American grocer and multi-department retailer
The Office for National Statistics has reported UK CPI inflation at 2.6% in June, down from 2.8% in May. Economists have said the fall has been driven by weaker motor fuel, food and clothing prices, but renewed fighting in the Middle East and a higher Ofgem price cap are pushing energy costs back up and will force inflation higher later this year.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
Kroger has announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle, a family-owned grocer with 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across five states. The deal, approved by Kroger’s board, will broaden Kroger’s reach into adjacent markets and is expected to close in 2027 after regulatory clearance. Some analysts predict price competition may ease in the near term, while others warn prices could rise in less competitive areas over the long term.
Primark is expanding in the United States, opening stores in Willowbrook Mall (Houston area) and Castleton Square Mall (Indianapolis). Both locations will be about 30,000 square feet in size, joining a growing U.S. footprint that now reaches 44 stores. The openings follow a New York City flagship and reflect Primark’s strategy to prioritize brick-and-mortar growth in established malls.
Consumer Reports has named Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken the top overall pick among 10 chains, praising flavor, seasoning and juiciness. Costco’s bird is praised for plumpness but criticized for seasoning inconsistency. The test found no PFAS and noted several birds weighed more than listed on packaging.
Independent coverage shows Costco will close on July 4, with other retailers and services adapting hours. Walmart, Target and Kroger are expected to operate with regular or varied hours, while Trader Joe’s and Aldi implement shorter hours. Stock exchanges and postal services follow holiday schedules in early July 2026.
Ocado has announced a planned leadership transition with co-founder and CEO Tim Steiner set to step down in 2028. A successor will be identified by the start of the 2028 financial year, with Steiner remaining as a founder adviser through 2029. The move follows pressure from shareholders after a slump in Ocado’s share price and ongoing restructuring.
Grocery stores are expanding ready-to-eat options even as beef and other staples stay pricey. Consumers are shifting toward grocery-prepared meals and value, while drive-thru traffic remains under pressure and overall restaurant traffic softens.
Walmart has announced price cuts on summer barbecue essentials, including ground beef, chips and drinks, with a 12% drop on a one-pound beef patty. The move follows White House pressure claims and comes as beef prices hit record highs due to drought and rising feed costs. Trump has praised the retailer, while the White House says it is taking steps to reduce costs for working families.
A U.S. appeals court has revived private lawsuits alleging a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism/ADHD, reversing a district court that had excluded expert testimony. The panel says the doctors’ methodologies reflect scientific disagreement and are admissible, returning the case to ongoing proceedings.
Grocery volumes have declined while prices stay elevated, signaling that higher costs are shifting consumer behavior. Retailers and manufacturers are using promotions and value-focused tactics to regain unit growth, with Bain’s data showing volume declines despite inflation aiding sales in the sector.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded to additional states. FDA tracebacks identify Taylor Farms de Mexico as a key supplier; Taco Bell has removed affected lettuce and recalls are ongoing. Public health officials warn consumers and stress washing and cooking precautions where relevant.
The FDA has upgraded Amy’s Kitchen Organic Lentil Soup – Light Sodium recall to Class II after a lid defect raised spoilage concerns. Separately, General Mills has recalled Pillsbury roll doughs for potential glass contamination, and Midwest Poultry Services has halted shipments as nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs are recalled over Salmonella fears. No illnesses are confirmed yet.
Ocado has sealed a deal to build a large customer fulfilment centre for a fast-growing European national retailer. The automated site, due to go live in 2028, features Ocado’s robotics and new technology. The agreement follows a recent downturn in Ocado’s stock amid broader market weakness and signals rising demand for its automation solutions.
New Jersey has enacted the Fair Price Protection Act, pausing ESL rollouts for a year while studying their impact. The law bars using shoppers’ personal data to set individualized prices and preserves existing discounts and loyalty programs. Aimed at protecting consumers from surveillance pricing, the measure follows similar moves in Maryland and Connecticut and echoes calls for action in New York.
FDA-confirmed cases linked to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs have prompted recalls across several brands and stores. About 98 illnesses have been reported since Nov. 21, with 26 hospitalizations. Authorities say eggs from Texas farms are a likely source, though not all cases are accounted for. A separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce remains under monitoring.