Associated Food Stores received the Wholesaler Partnership Excellence Award at Instacart’s 2026 Independent Grocer Award Winners ceremony held during the recent NGA Show. The Salt Lake City-based wholesaler was recognized for its collaboration with Instacart throughout the onboarding process and hands-on approach to supporting the transition to Storefront Pro and Storefront platforms. Onboarding a retailer […]
Category: News
Posted inCenter Store, National, News
Kraft Heinz Pauses Company Split, Commits $600M To Turnaround Plan
The Kraft Heinz Company announced Feb. 11 it is pausing work on its planned separation into two independent companies, instead committing $600 million to accelerate growth efforts as the food manufacturer reported a 15 percent decline in full-year 2025 adjusted earnings. CEO Steve Cahillane, who joined the Pittsburgh and Chicago-based company Jan. 1, said its […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Northeast
Lidl To Open Kips Bay Store As Manhattan Expansion Continues
Lidl US will open a new store Feb. 25 at 460 Third Ave. in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, marking the German discount grocer’s continued push into New York City. The Arlington, Virginia-based retailer will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m. Free croissants and coffee will be available at the grand opening. The […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
Publix Associate Prevails In Best Bagger Championship
The National Grocers Association (NGA) awarded a $10,000 cash prize to Rocco Cammarota of Publix Super Markets in Georgia after he finished first in the Best Bagger Championship on Feb. 2. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the competition took place during the second day of The NGA Show at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas. The annual gathering brings […]
Posted inBakery News, National, News
Rise Baking Co. Identifies 5 Trends Shaping 2026 Bakery Category
Rise Baking Co. released its outlook for the bakery sector in 2026, highlighting five consumer behaviors and market dynamics expected to influence in-store bakery and foodservice operations throughout the year. The Minneapolis-based manufacturer – which supplies cakes, cookies, muffins and pies to grocery chains, convenience stores and foodservice operators – identified indulgence, portion variety, flavor […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Swiftly Converts Static Circulars Into Interactive Digital Format
Swiftly has launched SmartCircular, an artificial intelligence-powered tool that transforms grocery retailers’ PDF circulars into interactive digital experiences with engagement tracking. The Seattle-based retail technology company’s new product uses proprietary AI to convert static weekly ads into clickable formats that allow shoppers to browse deals, zoom in on products and add items to shopping lists. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West
Save Mart CARES Foundation Awards $825K In 2025
The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation distributed more than $825,000 in grants to nonprofits across California and western Nevada in 2025, marking two decades of community investment totaling $6.3 million. The foundation’s 20th anniversary underscores a sustained commitment to organizations addressing food access, education, arts and essential community services in the grocer’s operating territories. “At […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, News, Southeast, UNFI
UNFI Spotlights 5 Key Grocery Trends For 2026 Spring Season
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) brought more than 3,400 retailers and suppliers together at its Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando, Florida, to examine five major trends reshaping grocery retail, from private label dominance to the growing emphasis on gut health. The distributor’s Feb. 10-12 event highlighted shifts in shopper behavior that grocers should […]