Authoritative news, analysis, and data for the food industry

Lina Khan Can’t Help Herself: Seeks FTC Inquiry Into High Grocery Prices

Taking Stock
Last month, I actually praised FTC chairwoman Lina Khan for targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that partially control drug pricing while also squeezing wholesale margins for all retailers that operate pharmacies. As predicted, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Less than 30 days after unleashing the Kahn wrath against United HealthCare,…
August 19, 2024

USDA Announces $100 Million Investment Program

Legislative Line
Update on the latest Farm Bill news, the phase-out of plastics by the U.S. government, USDA's launch of a new program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to increase access to healthy foods in underserved communities and other legislative developments.
August 7, 2024

(Eye Roll) Kroger, Albertsons Have Spent $864M On Merger-Related Legal Fees Thus Far

Taking Stock
News from the region, including Walmart's recent research into shoppers' shopping habits in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of adaptive retail today and a glimpse into retail's future.
August 7, 2024

FTC Prepares To Sue Pharmacy Benefit Managers; Retailers Say ‘It’s About Time’ 

Taking Stock
Powerful pharmacy benefit managers g a close look from the FTC.
July 24, 2024

PFMA Scores Major Wins With 2024-25 State Budget Passage

NJFC
Among the highlights of the new budget is legislation authorizing licensed retailers to sell ready-to-drink canned cocktails.
July 23, 2024

And The Farm Bill Beat Goes On

Legislative Line
Plus, updates on the Food Traceability Enhancement Act, reducing food waste, the FDA reorganization, and more.
July 16, 2024

Navigating The Inflationary Tide: How Connecticut Food Retailers Adapt in Political Headwinds

NJFC
Grocers are increasingly finding themselves targeted by state and federal regulators.
June 24, 2024

Finally: A Farm Bill

Legislative Line
Barry Scher reports on the latest farm bill news, plus House majority plans, bans on lab-grown meat and new school meal standards.
June 17, 2024

Kroger, Albertsons Add 166 More Stores To C&S Deal

Taking Stock
Updates in the Kroger-Albertsons merger plan, Walmart unveils upgraded private label brand bettergood, and more.
May 14, 2024

Food Retailers Continue Be Government Whipping Boys

Taking Stock
Plus Amazon News, Ahold Delhaize annual shareholders meeting and more.
April 22, 2024

Congress Holds Hearings On Swipe Fees

Legislative Line
Updates on recent legislative action on the Hill, news about a food allergy breakthrough and more.
April 8, 2024

While Kroger, Albertsons Ready For Court Date, Negotiating With FTC Continues

Taking Stock
Among recent developments in the industry covered are the demise of Amazon's "just walk out" technology, more bad news for Walgreens and Rite Aid, Unilever selling its ice cream brands plus new store news and obituaries.
April 8, 2024

FTC Strikes Again: Says Price Hikes Aided By Big Retailers

News Analysis
FTC report blames retailers for price hikes, supply chain mismanagement, and profit-taking as agency has supermarkets in its crosshairs.
April 8, 2024

Congressional Budget Negotiations Emphasize Need For Continued Advocacy Of Food Assistance

NJFC
SNAP and WIC, two successful public-private partnerships, must be protected.
March 16, 2024

Playing Against Khan Is A Rigged Game; Kroger, Albertsons Seek New Venue To Continue Battle

Taking Stock
An analysis of the recent decision, as well as Ahold Delhaize news and other developments from around the trade.
March 5, 2024

Major Regulations Under Review At FDA

Legislative Line
A busy month on Capitol Hill.
March 5, 2024

FTC Blocks Kroger-Albertsons $24.6 Billion Merger Proposal

Both retailers said that they would challenge the FTC decision in court, which could set up a lengthy battle over the legality of the ruling.
March 5, 2024

FTC Sues to Block Kroger-Albertsons Proposed $24.6 Billion Merger

News Analysis: As the months dragged on, it became apparent that the once-promising deal was destined to be challenged by the FTC and its anti-big business chairwoman Lina Khan.
February 27, 2024

Unfinished Business…. Kicking the Can Again

Legislative Line
What to expect from Congress during this legislative session.
February 5, 2024

A Year In Review And Outlook On 2024

NJFC
NJFC to build off solid 2023 for new year.
January 26, 2024

NY Governor Hochul Introduces Initiatives To Combat Retail Theft

Proposals to increase penalties, provide more funding unveiled.
January 26, 2024

MD Ups Minimum Wage To $15/Hr. Impacting 163,000 Employees

Taking Stock
In addition to Maryland, 21 other states have raised their lowest pay rate.
January 22, 2024

A Chaotic January…..Year?

Legislative Line
What to expect in 2024.
January 17, 2024

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Legislation to expect in 2024 and beyond
December 15, 2023

Statehouse Update

NJFC
Following successful Fall Legislative Conference, PFMA renews push for priorities before year’s end.
November 21, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Retail food industry welcomes Fed's proposal to lower debit card fees.
November 10, 2023

Giant, Safeway Clerks Approve New 4-Year Labor Agreements

With focus on wages, most workers receive $4.10/hour increases over the life of the new 4-year contract.
November 10, 2023

As He Changes Roles At Allegiance, Derderian Reflects On Company Growth, Impact Of Retail Theft

Food Trade News recently asked Allegiance Retail Services' John Derderian about the co-op's recent New York City growth and how retail theft has impacted independent retailers in the Big Apple.
October 20, 2023

Sprouts Touts Pennsylvania As Hot Growth Market With Six New Stores Planned By ’25

Taking Stock
Sprouts eyes Pennsylvania for growth in 2024.
October 20, 2023

It’s Official: FTC Sues Amazon Over Anticompetitive Practices

In a long anticipated action, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon.com Inc. late last month, alleging that the online retail and technology company is a monopolist that uses a set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies to illegally maintain its monopoly power. The FTC…
October 17, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Credit Card Swipe Fees Back in the News
October 9, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Credit Card Swipe Fees Back In The News
October 9, 2023

Statehouse Update

NJFC
New Transparency Laws Will Impact New Jersey Elections
September 21, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Enhancing Competition And Protecting Consumers
August 14, 2023

Statehouse Update

NJFC
With State Budget In limbo, PFMA Queues Up Legislative Priorities For The Fall
July 25, 2023

FTC’s Khan Grilled By Congress; NGA Encouraged By New Merger Guidelines

Taking Stock
Lina Khan, gunslinger against big business and chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, had her day of reckoning on July 13 when the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee met with her to discuss the agency’s aggressive stance against big business mergers.
July 25, 2023

Amazon Sets Prime Day Record As Legal Challenges Accelerate

U.S. consumers spent $12.7 billion over the two-day period, a 6.1 percent increase over last year’s take.
July 25, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
It May Be Payback Time
July 13, 2023

After Years Of Warnings And Settlements Against Amazon, FTC Targets ‘Prime’ For Deception

Taking Stock
The FTC accused Amazon of duping millions of consumers into subscribing to “Prime” by utilizing “manipulative, coercive or deceptive” tactics.
July 13, 2023

Legislative Line

Legislative Line
Standardizing Food Date Labels
June 20, 2023