Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News Jan 15-30
By iFoodDS Team
January 30, 2023
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of January 15 – 30, USDA announced the Organic Enforcement Final Rule, data showed that customers prefer in-store shopping experiences, and new research identified the grocery retailer growth leaders of 2022.
Customers Prefer In-Store Shopping
A survey conducted by Theatro identified that 91% of consumers prefer to shop in-person because they can see and feel products and bring them home immediately. However, 41% of customers find the in-store shopping experience “less enjoyable” than before the pandemic.
Aldi Among Growth Leaders of 2022
The opening of new stores across the country and a new distribution center to support over 100 stores made Aldi one of the supermarket sector’s growth leaders, according to a report from JJL. Publix and H-E-B made the list too.
In-Store Traffic Decreased Compared to 2021
2022’s Q4 visits to grocery stores were down compared to the same quarter in 2021. Data from Placer.ai. attributed the traffic decline to the strong performance retailers had in 2021.
USDA Published Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule
This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products.
Most Popular Grocers Named by Shoppers
The latest list of the most popular grocers in the United States was released by YouGov, based on the percentage of people with a positive opinion of a grocery store. Grocery retailers Aldi, Meijer, and Food Lion were listed.
National Retail Federation’s 2023 Tech Recap
Grocery Dive highlighted the 6 most notable technology updates presented during the National Retail Federation’s 2023 show. Plug-and-play smart carts and tracking carts, food waste solutions, and checkout devices were some of the innovations presented.
Sprouts’ Food Waste Reduction Initiative
As part of their efforts to reduce food waste, Sprouts launched a new program called Rescued Organics to accept good-quality misshapen, off-size, or slightly off-color organic produce that would usually be rejected.
