Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News Nov 1 – 15
By iFoodDS Team
November 15, 2021
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of November 1-15, surveys revealed shoppers have optimistic attitudes towards the upcoming holiday season, and new membership programs, delivery services, and DC locations were announced by major grocery retailers.
New Study Show Grocery Shoppers Are Optimistic for Holiday Shopping
A recent study by The Food Industry Association shows that despite the concerns about availability and the pandemic, consumers look forward to being able to buy groceries for the holidays.
Key Findings of the 14th Annual Global Shopper Study
The 14th Annual Global Shopper Study recently released by Zebra Technologies Corporation identified that shoppers are returning to stores, but not to pre-pandemic shopping behavior. Meanwhile, trust levels for online shopping are increasing.
United Fresh and Fresh Produce Associations Release Joint Statement
As part of a November 3rd hearing held by The House Agriculture Committee, a joint statement representing North American fresh produce organizations was submitted. The statement urged immediate government action to address significant ongoing supply chain disruptions with impacts to food systems.
Ahold Delhaize Banner Food Lion Invests in Shopping Experience
Ahold Delhaize Banner Food Lion is investing $127 million dollars to change the way consumers view grocery shopping. The plan consists of remodeling 87 locations across 6 states and increasing the variety of products and services offered.
New Membership Program Announced by Kroger
Kroger recently announced its new membership program, Boost, which will launch in select regions. The membership will offer customers double gas points and free deliveries for online orders over $35.
Whole Foods Launches Lunch and Dinner To-Go App
Whole Foods is launching a new mobile app, Lunch and Dinner To-Go, that allows shoppers to have prepared foods delivered to their front door or made available for pick up.
Walmart’s Driverless Deliveries
Walmart and Gatik partnered and are now offering daily driverless deliveries. The service is only available in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Giant Co. Opens New E-Commerce Fulfillment Center
The Giant Co. officially opened their new E-Commerce Fulfillment Center in Philadelphia, enabling them to deliver to Southern New Jersey for the first time in the company’s history.
Ahold Delhaize Looking into Ultra-Fast Delivery
Ahold Delhaize is evaluating the possibility of launching its own delivery service to meet consumer demand for receiving groceries in 30 minutes or less.
Walmart Plans to Build High-Tech DCs in Dallas
After recently announcing their new high-tech DC in South Carolina, Walmart is replicating the DCs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The automated fulfillment center and automated grocery DC are set to open in 2024.
Publix and Instacart Launch Online Convenience Store
Publix Supermarket launched an Instacart-powered online convenience, Publix Quick Picks. The virtual store allows customers to shop Publix’s assortment of groceries, fresh foods, pantry items and household essentials, as well as meals and snacks, and have their orders delivered in as soon as 30 minutes via Instacart Priority Delivery, Instacart and Publix.
