Why grocery chains are making their biggest changes in decades

As retailers have scrambled to keep pace with competitors and with Amazon, three innovations have emerged as scalable solutions that meet key shopper needs, writes Baesman's Evan Magliocca.

By Evan Magliocca • Jan. 2, 2019

Grocers can capitalize on shoppers' evolving health needs, report says

An increased emphasis on well-being, combined with growing consumer trust in primary stores, presents an opportunity for retailers, according to the Food Marketing Institute.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 2, 2019

How food companies are getting consumers to pay more

Some major CPG companies are increasing prices by rolling out new sizes and varieties of old favorites. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 2, 2019

Our 10 best stories of 2018

Take a look back at a collection of some of Grocery Dive's most-read stories, which together paint a picture of a year defined by change. 

By Grocery Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

Impossible Foods needs FDA approval to sell uncooked burgers in stores

The company wants to sell its plant-based burger in retail outlets next year, but the FDA said the soy leghemoglobin in the product needs approval as a color additive.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 21, 2018

USDA issues final GMO-labeling guidelines for food

Manufacturers need to disclose the presence of some bioengineered foods on packaging starting in 2020 through text, symbol, electronic or digital link and/or text message.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 21, 2018

Petition targets Trader Joe's for excessive plastic packaging

The beloved chain has been targeted by similar appeals in the past for selling farm-factory eggs, endangered species fish and most recently gestation crates for pigs.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 21, 2018

USDA to curb states' power to apply for SNAP work waivers

To appease conservatives and the president, who signed the 2018 farm bill on Thursday, the USDA moved to restrict states from applying for waivers to work requirements for able-bodied adults, affecting nearly 3 million Americans.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 21, 2018

New food date labels provide the clarity consumers need, survey says

Since the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute launched the campaign in 2017, 87% of products now carry "Best If Used By" and "Use By" labels.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 19, 2018

Retailers look for full-strength beer in restrictive states

Walmart pushed for relaxed standards in Utah, while Colorado next month will allow grocers and convenience stores to sell beer over the 3.2% alcohol by weight limit for the first time since Prohibition.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 18, 2018

Why cannabis is more than just a buzzy investment for food and beverage companies

Changing attitudes, consumer acceptance and legalization have shifted the substance from lazy stoners to big businesses. 

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 18, 2018

Fish fraud 'rampant' in New York, AG report finds

DNA testing found widespread mislabeling of certain species including 27.6% of samples sold as wild salmon, 67% of red snapper and 87.5% of lemon sole.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 18, 2018

Farm linked to E. coli outbreak in lettuce expands recall to other produce

Regulators found contamination in an irrigation reservoir on an Adam Bros. ranch in Santa Maria, California, but they said it doesn't explain all 59 illnesses reported so far.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 17, 2018

Eataly's Las Vegas location breaks down barriers between restaurants, stores

The company's latest culinary marketplace will be its first to be open 24 hours and plans to closely integrate eating, shopping and learning.  

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 14, 2018

Competition in grocery pressures Costco's margins

The wholesaler said there is growing pressure in fresh foods from traditional supermarkets and Walmart's Sam's Club division.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2018

Proliferation in meal kits, online grocery reflects consumer love of home-cooked meals

The annual study from online grocer Peapod shows more than half of people want to cook more healthy meals in the new year.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 14, 2018

70% of US adults are concerned about sugar consumption, study finds

Despite this concern, the survey found just 49% were likely to use a sugar substitute such as stevia, Splenda, agave or monk fruit.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 13, 2018

Farm Bill secures food assistance measures sought by retailers

The $867 billion bill that passed House approval yesterday preserves SNAP funding while also boosting online and promotional programs.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 13, 2018

Meet Flippy, Walmart's newest fry cook

Currently testing at the company's Bentonville headquarters, the robot cook automates the frying process for basic deli items like chicken tenders.

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 13, 2018

Harris Teeter expands in spite of fierce competition

The grocer has opened its first Farm Fresh market conversion and also unveiled its largest supermarket to date. 

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 13, 2018

Whole Foods stops using takeout containers with problematic chemical

A study of food packaging in five major grocery companies found more than two-thirds may have been treated with PFAS, a toxic chemical known to cause health problems.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 12, 2018

Wawa's limited-edition seasonal beer has customers buzzing

The northeast convenience chain teamed up with Pennsylvania brewer 2SP to release the private label coffee stout, which drew more than 500 fans to a preview tasting.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 12, 2018

Costco plans to beef up animal antibiotics policy

By 2020, the warehouse club retailer will only use medicines for therapeutic use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

By Cathy Siegner • Dec. 11, 2018

Pardon the Disruption: Micro markets could be a huge opportunity for grocers

As traditional store expansion becomes increasingly difficult, placing outlets inside office buildings, hospitals and even other retailers could boost companies' sales and their brand.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 10, 2018

Study: Smart shelf management can drive sales

Getting product assortment and placement right may be the most important factor in influencing in-store purchasing decisions, according to Acosta. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018