grocery industry

A trucking company chief executive is warning that soaring fuel costs are squeezing the industry, saying 'the economy depends on us'. The executive argues that trucks move most of the nation's goods, so higher diesel prices feed quickly into consumer prices across groceries, retail and construction. The warning adds to growing pressure on policymakers to address energy costs as carriers face thinning margins and rising operating expenses.

Walmart's chief executive has spoken out on concerns around dynamic pricing, addressing worries that the retailer could adjust prices in real time based on demand. The remarks come as dynamic pricing draws scrutiny across retail following its use in other industries. Shoppers and commentators are watching closely for assurances that everyday grocery prices will remain stable and predictable.

American ranchers are warning that a tightened immigration crackdown could drive beef prices even higher, on top of already elevated costs at the grocery store. The industry relies heavily on immigrant labor for processing and herding, and producers say labor shortages would shrink supply and raise costs. The warning adds to consumer concerns about food inflation in the United States.

Kroger, Giant Eagle and DoorDash are each developing agentic AI assistants for their retail and delivery operations. Modern Retail reports on how the grocery chains and delivery platform are building these tools, which can act on a customer's behalf rather than simply answer questions. The companies' approaches and goals for the technology are the focus of coverage.

McDonald's has announced the launch of a new advertising network, moving into the fast-growing retail media space. The move means the fast food giant will sell ad space across its own channels, joining retailers and brands that have built media businesses on their customer data and reach. Industry observers are watching how a restaurant chain competes in a space dominated by grocery and e-commerce players.

Kroger is trialing a significant change to its store opening hours for customers. The grocery chain is among the largest supermarket operators in the United States, so any adjustment to when stores open and close could affect millions of shoppers' routines. Details of which regions are affected and whether the change could roll out nationwide were not provided.

Aldi is processing large volumes of fresh produce through its automated distribution warehouse in the UK, part of the discounter's push to use robotics to speed up supply and cut costs. The facility handles the flow of goods to stores as the grocer expands automation across its logistics network.

The UK is emerging as a leading testing ground for autonomous delivery robots, with sidewalk robots operating in towns and cities across the country as companies trial last-mile deliveries of groceries and takeaway food. Industry observers point to supportive regulation and growing public acceptance as reasons robotics firms increasingly choose Britain to pilot their technology.

Private equity real estate firm Sterling Organization has acquired a portfolio of grocery-anchored retail centers totaling 277,057 square feet across California and Hawaii. The deal adds supermarket-anchored properties to the firm's holdings, a segment investors often favor for steady traffic and resilience. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Grocery chain Kroger has launched the Rewards World Elite Mastercard, a new credit card offering rewards to shoppers. The card, issued in partnership with Mastercard, gives customers a way to earn benefits on Kroger purchases and everyday spending. The move continues the trend of major retailers building loyalty programs around branded financial products to deepen customer engagement and capture more spending.