Nearly two-thirds of Americans said they either want to eat better without restriction or aren’t changing how they eat in 2026, according to a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by Challenge Butter, the Dublin, California-based brand announced Feb. 3. The research shows Americans are prioritizing enjoyment and personal choice over rigid food […]
Category: Grocery Industry
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA: Consumers Prefer Naturally Protein-Rich Foods Over Fortified Options
Consumers prioritize naturally protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and dairy over heavily fortified alternatives, according to new research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based trade association found that while interest in added protein remains strong, particularly among parents, health-conscious shoppers and middle-income households, consumers consistently place greater trust in foods […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Selects RELEX For AI-Driven Forecasting Across 3.5K Stores
Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has selected RELEX Solutions to optimize distribution center forecasting and replenishment across its network of 3,500 member locations. AWG will implement the RELEX artificial intelligence-driven forecasting and replenishment solution to replace its legacy in-house proprietary systems and manual processes. The platform will deliver scalability and automation to improve forecasting […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
Dunnhumby Study Finds Shoppers Shifting To Mass Retailers, Dollar Stores
Mass-channel retailers reached 79 percent penetration in December, equaling traditional supermarkets for the first time as 70 percent of working-age Americans reported difficulty covering unexpected $400 expenses, according to Wave 12 of the dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker released Feb. 18. The shift marks a fundamental realignment in American shopping behavior driven by persistent affordability pressures. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, News, Southeast
ECRS Completes SOC 2 Type 2 Audit
ECRS has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 audit conducted by an independent CPA firm in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Trust Services Criteria, the Boone, North Carolina-based retail technology provider announced. The audit evaluated the design and operational effectiveness of ECRS’ internal controls over a defined period. The SOC 2 Type […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, News, Supply Chain News
Smithfield Foods Plans $1.3B Processing Facility In Sioux Falls, SD
Smithfield Foods has initiated the approval process to build a packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, representing a preliminary investment estimate of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years. The facility, subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000-acre heavy industrial […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, News, Northeast
Redner’s Markets Triples Charitable Donations Using Pin Pad Prompts
Redner’s Markets more than tripled charitable donations by shifting from cashier-initiated requests to pin pad prompts at checkout, ECRS announced Feb. 4. The Reading, Pennsylvania-based independent grocer recorded $10,507.71 in donations over nine days using the pin pad prompt, compared to $3,219.62 over 18 days with cashier prompts during its September round-up campaign. The pin […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Ahold Delhaize, Featured News, News, Southeast, Supply Chain News
Ahold Delhaize USA Breaks Ground On $860M DC In Burlington, NC
Ahold Delhaize USA recently broke ground on a new distribution center in Burlington, North Carolina, marking an $860 million investment in supply chain expansion. The facility, which will be the largest in the company’s network, will add more than one million square feet of fresh and frozen distribution capacity to support Food Lion and other […]