The Retail Rundown: May Ignites Grocery’s Biggest Early-Season Rush

Following a long and unpredictable winter, May finally ushers in its first run of sunny days, signaling a noticeable change in consumer behavior.

Shoppers are ready to head outside and start grilling. For grocers, this seasonal shift creates a key opportunity, driven by a lineup of high-impact shopping occasions.

At the start of the month, Cinco de Mayo kicks off one of the first notable spikes in spending. The occasion encourages shoppers to trade up to fresh guacamole kits, taco fixings, and ready-to-heat meals, driven by a...

Cargill Forecasts a Sizzling Start to Summer Grilling this Memorial Day

As millions of Americans mark the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, Cargill is forecasting a strong demand for protein as grills fire up across the country. The company expects that many consumers will prioritize affordability without sacrificing taste by seeking out staples like ground beef, chicken and hot dogs.

Nearly 9 of 10 consumers say they’re ready to grill this summer, with approximately half of them planning to do so weekly. Beef (79%) and poultry (64%) remain the top choices for the grill...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Memorial Day Retail Ads; Weather Poses Challenges

Seafood leads retail protein promotions heading into Memorial Day weekend, accounting for 28.7% of total featured protein ad volume. Pork follows at 25.9%, with beef at 21.3% and chicken at 19.3%.

Egg feature volume is virtually absent amid sluggish retail demand. Warmer weather is prompting a shift toward fruit and cereal for breakfast, while elevated, though easing, shelf prices continue to dampen consumer interest, according to Expana.

Within the seafood category, fresh and frozen fillets represent the largest share of advertised items at nearly 28%. Raw shrimp...