The National Grocers Association sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 20, urging both agencies to use current antitrust authorities to address market manipulation by dominant grocery retail power buyers, especially Walmart. NGA warned that unchecked buyer power is raising rivals’ costs, accelerating consolidation and […]
Category: News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers, News
Natural Grocers Celebrates Kansas Day With Free Tote, Coupon
Natural Grocers will celebrate Kansas Day Jan. 29-31 at its eight stores in the state with a free limited-edition reusable tote bag and a $5-off coupon for {N}power members while supplies last. The promotion, which honors Kansas Statehood Day, is available to all members of Natural Grocers’ free {N}power rewards program. The coupon is valid […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, News, Southeast
BJ’s To Open Wholesale Club Jan. 30 In Chattanooga, TN
BJ’s Wholesale Club will open its sixth store in Tennessee on Jan. 30 at 401 Northgate Mall Drive in Chattanooga. An on-site BJ’s Gas station opened Jan. 14. “We’re bringing unbeatable value and savings of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day to families in Chattanooga,” said Dave Shaw, club manager for […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Donates $2K To Girls Inc. Of Chattanooga
Food City presented a $2,000 check to Girls Inc. of Chattanooga on Jan. 20, continuing the Abingdon, Virginia-based retailer’s support of the organization dedicated to empowering girls to become confident leaders. Girls Inc. focuses on creating a pro-girl environment where girls can develop their strengths through three core principles – empowerment, advocacy and education. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Beverage News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks To Hold St. Louis Food & Wine Event Feb. 6-7
Schnuck Markets Inc. will hold its annual St. Louis Food & Wine event Feb. 6-7 at Union Station, with the event benefiting Operation Food Search and the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. This year’s festivities will feature hundreds of wines, a selection of craft beers and culinary offerings. Attendees can purchase wine as they taste […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Funding, Support Go Long Way For Grocers In Underserved Atlanta Areas
In December 2024, Invest Atlanta – the official economic development authority for the city of Atlanta – announced millions of dollars in grants to bolster fresh food access in underserved areas around the city. The first announcement was Invest Atlanta providing $8 million in funding for two stores to be operated by independent operator Savi […]
Posted inProduce News, Marketing News, News, Northeast
Keystone Fruit Marketing Promotes Gideon To Director Of Sales
Greencastle, Pennsylvania-based Keystone Fruit Marketing, a division of Progressive Produce, has promoted Matthew Gideon to director of sales. Gideon has been with Keystone since 2009, playing a key role in supporting the division’s growth and strengthening its year-round sweet onion program. In his new role, Gideon will be responsible for all aspects of sales for […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Beverage News, National, News
Swiftly, ExtraMile Launch Digital Alcohol Cashback Across 1.1K Stores
Swiftly is working with ExtraMile Convenience Stores to integrate the tech firm’s Alcohol Cashback program into the ExtraMile, Chevron and Texaco mobile apps and combined rewards program. The launch introduces a digital savings experience on beer, wine and spirits for rewards members across more than 1,100 ExtraMile locations nationwide. The collaboration comes as value-driven incentives […]
Posted inInternational Foods, Center Store, National, News
Goya Foods Celebrates 90 Years As Largest Hispanic-Owned Food Company
Goya Foods is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, marking nine decades since Spanish immigrants Don Prudencio Unanue and his wife, Carolina, founded the company in 1936 inside a small storefront in Lower Manhattan. Jersey City, New Jersey-based Goya Foods has grown to become the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, establishing itself […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Donates $3K To Camp Hope Youth Program
Food City presented a $3,000 check on Jan. 21 to Partnership for Families, Children & Adults Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to benefit the organization’s Camp HOPE project, a trauma-informed summer program for youth. Partnership for Families, Children and Adults is a nonprofit human services agency serving southeastern Tennessee and North Georgia since 1877. The organization […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, News, Southwest, Walmart
Walmart Healthcare Research Institute To Open Clinical Research Sites
