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Powerful Supermarket Research Resources
September 2025
Southeastern Grocers Rebrands as The Winn-Dixie Company, Refocusing on Florida Roots
Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, is entering a new era — and returning to its roots. Beginning in early 2026, the Jacksonville-based grocer will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company, uniting its operations under one name while sharpening its focus on its home state of Florida.
The move celebrates Winn-Dixie’s century-long legacy while signaling a forward-looking strategy centered on modernization and regional strength. The transformation includes new investments in store remodels, digital capabilities, private-label innovation, and an expanded liquor store network.
“For a century, Winn-Dixie has proudly called Florida home,” Anthony Hucker, CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “As we enter our next century as The Winn-Dixie Company — a brand-new 100-year-old company — we’re accelerating growth where our roots run deepest while staying true to our purpose of feeding and enriching the communities, families, and neighbors who have supported us for generations.”
As part of its Florida-first strategy, the company has reached an agreement to acquire three Hitchcock’s Markets in Alachua, Keystone Heights and Williston, all slated to reopen under the Winn-Dixie name. SEG also plans dozens of remodels and new-store projects across the state, designed to create more modern, community-centered spaces with updated layouts, expanded fresh departments, and improved technology. The company will reintroduce its Lip Lickin’ Chicken product line, expand Winn-Dixie Liquor locations and test new customer conveniences such as third-party delivery and in-store return kiosks.
The rebrand comes as Florida’s grocery market grows increasingly competitive, driven by population growth, tourism, and new entrants. By concentrating on its strongest region, Winn-Dixie aims to modernize operations while reinforcing its position as Florida’s hometown grocer.
To streamline its footprint, SEG will transfer ownership of most stores outside Florida, including 32 Winn-Dixie and eight Harveys Supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. The company will maintain a limited presence in southern Georgia, serving communities in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island and Valdosta.
Once those transitions are complete, The Winn-Dixie Company will operate about 130 grocery stores and 140 liquor stores across Florida and southern Georgia.
Hucker emphasized that the restructuring marks a refocus — not a retreat. “We’re profoundly thankful to our associates and customers across all our markets for their loyalty,” he said. “As we move forward as Winn-Dixie, we’ll do everything we can to ensure these transitions reflect the gratitude and respect our people deserve.”
The shift follows years of reinvention for SEG, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2018 and sold 400 stores to Aldi in 2023 before being acquired by private investors in 2025. Now, the company is leveraging that stability to double down on its Florida and revitalizing one of America’s most enduring grocery names.
Kraft Heinz to Split Into Two Companies, Unwinding 2015 Merger
Ten years after merging in one of the food industry’s biggest transactions, Kraft Heinz Co. plans to split into two standalone businesses, unwinding a $46 billion deal that created one of the world’s largest packaged-food companies.
Under the plan, one company will focus globally on sauces, spreads, and seasonings — what executives describe as “taste elevation” — anchored by powerhouse brands such as Heinz ketchup, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other will sell grocery staples in North America, including Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, Capri Sun, Cool Whip, and Lunchables.
CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will lead the $10 billion North American grocery entity, said the decision reflects the need for sharper focus. “Scale by itself is not enough,” he told analysts. “Focus and scale together create opportunities.”
The global business, which generates about $15 billion in annual sales, will be run by a separate leadership team, with a new CEO yet to be named.
Miguel Patricio, Kraft Heinz’s chairman and former CEO, said the separation is a way to reduce complexity and unlock growth. “The complexity of our current structure makes it challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas,” he said. “By separating into two companies, we can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand.”
The split represents a reversal of years of dealmaking in the food sector, where scale was often seen as the ultimate advantage. Kraft Heinz was created in 2015 through a merger orchestrated by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and private-equity firm 3G Capital. That combination has long been criticized for underwhelming results, cost-cutting, and declining brand relevance.
