STAR GAZING AROUND GROCERY - Alabama GROCERY FRAUD - Alabama Grocers Association
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Alabama GROCERY FRAUD
PAGE 30
THE STRUGGLE OF
COURAGEOUS
LEADERSHIP
PAGE 36
2019, ISSUE 2 ALABAMA GROCERS ASSOCIATION
STAR GAZING
AROUND GROCERY
page 24
proudly supports Alabama Grocers Association
CONTENTS | ISSUE 2
FEATURES
COLUMNS
President’s Message
Happy Spring!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
26 Chairman’s Message
Great Things to Come in 2019. . . . . . . . . . . 9
Stargazing Around Grocery: Inmar Insights into 2019
From increased automation to greater shopper autonomy, 2019 will see accelerating Government Relations
change across virtually every facet of the grocery industry. Legislature Returns After Passing
Special Gas Tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Inside the Beltway
Now Is The Time to Become a Grocery
Industry Advocate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
30 Washington Report
36
Five Trends to Watch in 2019. . . . . . . . . . . 21
Grocery Fraud: Or How A Stapler Can Rob You Blind
Viewpoint
What’s your battle plan against the forces of grocery fraud? Do you have adequate intel
Bread & Metaphors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
and situational awareness to win the war?
Mommy Blogger
The Little Things That Keep
Moms Coming Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
DEPARTMENTS
36 AGA News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Outside the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The Struggle of Courageous Leadership
As a leader, an essential (and often unspoken) part of your job is continuing to
“hold space” for the positive opportunities ahead, even when the circumstances
are frightening.
32
14
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 3
AGA | BOARD OF DIRECTORS
executive Chairman of the Board Immediate Past Chairman Treasurer Sergeant-at-Arms
Frank D'A mico, III Peter "Greg" Gregerson Jay Mitchell James Cochran
committee BTC Wholesale Gregerson's Foods Mitchell Grocery Corporation Buffalo Rock Pepsi Cola
Company
Vice Chairman Past Chairman Secretary
Johnny Collins Jack Howell Bo Taylor
Dean Foods Forster & Howell Coca-Cola Bottling Company
United, Inc.
vice presidents David Bullard Bob Crawford Bill Davis Harold Garrett
Piggly Wiggly Alabama United Johnson Brothers of A&R Super Markets Gateway Foods
Distributing Company Alabama
Wade Payne
Food Giant
directors Naseem Ajlouny Mike Coggins Kris Jonczyk Austin Peake
Buy Lo Quality Foods Sherwood Food Distributors Publix Super Markets, Inc. Peake & Associates
Stan Alexander Chris Crosby Kenneth Jones Eddy Quinley
Associated Grocers of the South Golden Flake/Utz Snack Rouses Enterprises Advantage Solutions
Danny Babb Larry Garrett Melanie LeBlanc Brian Smith
Associated Wholesale Grocers Vietti Foods Anheuser-Busch Community Coffee
Jack Carlile Kevin Gillespie Curtis Lyons, Jr. John Wilson
SuperValu Kelley Foods Flowers Bakeries Super Foods Supermarkets
Kirk Clark Julie Anderson Goolsby Mike Oakley Jimmy Wright
Mitchell Grocery Corporation The Hershey Company Alabama Power Wright's Markets
ex-officio board Mike Fuller R. Kevin Miller Mac Otts James Scott
members Fuller's Supermarket "Official Board Photographer" Autry Greer & Sons Lighting Specialists
Acosta Sales & Marketing
Board of Trustees Chairman Vice Chairman President Secretary/Treasurer
Bob Crawford Phillip Davis Ellie Smotherman Taylor Paul Burnett
United Johnson Brothers A&R Supermarkets Alabama Grocers Association Byars | Wright
of Alabama
Jeff Bolas Gerry D'A lessandro Bubba Lindley Cliff Thomas
Bunzl Distribution Fourth Avenue Supermarkets EdLinco Campbell Snacks
Dana Bowen Jai Freeman Rob Renfroe Chris Woods
Frito-Lay Freeman Foods Renfroe Foods Retail Data Systems
Tim Cano Ken Hestley Don Richardson
Post Holdings Sell Ethics Coca-Cola Bottling Company
United, Inc.
4 | AL AB AM A G R OC E R
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy Spring!
EL L I E S M OT H ER M A N TAY LO R
PR E S IDE N T
ALABAMA GR OCER S AS S OCIATIO N
we are moving full steam ahead as we head into privatization. Please check your Market
Minute each week to see the full list and
spring! call our Association office if you have any
questions or concerns.
March began with a very successful Buy This is such an important statistic to
On Monday, March 18, I had the privilege
Alabama’s Best Press Conference on the communicate to legislators as we begin
of speaking on behalf of the AGA in
Capitol Lawn in Montgomery. the 2019 Legislative Session.
a Press Conference announcing the
Over 500 were in attendance with Speaking of the Legislative Session, it has beginning of eWIC in our state. This
Governor Kay Ivey and Agriculture been a world wind. The first two weeks has been a decade long process with the
Commissioner Rick Pate as our featured were consumed with the Rebuild Alabama first meetings literally beginning in 2009
speakers. At least seven media outlets were Gas Tax called in a special session by discussing whether our state would be
present, and we were extremely pleased Governor Kay Ivey. online or offline.
