Running an independent grocery store isn’t easy. Between competing with national chains, juggling rising costs and trying to keep up with shoppers who expect more every year, it can feel like you’re being asked to do everything with fewer resources. That’s why many grocers are looking for simple, practical tools that make everyday operations easier […]
Category: National
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National, News
NGA, CGA Help Independents Remain Important Part Of American Economy
As some of the most resilient business owners in the country, independent community grocers know they don’t thrive by working in a vacuum. The strength of our industry comes from its robust sense of unity. Few organizations embody that sense better than the National Grocers Association and the California Grocers Association. By bringing independent retailers […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Inmar Intelligence Named Digital Incentive Provider For RSA America
Inmar Intelligence has begun a new partnership with RSA America to become its digital incentive and coupon settlement provider, delivering promotions and savings tools to RSA’s network of more than 250 independent retailers. While independent grocers often are seen as the primary lifeline for food in rural communities, food deserts and price-sensitive communities, economic turbulence is making […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Feature, National, News
Hershey Expands Innovation With New Flavors, Formats And Technology
Hershey is keeping its focus on consumer demand with a lineup of new innovations across confections, snacks and better-for-you products. Lindsay McCabe, manager of corporate communications and brand PR for Hershey, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about some new offerings from the company. “One area that we were missing within our confection space was […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Aldi, National, News
Aldi Partners With Uber Eats To Launch Nationwide Grocery Delivery
Uber Technologies and Aldi have teamed up to make the grocer’s offerings available on Uber Eats for the first time, bringing on-demand delivery to more than 2,500 locations nationwide. The partnership allows shoppers to order Aldi-exclusive products – including fresh produce, organic meats, bakery items, wine and seasonal favorites – through the Uber Eats app. […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, KeHE Distributors, National, News
KeHE Distributors, Sprouts Farmers Market Extend Partnership
KeHE Distributors has announced a 10-year extension of its distribution agreement with Sprouts Farmers Market. “Together, we’ve built a foundation of mutual success that has powered remarkable growth for both organizations,” said Scott Widtfeldt, EVP of sales at KeHE. “This extension positions both KeHE and Sprouts to accelerate innovation, enhance efficiency and unlock new opportunities […]
Posted inPackaging News, Aldi, National, News
Aldi Debuts Largest Packaging Rebrand To Date
Aldi is debuting its largest packaging refresh to date, putting its name on every product and launching a namesake brand to make its private labels more recognizable. In response to customer feedback, Aldi-exclusives will carry the Aldi brand or a bold “an Aldi Original” endorsement. New packaging is being rolled out to store shelves. Over […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Merchandising News, National, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Precision Marketing Expands Managed-Service Capabilities
Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM), powered by 84.51°, has launched a suite of new managed-service offsite programmatic capabilities. An in-house team will activate across programmatic audio, programmatic CTV and dynamic creative optimization (DCO) for display. The move comes as more brands are applying purchase-based audiences across streaming media. However, KPM noted, many mid-sized consumer packaged goods […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Ahold Delhaize, National, News
Ahold Delhaize USA Unites For Company-Wide Fall Day Of Service
Ahold Delhaize USA held its biannual Fall Day of Service on Sept. 19, with employees across seven states supporting various efforts aimed at addressing food insecurity. “Each year, our Fall Day of Service reminds us of the power of coming together to make a meaningful difference,” said Christy Phillips-Brown, VP of communications at Ahold Delhaize […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National, News
Godshall’s Quality Meats Introduces New Chicken Bacon
Godshall’s Quality Meats has launched a new innovation, Godshall’s Chicken Bacon, made from premium whole muscle chicken and smoked in Godshall’s smokehouse. Chicken bacon debuted in August at Lowes Foods in the Carolinas. The distribution is expanding to more than 200 Acme and Safeway locations across the Mid-Atlantic in September and additional retail stores later […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, National, News, The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. Introduces Simple Truth Protein Product Line
The Kroger Co. has launched Simple Truth Protein products, a new line that includes more than 80 protein-packed affordable meals and snacks that are free from unwanted ingredients, such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. “Simple Truth Protein is Kroger’s largest product expansion for the brand yet, designed to support customers who are prioritizing wellness […]
Posted inProduce News, National, News
Fruit Posted Strong Sales In August While Vegetables Lagged
In the midst of fluctuating consumer sentiment and a shifting retail landscape, the fresh produce department saw a “tale of two categories” in August. After mild growth in July, the first in many months, vegetable dollar and volume sales once again fell behind year-ago levels, while fruit had a very strong month, representing eight of […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Ahold Delhaize, Dairy News, National, News
Ahold Delhaize, Danone Partner On Dairy Sustainability Pilot
Ahold Delhaize USA, Danone North America and The Nature Conservancy have launched a collaborative pilot program aimed at improving sustainability in dairy farming. The initiative will work with select dairy farms in Danone North America’s yogurt product supply chain to reduce methane emissions, strengthen on-farm resilience and enhance supply chain sustainability. Over the next five […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, National, News, Retail Media
IGA, SHOPtoCOOK Offer Independent Grocers Next-Gen Digital Solutions
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has partnered with SHOPtoCOOK to bring its full suite of customer engagement tools to IGA member stores. SHOPtoCOOK is an independent-focused provider of customized websites, mobile experiences and accessible in-store interactive media integrated to the top loyalty/digital coupon programs. A highlight of the partnership will grant IGA member stores access to […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Foundation Awards 23 Scholarships
The NGA Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has announced the 23 recipients of its annual scholarship program, awarded to students planning careers in the grocery industry. “Investing in students through scholarships is one of the most powerful ways the NGA Foundation can help secure the future of the independent grocery […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Leadership, National, News, The Grocer's Playbook
Leadership: Disruptive Kindness
It’s been an interesting journey since publishing my book on “The 5 Rules” in January of 2024 and speaking and coaching on these rules across many organizations since then. There has been one question that comes up on many occasions that I’d like to expand on for this month’s leadership teaching. But first, just as […]
Posted inProduce News, National, News, Organic Natural, Sustainability News
Dole Food Co. To Participate In OTA’s Organic Week 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Dole Food Co. will participate in Organic Week 2025, taking place Sept. 15-17 in Washington, D.C., and hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). As an event sponsor and one of the few produce supply companies in attendance, Dole will highlight its leadership in the organic category and reaffirm its commitment to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
What Does Future Of Independent Grocery Hold?
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and for independent grocers individually. As president of the Business Service Resource Group, I’ve spent over three decades working directly with family-owned businesses in the […]
Posted inProduce News, National, News
IFPA To Recognize Retail Merchant Innovation Award Recipients
The winners of IFPA’s Retail Merchant Innovation Award will be recognized during the Retail Awards Reception on Oct. 17 at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California. “This year’s winners exemplify how innovation and passion can transform the retail experience and inspire consumers to choose more fresh produce,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, National, News
FMI Report: E-Commerce Fueling Growth, Innovation In Private Brands
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released its latest report, “The Power of Private Brands 2025: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum,” detailing how e-commerce is reshaping private label and how food retailers are leveraging digital tools to differentiate, build shopper loyalty and grow sales. Among the report’s findings – nearly 85 percent of private […]