Posted inSnacks Brands, National, News

Mars Receives Final Approval for $36B Kellanova Acquisition

Mars Inc. received approval from the European Commission Dec. 8 for its acquisition of Kellanova (NYSE: K), clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the $36 billion deal. The companies anticipate closing the transaction on Dec. 11. The European Commission’s approval was the last of 28 required regulatory clearances. Kellanova shareholders approved the transaction on Nov. 1, […]

Posted inAssociation News, National, News

NGA Names Wolkwitz Director Of Membership Engagement, Growth

The National Grocers Association has promoted Kari Wolkwitz to the newly created position of director of membership engagement and growth. In her new role, Wolkwitz will oversee engagement strategies for NGA’s retailer and wholesaler members, leading initiatives to drive participation in association events and share groups and strengthen member involvement in advocacy efforts. She also […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Research, National, News

November Online Grocery Sales Surge 29% To $12.3B

U.S. online grocery sales surged 29 percent year over year to $12.3 billion in November, driven by higher order frequency and a record share of users placing three or more orders during the month, according to the Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey, sponsored by Mercatus. Online grocery’s share of total weekly grocery spending climbed […]

Posted inGrocery Research, National, News

Upside Report Highlights Consumer Spend Across Multiple Retailers

Upside has released its Consumer Spend Report 2025, powered by more than 10 billion transactions and 11,000 survey responses. The findings reveal that grocery shoppers are increasingly uncommitted, spreading their spend across more retailers, comparing prices constantly and relying on promotions to stretch their budgets. The report also finds that some of the investments retailers […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News

Instacart Launches First Grocery App Inside ChatGPT

Instacart is the first grocery provider to launch an app within ChatGPT, offering fully embedded shopping and “Instant Checkout” inside the artificial intelligence chat interface. The integration allows consumers to browse, build a cart and complete payment without leaving the ChatGPT conversation. With the new ChatGPT integration, users can shop with Instacart by typing a […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, News

NCSA Elects Three New Members To Board Of Directors

The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has elected three industry leaders to its board of directors. Cody Heinz with Bell Flavors & Fragrances joins the board for the first time; Peter Kempton Jr. of b.a. Sweetie Candy Company has been re-elected for a second three-year term; and Brandon Sagotz from Ferrara Candy Co. returns after […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News, Sustainability News

Building Resilience – Grocers Can Strengthen Insurability Through Climate Preparedness

What does it mean for a business to be resilient – and what is your business doing to get there? If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s how essential grocery stores are to the communities they serve. For many, it was the first time they fully recognized the critical role these businesses play – […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News

Tell Your Story, Tell Your Story, Tell Your Story

When it comes to sustainability and resource management, we typically think of workplace practices like energy efficiency, food waste diversion, recycling and refrigerant management.  These aspects of food retail have the potential to provide significant benefits to the bottom line when managed resourcefully. But managing these aspects effectively provides another benefit – it helps the […]