CEDARHURST, NY - Ahold Delhaize banner Stop & Shop will have some new marketing moves in place this time next year, with the retailer announcing its has named independent agency Curiosity its new creative agency of record. As reported by news source Adweek, Curiosity will be responsible for the full range of creative for Stop & Shop, including strategic planning, creative campaign development and brand platform development.

“We’re really looking forward to kicking off our work with Curiosity as we continue to build upon the foundation of our ‘Feed the Moment’ brand platform,” Lisa Martinelli, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Experience for Stop & Shop, commented. “With relevant industry experience and impressive capabilities, we believe Curiosity is the ideal agency partner for this moment in the evolution of our brand strategy.”

The partnership’s first major integrated campaign for the retail banner is set to debut in 2025. For Curiosity, the source observed the move represents a return to the grocery space.

Previously the agency spent two years as creative AOR for FreshDirect, formerly owned by Ahold Delhaize, in the leadup to its acquisition by Geitr in 2023.

“Grocery is one of very few categories consumers experience every single week, oftentimes multiple times a week. That, along with the fact that there are now multiple ways to shop and dozens of competitors from traditional grocery to food delivery, makes this an exciting creative challenge we are ready to solve,” Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of Curiosity Ashley Walters said in a statement.

To read more about the deal, find the full report here.

With a declaration that Stop & Shop is focused on enhancing its brand positioning and standing out amid the competitive grocery circuit, we expect there is much to come from this news and will continue to report as it becomes known.

BENTONVILLE, AR - The Neighborhood Market format seems to be working well for Walmart, as evidenced by recent expansions. Two new stores have opened in the Dune Lakes area of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and the Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. The expansion is part of Walmart’s initiative to convert over 150 stores to the Neighborhood Market format over the next five years.

“The stores aren’t just new or remodeled. They’re also bigger,” Kyle Kinnard, Senior Vice President of Neighborhood Markets, wrote in an announcement from the company. “With 57,000 square feet of sales floor and pickup and delivery space, the Dune Lakes and Vine City stores will have a footprint that’s about 17,000 square feet larger than the average Neighborhood Market. The expanded space will allow us to sharpen our focus on value, speed and convenience.”

With the larger layout of a Neighborhood Market store, Walmart will be able to offer a broader assortment. Shoppers will see the biggest gains in the fresh departments, the announcement noted, with more to choose from in bakery, meat, dairy, and more. Plus, the expanded service deli will offer more hot case options.

The stores also feature wider aisles to give customers more room to shop. Additionally, Walmart has allotted more space for pickup and delivery orders in these new stores. The larger space includes dedicated room for refrigerated goods, so associates can keep orders moving at an even faster pace.

“As we remodel, convert, and build new stores, we are being thoughtful about how to make our Neighborhood Markets right-sized for each community,” Kinnard concluded. “We continually evaluate all our stores to make sure they have the right assortment and services to match our customers’ expectations.”

For more from the announcement, click here.

ANUK has more news coming your way, so stick with us.

YAKIMA, WA - Celebrating a record number of applicants, FirstFruits Farms and Opal Apple are investing in the future by awarding 11 organizations a total donation of $45,000 for outstanding actions.

“Each of these organizations embodies the spirit of youth-driven activism and grassroots innovation,” Chuck Zeutenhorst, President, said of the Opal Apple Youth Make A Difference initiative. "Their dedication and passion for creating positive change inspire us all, and we are confident that their impactful initiatives will continue to make a profound difference in communities across the nation."

Tailored to bolster and champion youth-led opportunities, the award spotlights those effecting positive change within their local communities with an emphasis on youth assuming leadership roles.

The winning organizations, which demonstrated exemplary commitment and innovative approaches to tackling pressing challenges, according to a press release, included:

• Appetite for Change – Minneapolis, MN
• BrainPower in a Backpack – Burnsville, MN
• Classroom in Bloom – Winthrop, WA
• Global Leaders – Fort Collins, CO
• Greener Partners – Fairview Village, PA
• Growing Hope – Ypsilanti, MI
• Happy Roots – Salisbury, NC
• Roots Rising – Pittsfield, MA
• Student Basic Needs Coalition – Chicago, IL
• Titan Equity Nourish Network – Detroit, MI
• The Garden Club Project – Blacklick, OH

Each will receive a donation to further their missions and expand their reach, investments FirstFruits said would enable the organizations to “continue their vital work in addressing critical issues related to food security, nutrition, agriculture, and food education.”

Know of a candidate making such strides? The 2024 application window will be open from December 13, 2024–February 7, 2025. Be sure to apply and further the reach of this change-making program.

IRVINE, CA - California Avocado Commission continues its What’s Inside a California Avocado campaign with California Avocado Month marketing support throughout June.

“June happens in the heart of California avocado season and is known as California Avocado Month,” said Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane. “It’s the perfect time to celebrate and promote the availability of locally grown and ethically sourced California avocados.”

According to a press release, CAC is working with content provider Family Features to spotlight California avocado summer recipes and key brand messaging through story placements with hyperlocal media outlets in targeted markets.

The campaign focuses on securing media coverage with outlets in California, Oregon, and Washington. The combined print and digital reach is expected to exceed 80 million.

“Peak availability of California avocados is expected to continue through the Fourth of July holiday, then taper off through summer,” said Splane. “California avocado growing regions have enjoyed beautiful sunny days lately, and the fruit quality is equally beautiful.”

In ANUK’s home city of Sacramento, California, the commission will celebrate California Avocado month with an influencer event at a Raley’s supermarket featuring in-store sampling, recipe demonstrations and a meet and greet with a California avocado grower, whose harvest is contributing to Raley’s produce departments this season.

Additional activations will be held throughout the month of June.

Keep reading ANUK for the latest in fresh produce updates.