Column: Taking Stock

Veteran grocery industry analyst Jeff Metzger breaks down what’s driving the news and what’s coming next.

Even With Release Of Store List, Albertsons Kroger, C&S Have Lots More Work To Do

“Today’s announcement changes nothing. The merger is not a done deal, far…

  • With the release of the 579 individual stores revealed, Kroger, Albertsons & C&S have lots more heavy lifting to do.
  • Walmart attempts to blunt Amazon Prime Day momentum with 50 percent discount for Walmart+ subscribers.
  • Amazon opens its first upgraded Mid-Atlantic Fresh store in Eatontown, NJ in underwhelming rebirth.
  • Costco is raising membership fees for all levels in first increase since 2017.

As Inflation Wanes and Competition Heightens, Metro NY, DelVal Retailers Find Landscape Tougher Than Ever

In a year "as difficult...as we’ve faced in a long time," as…

  • Let’s take a closer look at what the numbers are telling us in this year’s Food Trade News market study.
  • Easing inflation, tightening consumer spending, and cuts to SNAP added up to flat sales across the board.
  • Disrupters, led by Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s, continued to chip away at old-guard supermarkets and drugstores.
  • All signs point to malaise and gridlock in the year ahead.

2024 Market Study Analysis: Uncertain Economy Impacts Most B-W Retailers; Little Optimism For Near-Term Improvement

Easing inflation, tightening consumer spending, and cuts to SNAP added up to…

  • After the boom years of the COVID era, slowing inflation, and tightening consumer spending flattened sales.
  • Traditional supermarkets and drug retailers find themselves most vulnerable to market shifts, continuing a trend.
  • Said one exec: “It’s a good thing that your 12-month measuring period ended in March, because the next 12 months are going to look much different.”

Kroger, Albertsons Add 166 More Stores To C&S Deal

Updates in the Kroger-Albertsons merger plan, Walmart unveils upgraded private label brand…

  • Kroger and Albertsons sweetened their merger proposal to the Federal Trade Commission, though approval remains uncertain ahead of the August 26 court hearing.

  • Walmart launched a new premium private label, “bettergoods,” while leadership changes unfold at Walmart and strong quarterly gains at Amazon highlight continued retail divergence.

  • Regionally, Ahold Delhaize reported stable results but paused operations at its new Mountville, PA frozen facility amid integration issues.

Food Retailers Continue Be Government Whipping Boys

Plus Amazon News, Ahold Delhaize annual shareholders meeting and more.

  • Lina Khan and the Federal Trade Commission drew fresh criticism after Connecticut officials launched a grocery price probe.

  • Amazon touted strong results and grocery ambitions under CEO Andy Jassy, even as its physical store strategy continues to evolve and national online grocery sales remain flat.

  • Regionally, Wegmans expanded with new Mid-Atlantic and North Carolina plans, Ahold Delhaize reported steady performance and joined global retailers in launching the W23 venture fund.

While Kroger, Albertsons Ready For Court Date, Negotiating With FTC Continues

Among recent developments in the industry covered are the demise of Amazon's…

  • Kroger and Albertsons will face the Federal Trade Commission in District Court on August 26 in Portland, OR.

  • The companies are  defending divestiture plans that could shift up to 650 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

  • Elsewhere, Walgreens and Rite Aid struggle financially, online grocery sales decline amid private label gains, and major firms from Unilever to Visa and Mastercard navigate restructuring and legal settlements

Another Stinky Quarter For UNFI; Tarditi Joins As President, CFO

Also, financial news from Walmart, Kroger, Publix and Target, a new venture…

  • United Natural Foods posted weaker Q2 results despite upbeat commentary from CEO Sandy Douglas.

  • Independent retailers cite eroding trust, pricing concerns and service issues as contracts near expiration, while leadership changes come amid ongoing financial and credibility pressures.

  • In contrast, Walmart delivered strong Q4 and full-year results, topping $100 billion in e-commerce sales and expanding stores.

Playing Against Khan Is A Rigged Game; Kroger, Albertsons Seek New Venue To Continue Battle

An analysis of the recent decision, as well as Ahold Delhaize news…

  • The Federal Trade Commission, led by Chair Lina Khan, formally blocked the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons.

  • Labor groups including the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union argued the ruling ultimately strengthens rivals like Walmart, Amazon and Costco.

  • Separately, Ahold Delhaize reported mixed Q4 results, while selling its two U.S. meat plants to Cargill and expanding delivery partnerships with DoorDash.

Millerchip Bolts Kroger For CFO Job At Costco; Merger Optimism Waning

Recent developments in the proposed Kroger-Albertsons deal have only dampened hopes that…

  • Former Kroger CFO Gary Millerchip is departing after 15 years to become CFO of Costco.

  • Kroger’s merger effort faces mounting pressure from the Federal Trade Commission under Chair Lina Khan.

  • Walmart announced plans to remodel 650 stores, build 150 new locations and execute a 3-for-1 stock split.

FMI 2024 Midwinter Recap: Lots Of Talk; Retailers See Vendors Increasing Promotions

A recap from the conference held at Marco Island, FL last month.

  • More than 1,400 industry leaders gathered in Marco Island for the FMI Midwinter Conference, where artificial intelligence dominated discussions.

  • Optimism remains that at-home food consumption will stabilize amid improving supply chains and stronger digital engagement.

  • At Wakefern Food Corp., President Mike Stigers is reshaping leadership with key executive departures.

Seven Months In, President Stigers Puts His Imprint On Remaking Wakefern Leadership

With Caudill as chief sales officer, new alignment for wholesale grocery co-op…

MD Ups Minimum Wage To $15/Hr. Impacting 163,000 Employees

In addition to Maryland, 21 other states have raised their lowest pay…

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