with our outreach to help consumers Only 26 out of the 140 legislators voted Each month more than 120,000 Alabama
identify products headquartered, against the 10-cent gas tax increase that participants at nutritional risk receive
produced, or manufactured in our state. will raise an additional $300 million WIC benefits and there are currently
Alabama food product sales have a $2 per year and it only took the minimum 638 WIC authorized stores. In 2018, $97
billion impact on Alabama’s economy, required 5 days. million in food instruments were issued at
tax base and along with the food service The first 6 cents of the tax will take the stores statewide.
industries employ one out of every four gas tax from 18 cents to 24 cents a gallon Press Conference speakers included
Alabamians. starting on September 1 and then add 2 Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer,
The food retail industry in Alabama cents a year for the next 2 years. Alabama Department of Public Health;
provides over 70,000 jobs with over $2.2 The regular session resumed on Tuesday, Amanda Martin, Alabama WIC Program
billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay March 19 and so far, we are following Director; Stacey Neumann, WIC Vendor
over $1.2 billion in state taxes and have bills on everything from our Sunday Management Director and eWIC Project
a total economic impact on the state’s sales initiative to service animals to Manager and myself.
economy of over $12 billion dollars. SNAP requirement restrictions and AGA was proud to partner with the
Alabama Department of Public Health,
“As always, my door is always open. WIC Division on the planning and
implementation of eWIC in our state. For
please don't hesitate to give me a call retailers and WIC participants, e-WIC
will be a tremendous improvement to
with any questions or concerns.” the overall shopping experience with
6 | AL AB AM A G R OC E R
smoother transactions at the register, on our normal benefit schedule of the
streamlining of processing, and reduced 4th through the 23rd. I think retailers
check out times. and wholesalers across the state can now,
The rollouts will continue throughout the more than ever, appreciate the work our
state in the coming months and finalize Association did on SNAP expansion and
in August 2019 with the Southeastern, what that truly means in the marketplace.
Mobile and Southwestern Districts. As always, my door is always open. Please
Last, but certainly not least, we will finally don’t hesitate to give me a call with any
be recovering from the government questions or concerns.
shutdown regarding SNAP. As you all Happy Spring!
know, March benefits were distributed
on March 4th, and April benefits will be
given as normal April 4th through 13th.
Those normally distributed April 14th
though 23rd will move their benefits to
April 13th. May will finally get us back
201 9 A s so c iat io n Dates
• J uly 29-31, 2019 –
A l abam a G r o c er s Asso c ia tio n Annua l C o nv e ntio n -
S ande st i n Go lf & Be a c h R e so r t, D e stin
• Oc tob er 23, 2019 –
A l abam a' s Fo o d Ind ustr y Fine st Lunc he o n,
T h e C lub , Bir m ingha m
• Oc tob er 24, 2019 –
A l abam a G r o c e r s Ed uc a tio n Fo und a tio n Fa ll Go lf O uting -
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 7
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CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
Great things to Come in 2019
F R A N K D'A M I CO, I I I
BTC WHOLES ALE DIS T R IBUTOR S
AGA CHAIR MAN OF THE BOAR D
Association Office. We need all types of
It's hard to believe we're already closing the books items this year and with the full support
on the first quarter of the year, yet here we are. of the Association we will be able to raise
more money for the Foundation and
It is the time of year for the weather to from vendors and enjoy top name scholarships.
start warming up, spring vacations to speakers and entertainers. The Board of Trustees is also in the
start and for your Association that means You can get involved by exhibiting, process of reworking the Tuition
busy season is in full swing. advertising in the convention annual, Reimbursement Program to roll out to
There are so many great things to tell you sponsoring an event and/or attending the the Membership. This Program is for
about, Ellie is going to tell you about the convention itself. If the AGA Convention employees of AGA companies that would
exciting things we have already done like is not on your calendar, it should be. like to take some additional courses to
the Buy Alabama’s Best Press Conference, Convention is July 29-31 at Sandestin Golf help them grow their grocery careers. You
eWIC Pilot and SNAP. The Association & Beach Resort. could use this reimbursement for classes
lobbyist, Patrick McWhorter, is going to For those of you who love Sandestin and in Microsoft, Finance, Management,
catch you up on the Legislative Session in want to spend a few extra days, your Marketing, or Retail Management Classes.
this magazine. Association Office negotiated a deal with Employees are eligible to receive up
I would like to focus on the Association's Sandestin that if you stay 6 nights you to $200 of tuition reimbursement per
largest fundraiser, the Annual Convention get 25% off the AGA rates. Now you don’t course. Each employee may receive
and some of the great things we are have an excuse to stay an extra day with up to $1,000 annually. Classes may be
working on with the Alabama Grocers your family! taken through seminars, workshops,
Board of Trustees. As part of our Annual Convention, we community colleges, accredited colleges
will again hold our Silent Auction. The and universities, or online programs. We
The AGA Convention is well under way
Alabama Grocers Education Foundation hope to mail new posters out to members
and I cannot stress enough how important
Board of Trustees have been coming up later this year.
it is for you to get involved in this event. It
is the only event that retailers, wholesalers with some amazing ideas for 2019 but we We are definitely staying busy at the
and manufacturers from all over the state need your help to make them successful. Association and hope you will find time to
come together to network, share ideas, If you have items that can help with this join us in Sandestin!
learn about new and upcoming products event, please contact Jessica Brown at the Best Regards,
"We are definitely staying busy at the
Association."
