Kroger Responds to Albertsons’ Lawsuit, Files Counterclaims

Kroger has announced that it has filed its formal answer and counterclaims in response to Albertsons' lawsuit, which was brought before the Delaware Court of Chancery following the termination of the proposed merger.

On December 11, 2024, Albertsons called off its bid to merge with Kroger after a two-year effort, subsequently filing a suit alleging breach of contract in connection with the collapse of the deal. 

Today, Kroger issued a statement revealing that it had filed its answer and counterclaims. The company asserts that while it was diligently working to secure regulatory...

The Retail Rundown: 20th Power of Meat Report Reveals Record-Breaking Meat Sales

The 2025 Power of Meat Study was unveiled this week at the Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, shared key insights into shoppers' evolving meat and poultry purchasing habits. Here are some key takeaways from the study's 20th edition: 

Meat sales reach new heights 

This year’s report, released by the Meat Institute and The Food Industry Association (FMI), revealed that the meat department set a new sales record in 2024, reaching $105 billion in total...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Slows Descent, First Signs of Consumer Relief Underway

Expana’s cage-free large quotation has continued to decline this week, albeit at a slower pace to last, dropping to $5.83/dozen Thursday. This marks a 41% decrease since the market peaked at $9.86/dozen in late February.

Weak retail demand remains the primary force behind declining wholesale values, as inflation-weary consumers continue to push back against high shelf prices. In response, grocers have scaled back their orders to better align with sluggish sales, leaving suppliers scrambling to offload surplus inventory. As recently as... 

Hormel Foods Strengthens Retail Division with Key Executive Promotions

Hormel Foods Corporation has unveiled strategic promotions within its executive team, with a focus on enhancing its leadership in the retail sector.

Scott Weisenbeck has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing – Retail. A key driver in the expansion of the company’s bacon category, Weisenbeck will now oversee a broader portfolio of brands. He has been with Hormel Foods for over 30 years and previously served as Assistant Vice President.

Joe O’Connor has been promoted to Vice President of Emerging Brands – Retail. O’Connor, who joined the company...

The Retail Rundown: Fresh Buying Opportunities in Bloom

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, and retailers are seizing fresh opportunities to capture increased spending with occassions like Easter and peak grilling season soon approaching.

However, for some residents, spring still feels distant as a late-season storm sweeps through the Central US today and tomorrow, potentially impacting purchasing and consumption patterns in affected regions. 

With roughly a month remaining in Lent, seafood remains a focal point in retail promotions, accounting for 33% of protein advertisements, primarily driven by fresh/frozen fillets as well...

DoorDash and Dollar General Expand SNAP/EBT Access to 16,000+ Stores

DoorDash and Dollar General announced a new offering to bring SNAP/EBT payment capabilities to more than 16,000 of Dollar General’s stores on the DoorDash Marketplace. With the addition of Dollar General, DoorDash’s network of stores that accept SNAP/EBT online payments on the DoorDash Marketplace nearly doubles to over 35,000 stores.

“Unlocking the ability for SNAP/EBT recipients to shop online and have groceries delivered straight to their door through DoorDash provides even more accessibility and convenience,” said Tony Rogers, SVP and...

Unlocking Market Opportunities: Key Takeaways From Agri-Food Europe 2025

Held from February 26th to 27th at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, Expana’s Agri-Food Europe 2025 brought together key stakeholders from global agrifood markets for two days of learning, collaboration and forward-thinking discussions...

With a timely agenda addressing critical issues such as commodity pricing, where markets are headed and emerging agrifood disruptors, the event served as a key gathering for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. Agri-Food Europe also included market-specific breakouts for categories including animal products, tropical softs, grains, oilseeds, packaging and animal...

Dollar General Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Financial Results

Dollar General has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the 2024 fiscal year.

“We were pleased with the underlying performance of the business in the fourth quarter, including improved execution and solid top-line results,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “As we reflect on our full fiscal 2024 year, we believe our Back to Basics work is resonating with customers, as demonstrated by higher customer satisfaction scores and healthy market share gains.”

The company reported net sales...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

General Mills Enters Growing Ramen Space with Latest Launch

Instant ramen noodles have long been a pantry staple in kitchens across the country. Recently, it has exploded on TikTok, with over 174 million posts showcasing creative recipes and new twists on the classic dish.

The enduring popularity of ramen is no surprise since it's affordable, comforting, and convenient, while still offering plenty of room for culinary creativity.

The internet buzzed in January when news broke that General Mills would be entering the instant ramen market.

Next month, the company will...

