All Special Reports

Pet adoptions saw a surge during the beginning stages of the pandemic, and as consumers spent more time at home—with Fido and Felix never too far away—these furry friends have become more like family members.

While curbside pickup had been steadily gaining traction in grocery, the pandemic cemented this contactless and convenient service’s place in the weekly shop.

What a difference a year makes. H-E-B, a past multi-time winner in WGB and BrandSpark’s Most Trusted report—now in its fifth year—may have taken a backseat to Publix last year, but when it comes to consumer confidence this year, the San Antonio, Texas-based grocer isn’t playing second fiddle to anyone.

Staying ahead of evolving tastes and trends in fresh has always been a challenge for grocers—and then came COVID.

The pandemic sparked abundant innovation in retail foodservice as retailers rose to meet heightened demand for both traditional groceries and high-quality prepared foods.

For many grocers, such as WGB’s Grocery Business of the Year, The Kroger Co.—and the six other companies featured within—the sustainability journey isn’t new, but rather reinvigorated in light of the historic and challenging events of the past 17 months. 

The Kroger Co. is recognized for its progress against audacious sustainability goals in difficult circumstances, and for creating a movement that has inspired and engaged partners throughout the food chain.

For the third year, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) and WGB have partnered to recognize individuals in bakery, deli, foodservice/prepared foods and dairy who have consistently demonstrated excellence and superior results in the previous year.

Like so many things during the pandemic, the vital role played by retail dietitians and their relationship with shoppers were forced to go virtual.

As we ease into a new phase of COVID, retail foodservice is being reinvented yet again. Here are 10 grocers shaking up the retail foodservice experience.

While grocery has experienced important growth in the past year, so too have the individuals within it, like the trailblazers with whom WGB recently connected to reflect upon the past year, lessons learned and brighter times ahead.

The grocers making the greatest progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)—companies such as Walmart, Target and Albertsons—are taking action and effecting change. These leading retailers are moving forward with the understanding that this critically important work is never done.

In a year that saw grocers pressed to reckon with dual economic and public-health crises—including everything from supply-chain disruption to compliance with still-shifting COVID-19 mitigation regulations—WGB is proud to present the 2021 Remarkable Independents.