First things first: If somehow you’ve missed our Special Section on Wakefern, go here and check it out now. It’s fantastic — packed with interviews and insights, with plenty about Wakefern’s “secret sauce.” Elsewhere, it’s been an eventful week. Protein demand is surging and shortages are building while inflation rises. We’ve got technology investments to look at and different ways to look at supply chains, assortment strategy, and shopper behavior.
Greg Madison examines why the current protein boom is finally creating room for a serious discussion around cultivated meat, even as consumer skepticism and political opposition remain major hurdles. He’ll also look at which grocery tech features are really resonating with shoppers and which are failing to gain much traction despite big investments. The news team breaks down April’s sharp food-at-home inflation spike and what rising protein and energy costs could mean for grocery operators heading deeper into 2026. They also cover Allegiance Retail Services’ leadership transition as Jason Ferreira steps into the acting chairman and CEO role.
You can read it all below…
The Protein Boom Is the Time to Talk About Cultured Meat
Whether you call it “lab-grown” or “cultivated” or some other adjective, cultured meat protein is likely still a long way from the supermarket meat case.
But the timing for a serious, mainstream conversation has rarely been better. After all, American shoppers are clearly having a protein moment. At the same time, the meat department is practically under siege, beset by inflation, animal illnesses, supply issues, and serious sustainability concerns.
Into this comes cultivated meat. It’s not a silver bullet… yet… but the promise is to great to ignore.
Greg Madison has more on what you need to know…
Not Every Grocery Tech Feature Is Catching On
You’ve made the big tech investment; the vendor made a persuasive case and had the evidence to back it up. Your team has worked closely with the vendor to roll it out – at a small scale first, but then the entire chain. It’s live now.
Early numbers seem encouraging, but the question still nags in the back of your mind… “Are my customers really using this thing?” The answer is likely: “Yes… but selectively.”
Grocery shoppers are using digital tools where the value is obvious and easy to access: saving money, checking specials, building lists, ordering pickup or delivery, comparing prices and researching products.
Greg Madison has some more about where to focus tech build-outs…
Unwelcome Inflation Spikes Hit Grocery in April
Food-at-home inflation accelerated sharply in April, adding fresh pressure to grocery budgets and raising concerns across the food supply chain as global energy market volatility and higher protein costs continue to ripple through the market.
According to new Consumer Price Index data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food-at-home prices rose 0.7% in April and were up 2.9% over the last 12 months.
The team has more about the pain ahead…
ICYMI: Wakefern Has Redefined Independent Retail
What began in the uncertain aftermath of World War II as a defensive alliance among independent grocers has evolved into Wakefern Food Corporation — the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States.
Over the past 80 years, the cooperative has reshaped how small operators compete in a scale-driven industry.
In this Special Section — packed with fascinating interviews — we’ll learn more about Wakefern’s history, its operations, and its bright future…
Allegiance Names Jason Ferreira Acting Chairman & CEO
Allegiance Retail Services said Thursday that co-op member and Vice Chairman Jason Ferreira has been named Acting Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Ferreira has served on the company’s Board of Directors since 2021 and has been an Allegiance co-op member since 2013. The appointment is part of the organization’s succession development plan.
The team has more on the ongoing transition…