Buffett, Kraft Heinz’s largest shareholder with a stake worth more than $9 billion, voiced skepticism this week. He told The Wall Street Journal the breakup would be costly and disruptive. “It doesn’t create value, and it involves lots of expenses,” Buffett said. “It does not do a thing, you know, for what the ketchup tastes like.”
Kraft Heinz has struggled in recent years as consumer tastes shift away from processed foods. Demand for pantry staples such as mayonnaise, boxed macaroni and cheese, and Capri Sun has weakened, while the company has taken impairment charges and watched its stock price fall 27% over the past year — worse than peers in packaged foods and far below the S&P 500’s 14% gain. In July, Kraft Heinz posted a $9.3 billion noncash impairment charge tied to its declining valuation.
The separation mirrors moves by other large food companies. Kellogg split in 2023 into Kellanova, focused on snacks, and WK Kellogg, a cereal company. Keurig Dr Pepper is also unwinding parts of its 2018 combination. Analysts argue that companies with narrower portfolios are better positioned to grow in today’s marketplace. “Food companies have found that their breadth of influence in the grocery store does not necessarily yield the advantages they expected,” said TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow.
For Kraft Heinz, management says the split will free up each business to focus on its most promising categories. The grocery staples unit is expected to generate steady cash flow and pursue growth in underdeveloped channels such as convenience stores. The global “taste elevation” business will focus on international expansion and innovation in sauces and spreads. Both companies will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh and Chicago, and the split will occur through a tax-free spinoff, expected in the second half of 2026.
The move won’t be simple. Analysts note Kraft Heinz has spent years creating an integrated operating model, consolidating plants and distribution centers, and building partnerships with tech firms such as Microsoft and Google. Untangling those systems could prove costly and time-consuming.
Still, executives say the separation gives each side a clearer mandate. “We can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand to drive better performance,” Patricio said.
Whether investors will be patient remains to be seen. As Jefferies analyst Scott Marks noted, “Questions remain around the true growth and margin potential for both new companies” given long-term softness in demand for processed food.
For retailers and suppliers, the coming changes could bring sharper category focus, but also more disruption as Kraft Heinz unwinds one of the sector’s most visible mergers.
New Poultry Brand Targets Convenience and Flavor
Easy Street, a new line of street-food inspired fresh chicken, is rolling out to grocery stores across the East Coast and Midwest. Designed for speed, flavor and value, the antibiotic-free products are ready in seven minutes or less, giving shoppers a fast, reliable meal starter.
The brand is the first consumer launch from Zach Fine, CEO of One Fine Family and Holly Poultry, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest poultry producers. Fine said the team spent 18 months studying the category closely with the goal of creating a product that makes dinner effortless — full of flavor, priced right, and practical.
“After decades in foodservice, I’ve seen marinated chicken brands come and go—something new every six months that doesn’t stick,” Fine told Today’s Grocer. “Instead of wet marinades loaded with 20 percent salt, we went with a dry marinade. It’s healthier, cooks faster, and lets shoppers go in all kinds of directions with it.”
Each package comes pre-trimmed, pre-diced and dry-seasoned, offering a protein that goes straight from package to pan to plate. The chicken cooks evenly for use in tacos, bowls or other quick meals, with debut flavors including Street Taco, Korean BBQ and Rotisserie. By eliminating prep time and cleanup, the brand is targeting busy families, young professionals and value-driven consumers who want fresh, versatile options in the poultry case.
Fine noted that the approach is designed to bring a foodservice sensibility into the retail poultry set, combining efficiency with evolving flavor trends to meet shopper expectations.
“The inspiration really came from street food. Easy Street was designed to be super quick, super easy — something the whole family can enjoy,” Fine added. “We even built a traveling food truck that will head to Columbus, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York activating at concerts, sporting events and Oktoberfest between September 8 and November 1.”
Easy Street is already on shelves at Aldi, Giant Eagle, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Market Basket, Weis and ShopRite, with distribution across 10 states and Washington, D.C. Conversations are underway with Publix, which Fine said may launch later this year or in early 2026.