The Retail Rundown: Key Buying Occasions on the Horizon 

March presents key retail buying opportunities as spring holidays approach and Lent influences shopping and dining habits.

With Lent beginning today, meat sales typically decline as participants shift toward seafood. This week, seafood promotions rose to 28% of total retail features, up from 26% last week. Currently, 31% of seafood ads highlight fresh or frozen fillets, with options like salmon, cod, and catfish averaging $9.30 per pound on discount—nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

Elsewhere in the retail landscape, beef and pork each account for nearly 25% of featured promotions...

Publix Sees Solid Growth in Q4 and FY 2024 Results 

In its latest financial results, Publix has seen robust growth in quarterly and fiscal earnings.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported sales of $15.5 billion, reflecting a 5.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Net earnings for the quarter totaled $1.1 billion.

For the full year, Publix achieved sales of $59.7 billion, a 4.6% increase over fiscal 2023.

Comparable store sales rose by 2.9% year-over-year.

Net earnings for the year amounted to...

Hormel Foods Unveils FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage 

Hot honey has long been a relevant talking point for pizzaiolos, as more and more pizza establishments are incorporating hot honey into their menus and offerings. Hormel Foods, a known innovator in the pizza space, naturally took notice of this increasingly "hot" trend, and the company's Foodservice team took it from there with the development of FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage, which debuts later this month at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

Bold and deliciously simple, this new product is "taking heat somewhere sweet," bringing...

Dollar Tree Appoints Three New Board Members

Dollar Tree, Inc. today announced that effective immediately, William (Bill) W. Douglas, III and Timothy (Tim) Johnson have been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, Chief Executive Officer Michael C. Creedon, Jr. has joined the Board.

“Bill and Tim are both esteemed financial leaders with a strong understanding of today’s competitive retail landscape,” said CEO Mike Creedon. “We look forward to their many contributions and support in driving long-term value for our associates, customers, and shareholders.”

Chairman of the Board Edward (Ned) J. Kelly, III stated...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Rides the Lenten Wave

With March just around the corner, the first signs of spring and warmer days are emerging—welcome news for both consumers and grocers.

Seafood leads this week's protein advertisements, accounting for 26% of total features, closely followed by beef and chicken at 23% each. Pork ads make up 22%, while turkey holds a 3.5% share. Egg promotions remain scarce, extending a two-week trend.

In the seafood complex, fillet promotions are ramping up ahead of the Lenten season, now making up 33.5% of the category’s volume. Ads for both raw and cooked...

Get Dinner on the Table Fast with Express Delivery from Kroger

The Kroger Co. today shared how its Express Delivery service can help customers in a pinch by bringing items they need from the store to a customer's door and fast. From a missing ingredient for dinner to cold remedies on a sick day or ingredients customers might have forgotten in their grocery haul, Express Delivery powered by Instacart—the retailer's fastest same day delivery service—can be shopped directly from Kroger's website and digital app, boasting the same great prices, savings and rewards found in-store... 

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

Applegate Farms, LLC Launches New Ready-to-Heat-and-Eat APPLEGATE NATURALS® Breakfast Sandwiches

The makers of APPLEGATE®, the nation’s leading natural and organic meat brand, are continuing their foray into the breakfast conversation with the launch of their fourth breakfast-product innovation in the last 19 months. Introducing, APPLEGATE NATURALS® Breakfast Sandwiches.

With 58% of U.S. adults eating breakfast at home and 18% eating on the road or at work3, this is Applegate’s fourth breakfast innovation in two years, building on the brand’s commitment to provide high quality, protein breakfast options...

HORMEL® Pepperoni Is Spreading The Love This Valentine’s Day With  Heart-To-Heart Pizza Kits

The first come first serve kits feature the brand’s first-ever heart-shaped pepperonis and everything you need to satisfy a romantic’s taste for love

Roses are red, and pepperonis are too; this Valentine’s Day, the makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are bringing dinner to you. For the first time ever, the makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are releasing limited edition Heart-to-Heart kits, the ultimate at-home Valentine’s Day pizza kit with every ingredient needed to celebrate accordingly, featuring...

The Retail Rundown: Record Championship Game Viewership Expected to Drive Food Sales

As January comes to a close, grocers are actively preparing for the year's first major food-buying event, the pro-football championship game in New Orleans.

With a record-breaking audience expected to tune in to the big game on Sunday, February 9, retail and foodservice sectors anticipate a boost in sales as consumers indulge in game-day finger foods.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), an estimated 203.4 million U.S. adults will tune in with total spending projected to reach $18.6 billion...

