Grocers getting fancy schmancy with store brands

With more shelf space being devoted to retailers’ private label products, industry experts note that these products have improved quality and packaging from even just a few years ago. And they predict that store brands will enjoy continued success as discount grocers open more locations and as grocers look to secure customer loyalty in a highly competitive marketplace. Kroger, for example, has reported getting about one-quarter of its revenue from private label brands. “Most of the major national brands, quite honestly, were built for the baby boomers and their parents,” says Jim Wisner of Wisner Retail Marketing. Read more at Richmond Times-Dispatch…

Lucky’s Market takes leap with CBD, now selling hemp extracts nationwide

The grocer, which is backed by Kroger, has roots in progressive Boulder, Colorado, and says it’s “not afraid to be disruptive and pave the path and be pioneers.” As other national retailers hold off on selling CBD, Lucky’s is now selling a handful of brands at its stores across the nation and is launching a line of private-label, full-spectrum hemp oils, body butters and salves. Read more at The Cannabist…

Costco steps up grocery battle with new delivery services

The retailer is now offering two-day delivery for packaged groceries and same-day deliveries for fresh groceries through its partnership with Instacart. Read more at Business Insider…

Anuga report: Flexitarians driving plant-based innovations

More than one-third of U.S. consumers and half of U.K. consumers report eating at least one meatless meal a week, according to Innova Market Insights. More than one-quarter of Americans say they’ve upped either almond milk consumption. That “flexitarian” attitude is driving innovation, experts say. Plants are also a growing source for food flavoring and coloring. Read more at Specialty Food News…

Richard Branson makes a bold prediction about the future of food

In a recent article on Virgin’s website, the entrepreneur-investor predicts that within the next several decades, all meat will either be clean or plant-based, and that killing animals will no longer be part of our food system. Branson is a backer of Memphis Meats. Read more at Forbes…