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 9
United - Johnson Brothers of Alabama
Proudly Supporting The Alabama Grocers Association
For Over
15 Years
SERVING ALL 67 COUNTIESGOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Legislature Returns
After Passing Gasoline Tax
PAT R I C K M C W H O R T ER
LEGIS LAT IV E R EPR E S E N TAT IV E
T HE MCWHOR T E R GR OUP
expanding Alabama’s award winning pre-K
The Legislature returned on march 19 to resume the program, an increase for higher education,
regular session after completing Governor Ivey's increased funding for Corrections, Law
Enforcement and Mental Health. House
special session, passing the gasoline tax. Ways & Means-General Fund Committee
Chair Steve Clouse expects to bring his
The two houses met three legislative days Alabama Citizens Action Project (the old budget before the committee soon after they
to try to make up some of the time lost Temperance League) on Wednesday, April return next week, with few changes.
between the special session and this week’s 3rd, by the House Economic Development
The Senate Finance & Tax-Education Fund
Spring Break (March 25-29). Members & Tourism Committee. Chaired by Rep.
Committee members have some heartburn
returned to Montgomery on April 2 to begin Becky Nordgren of Gadsden, Rep. Ron
over the Governor’s plan to take about
the fifth legislative day. Session must be Johnson of Sylacauga is Vice Chair, and
$35 million from the Education budget to
completed by June 17. other members are: Rep. Berry Forte of
cover the Children’s Health Insurance Plan
Eufaula, Rep. Chip Brown of Mobile, Rep.
Rep. Reed Ingram of Montgomery County (CHIP).
Corey Harbison of Cullman, Rep. Yolanda
introduced HB 186, and Sen. Tom Whatley CHIP has been funded in the past from the
Hollis of Birmingham, Rep. Gil Isbell of
of Lee County (SB 96) on behalf of the General Fund, but the Governor pledged
Gadsden, Rep. Neil Rafferty of Birmingham,
Alabama Grocers Association. These bills to end past practices of taking money from
Rep. Ginny Shaver of Leesburn, Rep. Andy
propose to remove the requirement in state the road fund to cover expenses in the
Whitt of Harvest, Rep. Richie Whorton
law that cities and counties spend money General Fund. Her Finance Director said
of Scottsboro, and Rep. Randy Wood of
advertising local legislation to allow them they believe that healthy kids make better
Anniston.
to implement the sale of alcoholic beverages learners, so they want Education to cover
seven days a week. As is required by the state’s constitution,
those costs.
Governor Ivey presented her proposed
This issue has become critically important Sen. Jim McClendon of Springville also
budgets for the coming fiscal year. The
recently with the recognition of competitive introduced a constitutional amendment (SB
economy has been good to both budgets,
pressures being applied to many AGA 130) to allow voters to decide whether to
and the General Fund has been further
members who are located in cities that for have a state lottery. Pressure has increased
bolstered by a portion of the tax generated
one reason or another cannot compete since Mississippi has moved toward a
from online sales.
with nearby cities who are allowed to sell lottery, meaning that all surrounding states
all week. HB 186 is scheduled for a public The budgets include pay raises of 2%
will have one soon.
hearing, called by Rev. Joe Godfrey of the for state workers and 4% for teachers,
But McClendon’s SB 116, which would
“AGA endorsed and strongly supported require the money be split between the
Education and General Fund budgets if
Governor ivey in last year's election. ” passed, has some controversy surrounding
Continued on page 12 ▶
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 11GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Continued from page 11 ▶
it. Our primary concern for Grocers is that year. Some have suggested legalizing sports license. Now, the effort is being made to
we receive a proper commission for selling betting as a way to pay for the state’s cost. impose $2.5 million in new fees (taxes!) on
the lottery tickets. HB 41 by Rep. Shane Stringer of Mobile retailers
Conversations are continuing between would impose a new set of restrictions on As always, please don’t hesitate to call Pat
leadership and Democrats over the the use of alternative nicotine products and McWhorter, Legislative Consultant at
possibility of expanding Medicaid. the retailers who sell them. But our biggest 334.221.0220 if you have questions.
Concerns are still high over how to pay for concern in this bill is that it would take the
the matching dollars needed. Alabama is license fee for selling tobacco products from
one of 14 states not to expand Medicaid $0 to $300 per year.
since the Affordable Care Act passed When the license was created, AGA
federally. worked closely with state officials who were
It would add some 340,000 more concerned about the potential loss of federal
Alabamians to the Medicaid roles, and cost funds if inspectors did not have a complete
the state approximately $168 million next list of retailers selling tobacco. It was agreed
that no fee would be charged for this new
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AL A BA M A GRO CER | 13AGA NEWS
The A l ab ama Gro cers Ass o ci at ion w ishes to re cog nize its Di amond and Four St ar Sp ons ors for t heir
generous supp or t of t he AGA Annu a l C onvent ion.
Diamond Sponsors
Four Star Sponsors
14 | AL AB AM A G R OC E Rwww.alabamagrocers.org for more information
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
July 29 - 31, 2019AGA NEWS
2 019 B U Y A L A BA M A 'S BES T C AMPAIGN
The Alabama Grocers Association, the The Buy Alabama’s Best Campaign
Alabama Department of Agriculture formed in 2006 when four Alabama
and Industries and the Alabama Food companies, the Alabama Grocers
Manufacturers and Producers Association Association and the Alabama Department
held a media briefing for the Buy of Agriculture and Industries saw a need
Alabama’s Best campaign on March 13. to identify products that were made in
The media briefing was held on the Alabama. Today Buy Alabama’s Best
Alabama State Capitol Lawn. Speakers has grown to over 50 companies that
included Governor Kay Ivey, Agriculture are either headquartered, produce,
Commissioner Rick Pate and AGA manufacture or make their products in
President Ellie Taylor. our state.