Looking ahead, the company plans to rotate in seasonal flavors such as French Onion, Spicy Garlic and Chicken Parmesan, along with six limited-time offers tied to trending profiles. “The idea is to drive consumers back into the grocery store to try what’s new,” Fine said.
Beyond retail, One Fine Family and its brands donate more than 350,000 pounds of chicken annually to local organizations and disaster relief programs, underscoring a broader commitment to community support.
Beef Prices Hit Records Amid Tight Supply and Global Pressures
Beef prices continued their climb in July, showing the most significant increase among all food categories. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), beef and veal prices rose 2.5 percent from June to July — the seventh consecutive monthly gain — and are now 11.3 percent higher than a year ago.
The average price of ground beef hit a record $6.32 per pound last month, up more than 13 percent from a year earlier and nearly 60 percent higher than at the start of 2021, according to the CPI’s average price data.
Years of drought have damaged grazing lands, forcing ranchers to send cattle to slaughter earlier to avoid costly feed, reducing the size of U.S. herds faster than they can be rebuilt.
The USDA reported 94.2 million head of cattle and calves as of July 1, the lowest inventory since 1951 and down nearly 3 million head from 2020. Experts describe the situation as “a perfect storm of a bunch of different things coming together at the exact same time,” with supply unlikely to stabilize quickly. Analysts estimate it could take at least two to three years before inventories recover enough to moderate prices.
Imports, which typically help fill supply gaps, are also tightening. The USDA expects beef imports to fall 6.1 percent to 4.95 billion pounds over the next year, pressured by tariffs — including a 50 percent duty on Brazilian beef — and halted live cattle shipments from Mexico.
Despite sticker shock at the checkout line, consumer demand remains resilient. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reported fresh beef sales at retail rose 9.7 percent in 2024, with pounds sold up 4.5 percent, underscoring beef’s enduring role in U.S. diets even amid record costs. To meet that demand, the U.S. imported a record 4.6 billion pounds of beef in 2024.
Vendors Spotlight Innovation, Community at NSA Florida Show
Hundreds of exhibitors and buyers converged in South Florida this year, turning the Taste of the Americas Buying Show into a marketplace under one roof for the food and beverage industry. The floor featured categories spanning meat and seafood, produce, grocery, beverages and floral, underscoring the show’s growing role as a hub for suppliers and retailers across the hemisphere.
Francis Rodriguez, president of the National Supermarket Association’s Florida Chapter, described the event as “building a supermarket inside a trade show,” noting its expansion from 60 vendors at its debut to 300 this year. He emphasized the importance of bringing customers, markets and vendors together, particularly as inflation, shifting demographics and economic pressures challenge communities.
“It’s very exciting to see the growth and success over the years,” he said, stressing the need to deliver the right selection at the right price.
Exhibitors used the platform to spotlight both established and emerging brands. Guillermo Quirch IV, manager at Quirch Foods, praised NSA as “fantastic partners,” citing the show’s role in connecting vendors and key customers. Quirch highlighted two private labels—High River Angus and Panamei Seafood—alongside Kikiriquirch poultry, Mambo Foods, Certified Angus Beef and exclusive distribution of Chiquita frozen tropical fruits. “We’re seeing double-digit growth monthly,” he added.
In the floral space, Ecuagarden sales manager Paola Vanegas showcased roses from the company’s 30-hectare plantation in Tabacundo, Ecuador. With four decades of production and 15 years of U.S. distribution, the brand supplies retailers such as Key Food, Presidente Supermarkets and El Bodegon. Ecuagarden also provides in-store services, from refreshing displays to holiday decorations.
“We become the garden for the supermarket,” Vanegas said, noting that shows like NSA are essential for aligning with buyer needs.
JMA Import & Export featured Malta Bucanero and its Guamá brand, launched in 2022, alongside evaporated and condensed milk, oils and seasonings. Founded by Marta Santana and Juan Ramos, the South Florida–based company distributes through Walmart, Fresco y Mas, Sedano’s, Navarro and Key Food. “We started with one van and a 1,000-square-foot warehouse—today we operate 10 vans,” Ramos said, crediting the show with helping expand visibility.