PERDUE® Is ‘Winging It’ With Wayne Brady During This Year's Big Game

Perdue® is taking this year’s Big Game viewing experience in an unexpected (and unpredictable) direction by combining the irresistible flavor of Perdue Air Fryer Ready ™ Crispy Wings with five-time Emmy Award-winner and two-time Grammy nominee, Wayne Brady.

Inspired by key game moments, commercials, commentary and requests from viewers and, of course, the mouthwatering goodness of Perdue Air Fryer Ready Crispy Wings, Brady will “wing it” to create songs, jokes, sketches and…who knows what else!

“Winging It” performances...

The Retail Rundown: Arctic Blast Supports Egg Demand While Seafood Leads Ads

Seafood continues to lead the retail protein category for the fourth consecutive week, accounting for 29% of all featured advertisements. Beef comes in second with 25%, while pork and chicken are tied at 20% each.

Arctic air across much of the country and an unusual winter storm in the South have influenced product movement and demand this week. Expana reports that the frigid conditions have boosted egg demand as consumers stock up on essentials.

Wholesale egg prices have ascended to a fresh all-time high, with Expana’s Midwest large quotation at...

NRF Says Holiday Season Was a Notable Success as ‘Consumers Came Out to Spend’

Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 4% over 2023 to a record $994.1 billion, coming in ahead of the National Retail Federation’s forecast, NRF said. Sales for the full year grew 3.6% over 2023 to a record $5.28 trillion.

“Consumers came out to spend this holiday season and clearly underscored the solid growth in the US economy,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “The spending...

Marcel Regis Appointed as President, West and East Emerging Markets by Kraft Heinz

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced the appointment of Marcel Regis as President of West and East Emerging Markets, effective February 3, 2025. Based in Brazil, Regis will be responsible for overseeing Kraft Heinz's operations in Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Marcel recently worked for Loft, a tech company in Latin America, and has 25 years of experience at Anheuser-Busch InBev, where he held leadership roles, including President of Colombia and South Africa, as well...

The Retail Rundown: Weekly Protein Recap; CPI Update

Seafood leads protein advertising for a third consecutive week, accounting for nearly 31% of total ad space. Pork follows with nearly 23% and beef makes up 21%. Chicken represents 19% of the advertising share, while eggs capture less than 1%.

The seafood category shows mixed price trends year-over-year (YOY), with fresh cod fillets discounted to $8.37 per pound last week—down 53 cents from the previous year. Prices for catfish and tilapia remained steady YOY, each averaging about $6.60 discounted...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Holiday Slowdown Influences January Spending 

January typically marks a slowdown in consumer spending as households transition from the holiday season to their regular routines.

Early in the month, retailers experience a short-lived boost in sales, driven by replenishment efforts after the holiday food rush. As schools reopen and guests leave, families restock essentials for breakfast, lunch, and weeknight meals.

This restocking coincides with New Year’s resolutions, especially those focused on healthier eating. Consequently, shoppers gravitate toward the perimeter of the stores where fresh items, including produce, proteins, and dairy, are featured. Although retail...

Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ Expands its Footprint Nationally with Locations in Walmart

Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ is making significant strides in expanding its presence across the United States with select sites inside Walmart stores. Known for its 100% all beef grilled specialty hot dogs and a variety of barbecue dishes, Crave offers diverse menu options such as Chicago Dogs, Mac N Brisket Bowls, Ribs, and more. The concept also features local craft beers on tap and activities like axe throwing and events such as trivia and karaoke, fostering a family-friendly...

Restaurants and Grocers Gear Up for 2025: A Focus on Tech, Value, and Wellness

Against the backdrop of a turbulent economic landscape, 2024 saw the food industry grappling with rising inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and the US presidential election's impact on key global commodity markets. For consumers, tighter budgets drove a heightened focus on value, with many turning to private-label brands, budget-friendly meal solutions, and bulk purchasing. Simultaneously, the demand for transparency, sustainability, and innovation continued to shape purchasing decisions, even as affordability took center stage. 

As we look ahead to 2025, value remains...

Ingles Markets, Incorporated Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024

Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today reported results for the three and twelve months ended September 28, 2024.

Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, stated, “After Hurricane Helene impacted our communities, I am proud of how not only our associates came together, but our entire region. We are truly thankful for all the volunteers and the outpouring of support for our region.”

Impact of Hurricane Helene

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene severely impacted western North Carolina, including the area where the Company’s headquarters are located...

Michael C. Creedon Jr. Elevated to Permanent CEO of Dollar Tree After Successful Interim

Dollar Tree has announced the appointment of Michael C. Creedon, Jr as its permanent Chief Executive Officer. The board agreed unanimously on this promotion citing that Creedon had earned their trust and respect and that they had confidence in his ability to guide the company’s growth and success.