Alabama food manufacturers not only Gover nor Ka y Ivey w ith P hilli p Davi s o f
sell products in Alabama and employ A a nd R Super ma rkets.
Alabamians, but also purchase vast local grocery store, they need to look
amounts of raw farm products to make for the Buy Alabama’s Best logo under
goods, paper, boxes and packaging. products to ensure they are buying
Alabama food product sales have a $2 the best products made right here in
billion impact on Alabama’s economy, Alabama. A portion of the proceeds of
tax base and along with the food service the sales of these products will benefit
industries, employ one out of every four Children’s of Alabama. To date, the
Alabamians. campaign’s efforts have raised over three
Retailers throughout Alabama will be quarters of a million dollars.
supporting this campaign in their stores The food retail industry in Alabama
with Alabama product displays, ads, provides over 70,000 jobs with over $2.2
signage, special promotions and will sell billion in annual wages paid. Grocers pay
Children’s of Alabama icons to support over $1.2 billion in state taxes and have
our fight to find a cure for pediatric a total economic impact on the state’s
G o v. I ve y a d d re s s e s a t t e n d e e s. cancer. When consumers shop in their economy of over $12 billion dollars.
T he s am p lin g lin e .
16 | AL AB AM A G R OC E RAGA NEWS
Ellie Taylor, President, Alabama Grocers
Association. “Purchasing Alabama-made
products supports both our local economy
and Children’s of Alabama.”
“Children’s of Alabama is thankful
for the community partners and the
difference made through the Buy
Alabama’s Best Campaign,” said Emily
Hornak, Community Development and
Cause Marketing manager at Children’s
Haro l d G a r re t t , G a t e w a y F ood s an d Emily
of Alabama. “By supporting the local
Hor nak o f C h i l d re n ' s o f A lab ama. economy and purchasing products made Ellie Ta ylor, P resident AGA; Lt . Go ver no r
W ill Ainsw orth; a nd P a trick M cW ho r t er, The
Also featured at the event is the in our state, Alabamians can feel good McWhorter Group.
Wright2U Freshmobile delivery van about supporting both local businesses Birmingham’s historic Southside with
owned by Jimmy Wright, Wright’s and helping families with children facing additional specialty services provided at
Market of Opelika. Jimmy Wright cancer.” Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and
was awarded a $60,000 grant from the Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary
Alabama Department of Economic and provided specialized medical care for care is provided at more than a dozen
Community Affairs through Healthy ill and injured children. Ranked among medical offices in communities across
Food Financing. Over 1.8 million the best pediatric medical centers in the central Alabama. Children’s of Alabama
Alabamians, including over half a million nation by US News & World Report, is the only medical center in Alabama
children live in underserved areas in our Children’s provided care for youngsters dedicated solely to the care and treatment
state. Grocers are working to be a part from every county in Alabama, 42 other of children. It is a private, not-for-profit
of the solution to this problem with ideas states and 10 foreign countries last medical center that serves as the primary
“outside the box” to find solutions to year, representing more than 653,000 site of the University of Alabama at
bring fresh, healthy perishable food to all outpatient visits and nearly 14,000 Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine,
citizens of Alabama in both urban and inpatient admissions. With more than 2 surgery, psychiatry, research and
rural areas. million square feet, it is the third largest residency programs. More information is
pediatric medical facility in the U.S. available at www.childrensal.org.
“We hope that people will look for the
Buy Alabama’s Best logo when they are Children’s offers inpatient and outpatient
shopping at their local grocery store,” said services across its Russell Campus on
Jimmy Wright of Wrights Ma rket show ing Gover nor Ka y Ivey and E l l i e
G o v. I ve y s a m p lin g s o m e J oh n s F amou s S law Dre ssin g . Ta ylor, P resident of AGA the Wrights Mobile Ma rket.
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 17AGA NEWS
2 019 B U Y A L A BA M A 'S BES T C AMPAIGN LUN C H E ON
Rick P a te, Commissioner, AL Dept. Of AG ; E l l i e Tayl o r,
P resident, AGA; Kris Jonczyk, P ublix Super Mar ket s , I nc.
B o b Tay lo r, R e d D ia m o n d ; Don Wh ite , U tz GF ; S te v e O we ns, Zeigler; P hillip
D avi s , A R ; D a n i e l Mo n t gome ry, Z e ilg e r; F ran k D' A mic o, III; Johnny Collins,
D eans .
Harold Ga rrett, Ga tew a y Foods; Jim Wa rd, Terry Troup, P WADC; Ca rolyn Smi t h, R ed
U tz Gold en Fla ke. Dia mond; Ben Ra y, Millie Ra ys .
D r. Fred e r i c k G o l d m a n , Ch ild re n ' s of
A l abama .
Disp lay Contest W inner.
Don White, Utz Golde n Fl ake; Andy
V irciglio, P iggly W iggl y o f Jeff er s o n
County.
Jay M i t c h e ll, Mit c h e l l Groc e ry ; J e ssic a B rown , A GA ; J immy Wright,
Wr i ght s M a r k e t ; E llie Ta y lor, A GA ; Wad e Pay n e , F ood Giant. Check P resenta tion.
