sept. 03, 2020

Green Zebra Grocery to shutter 2 locations

The Portland, Oregon, convenience store chain will continue to operate two stores after the closures, which take effect at the end of August.

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 18, 2020

Balls Food Stores opens CBD mini market

Located inside a Price Chopper supermarket in Kansas City, Missouri, the concept by supplier American Shaman sells cannabis-based products including tinctures and sparkling beverages.

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 14, 2020

Kroger goes for endless aisles with new marketplace strategy

The grocer will introduce 50,000 products from third-party sellers this fall, effectively doubling the size of its Ship platform.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 11, 2020

Whole Foods virtual campaign showcases 365 brand refresh

The retailer has updated branding on around 1,000 products so far and will host a series of online home economics classes to promote the new look. 

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 10, 2020

Publix to close 2 Greenwise stores in South Carolina

The retailer told local media that the stores are too small and don't fit its current vision for the specialty format.

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 06, 2020

Kroger launches recycling program for Simple Truth products

The retailer will team up with TerraCycle to help customers recycle flexible packaging from more than 300 items in the private label line. 

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 04, 2020

Publix grows hydroponic produce at Greenwise store

The grocer has partnered with local firm Brick Street Farms to grow, pack and harvest lettuce right outside its Lakeland, Florida, location. 

By Krishna Thakker • Aug. 03, 2020

PCC to open 15th store near Seattle in August

The co-op is also planning to move its store in Kirkland, Washington, to a larger site and add a seafood restaurant.

By Sam Silverstein • July 24, 2020

Misfits Market plans to double its e-commerce capacity

The company is using $85 million in new funding to staff up and open a new warehouse as COVID-19 drives demand.

By Jessica Dumont • July 22, 2020

Earth Fare is back in business

Just months after the chain filed for bankruptcy, a new ownership group has reopened three locations and announced a new store that will open next year in Virginia.

By Sam Silverstein • July 07, 2020