Morales Beverage Group, part of Mexcor International, highlighted liquor, wine and CBD-infused beverages. “At NSA, the impact doubles—you don’t see five clients in a day, you see 2,500,” said Pablo Perez, vice president of sales, adding that the show enables exclusive one-day specials.
The program closed with Badia Spices being named Company of the Year. “Because of the independent supermarkets we’re nationwide—Publix and Winn-Dixie brought us on board. It all began with the heart and soul of that show,” said Scott DeNight, national sales director.
Founded in 1967 by Joseph “Pepe” Badia, the family-owned company has grown into a leading name in the spice and seasoning category, distributed across chains and independents nationwide. As DeNight summed up, “We grew organically, one bottle at a time.”
Emma Navarro Serves Up Cool with Talenti Partnership
Talenti has partnered with rising tennis star Emma Navarro in a new campaign showing what it means to stay cool under pressure, both on and off the court.
The collaboration debuts with a 30-second digital spot, “High Pressure Presser,” following Navarro from match point to a post-match press conference. When asked how she keeps her composure, she reveals her indulgence of choice: Talenti gelato and sorbetto, crafted with simple, real ingredients and a slow batch-cooking process for maximum flavor.
“Tennis has taught me the importance of composure, resilience and finding moments of joy even in the toughest matches,” Navarro said. “You can taste that same passion and dedication in a spoonful of Talenti.”
Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Navarro is known for her precision and drive on the court, while off it she brings a lighter, more humorous side to fans.
“Emma Navarro is one of the most exciting rising stars in tennis,” said Nicole Towner, associate director at Talenti. “Her cool confidence mirrors the elevated indulgence that Talenti brings to the ice cream aisle.”
Following a breakout 2024 season that included a US Open semifinal run and two WTA titles, Navarro now joins Talenti as a Talenti Tastemaker, a group of individuals recognized for mastery in their craft.
To celebrate, Navarro is sharing her go-to summer refreshment: the Talenti Raspberry Smash, made with club soda, mint, lemon, fresh raspberries and her favorite flavor, Talenti Roman Raspberry Sorbetto.
August 2025
Better-For-You Snacks Win Shelf Space at ShopRite
Becky Dheri and Sarah Hartmann are bringing fresh energy and innovation to the better-for-you category across both snack and frozen aisles. Their brands— Vêsucré and Day Out—are now hitting shelves at ShopRite.
As a busy mom and pharmacist, Dheri struggled to find nutritious, convenient snacks that fit her on-the-go lifestyle. Frustrated by the ultra-processed options packed with gums, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, she began experimenting in her kitchen before coming up with bite-size protein balls that led to the launch of Day Out in 2019.
“Over time, I became frustrated by the lack of options that were convenient, nutritious and made with clean ingredients,” she said. “I could feel the physical toll these choices were taking on my body: low energy, difficulty concentrating and lack of motivation.”
Meanwhile, a fellow entrepreneur was following her own path to better-for-you innovation.
After switching to a vegan diet several years ago, Hartmann found herself missing the creamy indulgence of frozen dairy desserts. Today, her company, Vêsucré, offers plant-based treats free from dairy, soy, gluten and refined sugar.
“What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a calling,” Hartmann said. “I realized there was a huge gap in the market for indulgent desserts that were both clean-label and mission-driven. That discovery pushed me to learn the industry from the ground up—ingredient sourcing, food safety, manufacturing, distribution, and everything in between.”
Dheri and Hartmann’s success reflects a larger shift in consumer behavior—one that’s fueling growth in the better-for-you food segment.
“Consumers, me included, are shifting toward functional eating,” said Dheri. “We don’t just want to feel full; we want to feel good.”
From plant-based indulgence to high-protein, additive-free snacks, today’s better-for-you category is driven by quality, transparency, and purpose—traits that resonate with a new generation of wellness-minded consumers and are helping brands like Day Out and Vêsucré gain traction in retail.