18 | AL AB AM A G R OC E RAGA NEWS
WI C PA R T ICIPA N T S I SSUED F I RS T E WIC C AR DS
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris in food instruments at WIC-authorized planning and implementation of eWIC
announced the beginning of Alabama’s stores statewide. in our state. For retailers and WIC
eWIC pilot project which will be launched participants, eWIC will be a tremendous
Alabama WIC Program Director
in two phases starting today. Participants improvement to the overall shopping
Amanda Martin said, “I want to thank
in the Alabama WIC Program in Autauga, experience with smoother transactions
all of the program
Elmore and Montgomery counties at the register,
staff that have been
are being issued the state’s first eWIC streamlining of
involved with eWIC
electronic benefit transfer cards. processing, and
implementation
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition and our clinic staff reduced checkout
Program for Women, Infants and who see participants times. Our retailers
Children funded by the U.S. Department daily to provide WIC are excited to move
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition services. We have forward with eWIC
Services. The mission of the WIC Program been working towards as we continue to
is to improve the health and nutritional this milestone since offer quality customer
status of women, infants and children 2009 and are extremely happy to begin service to all Alabama consumers.”
during critical times of growth and this pilot.” The second phase of the eWIC rollout will
development. begin April 1, and includes the remainder
Recognizing the value of eWIC, the
Through this new system, benefits for federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of the counties in the East Central and
WIC-approved foods are automatically of 2010 mandates that each state WIC the Northeastern districts of the Alabama
entered onto a card that is similar to a agency implement an electronic benefit Department of Public Health. These are
debit card. This card replaces the current transfer system throughout the state by Blount, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers,
paper-based food instruments and cash- Oct. 1, 2020. Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb,
value vouchers which are redeemed at Etowah, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Randolph,
Stacey Neumann, WIC Vendor Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Talladega and
WIC-authorized stores statewide. Each
Management director and eWIC project Tallapoosa counties. The pilot area has
manager, said, “We are very excited to 36,000 participants, 27 clinics and 192
begin our eWIC pilot. Vendor enablement authorized WIC vendors.
is a key piece to implementing eWIC. I
want to thank all our authorized WIC After the pilot, implementation in other
vendors for their hard work in preparing districts is scheduled as follows:
for eWIC implementation.” • June: Northern District (approximately
EWIC will bring many benefits to WIC 24,961 participants, 15 clinics, 143 WIC
participants and authorized WIC vendors. vendors)
These benefits include: • July: West Central and Jefferson
St acey N e u m a n n a n d Aman d a M artin
A l abama W I C D e p a r t m e nt; Ellie Tay lor, A GA ; • Less stigma for the WIC participants Districts (approximately 24,967
and D r. S c o t t H a r r i s S t a t e He alth O ffic e r participants, 20 clinics, 130 WIC vendors)
• Smoother transaction at the register
month more than 120,000 Alabama • August: Southeastern, Mobile and
participants at nutritional risk receive • Reduced time “in lane” Southwestern Districts (approximately
WIC benefits through all county health • Automatic electronic payments to vendors 34,292 participants, 35 clinics, 174 WIC
departments and with two private local vendors)
Ellie Taylor, Alabama Grocers Association
agencies. There are currently 638 WIC-
president, said, “AGA was proud to Contact your county health department
authorized stores in the state. In 2018,
partner with the Alabama Department for more information or visit
participants redeemed almost $97 million
of Public Health, WIC Division, on the alabamapublichealth.gov/WIC.
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 19INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Now Is the Time to Become a
G r o c e ry I n d u s t ry A d v o c at e
J EN N I F ER H ATC H ER
S E N IOR V ICE PR E S IDE N T, GOVERNMENT
AN D PUBLIC AFFAIR S FOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE
you would like to be a resource to them as
With the Democrats in control of the House of they consider some of the complex issues
Representatives, your involvement is needed presented to Congress.
more than ever. Our first request of you is to ask you to
commit to being a grocery industry advocate.
They’re off! The 116th Congress has committee chairs and determining ratios of
For now, you can sign up on our new
officially started, although not exactly on Democrats and Republicans on committees
advocacy platform located at fmi.org. Once
a high note given the tremendous impasse that will determine committee assignments
we have your contact information, we will
bringing the longest government shutdown for the newly elected Members as well as
then send you a message any time there are
in history. some of the returning members.
critical issues before Congress where we
Republicans now control the U.S. Senate by a In at least one case the new agenda would like you to consider weighing in. It
53-47 margin (two Independents caucus with resulted in a new name to the committee – is easy, completely customizable if you like,
the Democrats). Republican-led committees, Education and Labor instead of Education and can be accomplished from your phone
Republican leadership, and Republican and the Workforce. With 59 new Democrat in less than one minute. You can send an
Committee Chairman remain committed in members and 29 new Republican members – email, tweet or make a phone call to your
2019 to continue reshaping the judiciary by many holding elective office for the first congressional office.
confirming new judges in vacancies across time, our most important job is to educate
Once you sign up to be a grocery advocate,
the country. them on our industry and the essential daily
keep your eyes peeled for our first message,
interactions your businesses have with the
Additionally, the Senate will consider which will be for you to invite your Member
federal government in order to protect your
nominees for a number of vacant positions of Congress to your store or business to
customers and associates and preserve your
at the Cabinet and Subcabinet levels see what your team does every day to
business as a critical contributor to the tax
at agencies throughout the Trump serve customers.
base of your local communities.
Administration. There are nine new U.S.
