Posted inIndependent Store News, Merchant Distributors, News, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast

Swiftly, MDI Bringing Digital Circular, AI Targeting To Independent Grocers

Swiftly has partnered with Merchants Distributors (MDI), a Hickory, N.C.-based wholesale grocery distributor, to expand digital capabilities across MDI’s network of more than 600 independent retailers in the Southeast. Under the agreement, MDI retailers will gain access to three Swiftly products – a modern retail website platform, SmartCircular for digitizing the weekly circular experience and Audience […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Finance News, News, West

Oliver’s Market Plans Fifth Store In Santa Rosa, CA

Oliver’s Market, an employee-owned independent grocer, is under contract to purchase Farmer’s Lane Plaza at 1501-1591 Farmer’s Lane in Santa Rosa, California, where it will open a fifth location in a 35,500-square-foot space formerly occupied by Rite Aid. The deal is expected to close April 1, with construction beginning immediately and a 2027 opening targeted. […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News

NCA Report: U.S. Confectionery Sales Climb To $55B In 2025

Americans spent a record $55 billion on chocolate, candy, gum and mints in 2025, and the category shows no signs of slowing down, according to the National Confectioners Association’s  (NCA) 2026 State of Treating report. Sales are projected to grow an additional $7.3 billion over the next five years, reaching $62.2 billion across all outlets […]

Posted inBeverage News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News

Royal Cup To Acquire Farmer Brothers Coffee

Royal Cup Coffee & Tea has signed an agreement to acquire Farmer Brothers Coffee Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) for $1.29 per share in an all-cash transaction, combining two B2B coffee suppliers with nearly 250 years of combined industry experience. The transaction is expected to close during Farmer Brothers’ fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, pending approval […]

Posted inFrozen Food, Finance News, News, Snacks Brands, West

Morinaga To Acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, Expanding U.S. Snack Portfolio

Morinaga & Co., a leading global confectionery manufacturer, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, the largest mochi ice cream brand in the United States. The acquisition unites two businesses with strong brand heritage and complementary capabilities. My/Mochi will join Morinaga’s portfolio of brands, including HI-CHEW, HI-SOFT and Chargel. “In welcoming […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Executive News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News

NPPC Honors Parker For Four Decades Of Pork Industry Leadership

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) recognized John Parker with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award during the National Pork Industry Forum, honoring his 40-plus years as executive secretary of the Virginia Pork Council. The award was presented in partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB). Parker’s tenure shaped Virginia’s agricultural community, producer-funded promotion and research […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, Online Grocery Technology

Redner’s Markets Launches New Mobile App, Kicks Off ‘Appiness Tour’

Redner’s Markets launched a new mobile app March 5, and the employee-owned regional chain is celebrating with a five-store tour across Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware that begins March 10. The app gives customers access to exclusive deals, gas and grocery rewards points, grocery delivery and pickup and catering orders – consolidating Redner’s loyalty and shopping […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Featured News, Finance News, Merchandising News, National, News, Walmart

Walmart To Deploy Digital Shelf Labels Chainwide Within A Year

Walmart is accelerating its rollout of digital shelf labels (DSLs) chainwide, with about 2,300 locations already using the technology and full deployment expected within the next year. Price updates are people-led, with employees reviewing and pushing approved changes through a secure system, typically outside of shopping hours, so prices remain stable and consistent during the […]