Retail is one of the fastest-changing sectors of the food industry. As the end of the line, so to speak, it's also often the face of the industry for consumers.
Today's grocers face more competition than ever, whether it be from online grocery delivery services or big box stores continuing to claim more of the market share—in the most recent fiscal year, 55% of sales in U.S. Walmarts came from the stores' grocery sections. Add to that the ongoing need to adapt to new technologies, as well as consumer trends and interests like shaky financial markets and rising interest in antibiotic-free meats and non-GMO foods, and food retail is arguably more competitive than ever.
Luckily, Food Dive has you covered. As with our previous food science and packaging lists, we've scoured Twitter for some of the best minds sharing their food retail knowledge in 140 characters or less and compiled this list of 10 of its best sources for retail-level news and tips. Of course, you should also follow @FoodDive while you're there.
1. NICK DOWNING
On Twitter: @NickDowning_IGD
As the commercial director for IGD, Nick Downing focuses on retail, shopper and supply chain insight. IGD is a global firm providing research and analysis to the food and grocery industry, and Downing’s Twitter followers get a taste of that with the news he shares, the insight he provides and other information he shares. Downing is based in the U.K. and says the most important part of his job is making sure the firm’s over 750 members receive the service and support they need.
Finalists for IGD Supply Chain Innovation Award: #Asda, #McDonalds, NFT Distribution, #NorbertDentressangle, #Tesco
— Nick Downing (@NickDowning_IGD) July 24, 2013
2. JOSEPH TARNOWSKI
On Twitter: @indygrocer
Joseph Tarnowski is the editor-in-chief of Progressive Grocer, a B2B magazine catering to independent grocery stores and their wholesalers. He is also the creator of a social network, the Independent Grocer Network. His tweets include everything from marketing insights and experiments with tools like Vine to humorous observations.
Testing Vine video app with a local grocer... https://t.co/fIiXgmxSeL
— Joseph Tarnowski (@indygrocer) May 29, 2013
3. DAVID ORGEL
On Twitter: @davorgel
Supermarket News Editor-in-Chief David Orgel has a wide range of experience covering retailing—including warehouse clubs, outlet stores and department and specialty stores. He’s also a member of the Editorial Committee of American Business Media and the food industry anti-hunger organization Food for All.
Richmond may get its first look at #Aldi http://t.co/uNdx7cVLQv
— David Orgel (@davorgel) July 16, 2013
4. JULIA GLOTZ
On Twitter: @juliaglotz
As the fresh foods editor of The Grocer, Julia Glotz has a lot on her plate—so to speak. Coverage of the fresh foods sector and wholesale and commodity markets are all under her purview, as are the publication’s Dairymen and Meat, Fish & Poultry supplements. Based in London, Glotz tweets on trends at home and abroad.
Interesting: Danone and Starbucks team up for Greek yoghurt range in the US http://t.co/utS5eRuNCI
— Julia Glotz (@juliaglotz) July 24, 2013
5. MARK HAMSTRA
On Twitter: @MarkHamstra
Supermarket News Retail-Financial Editor Mark Hamstra typically tweets several times a day. He typically tweets several times a day, filling his Twitter feed with news, tips and trends in retail—and groceries show up often.
The Wal-Mart Slayer: How Publix's People-First Culture Is Winning The Grocer War #forbesmagazine http://t.co/AWnfZIX1Jt via @forbes
— Mark Hamstra (@MarkHamstra) July 24, 2013
6. LAURA HEYWOOD
On Twitter: @LauraH_RW
Laura Heywood is U.K. publication Retail Week’s supplements editor, and her retail interests include property, technology, supply chain, multichannel and interiors. Grocers frequently pop up in her tweets, providing a glimpse into what’s going on in food retail in the U.K.
Grocer's demands for pre-cut flowers on the up,says IAG Cargo whose UK imports increased 71% in Q4.
— Laura Heywood (@LauraH_RW) July 18, 2013
7. JUSTIN BOMBEROWITZ
On Twitter: @justin_bomb
Aside from managing retail advisory firm RetailNet Group’s publication calendar, Content Manager Justin Bomberowitz covers how ecommerce and emerging tech trends impact retailing. He previously worked as TowerGroup’s emerging technology analyst and new media startup Streetwise Media’s business content producer. His feed is most useful for grocers interested in the news he posts on retail tech, though grocer-specific items do pop up occasionally.
Select U.S. and U.K. Retailers Pilot Facial Recognition Programs through @NECEMEA http://t.co/ZGY5i2ClS2
— Justin Bomberowitz (@justin_bomb) July 22, 2013
8. STEWART SAMUEL
On Twitter: @Stewart_IGD
Also with IGD, Stewart Samuel is the firm’s Canada-based program director. Samuel’s location likely gives him a bit more firsthand insight on the North American grocery market, and his feed is populated by the latest updates on mergers and acquisitions, retail sales, and other food retail news, as well as strategies for grocers. You might even get something snarky every now and then regarding a grocer’s promotion.
Whole Foods Market promoting its new travel company RT @WholeFoods: Who wants to go to Switzerland? SIGN UP NOW: https://t.co/QeApKTVtZ6
— Stewart Samuel (@Stewart_IGD) July 24, 2013
9. PHIL LEMPERT
On Twitter: @PhilLempert
Television and radio news reporter, newspaper columnist, author, consumerologist and food marketing expert are all titles Phil Lempert has carried over the last 25 years. He is perhaps best known, however, as The Supermarket Guru for his work writing and speaking to customers and business leaders on major corporate and consumer trends. A contributing editor for Supermarket News, Lempert is also on the executive committee of Michelle Obama’s Chefs Move to School program and a columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post and Celebrity Cooking Magazine. Did we mention he’s also an active tweeter?
Grocery stores are catching on to a new trend — allowing people to use food stamps for fresh fruits and veggies. http://t.co/w7jvZe9fN4
— Phil Lempert (@PhilLempert) July 11, 2013
10. TODD HALE
On Twitter: @toddhalenielsen
Todd Hale is senior vice president of consumer and shopper insights at The Nielsen Company, which he has been with for 29 years. He is also a former MRCA executive and has over 34 years of experience in the consumer research industry. Hale is often sought out as a speaker in the industry, and on Twitter, he shares insight on consumer shopping, buying and media consumption. He just started tweeting in March, and while he doesn’t post daily, he already has a fair deal of grocery insight among his tweets.
Amazon Fresh in LA will dislodge some mortar.
— Todd Hale (@toddhalenielsen) June 7, 2013
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