Top Grocery Retailer and Food Supply Chain News March 16-31
By iFoodDS Team
March 31, 2022
Here is our bi-weekly roundup of the latest food industry news. In the weeks of March 16 – 31, online grocery shopping remained a strong sales channel, the top trusted retailers in the country were named by Newsweek, Walmart recognized its suppliers for their hard work, and major industry associations are looking to strengthen current traceability efforts in the industry.
USDA Announces Good Manufacturing Practices Audit for Produce Distribution Centers
The USDA has announced the establishment of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audit service for produce distribution centers. The GMP audit service will replace the current section of the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audit that applies to distribution centers.
Online Grocery Shopping Channel Continues to Grow
A recent study by Adobe analyzed more than a trillion visits to U.S. retail websites and identified that consumers spend an average of $6.7 billion on online grocery purchases each month, making it a major sales channel for grocery retailers.
Apeel Creates Retail Advisory Board
Apeel created a retail advisory board composed of experts in the grocery industry. The purpose of the board is to ensure Apeel’s category management programs advance in the areas of innovation, consumer engagement, and supply chain optimization.
“America’s Most Trusted Companies 2022” By Newsweek
Newsweek revealed the list of “America’s Most Trusted Companies 2022.” Southeastern Grocers was named the top supermarket on the list. Other grocery retailers ranked in the top 10 of the retail category were United Natural Foods, Kroger, and Costco Wholesale.
Kroger Partners with NVIDIA
Kroger and NVIDIA partnered on applications to “reimagine the shopping experience.” Together, they will create an AI lab to expand Kroger’s freshness initiatives, shipping logistics, and enhance customers’ shopping experience.
Taylor Farms Named 2022 Food Supplier of the Year by Walmart
During the 2022 Walmart Supplier Growth Forum, Walmart recognized its suppliers and their hard work to provide high-quality fresh produce. Taylor Farms was named its 2022 Supplier of the Year in the food category.
Meijer to Open New Supercenters in Ohio
Meijer announced the opening of two new facilities in Northeast Ohio. The new supercenters will open on April 28 and will include grocery and produce sections.
PTI Leadership Council Recruiting Volunteers
Industry associations such as The International Fresh Produce Association, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, GS1 U.S. and GS1 Canada are calling for industry members to join the Enhancing Traceability Through Technology Working Group. The purpose of the group is “to leverage these existing efforts, and also to consider how our entire fresh produce sector can benefit from further implementation of traceability solutions.”
