As robots invade the grocery aisle, a promising but uncertain future awaits

Automating everything from stock checks to floor scrubbing can save retailers money, but even cute googly-eyed robots have their detractors.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 26, 2019

Albertsons boosts tech-focused partnership with Microsoft

The grocer, which joins Kroger in partnering with the tech company, plans "frictionless" shopping as Amazon continues to set the bar for industry technology.

By Samantha Schwartz , Lauren Manning • Feb. 25, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Fresh food innovation

From new delivery services to technology designed to battle food waste, fresh foods and the ways grocers sell them are rapidly evolving. 

By Grocery Dive staff

Pink Dot signs exclusive delivery partnership with Postmates

The move comes as the hip Southern California grocery and c-store chain plans to expand to Phoenix, New York and Chicago.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Feb. 25, 2019

Boxed CEO sees 2019 as a 'breakout year'

From warehouse technology to a greater focus on fresh foods, Chieh Huang says he wants to balance legacy strengths with emerging business opportunities.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 20, 2019

Kroger announces 2 more Ocado sites

The grocer plans to build its second and third automated warehouses in the Mid-Atlantic and central Florida.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 19, 2019

Amazon Go secures space in the heart of London

The retailer has closed the deal on its first location outside of the U.S., bringing its cashier-free store to compete against Tesco and Sainsbury's. 

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 15, 2019

Grocers aim to capture more advertising dollars from CPGs

As low-margin supermarkets continue to invest in store technology and e-commerce, ad sales leveraging the data they collect can be a vital source of revenue.

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 14, 2019

Kroger launches mobile payment platform

Kroger Pay will roll out nationwide this year along with a new debit card under the grocer's Rewards program.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 13, 2019

Nuro secures $940 million in new funding

The autonomous vehicle maker, which partnered with Kroger last summer, plans to target additional markets, forge new partnerships and expand its fleet. 

By Krishna Thakker • Feb. 12, 2019

Ocado to pilot on-demand delivery

The e-grocer's new Zoom program will offer one-hour windows in London and could eventually expand to international customers, including Kroger.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 7, 2019

Survey: 63% of shoppers would choose lower prices over tech

Despite retailers' investments in self-checkout kiosks and apps, consumers still fall for good-old-fashioned deals.

By Kristine Sherred • Feb. 4, 2019

Kroger shuffles executives in tech and alternative investments

Yael Cosset, the chain's chief digital officer, will succeed Christopher Hjelm as chief information officer, while Stuart W. Atiken has been named to the newly created role of senior vice president of alternative business. 

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 31, 2019

5 takeaways from FMI's Midwinter Executive Conference

This year's discussion focused on solutions to the multitude of challenges supermarkets face, from digital transformation to shifting consumer preferences.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 30, 2019

Study: Shoppers prefer grocery delivery over in-store pickup

A new report from e-commerce startup CommonSense Robotics finds that both click and collect and same-day grocery delivery surged in 2018, with customers preferring delivery over pickup. 

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 30, 2019

'Hey Alexa, what's the future of voice ordering for groceries?'

Analysts say the technology still has too much friction for convenience-seeking shoppers, but that major changes will happen over the next five to 10 years.

By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 29, 2019

Kroger adds tech veteran to company's board

Ashok Vemuri has led Conduent, a spinoff of Xerox, since 2016. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the tech industry to the Cincinnati-based grocer.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 28, 2019

Giant Foods will open its first e-commerce hub next month

The Pennsylvania location, which is being marketed under the new Giant Direct, Powered by Peapod brand, will offer a pickup option for pre-ordered groceries and a walk-up vestibule with tablets to place orders.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 28, 2019

Albertsons chooses Azure as retailers steer around Amazon's services

The grocer has become the latest industry player to partner with Microsoft, which continues to make inroads with retailers as Amazon becomes a bigger threat. 

By Samantha Schwartz • Jan. 28, 2019

Boston officials yet to approve Stop & Shop's mobile grocery plans

The company plans to test "self-driving grocery stores" in the New England city this spring, but local and state authorities say they first need to review the technology.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 25, 2019

Jyve takes aim at Instacart with $35M in new funding

The service company, which matches gig economy workers with in-store tasks like merchandising and running demos, looks to ramp up its online fulfillment with grocers.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 25, 2019

Walmart gamifies store associate training

The Spark City app, which already has had more than 104,000 downloads, puts the player in charge of a dry goods department. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 25, 2019

Kroger's partnership with NASCAR touts its food, delivery options

The new strategy between the sport and the grocer merges traditional sponsorship with technology as a way to rev up sales and drive consumer engagement.

By Jennifer Sweeney • Jan. 25, 2019

Giant Food launches health-focused podcast

"Nutrition Made Easy!" will feature the grocer's registered dietitians and nutritionists as the chain continues to search for ways to connect with shoppers.

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 24, 2019

Ahold Delhaize sales jump 2.6% in US as online growth accelerates in Q4

The Dutch-Belgian grocer posted 2018 sales in America of $42.6 billion, a 2.5% drop from a year earlier, but a 1.9% gain when adjusted to constant exchange rates.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 23, 2019

9 months after layoffs, Munchery closes for good

The startup lasted nine years, but ultimately couldn't find a sustainable way to navigate the ruthless meal kit and food delivery marketplace.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 23, 2019