Walmart and VIZIO took the stage during the 2026 IAB NewFronts to announce new platform integrations, a first-to-market branded content deal with L’Oréal and early connected TV campaign results – accelerating the buildout of a content-to-commerce ecosystem that connects streaming audiences to retail purchases. Walmart completed its acquisition of VIZIO in December 2024. The NewFronts […]
Category: Finance News
Market moves, funding, earnings, and financial strategy across the grocery industry.
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, West
Store Closings Part Of Grocery Outlet Turnaround
Grocery Outlet’s top executive was candid in his remarks to the investment community during the grocer’s earnings call March 4. Jason Potter, who took over as president and CEO of Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet in February 2025 after nearly five years as CEO of upscale retailer The Fresh Market, said, “I joined Grocery Outlet because […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest, News, Northeast
CK Snacks Acquires Keystone Food Products
CK Snacks (Cheeze Kurls LLC) has acquired Keystone Food Products, expanding the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based private label snack platform to three manufacturing facilities across complementary geographies. Founded in 1946, Keystone is a snack food manufacturer and co-packer based in Easton, Pennsylvania. It specializes in masa and cooked corn tortilla chips, baked and fried extruded snacks, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, News, Northeast
PFMA Announces 2026 PA DECA Scholar
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has named Rishabh Jain of Downingtown STEM Academy as its 2026 PA DECA Scholar. Jain, a senior, compiled four years of competitive achievement, chapter leadership and community entrepreneurship in DECA. At the Pennsylvania State Career Development Conference, he placed first in entrepreneurship events. He followed that with a fourth-place […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Health & Wellness, News, Southeast, West
Woman-Owned Pretzel Co. Gets Growth Investment
Pretzel maker Stellar Snacks has announced a minority growth investment from Main Post Partners that is expected to expand the better-for-you snack brand’s distribution footprint, production capacity and innovation. Carson City, Nevada-based Stellar Snacks was founded by mother-daughter entrepreneurs Elisabeth and Gina Galvin. Their company manufactures non-GMO, Kosher, vegan pretzels using clean ingredients and then […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Harps Food Stores, National, News
Harps To Deploy SmartMeals AI Shopping Assistant
Harps Food Stores will deploy SmartMeals, AWG’s artificial intelligence-powered shopping assistant built by Breez AI, across its network of more than 150 stores. The announcement came during the AWG Innovation Showcase, where independent grocers gathered to explore technologies shaping the future of grocery retail. The rollout makes Harps one of the largest operators in the […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Anniversary Issues, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Feature, Featured News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future
As Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative is reflecting on a century defined by independent spirit, shared success and an unwavering commitment to its members – while keeping its focus firmly on what comes next. Founded in 1926 by a group of independent grocers who believed they were stronger […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta To Celebrate New Supermarket In Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vallarta Supermarkets will open a 60,000-square-foot store April 1 at 9040 Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, marking the chain’s sixth Inland Empire location and its second store opening of 2026. The Rancho Cucamonga store is the first in the Vallarta network to feature Costa de Oro, a new in-store seafood restaurant concept the company […]