Protein: An Essential but Overhyped Macronutrient
While protein remains a top nutrition trend, health experts argue it’s often overhyped. Many Americans already get enough, and whole food sources may be healthier than processed protein products.
Tag: Kroger
Specialty Grocers Sprouts and NGVC Display Market Strength
Amid inflation’s shake-up, niche grocers like Sprouts and Natural Grocers have defied expectations with explosive growth. Turns out, health-conscious loyalty and savvy execution are worth their weight in organic chia seeds.
It’s Getting Difficult to Keep Pace with Walmart
Walmart is dominating the grocery sector with unmatched pricing, delivery speed, and scale – and its lead is widening. As rivals chase value-conscious consumers, Walmart is already monetizing convenience.
BMO 2025: Plant-Based Folds into Macro Environment
At the recent 2025 BMO Farm to Market Conference, consumer interest in personal wellness created plant-based tailwinds. Kroger, SunOpta, and Remedy Organics were among businesses weighing in on the future of the sector.
Strikes Cost Food Industry $145.9 Million in 2024
Strikes cost F&B companies and employees $145.9 million in lost wages and revenue in 2024, according to a review by Noggin. Last year’s strikes were complicated by other issues like supply chain pressures as well, signaling the need for better communication among employees and management to avoid labor strife.
Investors Give Albertsons Another Chance – For Now
Following its earnings call last Tuesday, Albertsons stock finished the week up about 2.5% – but the stock took a winding road to get there. Shares originally fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, the day after the company’s fiscal fourth quarter release, before bouncing back over the next two trading sessions.
‘Status Quo’ Wont Cut It: Private Label Market Share Threatened
The battle between private label and name brands has taken a new form as analysts portend a stagnating global own brand market. The path ahead relies on innovation and retail portfolio synergy, NIQ noted.
Plant-Based Braves the Sales Slump
The plant-based food industry may have found a way through its stagnation. A recent report found consumers increased their plant-based purchases throughout 2024, a signal of a healthy year ahead. Nutpods CMO Patrick Coyle recommended brands in the sector strike the right balance between “value” and “values.”
Tariff Trouble: Fresh Produce Prices Expected to Spike
The proposed tariffs by the Trump administration on Mexico and Canada are expected to significantly increase fresh produce costs in the U.S.
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.
FI News Review (December 13, 2024) – Behind the Kroger/Albertsons Merger Fallout
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.
Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks
Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.
FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 11, 2024
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the recent rise in buy-now-pay-later purchases by consumers.
The Future of Grocery Shopping is Omnichannel
Food and beverage stakeholders already know that to guarantee a sale, one must meet consumers where they are. Today, that’s online. Nearly 70% of consumers purchase groceries online in some capacity, according to recent data …
Groceries, Healthcare Prove a Winning Retail Combination
A new report from Placer.ai highlights that grocery stores offering in-store healthcare services are seeing increased foot traffic, particularly from higher-income customers. Wellness offerings not only boost store visits but also enhance customer loyalty.
FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 18, 2024
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on fallout from the headline-grabbing Boar’s Head recall.
The Shifting Landscape of Grocery Retail: Four Key Trends
Retailers are navigating a complex landscape right now marked by regulatory scrutiny, rising shrinkage, and financially stretched consumers. These pressures are forcing retailers to adapt quickly, according to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert.
The Future of ESLs Called into Question
Kroger’s EDGE Shelf recently came under fire by two U.S. senators who feel the technology could be used for surge pricing and also threaten consumer privacy.
How Are Grocers Reacting to a Budget-Conscious Consumer?
Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert discussed the Kroger-Albertsons merger, the rise of private label and more relevant news for grocers.
FI Fast Break audio news: Aug. 21, 2024
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast provides an update of Walmart’s drone delivery plans, and more.
Snacking Survey: Products and Innovations Today’s Consumers Crave
Today’s consumers are snacking around the clock, according to a shopper survey that notes which new innovations shoppers are craving.
FI Fast Break audio news: July 10, 2024
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on Athletic Brewing’s eye-opening ascent in the NA category.
Investors Fear Kroger Is Returning To The Old Normal
Kroger stock has performed well in 2024, rising 9% so far this year. But on a two-year basis, the stock has barely budged and shares have faded 15% from early April levels. The reaction to first-quarter earnings last week further highlights the uncertainty: Kroger stock jumped in early trading but finished the day down a little over 3%.
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Survey Shows In-Store Shopping Still Very Much Matters
While e-commerce continues to gain ground, most consumers still appreciate the in-store shopping experience, according to a new survey.
Private Label Drives Summer Growth
For many major retailers, the latest quarterly results tell a familiar tale: consumers are fed up with high prices, spending less, and commodifying their loyalty by taking the best deal right now, regardless of whose logo adorns their grocery bag or shopping cart.
Four Key Themes from the 2024 BMO Farm to Market Conference
At the 2024 BMO Farm to Market Conference, a few key themes emerged for the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors.
How Much Does Sustainability Influence Consumer Shopping Habits?
Consumers in the U.S. and Canada say that they are willing to pay more for products that practice eco-friendly sustainability and ethics in their development, packaging, and sale of products, particularly around animal cruelty and ocean pollution.
Top 3 Spring/Summer Trends in Retail
In a few short years, retail will be a totally immersive and data-driven experience highlighted by personalized AI recommendations for health and home, smart carts to increase efficiency (and solve the traveling salesman’s dilemma in-store), and much more.
FI Spotlight: Navigating the Aisles with the Supermarket Guru
FI Fast Break audio news: March 6, 2024
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Amazon’s newest plans for Whole Foods locations in urban areas.
The Fiercest Battle in Retail: Foot Traffic, Trips, and Loyalty
EV charging stations outside, stores within stores inside, sprawling beauty sections, niche products, reimagined loyalty programs – the battle for foot traffic is cutthroat as the economy roars to life.
The Future of Food: Health, Wellness, and the Trillion-Dollar Opportunity
The global health and wellness food market was $940 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a 5% CAGR, hitting $1.47 trillion in 2027.
Analysis: Are Ghost Kitchens Getting ‘Ghosted’?
Ghost kitchens – restaurants without seating or even take-out counters – proliferated during the pandemic when people were virtually trapped in their homes, afraid to enter confined spaces packed by strangers and, as a result, …
More Diners Looking for Sushi Fix at Grocery Stores
Consumers are turning toward grocery store sushi when looking for a healthier snack or quick meal but don’t want to pay restaurant prices.
Growing Up – CEA & The Future of Indoor Farming
What’s next for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) space after a spate of bankruptcies and rising inflation?