Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market and Tampa, Florida-based IFCO, a provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, report that they have made significant advancements in their ongoing partnership. The arrangement began in December 2020 with a pilot program at Sprouts that focused on the use of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh produce items packed […]
Category: National
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Semifinalists Advance In FMI’s Tech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the six semifinalists in the FMItech Pitch Competition, a chance to showcase groundbreaking technology solutions to the food industry at the 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. Out of 20 submissions, the judges have narrowed the field to six semifinalists. Semifinalists Badge’s no-code mobile wallet platform allows retailers to reach […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
Executive Perspectives: Dan Funk
President and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers since 2023, Dan Funk joined the Kansas City-based cooperative wholesaler in 2012 and worked his way up the executive leadership team. Funk has worked at every level of the grocery industry over the course of his lifelong career, from store level to management, at retail and wholesale. Funk […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Industry Experts Guide Produce Distributors On FSMA 204 Compliance
The Produce Distributors Association’s Sept 24 webinar titled “Will Your Company be Compliant-Ready in Time for FSMA 204?” helped participants prepare for the new traceability rule taking effect in January 2026. The complexities of FSMA 204(d) prompted the session to concentrate on distributors, which are scrambling to try to understand the nuances of the Food […]
Posted inBeverage News, National
Reddy Ice Enters International Market With New Acquisition
In its first international acquisition, Reddy Ice has acquired Fábrica de Hielo Apodaca, S.A. de C.V. (known as Aguafría), the largest ice manufacturer in Mexico, expanding its position in the U.S. and Mexico markets. Aguafría, established in 2017, serves more than 6,000 customers across more than 13,000 locations, supported by a vast network of operational […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
USDA Report Highlights NGA’s Position On Price Discrimination
Following a year-long study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report on the market dynamics within the meat and retail industries that affirms the National Grocers Association’s position that consolidation and price discrimination contribute to higher consumer prices, fewer retail stores and limited market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. “The report is the […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National
American Bakers Association Adds Two New Board Members
The American Bakers Association (ABA) has appointed two new board members to fill open seats for the 2024-26 term. Kim Albers-Nisbet, CEO of United States Bakery, fills the vacant baker member seat, while Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods, fills the vacant allied member seat. The next call for open ABA board seats will be […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National
FMI’s Power of Private Brands Report IDs Increased Industry Investment
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The Power of Private Brands 2024: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum” report, which surveyed food industry executives about the importance of private brands to their businesses and the strategies they plan to pursue to further brand development and grow sales in that category. “The private brands industry is […]
Posted inBakery News, National
Grupo Bimbo Donates 3M Slices Of Bread As Part Of Global Race
Grupo Bimbo recently held the ninth edition of the Bimbo Global Race on Sept. 29 in 3K 5K and 10K formats, bringing together more than 300,000 runners for one of the largest charity races in the world. Bogota, Colombia, served as the host city for the 2024 event, which was held in 34 countries. Runners […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Duda Farm Fresh Foods To Highlight Bilingual Packaging At IFPA Show
Duda Farm Fresh Foods will showcase its Dandy Celery Dippers, now available in bilingual packaging in 8-oz. and 1.25-lb. sizes, at booth No. B2247 during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta. Almost a year after announcing the official launch of the celery dippers at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, The Kroger Co.
Survey: Most Consumers Will Celebrate Halloween With Chocolate, Candy
U.S. consumers are ready to treat themselves and others as they prepare for the Halloween season. According to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association, 94 percent will share chocolate and candy with friends and family, with consumer demand fueling retail trends such as “Summerween” and “Aug-tober.” The Halloween season is a key moment […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, National
IDDBA Names New Board Members At Annual Business Meeting
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) recently held its annual business meeting in Rosemont, Illinois. For three days, the IDDBA staff came together with stakeholders that make up the board of directors and committees. “During the meeting, we reviewed our 2023-24 successes and most importantly discussed our long-term plans to serve our members and […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, The Kroger Co.
Instacart Introduces New Caper Cart Personalized Capabilities
Instacart has launched three new Caper Cart capabilities – gamified quests, location-based coupons and aisle-aware advertising formats. These new offerings build on the AI-powered smart cart’s capabilities to make grocery shopping more personalized through its digital screen, allowing brands and retailers to engage with customers as they shop in-store. These capabilities are rolling out to retailers like Schnucks […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Elects New Members To Board Of Directors
FMI – The Food Industry Association elected new members to its board of directors at its September board meeting. The new directors build on FMI’s commitment to a broad representation of the supplier and retailer/wholesaler communities within the association’s leadership. “The entire food industry – from product suppliers to retailers and wholesalers – takes great […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Online Grocery Technology
Independents Embrace Smart Carts
One of the most common misconceptions about smart carts is that they only serve as an alternative to self-checkout. But many grocery customers like the ability to keep an eye on their running total, instantly access coupons and loyalty programs, earn discounts and shop independently. Retailers have been rolling out smart carts in major metro […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, National
Fetch Becomes First RMN Partner With Albertsons Media Collective
Madison, Wisconsin-based Fetch has announced its first retail media network (RMN) partnership with Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm of Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos. The integration extends the reach of the collective, expanding the grocer’s service model offerings to consumer-packaged goods brands looking to drive retailer-specific sales. Fetch will fold into Albertsons Media Collective’s […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, National
Birdzi Enhances Retailer Onboarding Process With Armeta Analytics
Birdzi has announced an integration with data engineering firm Armeta Analytics that streamlines workflows and reduces the technological lift for Birdzi’s retail customers. Armeta will facilitate onboarding through a simplified integration process that makes it easier for Birdzi customers to use the company’s customer engagement tools and personalized marketing solutions, including VISPER Live. “By automating data management […]
Posted inBakery News, National, Snacks Brands
Mondelēz International Invests In UK-Based Urban Legend
Mondelēz International’s corporate venture capital arm, SnackFutures Ventures, has taken a minority stake in Urban Legend, a “better-for-you” fresh doughnut and pastry business based in the UK. Founded in 2021 by scientist and entrepreneur Anthony Fletcher, Urban Legend uses a custom designed and patented air frying technology to reduce sugar, fat and calories by 30-75 […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Survey: Self-Checkout Presents Opportunities For Fresh Produce Sales
As self-checkout continues to shape the retail landscape, a recent consumer survey conducted by Fusion, a business-to-business marketing agency for fresh food, reveals insights into the behavior and preferences of today’s shoppers. With more than three-quarters of surveyed consumers regularly using self-checkout and 90 percent expressing satisfaction with the experience, the findings point to successes, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, National
Afresh Introduces DC Forecasts, Albertsons Cos. First Customer To Implement
Afresh Technologies has launched its first solution for distribution centers, Afresh DC Forecasts, with Albertsons Cos. as its first customer to test the product. The new AI-powered DC Forecasts offer the first fresh-specific technology solution for DC buyers that automatically compiles the data the buyers must consider every day to forecast upcoming orders from the […]