Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News June 16 – 30
By iFoodDS Team
June 30, 2022
Here is our biweekly roundup of the top grocery retail and food industry news. In the weeks of June 16 – 30, major retailers announced new locations and loyalty programs, Supermarket News and FMI released 2022 trends reports, and new research revealed sustainability is a top priority for retailers due to consumer demand.
Survey Reveals Sustainability Is a Top Priority for Most Retailers
The Packer’s 2022 Sustainability Insights Survey revealed that 50% of retailers consider sustainability their primary priority and 21% consider it a secondary priority. Survey respondents also said that consumers are the top driver of sustainability efforts.
Kroger Announces Boost Membership Program
Kroger is rolling out a new loyalty program called Boost that offers benefits such as double the gas points and discounts on private-label brands. The program will make a difference for price-conscious shoppers amid current inflation.
Grocery Sales Increased Year Over Year in May
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that retail and foodservice sales were up 8.1% from May 2021. Grocery stores in particular saw an 8.7% increase in sales year over year. At the same time, consumers have reined in discretionary spending due to inflation.
Supermarket News Releases 2022 Fresh Food Trends Report
The report asked 50 retailers and wholesalers about their experiences over the past 12 months and their expectations for 2022 sales. Highlights include an increase in sales for perimeter categories and improvements in produce sales margins.
Grocery Outlet Opens First Maryland Store
Grocery Outlet opened its first Maryland location in Hagerstown on June 16. It offered multiple grand opening promotions including chances to win $1,000 in groceries and $50 rewards certificates. The value grocer now has 424 store locations in eight states.
The Giant Co. Adds 30,000 Honeybees to Corporate Headquarters
The Giant Co. has added two beehives housing 30,000 honeybees to its Carlisle, PA corporate headquarters. The grocery retailer also partnered with Planet Bee Foundation to award grants totaling $10,000 to local beekeepers.
FMI Releases 2022 Power of Private Brands Report
The report reveals that 40% of consumers have bought more private brands since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 75% of these shoppers will continue doing so. Factors driving this trend include value and price, as well as quality, taste, and sustainability.
