Week of October 23, 2023
Accelerate Your Insights is a weekly news recap of the top trends in CPG focusing on retailer headlines, key shopper behaviors, and industry events.
Click the sources links below each headline to read more
Industry News
Instacart unveils new grocery stipend program
The company is offering eligible members of Wellness West a $79 monthly stipend to buy nutritious foods for delivery.
Frozen food sales run into headwinds from inflation
Sales in the category were up almost 8% during the 12 months that ended July 2, but unit sales sagged 5%, according to research released Tuesday by FMI and the American Frozen Food Institute.
Beverage Category Performance and Insights: Mid-Year Update 2023
The beverage industry has seen remarkable changes and growth in the first half of the year. From the rise of functional beverages to the introduction of unique flavors, the following sections detail the key trends and insights shaping this exciting market.
SPINS CEO Discusses the Trends Shaping the Natural Industry
A Q&A With Jay Margolis about innovation
Reality Of U.S. Economy – Inflation, Stagflation, Disinflation, Economic Pessimism
How’s that for a headline? Or better yet, how’s that for a description of the current economic situation in the U.S.? Confused? You are in good company.
NGA Concludes Executive Conference, Public Policy Summit
More than 250 independent grocery executives convened this past week for analysis, insights and discussions about the future of their industry and influence of politics on their business at the NGA Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit.
New York City may move towards certified e-bikes for app delivery workers
City council is considering legislation to get lithium-ion batteries off the road
Retailer News
7-Eleven testing ‘coffee of the future’ machine
As the c-store giant refreshes its coffee service chain wide, it’s begun testing a machine that lets shoppers order custom brews with a variety of coffee types and mix-ins.
Kroger accepting EBT payment for SNAP online grocery orders nationwide
EBT payments are now enabled for pickup and delivery orders at every Kroger banner location.
Shipt cuts staff as its ‘business and industry have changed dramatically’
The Target-owned e-commerce company has eliminated around 3.5% of its filled positions, according to local news reports.
bp Orders $100 Million Worth of EV Chargers From Tesla
Purchase will help expand bp pulse’s public network across the United States
Giant Eagle Searching for New Headquarters
Fully remote corporate team to transition to a hybrid in-office model in 2024
Amazon ad sales grow 26% with help from ‘Thursday Night Football,’ machine learning
CEO Andy Jassy said the company has “barely scraped the surface” in its efforts to integrate advertising into video, audio and grocery.
Save A Lot Yanks License From Operator Selling Shares to Public
Owner in Florence, S.C., sought to sustain business amid challenges
Meet the Winners of FreshDirect’s 1st Entrepreneur Program
Online grocer chooses 6 fledgling companies for mentorship, partnership and brand exposure
Maine Grocery Stores Remained Closed in Wake of Mass Shooting
Local Hannaford, Shaw’s and Save A Lot operators follow shelter-in-place order
Amazon's Revenue Sees a Significant Increase in Q3
Speed of delivery in stores business took another step forward during latest quarter
BJ’s Now Accepts Online SNAP Payments Via Instacart
Club retailer becomes 1st of its kind to accept the payment method through Instacart
Wawa Shares Plans To Expand Into North Carolina
Wawa shared new details on its expansion into eastern North Carolina during its double-header Community Partnership Events.
AWG Brands Wins Golden Penguin Award At NFRA Conference
During the NFRA Convention on Oct. 10 in San Diego, California, AWG Brands was awarded for having the best marketing and merchandising efforts in support of the NFRA’s March Frozen Food Month.
Ahold Delhaize to buy Romanian grocer Profi for $1.4B
The acquisition of 1,654 grocery stores will more than double the Dutch retailer's presence in Romania.
Shopper News
Grocers need to know their hybrid purchasers: report
Hybrid purchasing groceries is not just a trend, it’s a new way of life.
Inside Beauty webinar explores the surge in men’s care
What's trending in men's personal care? Our upcoming webinar explores the topic.
Order up! How grocers are replicating the restaurant experience in retail
As the gap widens between grocery and restaurant prices, food retailers see an opportunity to turn up the heat on their made-to-order meals to lure cost-conscious consumers.
Remote Work, Consumer Migration to Impact Restaurants
A slowdown in the back-to-office trend, along with shifting consumer migration patterns between urban and suburban and rural areas, are among the key factors influencing restaurant traffic heading into 2024, according to a Food Institute webinar.