“Consumers today are more label-conscious than ever,” said Hartmann. “They’re not just looking for foods that are better for their bodies—they’re seeking out products that align with their values.”
As winners Wakefern’s Total Store Local Supplier Summit, Dheri and Hartmann represent the next generation of food leadership—women-led, mission-driven and tuned into what today’s consumers are hungry for.
“At Wakefern, we’re passionate about championing local businesses and supporting entrepreneurs who inspire others with their stories,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer of Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S. “Both Becky and Sarah are creating more than just great products—they are also making a positive impact in their communities.”
Vêsucré and Day Out will potentially be available soon at other Wakefern supermarket banners, which include Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Di Bruno Bros., Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.
Vilore Acquires Tia Lupita Foods, Entering Natural Foods Space
Vilore Foods, a San Antonio-based distributor of culturally connected and emerging brands, has purchased Tia Lupita Foods, a fast-growing startup known for its hot sauces, grain-free cactus tortilla chips, and Mexican Chili Crunch.
The acquisition expands Vilore’s portfolio of authentic, heritage-driven products while marking the company’s first entry into the natural foods category. Tia Lupita products are free from artificial preservatives, aligning with consumer demand for “better-for-you” and sustainable offerings.
“Tia Lupita’s growth and potential caught our eye as more U.S. households seek trusted, authentic, culturally connected products,” Edgar R. Vargas, director of growth and brand development for Vilore Foods, said in a statement. “This acquisition positions Vilore to expand further into natural, specialty, and mainstream retail channels.”
As part of the acquisition, Tia Lupita will operate as an independent business unit within the Vilore Foods family. This structure allows the brand to preserve its entrepreneurial spirit, identity, and innovation while tapping into Vilore’s resources and expansive distribution network to accelerate growth. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The move expands Vilore’s portfolio, which includes leading Hispanic brands such as La Costeña, Jumex, Totis, and Kern’s, and marks the company’s entry into the natural foods category.
Founded in 2018 by Hector Saldivar, Tia Lupita Foods was inspired by a family hot sauce recipe handed down from Saldivar’s mother, nicknamed “Tia Lupita.” In August 2019, the brand launched tortilla chips formulated with a blend of cassava flour and nopales cactus, offering a lower-calorie, lower-carb alternative to traditional tortillas.
“Vilore Foods understands the cultural roots that drive our brand and has the experience to bring our products to more shelves and kitchens across the country,” said Saldivar.
The startup gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank in 2023 and securing an investment from Kevin O’Leary, which helped fuel product and distribution growth.
Dole Sells Fresh Vegetables Division in $140M Deal
Dole has finalized the sale of its Fresh Vegetables Division to og Holdco, the parent company of organicgirl and a portfolio company of Arable Capital Partners, for a total of $140 million. The transaction includes $90 million in cash, a $50 million seller note and a $10 million potential earn-out.
“This sale represents an important strategic milestone for the Group,” Carl McCann, executive chairman of Dole, said in a statement. “It enables us to sharpen our focus and investment on core business activities. The combination with organicgirl will also create operational synergies and enhance the value proposition for both customers and consumers.”
The Fresh Vegetables Division comprises operations related to the processing and sale of whole produce such as iceberg, romaine, leaf lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, asparagus, artichokes, green onions, sprouts, radishes, and cabbage, as well as salads and salad kits.
The division also operates three processing plants across the U.S. and employs more than 3,000 people. Dole is retaining its facilities in Huron, CA and Yuma, AZ, marking a strategic shift as it sharpens its focus on core business areas.
Derek Yurosek, managing director at Arable Capital Partners, called the acquisition “an outstanding addition” to the firm’s portfolio. “With strong brands, multi-channel reach, and seasoned leadership, Dole Fresh Vegetables is well positioned for continued growth,” he said.
