Posted inIndependent Store News, Finance News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Independent Grocers Face Pricing Pressures, Rural Store Closures In ND

Independent grocers across North Dakota face mounting pressure from several directions, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “Independent grocers are being squeezed by big-box stores and food manufacturers,” Dyste said. “Unfair pricing is the main problem driving consumers to big-box stores.” The challenges come as North Dakota’s economy undergoes […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, News, West

Albertsons Joins OpenAI Advertising Pilot To Test ChatGPT Ad Formats

Albertsons Companies will be participating in the OpenAI Ad Pilot Program, testing how new advertising formats in ChatGPT can create personalized experiences for consumers ahead of Valentine’s Day. The Boise, Idaho-based grocer will explore how relevant ads unlock value for users and brands in conversational experiences as an early pilot partner for the program, which […]

Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Finance News, National, News

J.M. Smucker Eliminates COO Role, Expands CFO, Supply Chain Leadership

The J.M. Smucker Company has announced a leadership restructuring that eliminates the chief operating officer position and expands responsibilities for its chief financial officer and newly created chief product supply officer. The Orrville, Ohio-based food manufacturer said the changes, effective Feb. 9, are designed to advance long-term growth strategy, further momentum among its brand portfolio […]

Posted inGrocery Research, National, News

Tastepoint Identifies 10 Flavor Trends Expected To Shape 2026 Market

Philadelphia-based Tastepoint by IFF has identified 10 flavors expected to trend in the North American retail and foodservice throughout 2026, based on data-driven market analysis, menu tracking, social listening and changes in consumer behavior. “To continue delivering product development solutions that meet consumers’ unique and changing needs, we stay attuned to industry and market trends, keeping […]

Posted inAssociation News, Finance News, National, News

NRF Reports Retail Sales Post Fourth Monthly Gain

Retail sales showed moderate monthly growth and strong year-over-year gains in January, marking the fourth consecutive month of increases, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.72 percent unadjusted year […]

Posted inSupply Chain News, Finance News, Lipari Foods, Midwest, News

Lipari Foods Selects RELEX Solutions For Supply Chain Planning

Lipari Foods has selected RELEX Solutions to transform its supply chain planning and improve replenishment operations across its distribution center. The Midwest distributor will use RELEX’s artificial intelligencer-driven platform and Advanced Diagnostics to manage more than 23,000 SKUs across grocery, deli, bakery, natural and specialty categories. Lipari Foods supplies thousands of retailers with fresh, natural, […]

Posted inCenter Store, Finance News, National, News

Kraft Heinz Pauses Company Split, Commits $600M To Turnaround Plan

The Kraft Heinz Company announced Feb. 11 it is pausing work on its planned separation into two independent companies, instead committing $600 million to accelerate growth efforts as the food manufacturer reported a 15 percent decline in full-year 2025 adjusted earnings. CEO Steve Cahillane, who joined the Pittsburgh and Chicago-based company Jan. 1, said its […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Finance News, National, News

Swiftly Converts Static Circulars Into Interactive Digital Format

Swiftly has launched SmartCircular, an artificial intelligence-powered tool that transforms grocery retailers’ PDF circulars into interactive digital experiences with engagement tracking. The Seattle-based retail technology company’s new product uses proprietary AI to convert static weekly ads into clickable formats that allow shoppers to browse deals, zoom in on products and add items to shopping lists. […]