Walmart sows the seeds for farm entry with drone patents

The retail giant is looking to improve produce offerings with six drone patents aimed at automating the farming process.

By Dan Alaimo • March 16, 2018

Could kids be the next bright spot for protein bars?

With food companies desperate for growth, some businesses are focusing more on children, particularly with brands and product attributes that are already well-known to parents.

By Cathy Siegner • March 16, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Mergers and acquisitions

Declining sales and slowing consumption have more companies divesting brands, opening the door for smaller players and private equity firms to expand their portfolios.  

By Food Dive staff

Michelob Ultra introduces 7-oz. bottles to attract more weeknight consumption

The brand's owner, AB InBev, hopes to entice casual, health-conscious beer drinkers to consume the product without disrupting their fitness routines or leaving them hungover at work.

By Alicia Kelso • March 16, 2018

Dollar General to open 900 stores in 2018

The company’s 28th-consecutive year of positive same-store sales growth shows that not all retail is hurting, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • March 15, 2018

Supervalu selling part of its Farm Fresh banner for $43M

The wholesaler/retailer has reached agreements with Harris Teeter, Kroger and Food Lion to sell 21 of the chain’s 38 stores.

By Jeff Wells • March 15, 2018

Blue Apron to sell meal kits in stores as direct-delivery model struggles

The company's move into retail comes as Walmart, Publix, Amazon, Kroger and Albertsons have increased their presence in the increasingly competitive niche.

By Cathy Siegner • March 15, 2018

Job listings indicate Amazon will launch Whole Foods pickup

Openings for two finance managers for a "Whole Foods pickup on Prime Now" were quickly removed following a media inquiry. 

By Jeff Wells • March 15, 2018

Ingles offers olive branch to activist investor, supports board nominee

After Gamco Asset Management criticized the grocer for a lack of transparency and controlling an outsized portion of company stock, the grocer agreed to add one of the firm's nominees to its board slate.

By Dan Alaimo • March 15, 2018

Coca-Cola taps ZICO brand for new coconut water, juice blends

This could help the company expand beyond soda and grab a bigger share of the coconut beverage space, which is expected to be worth $1.5 billion by 2020.

By Cathy Siegner • March 15, 2018

PepsiCo introduces new brand of chips containing rice, chickpeas and black beans

The snack line, called Off the Eaten Path, is another way to expand into the lucrative better-for-you snack space and capture millennial spending. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 15, 2018

Dean Foods cancels more than 100 milk contracts in 8 states

The dairy producer blamed oversupply, a decrease in consumption and Walmart's new processing facility for the decision. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 14, 2018

Kroger, BJ's expand same-day delivery through Instacart

The two retailers aim to reach more customers following similar moves by competitors, including Walmart and Amazon.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2018

Walmart increases grocery delivery to head off Amazon threat

The retailer will offer same-day service from 100 markets — reaching more than 40% of U.S. households — by the end of this year.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2018

USDA withdraws organic animal welfare standards rule

The department's decision to pull the measure drew the ire of the Organic Trade Association, which claimed the agency had "irresponsibly thwarted a fully vetted regulation" supported by the public.

By Cathy Siegner • March 14, 2018

Aldi expands same-day delivery to Chicago

The German retail chain has added the Windy City to the list of locations — including Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta — where customers can order discount groceries online and have them delivered by Instacart.

By Cathy Siegner • March 13, 2018

Food startups face risks in avoiding brick-and-mortar presence

Companies launching online may find it's more convenient and comes with lower startup costs, but the decision can be offset by higher expenses for marketing, fulfillment centers, shipping and staff.    

By Alicia Kelso • March 13, 2018

Study finds a generational gap in food flavor preferences

The divide between millennials and boomers is growing, underscoring a need for grocers to embrace a diverse product mix that includes both familiar and innovative tastes.

By Alicia Kelso • March 13, 2018

Hitting refresh: Grocers update their store brands to stay top-of-mind with shoppers

As competition grows, retailers are looking at the ingredients found in many of their private label products while moving into new categories within the space.

By Pamela DeLoatch • March 12, 2018

Could robotics help to relieve the farm labor shortage?

Farmers are testing agricultural robots in California and Florida to harvest strawberries and other crops, but widespread adoption will hinge on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the machines. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 12, 2018

Not just knock-offs, but 'knockouts': Inside Kroger's private label push

As store brands become a battleground for retailers, the grocer is leaning on its scale and advanced data science to develop products its customers haven't seen before. 

By Jeff Wells • March 12, 2018

Whole Foods schedules meeting with disgruntled suppliers

The grocer will meet with manufacturers on March 19 to address concerns about new fees and the company’s centralized merchandising setup.  

By Jeff Wells • March 12, 2018

Weight Watchers pushes healthy lifestyle rebrand through meal kits

The new line is part of CEO Mindy Grossman's efforts to position the company beyond its core focus of helping people manage their weight.

By Erika Kincaid • March 12, 2018

Amazon moves Prime Pantry to subscription model

Prime members opting for the program will begin paying $4.99 per month in addition to their $99 annual fee.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Publix will build a GreenWise Market in its hometown

The 25,000-square-foot Lakeland, Florida store is the third location to be built under the banner as the grocer reboots its natural and organic format.

By Dan Alaimo • March 12, 2018

Why Hershey is testing a VR shopping app with digital convenience retailer goPuff

The chocolate maker is focused on exploring how digital technology can support the snacking habits of millennials and Gen Z.  

By Chantal Tode • March 11, 2018