This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter. LAS VEGAS — As generative artificial intelligence rapidly gains momentum, the head of one of the nation’s largest groups of independent grocers has a simple message for food retailers who might be unsure of how to react: “Do not be afraid of it.” Addressing thousands of attendees during a keynote session at the National Grocers Association’s annual conference on Mon ...

Core Insights - Edible Garden AG Incorporated has expanded its product offerings by introducing its full line of USDA Organic Certified Pulp refrigerated, fermented gourmet hot sauces at ShopRite supermarkets in the Northeast [3][6] - The company emphasizes its commitment to freshness, sustainability, and community engagement, highlighting its long-standing partnership with ShopRite [6][5] - The Pulp line of hot sauces is crafted using a fermentation process that enhances flavor and nutritional value, featuring popular varieties such as Hungarian Wax, Habanero Carrot Pepper, Fresno Chili, and Jalapeño [6][4] Company Overview - Edible Garden is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), focusing on locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce through a Zero-Waste Inspired farming model [7][9] - The company operates advanced greenhouses and processing facilities across the U.S., including locations in Michigan, Iowa, and New Jersey, and partners with contract growers to ensure freshness [7][8] - Edible Garden has been recognized as a FoodTech 500 firm and is involved in Walmart's Project Gigaton sustainability initiative [9] Product Details - The Pulp line of sauces is designed to provide bold flavors while adhering to clean-label standards, with no artificial additives [6][4] - The company also offers a range of nutrition and specialty food products, including plant and whey protein powders, and a collection of fermented fresh pickles and krauts [9]

Core Insights - Synergy CHC Corp. announced significant retail authorizations and distribution partnerships to expand its FOCUSfactor supplements and FOCUSfactor Focus + Energy beverages in the U.S., Canada, and international markets, responding to rising consumer demand for clean energy and cognitive health products [1][7]. U.S. Expansion - Kroger will launch three FOCUSfactor SKUs across 1,600 locations starting April 2026, enhancing FOCUSfactor's position as a leader in cognitive health supplements [2]. - Wakefern Food Corp. will introduce five FOCUSfactor Focus + Energy SKUs in 365 retail locations, furthering Synergy's national beverage rollout strategy [3]. Canadian Expansion - Uniprix will launch FOCUSfactor supplement SKUs in 300 stores beginning February 2026, while Fortinos will debut FOCUSfactor Focus + Energy beverages in 24 locations [4]. - Pilot Flying J will carry FOCUSfactor beverages across 56 travel centers, marking a significant milestone in Synergy's retail expansion in Canada [5]. International Expansion - PriceSmart will launch FOCUSfactor Focus + Energy 12-pack across 47 clubs in 13 countries, reaching over 3 million members, thus introducing FOCUSfactor beverages to new markets in Latin America and the Caribbean [6]. Strategic Partnerships - The partnerships with major retailers like Kroger, Wakefern, and PriceSmart validate Synergy's global scaling strategy and commitment to delivering clean energy and brain health solutions [7].

Core Insights - Wakefern Food Corp. reported retail sales of $20.7 billion for fiscal 2025, marking a 3.1% increase from $20.1 billion in the previous fiscal year [1][2] - The cooperative experienced significant expansion, operating nearly 400 retailer-owned stores across nine East Coast states [2] - Wakefern completed the acquisition of the 17-store Morton Williams chain and added new ShopRite locations during fiscal 2025 [3][4] Sales Performance - Retail sales for fiscal 2025 reached $20.7 billion, up from $20.1 billion in fiscal 2024, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.1% [1] - The previous fiscal year saw a sales increase of 2.2% [1] Expansion Activities - Wakefern's expansion included the acquisition of Morton Williams, which operates in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Jersey City [3] - The addition of three new ShopRite locations and one store under The Fresh Grocer brand occurred during fiscal 2025 [3] - A newly built ShopRite in West Caldwell, New Jersey, was added, featuring modern amenities and a larger footprint [4] Corporate Strategy - Wakefern's Chairman emphasized a focus on innovative business models and sustainable growth during the shareholders' meeting [4] - The cooperative operates under multiple banners, including ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, and Morton Williams, among others [5]

Group 1 - Instacart announced the acquisition of Wynshop, a cloud-based e-commerce solutions provider for grocers, to enhance its enterprise solutions and improve online experiences for retailers [1] - Wynshop, launched in 2020, offers online storefronts and AI-powered personalization tools, and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Instacart [2] - This acquisition marks Instacart's sixth acquisition, following previous purchases including Caper AI and Eversight [3] Group 2 - The integration of Wynshop's technology is expected to strengthen Instacart's e-commerce, advertising, fulfillment, and in-store offerings over time [2] - Instacart is set to report its first-quarter 2025 financial results after the market close [3]

Core Insights - Edible Garden AG Incorporated is expanding its fresh Poultry Mix product into the ShopRite chain, leveraging its existing retail relationships and aiming to meet consumer demand for fresh, sustainable culinary herbs during key seasonal periods [1][2][5] Group 1: Product Launch and Market Strategy - The Poultry Mix, which includes fresh culinary herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, is being launched in time for the spring holiday season, coinciding with Passover and Easter [2][4] - The product rollout follows a successful winter holiday season where sales doubled year-over-year during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year [2] - The launch is supported by Edible Garden's in-store branding and merchandising tools to enhance consumer visibility and maximize retail impact [4][5] Group 2: Retail Partnerships and Consumer Trust - Edible Garden's partnership with ShopRite, part of Wakefern Food Corp., is significant due to ShopRite's strong presence with over 350 stores and its recognition as the "Most Trusted Grocery Retailer in the Northeast" for three consecutive years [3][5] - The collaboration aims to deepen retail partnerships by introducing high-velocity products that align with consumer demand and seasonal trends [5] Group 3: Company Overview and Sustainability Initiatives - Edible Garden is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), focusing on locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce, with a commitment to Zero-Waste Inspired farming practices [6] - The company operates state-of-the-art vertically integrated greenhouses and processing facilities in New Jersey and Michigan, and has a network of contract growers near major U.S. markets [6] - Edible Garden has been recognized as a FoodTech 500 company and is a member of Walmart's Project Gigaton sustainability initiative, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture [6]