All Special Reports

Grocery retailers around the country are working to make their operations more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) and WGB have once again partnered to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of individuals in the bakery, deli, foodservice/prepared foods and dairy communities who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and who have produced superior results in the previous year.

It was a long winter. Again. But with temperatures rising and consumers embracing a return to larger and more traditional holiday gatherings, the smells wafting from backyards and patios suggest that Americans are kicking off grilling season with gusto.

In this special report, compiled using data and insights from CrowdStreet and Placer.ai, Winsight Grocery Business looks at five hot markets for grocery retail investment in 2022 and who’s leading the pack in those regions.

Consumer demand for sustainable packaging was already on the rise before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the value of healthy living—for both people and the planet—into even sharper focus.

Meat—or, rather, meat prices—starred in stories about rising inflation at the grocery store in 2021.

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.