Independent grocers across the country are navigating a growing penny shortage that is disrupting cash-handling routines and raising compliance questions at the register. Months after the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed the U.S. Mint had stopped producing new pennies for circulation in late 2025, retailers are feeling the effects of a coin supply that is thinning […]
Category: News
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, 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 inProduce News, Association News, Featured News, News, Southeast
Southern Exposure 2026 To Feature Grower Panel, Product Launches
The Southeast Produce Council will hold Southern Exposure 2026 from Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors. The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured 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 inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, News, Suppliers
Moo & Oink Celebrates 50th Anniversary In 2026
Chicago-based meat brand Moo & Oink is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong series of special events, new products and retailer celebrations. Shoppers will see a commemorative badge across Moo & Oink packaging, along with in-store sampling events, mascot appearances and displays at participating retailers. “Moo & Oink has always been about […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Employees Kept Stores Open During Winter Storm Fern
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is praising employees who braved dangerous conditions to keep stores open and communities stocked during Winter Storm Fern, which swept across the Midwest in January. The historic storm dropped more than a foot of snow in many areas, shutting down roads and halting daily life across the region. In several communities, Meijer […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Invests $23M To Expand Store In Marietta, GA
Kroger is expanding its Parkaire Landing location in Marietta, Georgia, with a $23 million investment that will increase the store’s size by more than 26,000 square feet. The project will grow the store from about 59,000 to 85,000 square feet by filling three adjacent vacancies in the East Cobb shopping center. A new 12-pump fuel […]
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 […]