Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News Oct 15-31
By iFoodDS Team
October 31, 2022
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest grocery retail and food industry news. In the weeks of October 15 – 31, Kroger announced its plan to acquire Albertsons but was urged to delay a scheduled dividend payment, and new research reveals how inflation impacted shopper spending habits and how consumers plan to approach holiday shopping.
State AGs Urge Kroger and Albertsons to Delay Merger-Related Dividend Payment
Kroger announced its plan to acquire competitor Albertsons, but several state attorneys general have urged the retailers to delay a $4 billion dividend payment to Albertsons shareholders. The AGs are concerned about the impact the dividends could have during the merger review process.
Aldi Working on New Digital Commerce Platform
The discount grocer is partnering with ecommerce solution provider Spryker Systems to offer grocery delivery and curbside pickup.
Consumers Buying Fewer Items to Save Money
Research from Morning Consult found that 72% of consumers are purchasing fewer items at the grocery store because of concerns over inflation.
Kroger Offers Checkout-Free Smart Carts
The retailer has rolled out its KroGO smart shopping carts at a concept store in Monroe, OH. The smart carts are powered by Caper.
Consumer Holiday Shopping Trends for 2022
FMI released new research into consumer shopping trends this holiday season. It found that consumers are adapting to inflation with various strategies, such as looking for deals, buying store brands, and substituting more affordable meal options.
Bird Flu Impacts Poultry Availability
More than 47 million birds have died in the latest round of avian influenza, and the USDA estimates that turkey supplies are down 2-3% ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Online Grocery Basket Sizes Are Shrinking
According to a report from Incisiv and Wynshop, digital grocery sales rose 14.4% in Q3 of 2022 but the average shopper basket contained 5 to 6 fewer items than the same time period in 2021. The average price of items increased 21% from last year.
Wakefern and AWG Ranked Among Top Revenue-Earning Cooperatives
National Cooperative Bank (NCB) released its “NCB Co-op 100” report listing the nation’s top 100 revenue-earning cooperative businesses. Wakefern Food Corp./Shoprite earned the fourth spot and Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) earned the fifth spot.