This transaction follows a previously announced deal between Dole and Fresh Express, a Chiquita Brands subsidiary, for $293 million in February 2023. That deal was called off in March 2024 after the U.S. Department of Justice raised antitrust concerns, stating the merger would reduce competition and potentially lead to higher prices in the fresh-cut salad market.
For grocery retailers, wholesalers, and category managers, the acquisition signals a potential shift in the fresh vegetable supply chain. With Arable’s investment and organicgirl’s brand strength, the newly combined entity is expected to explore portfolio expansion, operational efficiencies, and adjustments to pricing, assortment, and service models.
Tim Stejskal has been named CEO of the new platform. He joined Arable in 2023 as an operating partner and brings deep experience from his prior roles as CEO of Fresh Innovations and senior executive at Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle.
“This new platform creates a diversified produce portfolio that strengthens each brand’s legacy of innovation and commitment to exceptional customer service,” he said.
Truly Grass Fed Expands at Publix, Natural Grocers and H-E-B
Sustainably produced dairy products Truly Grass Fed has expanded its distribution agreements with Publix, Natural Grocers and H-E-B, bringing its products to 3,200 new points of distribution.
Truly Family Farms, a farmer-owned co-operative, produces grass-fed butter and cheese as well as oats milk which are imported from Ireland.
“Today’s consumers are looking for nutritious, responsibly produced food and we’re thrilled to see our partners responding to this demand to make it easier than ever for families to have offerings that align with their values,” said Jaclyn Crabbe, marketing director for Truly Family Farms.
The expanded distribution will place different Truly Grass Fed products at each grocery chain. Publix and Natural Grocers will feature an almost complete selection of the brand’s items.
Publix: 1,300 Publix locations in the U.S. will begin carrying Truly Grass Fed’s Natural Creamy Salted and Unsalted Butter 16oz Sticks. Publix already stocks Truly Grass Fed butter blocks 8oz, spreadable butter 8oz and two cheddar cheese selections.
Natural Grocers: 163 Natural Grocers locations expanded their Truly Grass Fed assortment to include a broader range of cheddar cheese products - Natural Sharp Cheddar Cheese Wedge, Natural Aged Cheddar Cheese Wedge and Maker’s Blend Aged Cheese Wedge alongside existing offerings such as Natural Creamy Salted and Unsalted Butter Blocks 8oz, Butter 16oz sticks, as well as the brand’s Truly Gluten Free Original and Extra Creamy Oat Milks.
H-E-B: Truly Grass Fed’s butter 8oz blocks will now be available in a majority of H-E-B locations—marking a significant expansion from previous availability in just 50 percent of stores. The full line of Butter 8oz Blocks, including Natural Creamy Salted and Unsalted, will now be accessible to more consumers.
According to the company, all its products come from cows that are 95 percent grass-fed on farms with an average of one cow for every two acres of land, non-GMO project verified, animal welfare approved by A Greener World, and free from growth hormones and antibiotics.
Foot Traffic Puts Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Lidl in the Lead
The grocery segment overall has posted slow growth in store visits during the first half of 2025, but foot traffic over the same period has put Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Lidl ahead of many supermarket chains, according to the latest data from data analytics firm Placer.ai.
The discount and specialty grocers posted strong gains: 11.9 percent at Trader Joe’s, 7.1 percent at Aldi and 4.9 percent at Lidl. By contrast, overall grocery market’s year-over-year increase during the same period was 1.5 percent.
“The grocery segment has never been more competitive, and Aldi, Trader Joe’s and Lidl have consistently emerged as top players,” the report found. “The three chains share similarities: all offer a limited assortment of groceries and tend to operate at lower price points.”
The results mirror those published in a March report from Placer.ai that tracked how Aldi and Trader Joe’s made dramatic foot-traffic gains for the full year of 2024, with Aldi up 18.2 percent year-over-year and Trader Joe’s up 6.2 percent.
The three retailers are leading the charge via lower prices, simplified product lines and strategic expansion.
