Grocery Industry News: Retail & Supply Chain Updates
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Finance News, News, West

Instacart Executive Touts Benefits Of Storefront Pro E-Commerce Platform

The Shelby Report of the West recently visited with Merrick Rosner, Instacart’s head of revenue and solution sales, independent grocery, to learn more about the company’s e-commerce platform Storefront Pro. What is involved in training employees on how to use e-commerce platforms like Storefront Pro? Storefront Pro gives grocers of all sizes the ability to […]

Posted inProduce News, Association News, Grocery Research, National, News

Fresh Produce White Paper Links Fruits, Vegetables To Reduced Disease Risk

The Foundation for Fresh Produce has released a white paper examining how fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer, the Newark, Delaware-based organization announced Feb. 9. “Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases,” written by the foundation’s Chief Medical […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Natural Grocers, News, Southwest, Sustainability News

Natural Grocers Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

Natural Grocers has released its fiscal year 2025 Sustainability Report, marking 70 years of industry leadership and highlighting more than $7 million invested in nutrition education services during the fiscal year. The Lakewood, Colorado-based family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer emphasized its differentiated nutrition education program in this year’s report. It showcases free one-on-one coaching, […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, Food Lion, News, Southeast

Food Lion Names Barton 2025 Store Manager Of The Year

Amelia Barton, store manager of the Food Lion at 2201 W. WT Harris Blvd. in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been named the grocer’s 2025 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. Barton was selected from more than 1,100 store managers across the retailer’s 10-state operating area. Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the […]

Posted inExecutive News, Finance News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.

Kroger Appoints Foran As CEO, Ends Interim Leadership

The Kroger Co. has appointed Greg Foran as CEO, effective immediately, ending Ron Sargent’s tenure as interim CEO that began in March 2025. Foran, who brings more than 40 years of experience leading large consumer businesses, will also join Kroger’s board of directors. The Cincinnati-based grocer made the announcement Feb. 9, following an extensive search […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Ahold Delhaize, Merchandising News, National, News, Packaging News

Ahold Delhaize USA, Circana Expand Guiding Stars Nutrition Data Access

Ahold Delhaize USA has renewed its collaboration with Circana to expand access to Guiding Stars nutrition data within Circana’s Attribute Marketplace, giving suppliers greater insight into health and nutrition trends. Suppliers participating in Circana’s Attribute Marketplace will have access to aggregated Guiding Stars data to analyze trends in star-earning foods and beverages, identify category opportunities […]

Posted inSupply Chain News, Deli News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, National, News, Produce News

DeltaTrak Introduces FlashLink NOW Real-Time Loggers

Pleasanton, California-based DeltaTrak has introduced a new generation of its FlashLink NOW real-time loggers, giving fresh product suppliers expanded visibility into cold chain conditions as requirements for accepting shipments continue to tighten across the U.S. grocery sector. Inbound shipment requirements increasingly go beyond temperature data alone. When used with the UBQ Network, FlashLink NOW loggers […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News

AppCard Launches Ask Pinky AI Reporting Agent For Independent Grocers

New York-based AppCard has launched Ask Pinky, an artificial intelligence business partner that allows independent grocers to query business data using natural language through a conversational interface, The tool builds on AppCard’s Pinky 2.0, which delivers digital coupons and promotions to shoppers based on individual spending and behavior. While Pinky 2.0 continues to drive shopper […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Retailer of the Year, Vallarta Supermarkets, West

Vallarta Moving To Broader Appeal – ‘We’ve Got To Give Everybody Something’

In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, Ingles Markets, News, Southeast

Ingles Markets Reports 6.6% Sales Increase In Annual Report

Ingles Markets reported net sales of $1.37 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 ended Dec. 27, a 6.6 percent increase compared with $1.29 billion for the same period last year, the Asheville, North Carolina-based grocer announced Feb. 5. Net income totaled $28.1 million for the first quarter compared with $16.6 million for the […]

Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Association News, Finance News, News, Northeast

PFMA Applauds PA House Committee Vote On Swipe Fee Relief Bill

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association praised the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee for advancing House Bill 2090, legislation that would stop credit card companies from charging swipe fees on commonwealth sales tax. HB 2090 addresses an imbalance in the credit card marketplace where two payment networks control more than 80 percent of the market and impose […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, Market Profile, News, West

Grocery Development Continues Around Cities Across Arizona

As population and construction projects continue to grow in number in Arizona, the grocery industry is responding with growth of its own. Following is a roundup of some planned and recent store openings. On Jan. 12, Aldi announced its plans for 2026 and beyond, including 180 new stores as well as three new distribution centers. […]

Posted inAssociation News, Finance News, News, West

Natural Products Expo West Celebrates 45th Anniversary

Natural Products Expo West returns March 3-6 to Anaheim, California, with new features and a keynote lineup designed to elevate the attendee experience as the show celebrates its 45th anniversary. The leading event for the organic and natural products industry will feature educational sessions and networking opportunities covering sustainability practices and market trends. New show […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, International Foods, News, West

Tokyo Central Opens 15th U.S. Store In Emeryville, California

Tokyo Central, operated by Marukai Corporation, has opened its 15th U.S. location in Emeryville, California. The new store spans 40,635 square feet and includes a 1,625-square-foot sushi bar called Handroll Factory. It is Tokyo Central’s second Northern California location, adding to its network of 12 stores in California and two in Hawaii. Situated between Oakland […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Finance News, Lipari Foods, Midwest, News

Lipari Foods Debuts Evolved Strategy, Brand Refresh As ‘Global Food Experts’

Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods has launched an evolved customer-first strategy, refreshed master brand identity, owned brand refresh, new insights publication and expanded retail services designed to help retailers navigate today’s faster-moving food landscape. The company is positioning itself as “Global Food Experts,” offering a refined, connected approach to bringing global and specialty foods to retail […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Equipment, News, Vallarta Supermarkets

NationsBenefits Launches Fintech Integration At Giant Eagle

NationsBenefits launched a retail technology integration with Giant Eagle, enabling eligible health-plan members to pay for produce, pantry staples and over-the-counter wellness items at more than 200 Giant Eagle supermarkets using their health benefits. Through NationsBenefits’ real-time Basket Adjudication Service and the NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard Flex Card, item-level eligibility is validated at checkout in milliseconds. […]

Posted inAssociation News, Finance News, Health & Wellness, National, News

FMI Applauds Congressional Passage Of Landmark PBM Reforms

FMI – The Food Industry Association applauded final passage of HR 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, by a 217-214 vote Feb. 3, securing the most consequential pharmacy benefit manager reforms to date and representing a major step forward for patients, pharmacies, employers and the communities they serve. “These bipartisan reforms represent a major step […]

Posted inRetailer of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, West

Bringing Public Company Discipline To Longtime Family-Owned Business

In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, Finance News, National, News

Grocery Outlet Launches First Shoppable Livestream Series

Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. will debut its first shoppable livestream series, “The Grocery Outlet Xtreme Value Stock Up Show,” on Facebook and Instagram at 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST on Feb. 4. Designed to bring bargain hunting to shoppers’ screens, the series offers an interactive Treasure Hunt experience for customers to shop Grocery […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Finance News, News, Southeast

C&S Wholesale Grocers Signs Supply Agreement With Sedano’s Supermarkets

Keene, New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers has signed an agreement with Sedano’s Supermarkets, becoming the primary supplier for the 32-store Hispanic grocery chain based in Hialeah, Florida. The deal includes distribution, transportation, procurement, merchandising and retail services for all Sedano’s locations, with C&S supplying an expansive assortment and mix. “We’re excited for our partnership with […]