Albertsons has terminated its merger agreement with The Kroger Co. and filed suit against the grocer for breaching its agreement following a Dec. 10 ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. The court granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction to prevent The Kroger Co. from acquiring Albertsons Companies. […]
Category: National
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National
Grocers, Supermarkets Celebrate Holidays With Community Initiatives
Grocers and supermarkets across the nation are embracing the holiday spirit by holding a variety of charitable giving initiatives. From food and toy drives to partnering with local organizations, these retailers are spreading cheer and making an impact on their communities. Some also are offering a variety of special deals and promotions on holiday essentials. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
November Online Grocery Sales Reach $9.6B, Climb 18% From 2023
The U.S. online grocery market ended November with $9.6 billion in monthly sales, a 17.8 percent increase over last year, as all three fulfillment methods posted year-over-year sales gains, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey fielded Nov. 29-30. The survey found the uptick was powered by strong expansion of the monthly active […]
Posted inProduce News, Corporate Store News, National
Ahold Delhaize USA, Campbell’s Begin Potato Program To Reduce Emissions
In collaboration with The Campbell’s Co., Ahold Delhaize USA has begun a pilot program that will help potato farms implement regenerative farming techniques to create more resilient agricultural systems and reduce carbon emissions through soil health practices and other opportunities. The initiative covers 1,000 acres across three farms in Michigan, New York and North Carolina, […]
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Acquires Inmar’s Scanner Applications Co.
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has acquired Inmar’s Scanner Applications, a performance-based media company that sets up scanned-based retail promotions, adjudicates claims and provides analytics and fraud control. According to IGA, the goal of the acquisition is to make it easier, less expensive and more efficient for independent retailers to execute promotions in their stores. […]
Posted inHarps Food Stores, Association News, Executive News, Feature, National
Executive Perspectives: Kim Eskew
After planning to pursue an engineering career, Kim Eskew saw the opportunities that grocery retail had to offer and turned an entry-level position into a lifelong career with Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores. Now the company’s chairman and CEO, Eskew shared his thoughts on leadership, management and getting started in the industry with NGA’s Independent […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, National
RJW Logistics Group Gets Investment From Berkshire Partners
RJW Logistics Group, a Woodridge, Illinois-based provider of retail logistics solutions for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, has received a strategic investment from Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners. “[This] will enable us to continue providing industry-leading performance and customer service, drive future innovations, and expand our geographic reach,” said RJW CEO Kevin Williamson. “We […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Deli News, National
Picadeli, Digimarc Partner To Reduce Retail Shrink, Combat Food Fraud
Picadeli and Digimarc Corp. are partnering to tackle retail shrink and food fraud in the fresh and prepared foods market. The partnership integrates Digimarc’s advanced digital watermarks into Picadeli’s branded packaging, enabling retailers to implement secure, automated product verification and ensure pricing accuracy at self-checkout. The innovation reduces shrinkage while maintaining a seamless customer experience. Retailers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Shares Topic For Student Case Study Competition
The NGA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has shared the topic for the 2025 Student Case Study Competition, which will be held during the 2025 NGA Show. For “A Path to Sustainable Success,” student teams will develop action plans for how the participating retailer, Colorado-based Clark’s Market, can minimize its environmental […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Executive News, Feature, National, Produce News
Kroger CEO McMullen Discusses Navigating Bifurcated Market, Future Of Food
The recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the grocery industry. In a candid conversation with moderator Patrick Vizzone, Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen shed light on the dynamics shaping consumer behavior and the company’s strategic response. McMullen highlighted the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Walmart
Walmart Begins Pilot Program With Aira To Help Blind Customers
Walmart has begun a partnership with Aira, a mobile application that connects members of the blind and low vision community with sighted interpreters, who communicate visual information. Using remote access to a phone camera or piece of wearable technology, Aira interpreters act as eyes inside the store. Walmart is offering the way-finding service free to […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, National, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Report: Health-Focused Shoppers Driving Market Trends
A new Dunnhumby report reveals the rising importance of health-focused shoppers in the U.S. grocery market. The key finding of the “Better for You (Customer), You (Brand), and You (Retailer)” report is that this group of consumers represents a $285 billion annual opportunity, comprising 33 percent of the population and driving significant market trends. Top performers […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Driving Excitement At 2025 NGA Show
Independent grocers are a dedicated bunch. For many, time away from the business is time wasted, and vacations are certainly not a high priority. NGA understands that your time is precious. That’s why The NGA Show is designed to help you make the most of your time, with an education-centric program built around what you […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
HAC Inc. Begins First Phase Of Digital Transformation With Upshop
HAC Inc., an employee-owned grocery chain with a presence in Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia, has begun the first phase of a multi-year digital transformation strategy, partnering with Upshop to implement computer-generated ordering (CGO) technology. This technology will help Homeland stores with inventory management and reduce employee-owner time on ordering, creating more convenience for customers in-store. […]
Posted inCoborn's, Association News, Industry Leaders Speak, National
NGA CEO Greg Ferrara & Coborn’s SVP Dennis Host On Grocery Innovation, Opportunity
Sponsored content With a shared passion for supporting independent grocers and cultivating the next generation of industry leaders, Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association, and Dennis Host, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Coborn’s, a 135+ location Midwest chain, discuss Host’s unconventional path into the grocery industry, key lessons he’s learned […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National
DoorDash Adds More Grocers To Platform, Expands On-Demand Delivery
Since launching on-demand grocery delivery in 2020, DoorDash continues to bring new grocers onto its platform, including the recent additions of Fresh Encounter, Fruitful Yield, Plum Market, Robért Fresh Market and Stew Leonard’s. In the past year, the company has added all Ahold Delhaize USA banners, Haggen, H Mart, La Michoacana, Rouses Markets, Save A Lot, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, The Kroger Co.
Groceryshop 2024 Highlights Personalization, AI, Community-Focused Strategies
Groceryshop 2024 drew more than 4,000 senior executives from more than 50 countries for a three-day conference last month in Las Vegas that showcased revolutionary developments in retail technology, consumer engagement strategies and the future of grocery. More than 160 speakers from top retailers, consumer brands and technology companies gathered to share best practices and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Consumer Brands Names Melissa Hockstad President, CEO
The Consumer Brands Association has named Melissa Hockstad as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective Jan. 6. Hockstad joins Consumer Brands from her role as president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). She will succeed David Chavern, who was named president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in September. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, Walmart
Walmart, NFWF Renew ‘Acres For America’ Program
Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) have announced a 10-year, $34.5 million renewal of the Acres for America conservation program. The new commitment from Walmart, combined with previous contributions, represents the largest corporate donation to NFWF since the foundation’s creation by Congress in 1984. Acres for America began in 2005, when Walmart U.S. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Instacart Introduces SNAP Eligibility Screener To Educate Consumers
Instacart has introduced a new Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) eligibility screener on its EBT SNAP information page. The new tool, powered by Advocatia Solutions Inc., lets customers anonymously check whether they may be eligible for SNAP benefits in less than 60 seconds and find relevant state resources to streamline enrollment. The launch marks the first […]