Trader Joe’s—with 608 stores across the U.S.—continues to see some of its strongest gains in its home state of California, where it launched in 1967. Known for its private-label products, the retailer increased its share of grocery visits in the state to 15.7 percent in the first half of 2025, up from 13.2 percent in 2019.
“This success underscores the value of investing in product and community—two areas where Trader Joe’s excels,” the report said.
Aldi, the German discount grocery store chain, opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976 and now operates over 2,508 stores. Placer.ai reports that average visits per Aldi location are up 1.6 percent from 2024 and an impressive 26.7 percent higher than in 2022.
Lidl, another German-based grocer, has 187 locations in the U.S. and is steadily expanding its presence along the East Coast. It has made gains with suburban shoppers, increasing its share from 11.8 percent to 14.5 percent and with wealthy segments, which rose to 11.2 percent from 8.4 percent.
“Lidl has been adding new stores in recent months, leaning into its thriving suburban segment, while also expanding into major cities,” Placer.ai noted.
July 2025
Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy and Seeks a Buyer
Canned fruit company Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy less than a year after executing a controversial debt restructuring. The company sought court protection in New Jersey, saying it is carrying roughly $1.245 billion in secured debt.
Founded in 1886, the company built its reputation on canned fruits and vegetables, becoming one of the most recognizable food brands in the country.
Describing it as a strategic step forward, executives indicated they plan to sell all assets including staples like College Inn broths, Contadina tomatoes and its signature Del Monte canned foods brand, which includes canned fruits, vegetables, fruit cups, juices, and more.
“After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods,” said President and CEO Greg Longstreet in a statement. “With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success.”
Del Monte attributed the bankruptcy filing to factors including a decline in customer demand and spending shifts, a costly buildup of excess inventory resulting from elevated demand during the Covid-19 pandemic and interest expenses that nearly doubled over the last five years to $125 million.
Court filings show the company listed estimated liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion. Del Monte said it has secured $912.5 million in financing, including $165 million from some of its existing lenders, to maintain its operations during the sale process.
“While we have faced challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment, Del Monte Foods has nourished families for nearly 140 years, and we remain committed to our mission of expanding access to nutritious, great-tasting food for all,” Longstreet said.
Del Monte is the fourth company in the food and beverage sector to file for Chapter 11 this year and No. 15 since the beginning of 2024, according to data analytics firm Debtwire.
Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Del Monte operates six production facilities across the U.S., and two in Mexico. In 2014 the company was acquired by Del Monte Pacific, based in the Philippines.
Del Monte also operates outside of the U.S. and Mexico, with other main locations in the Philippines, Singapore and India. The company says it doesn’t expect interruptions to non-U.S. units.
Defying the Odds and Overcoming Challenges
Four years in the making, brothers Albert Gonzalez and Nick Gonzalez turned their dream into reality with the opening of Flamingo Supermarket
At Flamingo, a member of Bravo stores, grocery aisles display a broad lineup of food appealing to an array of international consumers including from Caribbean, Central American, Haitian, South American and West Indian countries.
“Every nationality has a place here,” said Albert.
The Gonzalez brothers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, accompanied by Cooper City Mayor James Curran and special guests, to officially commemorate the debut of Flamingo in Cooper City’s Embassy Lakes Shopping Center.
Flamingo features the popular format of including various eateries within the location. On one side Giuseppe’s Bakery shares space with the prepared food section. Just inside the door employees at Cane Cartel prepare juice orders. Custom tacos are made-to-order at Taco Way. There’s also a jewelry store inside the supermarket.
“My brother and I are big foodies,” said Albert Gonzalez, “We want to make Flamingo a destination where people come to get something, enjoy and stay.”
Already in development are two sit-down restaurants where shoppers will be able to order American and Mediterranean and food, accompany them with draft beer and take in a sports event.
The Gonzalez family has a long history in the grocery industry. Krasdale Foods helped their father open his first grocery store in 1977. Continuing to work with Krasdale after moving to Florida 25 years ago, he opened Bravo Supermarkets in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines.