Creedon joined Dollar Tree in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer in November succeeding Rick Dreiling and has since led more than 200,000 associates and more than...

EU Retail Egg Market Thrives Amid Festive Season Surge

With Christmas just a few days away, the industrial egg market has slowed considerably, with demand expected to remain subdued until mid-January. Several breaking stations have taken advantage of this lull to perform routine maintenance on their machinery.

In recent weeks, industrial shell egg prices have been slowing down, following their peak in late November. Currently, values for cage egg averages 2.05 €/kg, reflecting a marginal drop of 0.04 €/kg from the previous week. However, prices are still 24% higher than this time...

The Retail Rundown: Robust Retail Spending This Holiday Season

Retail spending has been robust this year, with recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicating strong retail sales as the holiday season kicked off in November.

According to the Census Bureau, overall retail sales in November rose 0.7 percent month-over-month (MOM) and increased 3.8 percent year-over-year (YOY) In comparison, October saw gains of 0.5 percent MOM and 2.9 percent YOY.

“Job and wage gains, modest inflation and a heathy balance sheet have led to solid holiday spending," said National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz...

The Retail Rundown: Seasonal Trends for Ribs vs. Hams

With Christmas just two weeks away, this week’s retail rundown takes a closer look at two traditional holiday centerpieces: rib roasts and hams. These festive favorites have followed differing paths in the wholesale markets this year, potentially influencing their retail performance in the lead-up to the year-end celebrations.

The wholesale rib market began its seasonal ascent in the third quarter, gaining traction in early August. From August 1 through December 10, prices surged by 42 percent, far surpassing the 5-year average increase of 17 percent for the same period...

Zatarain's® Smoked Sausage Introduces New Andouille Flavor

Zatarain's, the brand that has been bringing the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to kitchens across America for more than 130 years, is excited to announce the launch of its reformulated Andouille Smoked Sausage. A bold new twist on a fan-favorite, the new Andouille recipe provides a perfect balance of heat and savory spices, giving families and food lovers even more of the robust and flavorful experience that has made Zatarain's a staple in homes for generations.

"Our customers love the smoky taste of our original sausage...

The Retail Rundown: Diving into December Deals

With the year-end holidays soon approaching, shoppers are eagerly diving into December deals. Retailers aim to capitalize on the season's spending surge with enticing offers on everything from festive foods to decadent desserts, decor, and other holiday items. 

Consumer spending on winter holidays is projected to hit a record-breaking $902 per person this year, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This figure marks a $25 increase from 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by $16...

197 Million Consumers Shop Over Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

The five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday saw an estimated 197 million shoppers, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is the second highest number in the survey’s history after last year’s record of 200.4 million, and surpassed NRF’s initial expectations of 183.4 million shoppers.

“Thanksgiving weekend retains its prominence among holiday spending events and continues to play a significant role in the holiday season for both consumers and retailers,” NRF President and CEO...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Features in Full Display

In the final stretch to Thanksgiving, turkey ads dominate protein advertisements this week with 29 percent, up from 11.8 percent the week prior and surpassing pork's 26.4 percent. Seafood ads come in at 20.2 percent, followed by beef at 16.4 percent. Chicken takes 6 percent, while eggs still have less than one percent of retail buying opportunities.

Fresh whole turkeys account for half of all turkey promotions, with frozen turkeys making up 40.5 percent. While turkeys take center stage, the holiday season also lifts demand for cold-weather comfort foods and convenient...

New Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets Are a Touchdown for Tastebuds

Dallas Cowboys fans can catch America’s football team on their TV screen and make them part of holiday celebrations this Thanksgiving with the introduction of new Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets. The star-shaped nuggets combine America’s team with America’s classic chicken nugget that will have fans exclaim, “How 'Bout Them Cowboys!” Tyson Foods will inspire even more team pride through a $1 donation to The Salvation Army for every purchase of the Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets throughout... 

PERDUE® Unveils the Chiclucken, the Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast for Chicken Lovers

Step aside turkeys. This Thanksgiving, chicken is the poultry of choice for those looking for something more memorable. PERDUE®, the number-one fresh chicken brand in the U.S., is introducing a new Thanksgiving recipe – the Chiclucken – that tests the limits of how many types of chicken can be enjoyed within a single holiday dish.

The Chiclucken features five layers of tender, juicy PERDUE chicken and pushes the limits of culinary arts. You may not remember the last holiday dish you had...