The merger deal between Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets will create a powerhouse grocer with nearly 300 stores in six Northeastern states, giving it the scale and experience to succeed, Price Chopper CEO Scott Grimmett and Tops Markets CEO Frank Curci said in this interview. The deal will keep the grocers operating separately but under a new umbrella company with Grimmett as CEO, and will "put us in a position to help us better compete with the changing marketplace," he said.

With the pandemic sometimes crimping supplies of chicken and beef, seafood sales have soared as shoppers look for a quality nutrition alternative. Compared to 2019, overall frozen seafood sales saw a 25% increase, according to IRI, a gain that also held steady through the holidays, and experts say more consumers are now shopping for seafood products from American farms.

The trend toward indulgent snacking brought on by the pandemic will likely continue its growth this year -- a forecast that bodes well for the candy industry as a whole and seasonal confectionery products in particular. Candy companies have responded with new items, seasonal in-store promotions and online marketing efforts, and more innovative product launches are expected in the coming year.

Robert Taylor, CEO of United Supermarkets since 2010, announced this week that he plans to retire on March 1, although he will continue with the grocer as an executive vice president and adviser. Taylor, who was active in community and industry affairs and also served on FMI's board of directors, will be replaced at the Albertsons banner by Sidney Hopper, United's current president.

Instacart is ready to roll out Instacart Pickup, a nationwide click-and-collect service, in 25 top metro areas across the US, the company said. Many current Instacart clients from ALDI to Wegmans will be part of the project, which allows customers to order groceries and plan curbside pickup through the Instacart app.