Introduction
This year has been full of surprises, and the grocery store aisles have been no exception. From new products to unexpected recalls, the grocery store has seen its fair share of shocking moments. In this article, we’ll take a look at the eight biggest grocery store stories that shocked us this year. From the launch of plant-based meat alternatives to the recall of a popular breakfast cereal, these stories have made headlines and left us wondering what’s next. So, let’s dive in and explore the biggest grocery store stories of 2020.
8 Biggest Grocery Stories That Shocked Us This Year — Eat This Not That
2020 has been a year of surprises, and the grocery industry has been no exception. From the rise of plant-based meat to the emergence of new delivery services, the grocery industry has seen some major changes this year. Here are 8 of the biggest grocery stories that shocked us this year.
1. Plant-Based Meat Goes Mainstream
Plant-based meat has been gaining popularity for years, but this year it really took off. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have seen their products become widely available in grocery stores and restaurants across the country. This trend is likely to continue in 2021 as more people look for healthier and more sustainable options.
2. Grocery Delivery Services Take Off
Grocery delivery services have been around for a while, but this year they really took off. Companies like Instacart and Shipt have seen a huge surge in demand as more people look for ways to get their groceries without leaving the house. This trend is likely to continue as more people become comfortable with the idea of having their groceries delivered.
3. Grocery Stores Go Digital
Grocery stores have been slow to embrace digital technology, but this year they finally started to catch up. Many stores now offer online ordering and curbside pickup, making it easier for customers to get their groceries without having to go into the store. This trend is likely to continue as stores look for ways to make shopping more convenient for their customers.
4. Meal Kits Become Popular
Meal kits have been around for a while, but this year they really took off. Companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh have seen a surge in demand as more people look for ways to make cooking easier. This trend is likely to continue as more people look for convenient and healthy meal options.
5. Grocery Stores Embrace Technology
Grocery stores have been slow to embrace technology, but this year they finally started to catch up. Many stores now offer digital coupons, loyalty programs, and even mobile apps to make shopping easier for their customers. This trend is likely to continue as stores look for ways to make shopping more convenient.
6. Grocery Stores Go Online
Grocery stores have been slow to embrace e-commerce, but this year they finally started to catch up. Many stores now offer online ordering and delivery, making it easier for customers to get their groceries without having to go into the store. This trend is likely to continue as stores look for ways to make shopping more convenient for their customers.
7. Grocery Stores Embrace Sustainability
Grocery stores have been slow to embrace sustainability, but this year they finally started to catch up. Many stores now offer organic and locally sourced products, as well as reusable packaging options. This trend is likely to continue as stores look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
8. Grocery Stores Embrace Local Producers
Grocery stores have been slow to embrace local producers, but this year they finally started to catch up. Many stores now offer locally sourced products, making it easier for customers to support their local farmers and producers. This trend is likely to continue as stores look for ways to support their local communities.
These 8 stories have been some of the biggest grocery stories of 2020, and they are likely to continue to shape the industry in 2021. As the grocery industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what other changes and surprises the future holds.
It almost seemed impossible that 2021 could be an even more eventful year at the grocery store than 2020 was, but the almost 12 months since January 1 have been full of shortages, price hikes, new technology, environmental protection efforts, and everything in between.
If you’re looking to show off your supermarket trivia knowledge, look no further! Here are the eight biggest grocery stories of the year that surprised us, pleased us, or made us say “huh?”
Related: This Major Grocery Chain Is Putting Purchase Limits on Bacon and Other Popular Items
One of the biggest grocery stories of the year involves a food many of us consider a favorite. Back on April 5, two plaintiffs brought a class-action lawsuit against the Kraft Heinz Company for not warning consumers of a chemical found in mac and cheese products. The two claimed the company knew about the presence of phthalates—which are synthetic chemicals used to make plastics more flexible—but did nothing about it. According to a 2015 study, phthalates are linked to an increased risk of asthma and obesity.
In July, the Kraft Heinz Company asked a federal judge in Illinois to throw out the case because phthalates are approved by the FDA.
If contactless shopping isn’t enough for you, then the technology 2021 brought should be music to your ears. Several grocery chains teased the possibility of drone delivery this year, including Kroger, Walmart, and Greer’s Market.
The retailers are currently testing this possibility, but don’t expect to get a full grocery run by drone quite yet. Kroger’s weight limit for drone delivery is only five pounds. However, it sounds like the perfect solution for when you run out of an ingredient mid-recipe. Let’s just hope it doesn’t drop the eggs!
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The days of waiting in line at the checkout are over. In September, Whole Foods announced a partnership with Amazon to bring the Just Walk Out payment option to two locations (one in Washington D.C. and one in California).
Customers just scan a QR code in the Whole Foods section of the Amazon app, then shop normally. The store’s sensors track everything they put in their cart (and even items they return). When finished, customers scan the same code when leaving and get a digital receipt. Introverts everywhere are celebrating!
On November 18, Starbucks and Amazon Go opened the first of several planned location partnerships in New York City. The store combines Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Starbucks’ contactless payment options.
Customers can order ahead on the Starbucks app and pick up their drinks inside. To buy food, they log into the Amazon app and the store’s sensors track whatever customers take from the shelves (no need to wait in line to check out). The sensors can even tell if you put something back on the shelf, according to a Starbucks press release. When the customer leaves, Amazon charges their credit card. The combination cafe/grocery store even has tables to work or eat lunch at.
Out with the old, in with the…old? A few of our favorite nostalgic foods made comebacks this year. Some of these haven’t been seen in over 10 years! Oreo Cakesters, Creme Savers, Lime Skittles, and Jones Soda’s Turkey and Gravy soda all came back to store shelves this year to the glee of fans everywhere. We can’t wait to see which nostalgic foods surprise us with a comeback next year (Squeezits anyone?).
Related: Costco Just Put These 6 Grocery Items on Sale for the Holidays
Now you can pick up avocados and an avocado charm bracelet in the same place. Texas grocery store chain H-E-B has over 420 stores around the state and in and Mexico, and just announced plans to partner with James Avery Artisan Jewelry at certain locations.
Customers in League City, Portland, and San Antonio can now get their jewelry cleaned while crossing items off their grocery list, pick up something shiny for themselves, or even get holiday gift shopping done while grabbing supplies for the holiday feast.
Related: H-E-B Is Opening New Locations in Texas
New Seasons Market, a west coast grocer, announced a plan to phase out sales of single-use plastic water bottles in early April, Supermarket News reported. “By committing to using reusable bottles, we can remove almost 200,000 single-use plastic, aluminum and glass bottles a year,” said Athena Petty, senior sustainability manager at New Seasons Market.
New Seasons, and its sister store New Leaf Community Market, will continue to sell water in plastic bottles bigger than one liter, but the company believes this effort will help customers transition to using reusable bottles.
In 2021, the Food Industry Association recognized grocery store workers by declaring Feb. 22 as Supermarket Employee Day. FMI says the day is “a time for the food industry to recognize employees at every level for the work they do feeding families and enriching lives.”
It’s never been more apparent how essential supermarket employees are to our communities. There are more than 40,000 grocery stores in the US, which means we have a lot of people to thank for keeping the shelves stocked and our families fed!
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