As you know, governing is by no way limited
Senators, busy learning the ropes and getting We expect oversight of the Trump
to Washington, D.C. and federal issues. FMI
their committee assignments, and already Administration, labor issues, the “green
has just completed our 2019 State Legislative
three veteran Senators – Senators Grassley agenda,” repeal of the tax cut, infrastructure,
Outlook with an overview of issues that are
(R-IA), Alexander (R-TN) and Roberts and health care to be high on the priority
likely to be considered in state legislatures
(R-KS) who have announced their list of the new Democrat leadership.
and local municipalities across the country. ■
retirements in 2020. FMI has been on Capitol Hill meeting
The new U.S. House of Representatives led with each of the newly-elected Members’
by Speaker Nancy Pelosi has an entirely offices – with the goal of explaining more
different focus. The new Democrat majority about our industry, how we interact with
is busy appointing new government agencies, and how we and
20 | AL AB AM A G R OC E RWASHINGTON REPORT
F i v e T r e n d s t o Wat c h i n 2 0 1 9
PET ER L A R K I N
PR E S IDE N T AN D CEO
N AT ION AL GR OCER S AS S OCIATIO N
Some key industry and consumer trends from 2018 Wellness Soars
Health is a more significant topic with
will take on even greater importance in 2019. consumers. Everyone is becoming more
aware as health costs soar. Retailers need
As 2019 begins to unfold, independent Transparency Progresses to have the right products for customers,
retailers are in a good position to get ahead The need for transparency is not a but just as important is the ability to
of the key industry and consumers trends temporary development. It’s a long-term provide guidance.
that will impact the entire grocery industry. trend. Consumers are demanding more
They need to be aware of these developments information. Embracing transparency will This is needed in areas of the store that
and the high stakes involved. be essential for retailers to maintain and include packaged foods, the perimeter, and
grow trust. the pharmacy. Independents, known for their
Here are five trends that should be on the
differentiated service, have what it takes to
radar of independent grocers this year: Shoppers are interested not only in learning offer products and guidance that differentiate
more about product ingredients but also in from competitors.
Gen Z Comes of Age attributes such as sourcing. Independents
This generation, often defined as consumers are already among the most trusted retailers, Consolidation Advances
born between the mid-1990s and 2012, is still so transparency is a good way to further As mergers continue, the consolidation
up for grabs. While they mirror millennial grow that bond with shoppers. of large retailers can lead to dilution of the
behaviors in some ways, this group also
unique aspects that defined their successes
has its own unique identity. Independents E-Commerce Evolves in the first place. That underscores the
will need to understand what it takes to E-commerce is often viewed as a threat importance of independents as the retailers
connect with these younger consumers, to traditional retailers, but it’s also an that maintain high standards and unique
including with enhanced variety and digital opportunity. Independents are beginning to local approaches. Customers seeking
experiences. make progress with a range of e-commerce local offerings are likely to look to
For example, Gen Zers are more comfortable models, and they need to understand that independents more.
receiving advertisements through social success with customers lies in employing a
balanced approach to in-store and online The five trends outlined here should be on
media based on their activity and interests.
strategies. Independents don’t need to the radar of independents. They will need
This provides retailers with an opportunity
make the largest e-commerce investments to determine the best investments to make
to expand digital advertising that can be
in the industry. in the coming years, which isn't easy in an
specially targeted to increase sales. Retailers
industry heading in so many new directions.
that gain the trust and loyalty of these However, they do need to determine
shoppers will be in a stronger position for which strategies will be most important for These are difficult decisions, but
many years to come. customer convenience. For example, fresh independents are up to the task. They can
is where independents can differentiate position themselves as the retail segment
themselves in a crowded e-commerce field that understands shopper needs and is
by excelling in the category. willing to prove it. ■
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 21VIEWPOINT
Bread & Metaphors
K EV I N CO U PE
FOUN DE R , MOR N IN GN E WS BEAT.CO M
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, I found communications and media technology,
while another one might work with Google,
the best innovations are the ones that marry and another with Amazon.
technology to basic human needs and reflect the I understand why these alliances are
created – it’s all about the money.
retailer’s ability to walk in the shopper’s shoes. I’m sure car companies get a nice check
from technology companies to have their
In the end, despite all the focus on high tech, I’ve been to the show, and I found it to be
systems installed because that then brings
the most talked-about piece of technology every bit as overwhelming as I expected it to
the driver into that company’s ecosystem.
at the recent Consumer Electronics Show be – and talking to event veterans, it seemed
(CES) in Las Vegas was a bread maker. And clear to me that this was a transitional I’m not sure this is a very consumer-centric
one of the core retailing lessons for me came year for CES. There wasn’t a blockbuster way for car companies to think about
in the form of a metaphor. announcement of some new technology or these things, though. If I’m in the Amazon
killer app that looks destined to change all ecosystem, and I want to buy a Ford,
Sure, there was plenty of VR. And AI.
of our lives. which seems to be firmly implanted in the
And 5G. And self-care-oriented products,
Apple ecosystem, I may decide to look for
including one massager, the Osé, that In fact, this seems to be a transitional time
another car brand so I don’t have to change
used microrobotics so impressively that for technology in general, with even Apple
technology ecosystems. I might not, if the
it got an innovation award from CES. It struggling a bit to find its footing in the
importance of the car brand outweighs the
then was stripped of its award when it was marketplace at a time when there appears
brand of the technology. But I might.
determined that the item was less about self- to be no next big thing to unveil.
care and more about being an instrument My point here is this: Wouldn’t these
(One caveat. There always is a next big
of self-pleasure, though that strikes me as a automobile companies be more driver-
thing, and it often comes along and smacks
distinction without a difference, or maybe a friendly if they actually took an à la carte
us upside the head when we least expect it,
difference without a distinction. approach to this kind of technology,
from a source that we didn’t see coming.
allowing me as the customer to choose what
There also was a considerable number of It just didn’t happen at CES.)
