Albertsons adds new private label frozen desserts

The company has rolled out 13 new private label dessert items, including four types of ice cream, three kinds of sorbet, and six plant-based products made with oat milk and coconut milk.

By Krishna Thakker • July 20, 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.

By 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?

By Jeff Wells • July 13, 2020

Plant-based products sell 23% better in the meat section, study finds

The research, done by Kroger and the Plant Based Foods Association, found consumers spent more and got a greater variety of items when the products were not in a separate section.

By Megan Poinski • July 10, 2020

Product availability tops shoppers' worries as they look ahead, research shows

People are less concerned about the cost of food after the pandemic, and only a fraction are worried about access to online grocery services.

By Sam Silverstein • July 10, 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 7, 2020

Consumers are stocking up on snacks during the pandemic

Research firm NPD Group said consumption increased 8% in April, with savory and sweet options among the most popular selections.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 7, 2020

Healthy food is on the menu as coronavirus improves eating habits

The pandemic has accelerated demand for plant-based meat and immunity-boosting products from companies such as Impossible Foods and Unilever.

By Christopher Doering • July 2, 2020

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The fast casual chain has partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2020

Wegmans is permanently closing its Pub restaurants

The retailer announced it will close all 12 locations across three states to focus on adding new quick-service meal options.

By Jeff Wells • June 30, 2020

Schnucks doubles down on sourcing local produce

The company has partnered with startup Foodshed.io — part of its effort to buy more than $5 million worth of produce and other goods from farmers in communities it serves in 2020. 

By Krishna Thakker • June 26, 2020

Target extends grocery pickup to more than 1,000 stores

The updates put the company well over halfway toward its goal of 1,500 stores by the holidays.

By Jeff Wells • Updated July 21, 2020

FreshDirect adds 'Express' delivery service in NYC

The two-hour grocery delivery service will roll out in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and will also add grocery pickup in high-demand areas of the Northeast.

By Jessica Dumont • June 25, 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.

By Sam Silverstein , Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020

Thrive Market launches frozen meals

The online retailer is tapping into the growing category with a private label line of 11 single-serve bowls and skillets.

By Krishna Thakker • June 24, 2020

Shoppers pull back from co-ops amid pandemic

While traditional grocers have been flourishing, co-ops across the U.S. saw a drop in sales in April and May, according to Census Bureau data.

By Jessica Dumont • June 23, 2020

Retailers want to bring back sampling, but with modifications

Grocers expect it will be a while before in-store demos resume, but in the meantime they're exploring in-between options like pre-packaged and online sampling.

By Krishna Thakker • June 23, 2020

Food allergies affect 1 in 4 consumers, study says

An estimated 85 million people spend $19 billion annually to avoid purchasing products with the top nine allergens, according to new research from FARE.

By Jessi Devenyns • June 23, 2020

Most shoppers plan to keep loading their pantries, survey finds

A PwC survey found that customers are still worried about their safety and until COVID-19 is fully resolved, they plan to continue stocking up and avoiding restaurants.

By Krishna Thakker • June 19, 2020

DoorDash teams up with CVS for same-day delivery

This is the first pharmacy partnership for the delivery platform, which has been steadily expanding with retailers.

By Jessica Dumont • June 17, 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.

By Christopher Doering • June 17, 2020

Giant Eagle will launch a new line of meal kits next month

As retailers continue to capitalize on the at-home cooking boom, the Pittsburgh-based grocer will roll out a line of ready-to-cook meals at 40 stores.

By Jessica Dumont • June 16, 2020

After topping $50B in 2019, organic food sales benefit from coronavirus

The Organic Trade Association said all of the big staple categories — including dairy, eggs, flour and pasta — are expected to see an increase in 2020.

By Christopher Doering • June 12, 2020

Sprouts appoints Walmart veteran as chief fresh merchandising officer

J. Scott Neal will assume the newly created position as the grocer looks to make its supply chain more efficient and further distinguish its assortment from competitors.

By Krishna Thakker • June 9, 2020

How the pandemic could fundamentally alter store layouts

Backrooms will grow to fill online orders and retail floors will become smaller and more focused on shopper experiences, according to one expert.

By Jeff Wells • June 8, 2020