Walmart increased its grocery price cuts by 30% in the second quarter, implementing approximately 7,400 temporary price reductions -- 2,000 more than the previous quarter. The retailer experienced strong Q2 sales, driven primarily by growth in both its grocery and health and wellness departments, according to President and CEO Doug McMillon.

ALDI has announced plans to open its first store in central Manhattan in 2026. The 25,000-square-foot store, located in The Ellery luxury residential building near Times Square, will be smaller than typical ALDI stores but will serve as a flagship location. "Opening our first store in the heart of Manhattan will be a significant milestone for ALDI as we continue to expand access to affordable, quality groceries in the most in-demand locations across the country," Regional Vice President Chris Daniels said.

Hersheypark has partnered with Shaquille O'Neal to create the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, an indoor coaster featuring a themed overlay inspired by Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies. The ride will include glowing visuals, enhanced audio and immersive graphics, with O'Neal providing voiceovers. The collaboration will also bring new food, beverages and retail items during Hersheypark Halloween.

Wegmans' Next Door restaurant in Astor Place, Manhattan, offers an immersive Japanese fine-dining experience inside the grocery store. With its golden gates entrance, chic champagne and caviar bar and prime people-watching windows, Next Door distinguishes itself with both its upscale atmosphere and direct connection to the grocery retail environment. The restaurant brings a unique blend of elevated cuisine and convenient location, reinforcing Wegmans' reputation for innovative foodservice concepts.

Consumer packaged goods manufacturers are focusing more on innovation and workforce development rather than cost-cutting, according to Rockwell Automation's State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The report notes a shift toward long-term growth strategies, with 70% of manufacturers investing in AI, robotics and simulation technologies.

Keychain has raised $30 million in Series B funding to enhance KeychainOS, expand the team in Gurugram, India, and grow in North America and Europe. The AI-driven platform connects brands, retailers and manufacturers, and has facilitated over $1 billion in project submissions.

The FMI Midwinter Executive Conference continues to be where visionary food industry leaders forge partnerships, spark innovation and shape the future of grocery. In 2025, more than 1,600 guests engaged in 1,100+ facilitated B2B meetings that set the stage for game-changing partnerships. 2026 promises even greater opportunities to connect and collaborate. We can't wait to see everyone at the Gaylord Pacific in California, Jan. 21-24, 2026! Registration is now open for FMI retailers, wholesalers and product supplier members.

In food retail, fresh food departments spark customer connection. It is often the fresh food departments that greet shoppers as they enter the store, shape shoppers’ weekly meals and nutrition goals and may determine whether a shopper stays loyal or looks elsewhere. Our fourth annual The State of Fresh Foods 2025 report confirms what many of us in the industry already know—fresh is not only where the action is, but also where the future is headed. Here are four key points from the report that showcase the strong state of fresh foods departments in food retail.

Kroger has introduced the Champion Chip Collection, a limited-time snack range inspired by popular game-day appetizers, ahead of the professional and college football seasons. The collection includes flavors such as Buffalo Wing, Pigs in a Blanket and Mozzarella Sticks.

The Giant Company is preparing for the upcoming flu season by making vaccinations easily accessible to customers, says Nicholas Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, in this video interview with Drug Store News. Koch says pharmacists are implementing practices to protect patients from influenza, emphasizing the importance of early preparation.