Food Retail Archive

Self-Reflection: Retailers Reconsidering Self-Checkout Lanes

Multiple retailers are re-evaluating self-checkout lanes these days. As a result, the kiosks have become heavily debated among industry analysts. “Shoppers with high velocity who want to get their 10 items or less quickly – …

Price: The Elusive Enemy of Food Delivery

Food delivery shoppers are becoming more price sensitive, indicating that platforms will have to get creative to ensure profits. One key growth lever for companies in 2025 is reinforcing their commitments to grocery, the often-overlooked food delivery service next to restaurants.

Naturally Confused: Natural, Organic Terms Puzzle 40% of Consumers

Roughly 59% of shoppers think it’s important that grocery items are natural and/or organic, according to a new Acosta Group study. Gen Z is especially interested in such products. However, many consumers are confused by terms like “natural” and “organic.”

Revolutionizing Meat Snacks: Mighty Spark’s Poultry Power Play

The Mighty Spark brand aims to revolutionize a meat-stick category traditionally dominated by beef by introducing healthier, chicken-based options. Their products, which are low in calories and free from common allergens, have gained popularity due to their bold taste, leading to rapid expansion in retail.

Walmart Partnership Pushes Fresh Produce Limits

Walmart is partnering with India-based agritech company GreenPod Labs to clean up its supply chain: the tech innovation endeavors to minimize produce spoilage during transportation.

A Fizzy Fiasco – PepsiCo Embroiled in Yet Another Legal Battle

The recent lawsuit in California alleging PepsiCo’s engagement in nefarious pricing practices is the latest in an ongoing movement in food and beverage to leverage the Robinson-Patman Act to strengthen small businesses’ economic autonomy. The act is also a fiercely debated issue in the U.S. government.

Fueling Innovation: The New Age of Culinary Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are undergoing a makeover, with the vast majority replacing what was once viewed as “desperation” food with real – but not necessarily healthier – offerings. The number of C-stores fell marginally last year, …

Rise and Stall of Amazon Go Illustrates Limits of AI

In its quest to revolutionize retail, Amazon Go has faced significant hurdles, from customer confusion to technical difficulties. Amazon’s challenges in brick-and-mortar retail highlight the complexities of adopting cashierless technology.

Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win

Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.

Sprouts Tops List of 5 Brands to Watch in 2025

Sprouts has enjoyed a 7.2% year-over-year visit increase, driven by small-format locations and a focus on high-quality products. Meanwhile, H Mart was also named a brand to watch by placer.ai, mainly for its innovation.

Specialty Food Spotlight: Sampling Year Ahead With Winter Fancy Food Show

The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.

Meat the Future: Cutting-Edge Tech Transforming Meat Processing

In 2025, the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry is leveraging advanced materials and automation to enhance efficiency across its supply chain. Innovations in blade technology and nanotechnology in packaging are transforming operations.

On Target: The Secrets Behind Target’s Modern Retail Success

At the recent National Retail Federation’s 2025 Big Show, Target’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted how the retailer’s agile strategies, inclusive branding, and innovative partnerships keep it ahead in a competitive landscape.

Holy Guacamole: U.S. Avocado Imports Soar Ahead of Super Bowl

Demand for avocados is surging. Fueled by eased import restrictions, growing interest in ethnic flavors, and heightened awareness of health benefits, U.S. avocado consumption has skyrocketed, driving significant economic contributions across both the U.S. and Mexico.

The Inside Scoop on the Ice Cream Market’s Growth

The global ice cream market is set to grow by $31.7 billion by 2029, driven by innovations in texture stabilization, functional ingredients, and adventurous flavor profiles. The latest innovations include low-sugar alternatives, in addition to boozy creations.

Cautious Optimism Fuels Retail Boom

As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.

Regional Grocers Win in Value-First World

A recent report from dunnhumby found consumers continue to prefer regional grocers with H-E-B holding firm as the most preferred. Kroger and Albertsons, however, fell out of favor, likely due to the ongoing post-merger turmoil.

GLP-1 Drugs’ Ripple Effects, Circana’s Tips for Adapting to Them

The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.

Advertisement
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
Advertisement

Value 2.0: Catering to Shoppers’ Personal Priorities

In 2025, consumers will redefine “value,” prioritizing brands that align with their personal values, according to Acosta Group. Retailers must embrace this shift by enhancing experiences through personalized retail media, leveraging social commerce, and addressing health-conscious demands with transparency.

Circana Offers Advice for Avoiding Next Supply Chain Crisis

A new report urges grocers and manufacturers to adopt proactive strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions using real-time data analysis. Highlighting recent events like the Listeria-tainted meat recalls, the report underscores the importance of adapting swiftly to prevent inventory downturns during crises.

Chicken Chains Leading Fast Food’s Next Wave

Chicken chains are outpacing the broader dining sector, with fried chicken restaurants seeing a 4.3% increase in visits, driven by chicken’s versatility. KFC is taking advantage by launching its new “Saucy” brand.

Super Saturday to Entice Record Number of Shoppers

An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.

Driving Profit with the Better-for-You Shopper

The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.

Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets

Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.