CPG

In the US, software startups attracted $121.2 billion in venture capital investments last year, more than triple what those in commercial products and services received, at $39.1 billion. Pharmaceuticals and biotech raised the third-highest amount, with $37.8 billion in venture capital.

Join our analyst Andrew Lipsman, "Behind the Numbers" host Marcus Johnson, and Colgate-Palmolive's ecommerce director of growth strategy and planning Todd Hassenfelt to hear about Andrew’s recent visit to a "Just Walk Out" Amazon Fresh grocery store and the in-store digital retail media opportunity for brands selling at Amazon Fresh.

Private labels are winning over consumers with good value for the money. Among US adults, 89.7% said they switched from a national label mainly because the store brand offered better value, and 47.9% said deals and/or membership rewards motivated the move. Meanwhile, 52.0% cited the private-label brand’s bigger selection of products.

Curated by eMarketer, this special collection of interviews will help you understand how consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketers’ digital ad spend and commerce strategies have evolved due to market challenges, including waning loyalty, rising prices, and stocking issues.

While other rapid grocery startups fold, Getir attracts more funding: The Turkish-based delivery company is in talks to raise another $800 million

Facing accusations of greenwashing, retailers step up their sustainability efforts: As government authorities crack down on bogus eco claims, companies like adidas and Unilever try to prove their sustainability bona fides.

Ties to Russian heritage are no longer an advantage: Stoli vodka is rebranding to educate consumers that it is actually Latvian.

With inflation on the rise and supply chains in disarray, consumers are checking their grocery lists twice. In the US, 38% of adults are cutting down on how often they buy meat, poultry, or fish, while about one-quarter are purchasing snacks, dessert foods, or prepared foods less.

Walmart is the latest retailer to team up with a beauty brand: The company known for its affordable prices is partnering with Space NK to bring luxury beauty products to store shelves.

Buyk is the latest casualty of US-Russia sanctions: The rapid grocery startup was forced to suspend operations in NYC and Chicago due to cash flow problems.

Kroger turns to personalization to encourage consumer spending and loyalty: The grocer hopes customized rewards will keep value-conscious shoppers in the fold.

Instacart expands its commitment to diversity: The grocery delivery platform launches an initiative to support women-owned brands for Women’s History Month.

Wendy’s expansion relies on nontraditional retail formats: The fast-food company plans to open up to 200 ghost kitchens in 2022 to better reach underserved markets.

Amazon’s freewheeling approach to brick-and-mortar is at an end: The retail giant closes stores as it focuses on boosting profitability and winning grocery market share from Walmart and Target.

Rapid grocery companies speed up overseas expansion, but risks remain: Uber Eats, Gopuff, and Gorillas are some of the companies looking to corner new markets quickly, before the cash runs out.

AI is used to boost crop production, but unintended consequences could be devastating: Proper algorithms and precautions can ensure agricultural AI doesn’t threaten global food security.

On this episode of Reimagining Retail, our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian hosts resident digital grocery expert Blake Droesch to discuss pandemic-induced behaviors that will continue to impact grocery sales. They also identify several features from the inaugural digital grocery benchmark study that didn't rank as high as they would have expected.

Investors—and shoppers—appreciate diversity in grocery: Specialty grocer Weee! raises $425 million to further its expansion into underserved markets.

As grocery margins shrink, Walmart looks for new opportunities: The retailer hopes investments in beauty and fashion will build cachet and encourage shoppers to spend.