Walmart Healthcare Research Institute will open clinical research sites this spring in three former Walmart Health locations and one rural Walmart store, the company announced Jan. 22. The sites, operated in collaboration with Care Access, an independent clinical research organization, will have on-site teams offering health screenings and information about research opportunities. The initiative aims […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Finance News, News, Southeast
ECRS Launches AI-Powered Chat Tool For Retail Data Analysis
ECRS has released Chat with Cognition, an artificial intelligence-driven insight and summarization tool built into its CATAPULT Cognition cloud-based platform. The new capability allows retailers to converse with their operational data, receive automated insights and streamline decision-making without requiring specialized analytics expertise. Designed for independent grocers, natural and organic retailers, food co-ops and convenience operators, […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
FMI Appoints 4 New Directors To Board During Midwinter Conference
FMI – The Food Industry Association appointed four new directors to its board of directors Jan. 23 during the organization’s annual Midwinter Executive Conference in Chula Vista, California. The appointees are Jason Buechel of Amazon.com Inc.; John Foraker of Once Upon A Farm; Mark Griffin of B&R Stores Inc.; and Lauren Redman of Newport Avenue […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Research, National, News
Online Grocery Sales Surge 32% To Record $12.7B In December
U.S. online grocery sales surged 32 percent year over year in December to a record $12.7 billion, according to the latest Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey. The record performance reflects higher order frequency, increased spending rates and a larger user base than December 2024. Online share of total grocery spending reached 19 percent, the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National, News
Swish Wins Fifth Annual FMItech Pitch Competition
Swish was crowned the winner of the fifth annual FMItech Pitch Competition Jan. 22 during the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference in Chula Vista, California. The technology company powers targeted, automated programmatic sampling by placing full-size products into consumers’ online orders. Twenty-two contestants submitted nominations, which were evaluated by a panel of judges from the food […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Finance News, National, News, UNFI
UNFI Adds 50 Private Label Products Focused On Wellness, Snacking Trends
UNFI is launching nearly 50 new private brand products this month at its Spring and Summer Selling Shows in Long Beach, California, and Orlando Florida, targeting emerging consumer preferences around wellness, snacking and value. The products span the company’s Brands+ portfolio, which includes eight core brands and more than 4,400 SKUs. The launches come as […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, Gelson's, News, West
Gelson’s To Open Small-Format Store In Toluca Lake, CA
The 10,000-square-foot small-format store Gelson’s will open Jan. 28 at Riverside Drive and Mariota Avenue in Toluca Lake, California, will serve as the centerpiece of a mixed-use development that includes 37 studio apartments. Toluca Lake is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes and proximity to entertainment landmarks like Warner Bros. Studios. The area blends old Hollywood […]
Posted inAssociation News, Finance News, Market Profile, News, West
Hawaii Grocery Industry Adapts During Uncertain Times, Mounting Challenges
The grocery industry in Hawaii is facing mounting challenges as food insecurity remains high and transportation costs continue to climb. Approximately 30 percent of Hawaii’s residents report some level of food insecurity, according to Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu. The situation is even more dire in certain […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
FMI Honors 7 Leaders With 2026 Executive Leadership Awards
FMI – The Food Industry Association recognized seven industry leaders with its 2026 Executive Leadership Awards on Jan. 21 at the Midwinter Executive Conference in Chula Vista, California. The recipients represent Alex Lee, Inc.; Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.; Market of Choice Inc.; Wakefern Food Corp.; The Clorox Company; Stater Bros. Markets; and Knowlan’s Super […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Enlarging Store In Blountville, TN
Food City is expanding its store on Highway 394 in Blountville, Tennessee, adding more than 7,000 square feet of retail space that will increase the total footprint to nearly 50,500 square feet. The project, which is scheduled to wrap up this fall, will create 40 new jobs. “We are excited to have the opportunity to […]