CPG

Albertsons’ earnings beat expectations as debate over its acquisition by Kroger rages on: A wave of antitrust concerns from consumers, employees, suppliers, and government officials is putting the deal in doubt.

L’Oréal’s Aesop purchase is the company’s biggest yet: The beauty giant is spending $2.53 billion to stake a larger claim to the highly profitable luxury skincare category.

Instacart boosts its valuation by 18% as it prepares for an IPO: The company is doubling down on advertising and AI to offset slowing online grocery sales growth. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

In an unlikely collaboration, Zappos and Sephora join forces: The partnership gives Sephora access to Zappos’ considerable shopper base, but may benefit the latter more as demand for beauty grows.

Instacart Health expands food-as-medicine program: It’s partnering with more providers and developing new digital tools to help consumers in need access healthy foods.

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s essential to foster an environment that both nurtures and challenges employees. In this discussion, Raval shares strategies to nurture a more collaborative, creative culture among employees, and how Frito-Lay is undertaking a digital evolution.

Strong sustainability credentials may drive grocery shoppers to switch brands: That puts the onus on grocers to stock purpose-driven brands on their shelves.

General Mills is the latest CPG company to rely on price hikes to boost sales: But persistent inflation and the imminent expiration of emergency SNAP benefits could make it harder for consumers to keep up.

Becoming a more sustainable company doesn’t have to mean spending more money—sustainability can have a positive impact on the bottom line. In this conversation, Tracy shares strategies for companies looking to boost their sustainability efforts and what she hopes attendees learned at her Shoptalk session.

Most grocery shoppers are increasingly hunting for a deal: But rather than cutting prices and eating into their already-slim margins, grocers may find better success focusing on ease and convenience.

UK inflation increased unexpectedly in February: Consumers continue to be under strain as food prices reach their highest levels in over 45 years.

Victoria’s Secret, Party City, and Lush Cosmetics are the newest retail partners DoorDash has added to its platform as it expands beyond restaurant delivery to offer customers on-demand delivery for alcohol, grocery, and convenience items.

Inflation has hit pet owners hard: Petco and Chewy recognize that many of their customers are pulling back on discretionary spending, which could hinder growth in fiscal 2023.

This year, we forecast US off-premise alcohol retail sales (i.e., alcohol purchased for at-home consumption) will grow by a modest 3.5% to $178.20 billion. This growth will accelerate slightly through 2027, driven by three areas of opportunity within the industry: ecommerce, customers willing to splurge on premium beverages, and at-home consumption trends.

Tesco is making its rewards program less rewarding: While Boots and Sainsbury’s have recently made similar moves, the change could drive shoppers to its competitors.

Discount stores are on an expansion tear: Amid growing sales, Dollar General, Five Below, and Dollar Tree plan to open more stores this year.

Which networks should brands be paying attention to as they refine their retail media strategy? From the king of them all to the ones that are just catching up, here are five retail media networks to keep an eye on this year.

Grocery delivery loses its appeal as shoppers look for savings: Sales and order frequency fell in February, while mass merchants used their pricing power to woo cost-conscious consumers.

Kroger looks to reduce its operational costs: The grocer is testing self-driving trucks at several Dallas-area locations.

Grocery prices are up 10.2% YoY: While prices remain elevated, they have now decelerated for six straight months.