Food solutions company SpartanNash launched its annual in-store and online fundraiser through the SpartanNash Foundation, benefiting youth education nonprofit Junior Achievement.

This annual fundraiser is part of an ongoing partnership between SpartanNash and JA to develop programs that help students explore careers in the food industry, which is aligned with JA's mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Last year, the companies launched a new experiential activation at JA Finance Park, featuring an immersive grocery storefront, which serves to inspire and

Consumers today increasingly prioritize ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions, elevating the role of cause initiatives in retail marketing. A Nielsen report highlighted that 62 percent of consumers prefer brands aligned with their personal values, emphasizing the need for brands to foster long-term loyalty through relevance.

Additionally, a Harris Poll study showed that consumers favor brands actively supporting social and environmental causes, while a Sprout Social poll revealed that 84 percent of consumers buy from brands they feel emotionally connected to. Brands with

PRO*ACT announced a strategic partnership with Pepper, an innovative platform that enhances distribution and marketing efficiency within the foodservice industry. This partnership aims to empower PRO*ACT members with exceptional digital tools and marketing opportunities, designed specifically to bolster their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Through this collaboration, PRO*ACT distributors will benefit from:

• This partnership will allow PRO*ACT distributors access to Pepper’s robust suite of services, allowing them to leverage cutting-edge technology at an accessible cost.   

I always looked forward to September. The weather starts to cool, football season starts and hockey season is right around the corner.

As the summer comes to a close it is also the time many people reevaluate their spending — particularly on food. FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group aptly called this time of year a “Return to Routine,” and their latest survey, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Return to Routine, provides a snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and evolving their grocery shopping habits in the current economic environment.

Specifically as it relates to

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. plans to pilot a new concept, value-based no name store in three Ontario markets beginning in September. The no name store will help customers save up to 20 percent on everyday grocery and household essentials, by lowering operating costs and carrying only a targeted assortment of products.

Customers can expect a small range of frozen food items, complemented by pantry staples, household necessities and shelf-stable bakery and produce items, including bread, bagels, apples, bananas, peppers and carrots. This curated lineup of products ensures every item on the shelves

The Foundation for Fresh Produce is gearing up for the fifth annual National Fruits & Veggies Month in September. Launched alongside the Have A Plant Movement in 2019 as an opportunity to elevate fruit and vegetable consumption as a national priority, the annual month-long celebration has inspired millions of consumers year over year since its inception. 

The 2024 theme, Every Time You Eat, Have A Plant, is poised to do the same and emphasizes ways to make it easy to enjoy fruits and vegetables at every meal and snack time by highlighting hacks, flavor and fun. While shopping, dining out