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

SpartanNash jumps aboard the skip-checkout train

Customers at two Family Fare stores near the company's headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan can scan items as they shop and pay with a single app-generated bar code.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 11, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-end and operational technology

From price forecasting tools to inventory management technology, grocers are leveraging data and digital innovation to become more efficient.

By Grocery Dive staff

Will automation take online grocery to the next level?

Using robots to fill and deliver orders promises to save retailers money and boost consumer demand, but with the technology still in its test phase, the broader impact remains unclear.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 10, 2018

Target partners with German grocer on retail accelerator program

The tie-up with Metro AG aims to open up Target's development initiative to international product and service providers.

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 10, 2018

Farmstead takes a tech-first approach to online grocery

The retailer's cheap, speedy delivery and artificial intelligence-powered sourcing model could help it make headway against a growing slate of competitors. 

By Krishna Thakker • 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

United Supermarkets will hold FedEx packages for customers

With porch piracy on the rise, the Albertsons-owned grocery chain will accept deliveries on consumers' behalf. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 10, 2018

Instacart contractors call for boycott under new pay structure

The grocery e-commerce provider says it factored shopper feedback into its revised payment system, but some personal shoppers say earnings are poor and inconsistent. 

By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 7, 2018

Walmart's newest team members are a fleet of robot janitors

The retailer is rolling out 360 of the autonomous, floor-scrubbing machines to select stores by the end of January. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018

Report: Major changes needed to feed world population in 2050

A new study by The World Resources Institute proposes broad strategies to reduce emissions and grow more food on existing agricultural lands.

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 5, 2018

Walmart arms store associates with online shopping app

The move is yet another way the retail giant is increasingly trying to blur the lines between online and in-store shopping.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 5, 2018

Deal of the Year: H-E-B acquires Favor

For 113 years the beloved Texas grocer never bought or merged with another company, but this year that changed when it scooped up a homegrown on-demand delivery company that also helps build its digital strategy.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 3, 2018

Company of the Year: Kroger

From digital shelves to a transformative deal with Ocado, Kroger's numerous future-focused investments are redefining what a traditional American supermarket can be.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 3, 2018

Disruptor of the Year: Nuro

The startup's partnership with Kroger to pilot driverless delivery in Scottsdale, Arizona shook the industry as it proved to be the next step up for grocery e-commerce. 

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 3, 2018

Is just-walk-out technology coming to Whole Foods?

Amazon's cashier-free technology has been limited to small stores, but if it can overcome challenges like higher ceilings and greater product selection, it could make its way to the specialty grocer.

By Christopher Doering • Dec. 3, 2018

Safeway debuts AI-powered medical clinic

The high-tech clinic — created in partnership with virtual health solutions firm Akos — is now available in five Phoenix-area stores. 

By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 30, 2018

Instacart slashes membership and delivery fees

The e-commerce provider now charges $3.99 instead of $5.99 for same-day and next-day orders and has lowered its Instacart Express membership fee from $149 to $99.

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 28, 2018

What is the business case for autonomous vehicles in the supply chain?

Consultants discuss the pros and cons of an emerging technology that promises to lower costs and improve service.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 27, 2018

Driverless delivery isn't frictionless. Will shoppers still jump on board?

Several companies are now in test mode and experts say the technology is here to stay, though customers report minor annoyances — like having to walk to the curb.

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 27, 2018

Why retailers are relying on dietitians more than ever

With thinning margins and online health resources expanding, grocers are still finding room in their payrolls to add health specialists that bring a personalized touch to wellness. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Nov. 26, 2018

Ahold Delhaize introduces its own digital media lab

The retailer will use the lab to leverage customer data and deliver targeted, optimized ad and marketing campaigns to shoppers. 

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 21, 2018

Cashierless technology startup Standard Cognition raises $40M

The company plans to use the funds for rapid global expansion of its AI-powered autonomous checkout, which could provide competition for Amazon Go.

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 16, 2018

As online grocery demand rises, grocers are scrambling to find solutions

The key is understanding consumer needs and matching them to the right technology. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • Nov. 15, 2018

Walmart exploring delivery via driverless vehicle

According to reports, the pilot program in Miami — which is a collaboration with Ford and Postmates — uses cars that are made to look driverless, but controlled by humans. 

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 15, 2018

Whole Foods uses Thanksgiving deals to nab new customers

The grocer has rolled out turkey discounts and expedited home delivery — and once again, Prime members stand to benefit the most. 

By Jessica Dumont • Nov. 14, 2018