Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News April 1 – 15
By iFoodDS Team
April 15, 2022
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of April 1-15, sustainability remained top of mind for grocery retailers as they increased their efforts in this area. FMI released the first of six reports analyzing shopper trends, and new leadership and committee nominations were announced by the USDA and CA LGMA.
USDA to Reestablish Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
The USDA announced plans to renew the charter of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). USDA is looking for nominations from specialty crop stakeholders to join the committee.
Aldi Named the Fastest-Growing U.S. Grocery Chain
According to data from Jones Lang LaSalle, Aldi was the fastest-growing grocery retail chain in the United States in 2021, opening 88 locations in the last year.
First Sustainability Supplier Summit by Meijer
As part of its efforts to become a more sustainable retailer, Meijer will host its first Sustainability Supplier Summit. During the event, vendors from across the country will display sustainable products for the chance to be included in Meijer stores.
Online Grocery Sales Decrease in Q1
Compared to Q1 in 2021, online grocery sales went down 2.5% in the first quarter of 2022. Home delivery and pickup sales are two areas that shrunk this first quarter.
Food Retailers Increasing Their Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprints
A recent report by Rabobank identified that achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions is becoming necessary to remain in business. As a result, the world’s largest retailers are aligning their greenhouse gas emissions goals with the Science Based Target initiative in order to become more sustainable.
FMI’s Grocery Shopper Trend Reports
The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group partnered to release a series of six reports analyzing grocery shoppers’ trends in 2022. The first installment “Shopper Landscape” was released this month.
California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Elects New Leadership
With the kickoff of this year’s growing season in California , the newly-elected CA LGMA Advisory Boardwill guide the organization during the 2022 growing season.
Taylor Farms Opens New Canadian Facility
Taylor Farms is expanding and recently opened its new production facility in Toronto, Canada. This facility will focus on the brand’s retail product portfolio to increase the Taylor Farms offerings in Canada.
Wakefern Testing Shelf Scanning Robot
Retail cooperative Wakefern has plans to test a shelf scanning robot that will automate inventory management. The robot will scan products on shelves from various categories up to three times a day to ensure items are placed properly and show correct pricing and product information.