I want? Or, to put it another way, wouldn’t
voice-activated gizmos. And even a 96-inch To me, a central lesson of CES for retailers they be better off if they put themselves in
8K television that was amazing…though came in the form of what ends up being a the shoes of the customer?
in addition to being wildly expensive, one metaphor – the technology decisions being
has to remember that it is likely to be years To me, those are the shoes in which retailers
made by car companies.
before 8K content is available, so owning have to walk these days if they are going to
one would be like having an Aston Martin Walk around CES (and I suppose any car be successful.Let’s take a more supermarket-
DB5 sitting in your driveway and absolutely show) and one of the things you see is centric example – click-and-collect systems,
no access to fuel. companies choosing technology lanes. also known as BOPIS (buy online, pickup
This automobile company decides in-store).
In wandering CES – this was the first time to work with Apple in terms of installing
22 | AL AB AM A G R OC E RResearch from WD Partners shows can’t help but make you hungry. have them, and offer solutions that improve
that among customers who want to do Hunger is a powerful tool if you are in our lives.
e-commerce, BOPIS is the number one the food business. So how come many Sure, tech for tech’s sake can be cool, fun
requested item, far beyond delivery; BOPIS supermarkets have all the aroma appeal and even, given a little time, critical to how
actually tends to create larger basket sizes of a CVS? The BreadBot, by tapping into we live. But tech that touches the heart, soul
for the retailer; and, BOPIS tends to get something visceral, represents the marriage and stomach, in addition to the mind, is the
profitable faster than delivery. of technology to the satisfaction of a basic real secret sauce for a retailer’s success. ■
And yet, many retailers don’t offer it, human desire.
many of those that do don’t do it well, That’s what the best technology innovations
and many retailers are building stores do – address essential human needs and
without creating the basic infrastructure desires, sometimes even before we know we
for providing click-and-collect in the future
(much less delivery). In essence, they are
THE
opening new stores that in some ways
already are obsolete.
Why? I believe there is a certain amount
of denial of future inevitabilities here, plus WORLD’S
MOST
an unwillingness or inability to think like
the customer.
This even extends to the pickup bays created
by companies that are doing BOPIS – most REFRESHING
BEER
retailers may have two, three or four slots. ™
But what happens if you’re the fourth
customer to pull up, and the three slots are
filled? The entire premise behind a click-
and-collect offering falls apart, and you’ve
alienated the shopper.
The technology exists to turn an entire
parking lot into a pickup bay, not to mention
track customers’ movements so that you
know exactly when their car enters your
property. But at this point, there aren’t
a lot of retailers making these kinds of
investments, even though I think that any
reasonable reading of the retail tea leaves
suggests this is where the world is going and
what customers will demand.
Alienate or disenfranchise these customers,
and they may go elsewhere…like to
Amazon, which will be happy to deliver stuff
right to their houses or offices.
Finally, about the bread maker…I wasn’t
being hyperbolic when I referred to it being
perhaps the most talked-about technology at
CES. The BreadBot, as it has been dubbed by
its creator, the Wilkinson Baking Company,
is a fresh bread vending machine.
Half of it bakes fresh bread, and the other
half sells it by the loaf…and the whole
thing creates not just theater, but also some CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY®
© 2018 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER
powerful aromas that, when you smell them,
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 23!
OUTSIDE THE BOX
N EW RETAIL PERS PECTIV ES
Man Up
Euromonitor reports that global sales of
men’s grooming products reached $50
billion in 2017 and is on track to grow 16
percent by 2020. American men already
use four grooming products per day and
spend 48 minutes daily on grooming
including washing, conditioning and
styling their hair.
iStock
FUTURE FOOD
If you haven’t heard of Wageningen University in The Netherlands you might
want to look up the institution at the center of an agri-revolution. In a corner
of Northern Europe nicknamed “Food Valley” the university is focusing on
food technology including altering the color of lights at indoor grow rooms to
increase yield, vitamin content, smell and taste. Turn on the red light and you
get more efficient growth. The blue light gets you shorter plants with higher
iStock levels of antioxidants.
Dollars
SHOCKING RESULTS in Singles
The popularity of electric vehicles is up so much Chinese data services
that Tesco and Volkswagen are teaming up to firm Synfun reports
build the largest charging network in the U.S. that the annual Singles Day sales
The firms are planning to launch 2,400 generated about $45 billion, two-
additional charging stations at 600 Tesco thirds of which was accounted
stores over the next three years. And for by Alibaba, China’s leading
the service will be free to consumers e-commerce company.
using a regular charger.
iStock
24 | AL AB AM A G R OC E RKid S
RISE of the tuff
Kudo
s
MACHINES?
Business conversations seem to be centered
around artificial intelligence. But it’s not about
putting robots in stores. Non-tech companies
are starting to see AI opportunities for achieving
business goals and improving P&Ls by using it
to redesign their organizations, cut costs, analyze
geographic expansion and becoming part of the
business strategy. iStock iStock
If you want to appeal to parents, take
care of the kids. This was the thinking
behind a line of clothing for children
Professional Ethics with disabilities introduced by Marks &
Spencer. The “Adapted for Easy Dressing”
In a 2018 survey of ethical and
line is available for kids up to age 16 and
honesty standards, the Gallup
features innovations such as easy-dressing
Organization found that the top
products with as few seams as possible,
three slots belonged to those in the
snaps instead of buttons and zippers, and
medical profession. Nurses took the
Velcro fasteners which makes it easier
number one slot, followed by doctors.
for kids in wheelchairs. The entire line
But only one percentage point behind
is modeled after the company’s regular
iStock
doctors were pharmacists.
clothing line so disabilities aren’t defined
by the clothing.
