UNITED STATES - Americans are making their shopping preferences known. A recent report from Reuters noted that online spending and home delivery are experiencing a rebound following the post-pandemic slump, and grocers might want to be on the lookout.

According to the report, shoppers originally turned to online shopping during the pandemic to avoid in-person shopping or because the stores themselves were closed. Now, with gas prices surging, they’ve come back to this method, but experts do not know for how long this consumer trend will continue.

For major retailers like Walmart and Target, e-commerce sales make up a significant portion of their sales. For example, Target said its online sales returned to growth in Q1 2024. Walmart reported a surge of 22 percent in one week alone last week.

To get into the nitty gritty of the numbers would perhaps detract from the importance of the report: Shoppers are seeking convenience and they’re hoping to get it at a fraction of the cost.

As inflation continues to be felt by consumers along the supply chain, we’ll report on what’s being done to counteract their spending behaviors.

CHELAN, WA - A cause for celebration is here as consumers gain another way to enjoy Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ beloved Arctic® apple varieties. The provider recently pulled back the curtain on its new Endless Orchard Hard-Pressed Cider, which offers a one-of-a-kind drinking experience with the unique qualities of Arctic apples.

"The non-browning trait of Arctic apples lends to a clean and fresh, full-flavored cider. We feel we have the best apples in the world, and when you start with the best apples, we think you get the best ciders," stated Neal Carter, Okanagan Specialty Fruits Chief Executive Officer. "Endless Orchard exemplifies our dedication to improving apples and showing more and more people just how good they can be."

Backed by its mantra, “Celebrate Everything,” Endless Orchard offers six ciders in a variety of delicious flavors and styles:

• the signature Everlasting Golden Delicious
• Infinite Granny Smith
• Radiant Mimosa-Orange
• Boundless Blueberry-Basil
• Eternal Sunshine Pineapple-Mango
• Forever Fuji Imperial

Okanagan Specialty Fruits wholly owns Endless Orchard. The cider is produced at the company's cidery in East Wenatchee, Washington, utilizing Arctic apples exclusively grown in Washington state.

To accompany the launch, the supplier also opened a tasting room in Chelan, Washington, a press release noted.

"We are incredibly grateful to become part of the [Chelan] community,” Don Westcott, President of Okanagan Specialty Fruits, stated. “Your support and enthusiasm have been instrumental in our journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with our innovative products."

Help your shoppers Celebrate Everything, including the apple category, with this inviting new offering.

For more category innovations, leave a tab open to ANUK.

ZANDAAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize is focused on several key areas of growth, made evident by its newly announced Growing Together strategy.

“We have taken a multi-stakeholder approach to developing this new strategy, ensuring we balance the needs of our customers, the people we work with, and broader societal dimensions. 'Growing Together' ensures we will stay at the forefront of innovation in healthy foods, omnichannel experiences, and supply chain transformation, serving customer needs through a well-invested and future-focused foundation,” said Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am encouraged by the numerous avenues we have across our great local brands to realize our growth potential. By focusing on the things we do exceptionally well, we are together committed to fulfilling these ambitions. By taking bigger steps, investing in our people, and leveraging technologies, we are excited to unlock our purpose.”

As stated in a press release, the retailer’s growth and investment plan underpins Ahold Delhaize’s vision to be a trusted food retailer, placing vibrant customer experiences and trusted products at the heart of its brands’ customer value propositions.

Key financial and strategic ambitions for 2025–2028 include, but are not limited to:

• Outperforming traditional grocery market and achieving a 4 percent net sales CAGR
• Maintain industry-leading underlying operating margins averaging 4 percent
• Drive up omnichannel loyalty sales penetration to over 80 percent by 2028, targeting 30 million monthly active users by 2028
• Deliver on sustainability ambitions
• Be an employer of choice

“As the largest grocery retailer on the East Coast, Ahold Delhaize USA and its local brands have a rich heritage in the markets they serve, with loyal customer bases, trusted products, and a reputation for being an integral part of their local communities,” said JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. “Over the next several years, we will strengthen the market position for each of our brands, including the revitalization of Stop & Shop. We will improve value for customers through price investments and enhance the customer experience through 1,000 targeted remodels and new stores. We will lead, grow, and differentiate in Own Brands, build digital relationships through more personalized value, and improve operational efficiency at every level. With these moves, underpinned by strong talent and innovation, our brands are well positioned to lead in the grocery industry for years to come.”

Dig into the comprehensive strategy with insights from the company's leading executives here.

CORONA, CA - Index Fresh has a new face to introduce to the industry! Laura Lutjen will join the Sales and Business Development team and use her extensive experience with fresh produce to drive brand growth on a nationwide scale.

“I’m very enthusiastic about joining Index Fresh and continuing to connect with new customers by growing my network into new areas,” Lutjen said. “The team at Index Fresh is full of innovative leaders with a focused growth plan, so I look forward to hitting the ground running at a company with an impressive history.”

Over the course of several years, she has led regional teams for national brands and developed valuable networks and lasting industry relationships.

She will be introduced during the company’s educational avocado programming at the West Coast Produce Expo (WCPE) in Palm Desert from May 30 to June 1.

“We are thrilled to bring Laura on board during such an exciting time at Index Fresh,” said John Dmytriw, Vice President of Business Development. “Her expertise and strong results in national fresh produce will make her a key player for Index Fresh on day one. We are in the business of developing relationships and over-delivering for our customers, and Laura adds a seasoned understanding of our vision, goals, and company ethos.”

According to a press release, Lutjen acted as former VP of Customer Development at Organicgirl Fresh Salads, where she built national brand awareness and expanded sales for the top organic salad company in the U.S.

“We are in the middle of our California avocado season, so WCPE is an important opportunity to show customers the processes and systems we have in place to deliver delicious avocados from the Golden State,” Dmytriw said. “Our team could not be more excited to lead customers on educational tours in the field and to be able to describe how we go about business, from the groves to our relationships and delivery of premium avocados.”

Index Fresh offers attendees field tours, packinghouse tours, and more, so be sure to stop by booth #104 to learn more!