Cargo ships stalled in the Strait of Hormuz. Fertilizer prices that have effectively doubled for American farmers. A Sierra Nevada snowpack that never materialized. The pressures bearing down on the U.S. food supply chain in 2026 are coming from multiple directions at once – and according to experts from FMI – The Food Industry Association, […]
Category: News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Featured News, Food City, News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
Food City Growth Brings ‘Fun Challenge’ Of Managing Distribution, Culture
When an ice storm hits and the news tells everyone to stay home, Greg Sparks knows exactly what happens next. “Our drivers are out there,” he said. That mindset – part duty, part pride – helps explain why Food City is The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s 2026 Retailer of the Year. Having served friends […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, News, West
Sweets & Snacks Expo Expects Record Attendance In Las Vegas
The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo is shaping up to be a landmark event as the candy and snack industry gathers for the first time in Las Vegas, with attendance trending toward an all-time high, according to show organizer National Confectioners Association (NCA). The expo runs May 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Co. Opens Converted Everett Foodliner Location After Acquisition
The Giant Co. has reopened the store at 250 West Main St. in Everett, Pennsylvania, that it acquired in February. Formerly Everett Foodliner, the store was temporarily closed to complete minor remodels, install new signage and undertake an overall décor update. Customers will find Giant’s signature fresh departments, including a larger, market-feel produce department with […]
Posted inInternational Foods, Executive News, News, West
Ajinomoto Foods North America Names Gardner President, CEO
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA), a specialty frozen food manufacturer, has appointed Dave Gardner president and CEO. Gardner, who joined AFNA in 2022 as chief supply chain officer, succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to executive officer and EVP, chief human resources officer for Tokyo-based parent company Ajinomoto Co. Inc. Kaho led AFNA […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Featured News, Food City, News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
Food City CEO Reflects On Legacy, Growth, Art Of Running Best Store In Town
Having served friends and neighbors for more than 100 years, Food City is proud to be locally owned and operated. With 164 retail outlets spanning five states, the company’s dedicated team of more than 19,200 associates is committed to the mission it was founded upon: to “run the best store in town.” That commitment to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Featured News, National, News
Instacart Expands Fulfillment Pro With New Picking, Delivery Tools
Instacart is expanding Fulfillment Pro, its end-to-end order fulfillment platform, with two major updates – new delivery management software for retailer-owned fleets and enhanced enterprise-grade picking capabilities for store teams. The updates build on fulfillment infrastructure used by more than 50,000 retail associates to deliver more than 45 million orders in 2025. They represent Instacart’s […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast
Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show In Orlando
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 14-16 and returns to Orlando, Florida, for the first time in several years. The gathering brings together the global fresh produce and floral supply chain for three days of connection, insight, and business […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, NCPA Join Main Street Competition Coalition
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have joined the newly-formed Main Street Competition Coalition (MSCC), a cross-sector effort to push back against big corporations that use market dominance to squeeze out smaller competitors. Founding investors in the project, NCPA and NGA represent thousands of Main Street businesses that often […]
Posted inFinance News, Grocery Research, National, News
Circana’s Purchase To Consumption Tool Highlights $100M Opportunity Gap
Circana has rolled out its Purchase to Consumption solution, a tool that links verified purchase behaviors from the company’s receipt panel with National Eating Trends (NET) consumption behaviors from the same consumers. The solution provides the consumer packaged goods industry with what Circana calls a “holistic” understanding of the food and beverage journey. It closes […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, Foodtown, News, Northeast
Allegiance Retail Services Names Ferreira Acting Chairman, CEO
Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) has named Jason Ferreira acting chairman of its board of directors and CEO, effective immediately. The change is part of the board’s succession development plan. Ferreira has served on the board at Iselin, New Jersey-based Allegiance since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013. Previously vice chairman, he will […]
Posted inBeverage News, National, News
Propel Launches Clear Protein Powder With Fiber, Electrolytes
Propel has launched Propel Clear Protein, a ready-to-mix powder offering protein, fiber and hydration in one serving. The brand, now in its 12th consecutive year of growth, developed the product with registered dietitians, including with GLP-1 users in mind. It is available via Walmart, Amazon, Gatorade.com and TikTok Shop. Multifunctional formula for active wellness Propel Clear […]
Posted inProduce News, News, Southwest
C.H. Robinson Opens South TX Produce Logistics Center
C.H. Robinson’s fresh supply chain division, Robinson Fresh, has opened a 142,600-square-foot logistics center in Pharr, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border, to help produce shippers reduce dwell time and optimize freshness. The facility, one of the largest in the Rio Grande Valley, is positioned near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge – the most important U.S.-Mexico border […]
Posted inFinance News, Association News, National, News
Food-At-Home Prices Jump 0.7% As Energy Costs Squeeze Supply Chain
Food-at-home prices rose 0.7 percent in April – the sharpest monthly increase so far this year – as energy market disruptions and ongoing supply chain pressures pushed grocery costs higher for American families and retailers alike. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported May 12 that the overall Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers […]
Posted inNews, Bashas', Independent Store News, West
Food City Positions Itself As One-Stop Graduation Headquarters
As graduation season ramps up across Arizona, Food City is positioning its 45 stores as a single destination for families looking to celebrate on a budget. From made-from-scratch graduation cakes and party platters to gift cards and festive supplies, the Bashas’-owned Hispanic banner is rolling out a suite of promotions designed to help customers honor […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Instacart Expands Ads Manager To Retailers With New Self-Serve Tools
Instacart announced it has extended Instacart Ads Manager to retailers, enabling them to activate campaigns within the scaled, self-serve advertising platform. The company is opening the same high-intent reach, optimization and closed-loop measurement infrastructure that supports brand campaigns to retailers. At the same time, it is building new tools designed for their goals, from driving […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, News, West
Albertsons Deploys AI Vision Tool To Boost Produce Consistency Across DCs
Albertsons Companies has launched an artificial intelligence-powered supply chain tool designed to help distribution center inspectors maintain tighter quality control over fresh fruits and vegetables. The Intelligent Quality Control tool, built in-house by Albertsons’ technology and supply chain teams, uses Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise (including Vision AI and Gemini models) to support quality inspectors. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, FMI Praise House Passage Of ORC Act, Citing Threat To Independents
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association have praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act” (HR 2853), calling the bipartisan measure a critical tool in the fight against theft rings that are squeezing independent grocers. In a letter of support sent to the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, News, Northeast, Private Label Brands, Wakefern
Wakefern Food Corp. Names Ruane Director Of Own Brands
Wakefern Food Corp. has promoted Chris Ruane to director of Own Brands. In his new role, Ruane will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering quality and value across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird. He will report to Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill. “Chris’s deep industry […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, National, News, Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market Bringing Daily Shop Concept To 3 U.S. Markets
Whole Foods Market will be adding its smaller format store concept, Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, to Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia over the next two years, continuing the brand’s expansion of the format into dense urban neighborhoods. Whole Foods Market Daily Shop stores feature a streamlined footprint, with an emphasis on product selection and an […]