Top News in the Produce Industry August 16 – 31
By iFoodDS Team
August 31, 2022
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of August 16 – 31, sales of fresh food grew online. About 30 grocery retailers were recognized by Forbes in the Best Employers List, and FMI released a report identifying that consumers still feel in control of their grocery expenses amidst the spike in prices.
Fresh Food Sales Are Up, Especially Online
A new report from FMI found that sales from fresh food departments increased significantly from 2019 to 2021, accounting for over 40% of the total sales for grocery retailers.
30 Grocery Retailers Named on the Forbes’ Best Employers List
Ahold USA, Meijer, Kroger, Costco, Publix Supermarket and Trader Joe’s are some of the nearly 30 grocery retailers named on Forbes’ Best Employers List. The list considers working conditions, salary, potential for growth, and diversity.
Consumers Are Able to Control Their Grocery Expenses Despite Inflation
According to the latest report in the “U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022” series by FMI, 61% of consumers are worried about rising prices, but 86% of them believe they have some control over their grocery budgets.
Lower-income Households Are Eating Less Fresh Food
Inflation has made the gap between higher- and lower-income households more pronounced. Research by The NPD Group identified that lower-income households are under-index when it comes to eating fresh and more healthy foods, with cost being the biggest barrier.
Consumers Prefer Mainstream and Value Brands over Premium Brands
Information Resources Inc. and The NPD Group conducted a study and discovered that consumers prefer more mainstream and value brands and are choosing private label food in certain categories.
Ahold Delhaize Leads U.S. Sales Growth
Ahold Delhaize has experienced the biggest sales growth for a grocery retailer in the U.S. despite rising prices and inflation, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Second Measure.
The Onion Industry Updates Food Safety Practices
In partnership with the International Fresh Produce Association, The National Onion Association released the second edition of “Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Dry Bulb Onion Supply Chain.” The document includes best practices and science updates for the onion industry.
