Albertsons to launch digital marketplace for smaller brands

As the grocer continues to focused on its digital offerings, Albertsons is giving small brands a chance to make their case for shelf space in stores and sell directly to shoppers through a new digital marketplace. Any vendors who can pick and ship on their own will be able to use the marketplace, which will also generate helpful data on product trends. Read more at CNBC…

Amazon sellers seek more clout through trade group

Some of the millions of vendors that sell through Amazon.com are planning to join forces with the hopes of gaining negotiating power and lobbying clout, and the ability to push the company to hear their viewpoints and address their complaints. The association, being spearheaded by a former Amazon employee and a law professor, will be called the Online Merchants Guild. Read more at Seattle Times…

How this company is turning itself around to deliver ‘clean’ cleaning products

Peter Resnick became an “accidental entrepreneur” when a company he invested in, CleanWell, became overcome with operational problems, and he decided to buy the company and try to turn things around. The following year he hired a more experienced CEO, which led to a dramatic turnaround for the company, which makes nontoxic home cleaning products that employs botanicals like thyme oil. It’s expected to be profitable for the first time this year. Read more at Forbes…

General Mills sounds inflation alarm for food industry

Shares of the food maker fell 9 percent after it lowered its guidance for the year, citing higher commodity prices and increasing logistics and freight costs. Read more at The Wall Street Journal…

Oakland A’s to give plant-based burger its stadium debut

This season, the Oakland Coliseum will be the first professional sports stadium to serve the meat-free Impossible Burger, which has gained traction on hundreds of menus across the country. Read more at The Mercury News…