Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News Dec 16-29
By iFoodDS Team
December 29, 2021
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest grocery retail and food industry news. In the weeks of December 1 – 29, transparency, convenience and well-being were identified as major drivers for consumers and specifically, Gen Z, when grocery shopping, US Foods announced the company’s annual hunger-relief efforts and a recap of produce sales online was published.
Changes to the Grocery Fresh Perimeter
A recent article by Supermarket Perimeter identified transparency, convenience, health and well-being as major trends among consumers when buying groceries. Gen Z was also identified as one of the segments grocery retailers should pay attention to when considering their shopping behaviors.
Most of Fresh Produce Complies with EPA standard for Pesticide Residue
USDA released its annual report in collaboration with EPA, highlighting that 99% of sampled food was within the accepted tolerance levels. Some fruits and vegetables exceeded the limits.
Recap of Produce Sales for 2022
According to category partners, consumers are more comfortable buying produce online, as 42% of shoppers now buy groceries online. Out of those, 58% purchased fruits and 48% purchased vegetables. Iceberg lettuce, salad kits, and broccoli are some of the best performing products online.
US Foods Hunger Relief Efforts
As part of their efforts against hunger, US Foods announced the company’s donation of $13 million in food and supplies through different campaigns and programs in 2022.
FMI Comments on Food Allergens
With the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act going into effect Jan 2023, FMI submitted comments on the changes that retailers, wholesalers, and product suppliers will have to do to their food safety plan and labels to declare allergens.
