Category: News
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Equipment, National, News

Birdzi Launches Natural Language BI Tool, AskKea

by Shelby Team

Birdzi has released AskKea, a generative business intelligence (BI) assistant that lets grocery retailers query their data using plain-English questions and receive decision-ready answers in minutes instead of days. AskKea is designed for non-analysts. Store managers and marketing teams can ask questions directly and receive clear answers, visual summaries, exportable data files, methodology explanations and […]

Posted inBakery News, Midwest, National, News

Puratos To Acquire MI-Based Dawn Foods

by Shelby Team

Belgian bakery ingredients group Puratos has begun an agreement to acquire Jackson, Michigan-based Dawn Foods, bringing together two family-owned companies that have each operated in the professional bakery industry for more than a century. The combined company would connect Dawn Foods’ large-scale North American distribution with Puratos’ international subsidiary network, and pair Dawn’s application-focused creativity with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Natural Grocers, News, West

Natural Grocers Plans New Store In Walla Walla, WA

by Shelby Team

Natural Grocers has begun preparations for a new store in downtown Walla Walla, Washington, marking the family-operated chain’s sixth location in the state and first in the Walla Walla Valley. Ahead of the spring opening, the company is hosting a community meet-and-greet March 24 and a two-day hiring event March 25-26 at the Courtyard by […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News, Nonfood Items

AI Experts Urge Retailers To Move Beyond Simple Automation

by Shelby Team

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help retailers unlock hidden revenue in underperforming inventory, improve customer targeting and streamline operations — but only if companies stop treating it as a time-saving shortcut and start using it as a strategic tool. That was the message from two digital commerce experts during a keynote at The Inspired Home Show […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Featured News, National, News

NCA Launches Candy Campaign Ahead Of U.S. 250th Anniversary

by Shelby Team

The National Confectioners Association has launched Sweet Land of Liberty, a yearlong advocacy and marketing campaign timed to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that frames the U.S. chocolate and candy industry as a major American manufacturing story. The campaign features activations in Washington, D.C., and nationwide, including a presence at Sweets & […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Finance News, News, Northeast, UNFI

UNFI Posts Q2 Profit Turnaround As Network Optimization Drives Margin Gains

by Shelby Team

United Natural Foods Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) reported second quarter fiscal 2026 net income of $20 million, reversing a $3 million net loss in the same period a year ago, as cost discipline and distribution network restructuring more than offset a 2.6 percent decline in net sales to $7.9 billion. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Food City, Health & Wellness, News, Southeast

Food City Expands NationsBenefit Flex Card Access For Members

by Shelby Team

NationsBenefits has integrated its Flex Card network with Food City, allowing eligible health plan members to use prepaid benefit cards at all of the grocer’s participating locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama. Using the NationsBenefits Mastercard Prepaid Flex Card, they will be able to buy approved food as medicine items, over-the-counter (OTC) health […]