What role does innovation play in helping natural and specialty brands achieve long-term relevance and growth? Natural and specialty brands face increasing pressure to innovate not just to stand out, but to survive. Innovation has become critical for two main reasons: consumers demand better-for-you products with attributes that don’t currently exist in the category, and […]
Category: National
Expert Article
From Luck To Legacy: How Independent Grocers Are Finding Gold In Data
For the independent grocer, success is measured in generations. You aren’t just selling groceries; you are building a legacy. But in a landscape dominated by corporate giants, passing down a thriving business requires more than a well-stocked shelf. It requires trading “luck” for the leverage of actionable shopper data. Mapping the Modern Shopper Journey The […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Featured News, Health & Wellness, National, News
FMI Research: 94% Of Food Retailers Have Health, Well-Being Programs
FMI – The Food Industry Association released findings from the 2026 Report on Food Industry Contributions to Health & Well-Being Feb. 26, revealing the industry’s efforts to serve as a destination for health and well-being through products, resources and services that support shoppers’ individual health goals. The report was released following the recently published Dietary […]
Posted inNews, Dairy News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National
Flashfood Report: 90% Surge In Egg Purchases As Prices Squeeze Shoppers
Demand for affordable meat and eggs on discount grocery app Flashfood surged in January as Americans grappled with rising grocery costs. Egg purchases were up 90 percent, while ground beef sales climbed 28 percent year over year. Protein now accounts for more than 30 percent of all sales on Flashfood’s platform. Beef’s share of total […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National, News
USDA Proposes Updates To Line Speed Rules For Poultry, Pork Processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems Feb. 17, aimed at lowering food costs and improving supply chain efficiency while maintaining food safety oversight. The proposed rules would update outdated processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments under modern […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, National, News
J.M. Smucker Appoints Two Independent Directors Following Elliott Agreement
Orrville, Ohio-based The J.M. Smucker Co. has appointed Woo-Sung “Bruce” Chung and David Singer to its board of directors effective April 15. The appointments follow engagement with Elliott Investment Management, with whom the company has entered into an information-sharing agreement to facilitate collaboration toward driving sustainable value for all shareholders. With the addition of Chung and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, National, News
Schwass Takes Helm At IDDBA As Haaf Departs
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) CEO David Haaf has stepped down from his position effective Feb. 26, the organization’s board of directors announced. Chris Schwass, the association’s CFO, has been appointed acting CEO. Schwass, who has 28 years of experience at the Madison-Wisconsin-based organization, will lead operations while the board begins the search for […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Featured News, National, News, Packaging News
Acosta Group Study: Shoppers Worried About Artificial Ingredients In Food
Fifty percent of U.S. shoppers are worried about health risks from artificial ingredients, chemicals and preservatives in foods, with that number rising to 79 percent among health-focused shoppers, according to a new study from Acosta Group released Feb. 24. The ingredients-focused shopper study found that 58 percent of all shoppers read labels all or most […]