Wegmans Begins Testing Instagram’s Caper Carts
Wegman’s introduced Instacart’s AI-powered smart carts Caper Carts at Wegmans Dewitt in Syracuse, NY as part of a pilot program. The grocer will be testing smart carts from two different technology providers.
Executives said their goal is to determine if Smart Cart Technology is a fit for the unique shopping assortment offered in Wegmans stores and if it meets the shopping needs of their customers. Family-owned Wegmans operates 112 stores along the East Coast.
Caper Carts automatically recognize items as they are dropped into the cart and customers can bag as they shop, tapping signals from an array of Caper Cart cameras, digital scale and location sensors. They can also pay directly from the cart. Shoppers can log in to their Wegmans Shoppers Club account on the cart’s touchscreen to access personalized offers and savings.
The rollout of Caper Carts marks the latest evolution in a partnership between Instacart and Wegmans, which began in 2017 with same-day delivery and has since expanded to include pickup, EBT SNAP acceptance, and loyalty program integration.
Caper Carts are part of Instacart Connected Stores, their suite of technologies, bridging online and in-store experience. Instacart recently launched shoppable displays and began testing online delivery offers for customers checking out on the smart carts.
Caper Carts are in use at grocery stores in more than 60 U.S. cities, including ALDI, Geisslers, Heritage Grocers Group, Kroger, Schnucks, Wakefern Food Corp. (ShopRite) and Weis Markets, along with many regional and local independent grocers.
MIDA Conference & Food Show
Leading the food industry in the Caribbean, the annual Marketing, Industry and Food Distribution Chamber Convention & Food Show (MIDA) delivered a vibrant forum for business exchange and networking among suppliers, sellers, buyers, wholesalers and retailers.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, MIDA has become a key showcase for market trends, cutting-edge ideas and product launches. More than 2,000 executives and entrepreneurs from the food industry gathered at the Puerto Rico Convention Center for a series of conferences, an event to match suppliers with buyers and an awards ceremony recognizing companies and employees.
Over 500 exhibitors showcasing food products and related services from local companies and international pavilions representing the U.S., Costa Rica, Brazil, Panama, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago participated in the conference.
“This is event helps place new products on supermarket shelves across the island and introduces local products to other markets and countries,” said Manuel Reyes Alfonso, MIDA’s executive vice president.
Pedro Penton, CEO of Tecnica, described MIDA as “fun, exciting, resourceful, educational and informative” offering valuable lessons and market contacts.
“While the products impressed, it was the attendants who truly stood out,” he added. “They played a key role in the event’s success.”
MIDA has evolved into an international event that draws companies from various countries seeking to build business relationships with Puerto Rican entrepreneurs.
“Over the years, this convention has led to agreements that resulted in the export of Puerto Rican products to different parts of the world,” said MIDA President Felix Aponte. “It also fosters relationships that help grow and strengthen the industry responsible for the island’s food security.”
During the event, MIDA presented the results of Radiografía del Consumidor 2025, the annual study on consumer purchasing habits and economic realities on the Island.
Dunkin’ and Sabrina Carpenter Teamed Up Once Again
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter launched another drink with Dunkin’ - Sabrina’s Strawberry Daydream Refresher is highlighted in the breakfast chain’s new summer lineup. Mixed with oat milk and topped with cold foam, it’s crafted to create the flavor profile of strawberries and cream.
The limited-time beverage marks Carpenter’s second signature drink with the Dunkin,’ following Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso released in late 2024. In a press release, Dunkin’ described the drink as “strawberries and cream in a sip,” emphasizing the dreamy aesthetic that anchors the campaign.
As part of its new summer menu Dunkin’ also unveiled a trio of ice cream-inspired frozen coffees. The drinks are available in three flavors – cookie dough, mint chocolate chip and butter pecan – all topped with whipped cream, drizzle and crunchy waffle cone pieces. Also in the lineup, a new Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap which features hash browns, egg, melted American cheese, all-new chipotle aioli and a choice of bacon or sausage, all wrapped in a tortilla.
