Walmart is launching a pilot program with Nuro to test grocery delivery using autonomous vehicles in Houston. The retailer has undertaken similar tests with Gatik in Arkansas and Udelv in Arizona, among others.

Five years ago, a plant-based eater would only have a small selection offered on grocery shelves and would never think they could walk into a fast-food restaurant to enjoy a satisfying meal. Today in the food industry, though, there are thousands of companies riding the wave of the plant-based protein trend. Read more.

Collectively, statistics on the number of SKUs per store and number of weekly transactions per store tell a story about the food retail industry's ability to succeed in any environment and the quest to stay agile. Read more.

Significant consumer interest in CBD, or cannabidiol, has resulted in many companies considering whether and how to enter this space. However, the absence of comprehensive federal guidance, coupled with a developing patchwork of state regulatory laws, has created a lack of clarity. FMI, in partnership with law firm Baker Hostetler, has developed a guide including useful background information and general recommendations to help ensure food retailers and suppliers understand key regulatory issues about CBD products. Download now.

According to the 2019 Power of Meat report, eating meat is still the norm, with 86% of shoppers classifying themselves as meat eaters, 5% following a vegetarian or vegan diet and 10% describing their eating style as flexitarian (mostly vegetarian with some animal protein). However, the report finds consumers are becoming conscious of the effects their diet has on the environment. Learn more.

New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets are set to be acquired by Good Food Holdings. The companies will keep current leadership and continue to operate independently under their existing banners.

Grocers should watch out for temperature fluctuations, worn gaskets and compressor damage on refrigeration equipment to mitigate costly repairs and improve food safety, said Kaivac's Mike Perazzo. Customer returns caused by spoiled food and a spike in energy costs can also alert businesses to equipment issues.

Retail and food industry leaders have reacted positively to news that the US, Mexico and Canada have come to a trade agreement. "This new North American trade agreement maintains and secures the existing supply chain, resulting in continued growth in US food and beverage exports," FMI's Andy Harig said in a statement.

Food safety officials have pointed to lettuce grown indoors as a safer alternative to farm-grown lettuces as the nation reels from the most recent romaine E. coli outbreak. Contaminated irrigation water is a major risk for lettuce grown outside, while indoor agriculture is more protected from weather, pests and contaminated water.

Walmart will donate 75 acres of land in its home of Bentonville, Ark., to become a new park. "Our hope is that the trails will connect the future Walmart Home Office campus to the park so our associates can take advantage of even more green space and enjoy the natural beauty of our region," says Walmart's Dan Bartlett.