Grocery Industry News: Retail & Supply Chain Updates
Posted inGrocery Research, National, News

Study: State Ingredient Regulations Could Increase Grocery Prices

A patchwork of conflicting state ingredient laws could drive grocery costs up 12 percent for American households if regulations passed in Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia are replicated nationwide, according to a study released Feb. 20 by Americans for Ingredient Transparency. The economic analysis, conducted by Policy Navigation Group, examined legislation that bans ingredients or […]

Posted inExecutive News, Finance News, National, News

Target Names New CMO, COO Following Leadership Change

Target Corp. named Cara Sylvester CMO and Lisa Roath COO as part of executive leadership changes under new CEO Michael Fiddelke. The appointments are designed to strengthen merchandising authority and elevate the guest experience. Target confirmed it expects to report fourth quarter 2025 sales, full-year GAAP EPS and full-year Adjusted EPS in line with prior […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Finance News, Foodtown, News, Northeast

ARS’ Fantozzi To Receive Visionary Award From Foundation Fighting Blindness

Joseph Fantozzi, president and COO of Allegiance Retail Services (ARS), will receive the Visionary Award from The Foundation Fighting Blindness on May 14 during the annual Night For Sight gala at Guastavino’s in New York City. The award recognizes honorees for exemplary values, visionary leadership and philanthropic impact on the community. Fantozzi will be recognized […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Finance News, News, Northeast

Utz Brands Targets $1.9B Sales In Long-Term Growth Plan

Hanover, Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands outlined long-term targets – including $1.9 billion in net sales potential and annual adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growth of 6-8 percent with margin expansion to at least 17 percent – Feb. 18 during the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference. CEO Howard Friedman and CFO BK […]

Posted inGrocery Research, Dairy News, National, News

Challenge Butter Survey Finds Americans Rejecting Restrictive Food Rules

Nearly two-thirds of Americans said they 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 Dublin, California-based Challenge Butter. The research shows Americans are prioritizing enjoyment and personal choice over rigid food rules. Three in four said flavor […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Center Store, Executive News, Featured News, Finance News, Home Page Slider, National, News, Suppliers

Campbell’s Taps CPG Veteran Anand To Lead Snacks Division

Camden, New Jersey-based Campbell’s announced that seasoned global executive Mohit Anand will join the company as EVP and president of its Snacks division on Feb. 23. Anand succeeds Elizabeth Duggan, who is departing the company after a nearly seven-year tenure that included leading Campbell’s Canadian business and serving as chief transformation officer. Anand steps into […]

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, Finance News, 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 inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast, Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. Selects Eagle Eye To Power Loyalty, Personalization

Wakefern Food Corp. has selected Eagle Eye to accelerate its loyalty strategy and deliver artificial intelligence-powered customer engagement initiatives across its retail network. The program is expected to go live in mid-2026. Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S., will deploy Eagle Eye’s MACH-approved loyalty and personalization platform, moving away from a POS-based […]

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

Kraft Heinz Names Amaya President, North America

Chicago-based Kraft Heinz has named Nicolas Amaya president of North America, effective Feb. 23, overseeing strategy, operations and performance across Kraft Heinz’s largest market. Amaya most recently served as SVP and president of Kellanova North America, where he was a member of Kellanova’s executive committee. Navio steps down Pedro Navio, current president of North America, will step […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, Finance 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 inBeverage News, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast

PFMA Supports Bill To Enable Third-Party Alcohol Delivery For Grocers

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association testified before the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee Feb. 11 in support of House Bill 1451, legislation that would allow licensed third-party transporters to deliver beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails on behalf of licensed retailers. The trade association called the bill a necessary update to the state’s liquor code that […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Finance News, National, News

Leadership: Prime Time Defined

Leaders who consistently win understand one simple truth: performance is never evenly distributed across the day, week or year. Some moments matter more than others, and what a team does in those windows separates average operations from extraordinary ones. What is ‘prime time’ in leadership? In operations-heavy environments, prime time is the predictable window when […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Finance News, 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 inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, Frozen Food, National, News

AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives

The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]

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 […]

Posted inBakery News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News

Top Baking Trends Shaping In-Store Bakeries In 2026

In 2026, in-store bakery is becoming a “solution department” more than a “nice-to-have case.” Shoppers still buy baked goods with their senses, taste and price remain the top two purchase drivers, but the bar for what counts as a good indulgence is rising. Recent consumer research continues to show that taste drives purchase decisions first, […]

Posted inC-Store News, Grocery Store Equipment, News, Southeast

Spinx Selects Tote.AI For POS, Foodservice Technology

The Spinx Company has selected Tote.AI to provide point-of-sale, self-service kiosks and foodservice technology across all 96 convenience stores in the Carolinas, the Greenville, South Carolina-based retailer announced in early February. The AI-native platform will unify Spinx’s ordering, checkout and kitchen technology into a single system. The rollout will begin in the second half of […]