Deep Dive: Page 8

Industry insights from our journalists


  • From cellophane to QR codes: Supermarket technology through the years

    Grocers continue to pursue the same opportunities they have for decades: faster checkouts and easier ways to pay and innovative new products.

    Jeff Wells • Jan. 16, 2018
  • Boxed CEO: Brick and mortar is 'absolutely' in its future

    Chieh Huang did not confirm or deny rumors at the NRF's Big Show that the e-commerce company would be acquired by Kroger, but still hopes to "push the button on the New York Stock Exchange."

    Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2018
  • Sprouts CEO: We're open to acquisition talks

    In an interview with Food Dive, Amin Maredia said the company would evaluate any offers and hinted it could even make a purchase of its own.

    Jeff Wells • Dec. 7, 2017
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    Kantar Retail
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    Grocery Disruptor of the Year: Hy-Vee

    The Midwestern chain has branched out into gyms, apparel and burger joints — and is disrupting the traditional supermarket model in the process.

    Sandy Skrovan • Dec. 4, 2017
  • Grocery Retailer of the Year: Walmart

    From carefully guarding its price leadership to aggressively expanding its e-commerce capabilities, Walmart made savvy investments on a scale that other supermarket competitors couldn't match in 2017.

    Jeff Wells • Dec. 4, 2017
  • The Food Dive Awards for 2017

    The 2017 Awards recognize the industry’s top disruptors and innovators. These executives, companies and trends are transforming the industry and shaping the future.

    Megan Poinski, Emma Liem Beckett, Jeff Wells, Christopher Doering, Sandy Skrovan and Cathy Siegner • Dec. 4, 2017
  • Grocery Deal of the Year: Amazon-Whole Foods

    After the news of the $13.7 billion acquisition broke on the morning of June 15, industry observers seemed to be unanimous in praising the bombshell deal.

    Jeff Wells • Dec. 4, 2017
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    Instacart
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    Grocery Executive of the Year: Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Instacart

    In the wake of the Amazon-Whole Foods deal, Instacart signed on with dozens of retailers, turning what many thought would be a disadvantage into a major advantage for the company.

    Sandy Skrovan • Dec. 4, 2017
  • From turkey to trimmings, Thanksgiving food sales are moving online

    As shoppers avoid the stress of stocking up for their holiday feasts in-store, grocers are taking the opportunity to try and capture return visits to their e-commerce platforms.

    Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2017
  • Easy eating: Convenience foods are vital in an on-the-go world

    Manufacturers, grocery stores and meal kit providers are all willing to play the role of sous chef as today's consumers try to eat healthier in less time.

    Erika Kincaid • Nov. 13, 2017
  • Q&A: NatureBox's CEO on harnessing the power of data to sell snacks

    Gautam Gupta tells Food Dive why building a direct-to-consumer business was the best way to break into retail stores and how his company uses online information to drive sales on the shelf.

    Jeff Wells • Nov. 9, 2017
  • A Balancing Act: E-grocery startups challenge Amazon and Instacart for online supremacy

    From Thrive Market to Good Eggs, a collection of specialty-focused startups hope to stake their claim and upend established players in the fast-growing industry.

    Jeff Wells • Oct. 30, 2017
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    Raisa Aziz for pineapple DC
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    Don't wait for perfect: Advice on small food business from the women of FreshDirect

    At an event in Washington, D.C., the online grocer and founders of four small brands discussed consumer demand for authenticity, the challenge of scaling up and the importance of female community in the industry.  

    Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 23, 2017
  • Struggling to make money, meal kit companies are hungry for change

    Companies are scrambling to strike deals and differentiate themselves in the marketplace, while analysts see industry consolidation ahead.

    Jeff Wells • Oct. 17, 2017
  • Does SmartLabel have the smarts to inform the modern consumer?

    As food shoppers demand more information, the industry-sponsored initiative could be a meaningful way to tell them about the ingredients and nutrition levels in their favorite products. 

    Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 16, 2017
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    Christopher Doering
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    Ahold Delhaize CEO focused on integration amid talk of Kroger deal

    In an exclusive interview with Food Dive, CEO Dick Boer downplayed the possibility of acquiring another company in the wake of a rumor that the Netherlands-based grocer has hired advisers to explore a bid. 

    Christopher Doering • Oct. 16, 2017
  • How an old-fashioned grocery chain is finding success in the age of Amazon

    Market Basket is winning with the basics, focusing on low prices and customer service while leaving the technological innovations to its competitors. 

    Jeff Wells • Oct. 5, 2017
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    Food Dive
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    Q&A: HowGood's CEO on how sustainability sells groceries

    The company's ratings system, which is in about 400 stores nationwide, tells shoppers how "good" food products are — and helps them put their money behind their ideals.

    Megan Poinski • Sept. 28, 2017
  • Why the beleaguered food industry is in activist investors' crosshairs

    With slowing growth, changing consumer tastes and plunging stock prices, more companies are likely to join Nestle, Hain Celestial, Whole Foods and Danone as targets of investor pressure.

    Christopher Doering • Sept. 27, 2017
  • Taking it to the Next Level: How Whole Foods partnered with a red-hot vegan burger joint

    The plant-based restaurant got its two locations inside the natural grocer's stores after impressing an executive chef. "There’s a real appetite for this, even for people who wouldn’t classify themselves as vegan," said a spokeswoman.

    Jeff Wells • Sept. 25, 2017
  • How grocery stores can appeal to shoppers in training

    Eye-catching floor graphics, in-store playscapes and free produce samples are just a few strategies retailers can use to win the loyalty of their youngest patrons — and their parents.

    Keith Loria • Sept. 21, 2017
  • Why Hispanic grocers are poised for explosive growth

    Stores are drawing shoppers of all ethnicities, but grocers face the challenge of scaling effectively and appealing to a broader audience while still retaining their authenticity.

    Jeff Wells • Sept. 20, 2017
  • Private equity loves supermarkets, but do retailers benefit?

    While they gravitate to the steady cash flow grocers produce, a focus on quick turnarounds and return on investment isn't always the best for retailers in a competitive market.

    Jeff Wells • Sept. 7, 2017
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    Jeff Wells
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    Inside Amazon + Whole Foods: The first day

    As Amazon started running Whole Foods on Monday, special sales were the main draw. But the changes at the natural and organic retailer go beyond just low prices.

    Jeff Wells • Aug. 29, 2017
  • Beyond baggers: Grocery jobs evolve with the times

    Stores now offer many positions that didn't exist a decade ago, like produce butchers, dietitians and omnichannel managers.

    Caitlin Mannering • Aug. 23, 2017