Ultimate
Experience
North of the Border
Not that there aren’t challenges, but the
place to be in the retail world is Toronto. Hi-
rise, multi-family building construction is
at an all-time high and there are reportedly
iStock 91 cranes on this Canadian skyline.
Toronto has become the fastest growing
Everyone talks about customer experience. But John Lewis & Partners department stores city in the U.S. and Canada, according to
in the United Kingdom want to provide the ultimate in personalization. Private shopping Cushman & Wakefield. Taxes and wages
will enable customers to book an entire department for after-hours shopping with access to are a bit higher than the U.S. which hasn’t
expert advisors. Customers can also book the store for an evening’s shopping party if you seemed to stop Nordstrom’s, a recent entry
can get your friends and family to spend a minimum of $12,800. from making a killing.
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 25STARG 26 | AL AB AM A G R OC E R
GAZING
AROUND GROCERY:
INMAR INSIGHTS INTO 2019
By Craig Rosenblum, Regional Vice President Enterprise Retail, Inmar
With the holidays in the rear-view, it’s time to pause and take a quick look ahead
at what promises to be a very “interesting” 2019 for trading partners in the grocery
space. And, from my perspective, much of what will make this year interesting will be
the increased deployment of automation.
As grocery retail continues to operate on razor-thin Only time will provide the answers but 2019 will see
margins (while the cost of servicing shoppers grows) a growing number of retailers using automation to
it is imperative that retailers maximize efficiency all try to improve operations and more quickly activate
along the value chain from inventory optimization shoppers. There will be more cashless and/or self-
through closing the last mile and automation looks to checkouts, more geofencing, more delivery drones and
be the answer. But, for all the promise of efficiency and autonomous vehicles, more virtual reality and even
the potential to drive shopper satisfaction and loyalty, more robots. But will all this automation automate
the use of automation poses some daunting questions. success? We’ll have to see.
Will today’s consumers greet this technology with In the meantime, to get a broader sense of how the
delight and what aspects of this “new retail” will require industry will engage, activate and retain shoppers this
a longer period of adjustment for shoppers? How far year, I asked several of my colleagues at Inmar for their
will customers and shoppers be willing to go insights into what will be influencing and shaping the
in providing personal information so automated grocery marketplace. Here’s what they had to say…
technology can work its magic toward delivering
the ultimate shopping experience? Continued on page 28 ▶
CAL
AL AI FO
BA RNIA
M A GRO
GROCER
CER| | 27◀ Continued from page 27
But even before shoppers reach the store they’re going to be reaching
“Personalized, experiential retail will out to retailers online for help with personalized meal planning and
proliferate -- from web pages to food prep food product options that not only support their wellness goals but
to pricing.” also are tied to their individual health states.
Jon Hauptman, Sr. Director, Analytics Solutions; Diana Medina,
To meet this need, retailers will lead with curated content (recipes,
Director, e-Commerce Solutions; and Tom Martin, Associate
storytelling, promoted products, etc.) intended to inspire and activate
Director, Digital Solutions
shoppers at every meal occasion with the information tailored to the
specific needs of the shopper including budget, number of guests,
Retailers and brands have already demonstrated a willingness to
health considerations, etc.
participate in personalized communication with shoppers but this
form of engagement is going to move from occasional to obligatory Creating that kind of uber-specific, loyalty-building connection is
in 2019. going to require that retailers accelerate investment in the tools and
technologies already available for better engaging shoppers while, at
We’ll see marketers, especially those on the retailer side, commit to
the same time, pursuing cross-industry collaboration with healthcare
establishing one-to-one communication with shoppers and they’ll
systems and insurers to better enable shoppers in their quest for
do it through personalized web pages and personalized mobile app
better health.
screens that employ individualized screen layout and content, curated
assortment bundles, etc. Smart retailers will use more real-time communication with shoppers
around their online orders – and focus their efforts on optimizing the
online shopping experience and delivering superior quality of service
as key differentiators in an already crowded space.
However, the most striking, and potentially most impactful
employment, of personalization may well be personalized pricing.
With the technology now available and the concept proven, expect
to see retailers more actively engage in store-level personalized
pricing and promotion – maintaining their strongest long-term base
prices while providing shorter-term promotional pricing to select
households on those items most important to them regardless of
department, category or brand.
“Supply chain will go ‘super strategic’
as efforts around e-commerce focus on
functionality and profitability.”
Paul Weitzel, Vice President, Analytics Solutions
iStock
E-commerce will continue to be the leading growth channel for food
And these personalized “conversations” will, more and more, take
and beverage sales in 2019 and this growth will be fueled, in large
place around meals and food preparation as the goal for retailers will
part, by the increasing number of brick & click locations that will
shift from growing share of wallet to growing share of stomach.
come into operation during the year.
They’ll pursue this goal in-store by dedicating more space to
As this expansion accelerates, trading partners and service providers
grocerants, breweries, wine bars, food stations, coffee bars, etc.
will be increasingly focused around delivering the best total landed
Retailers will also take additional steps to make it easier and
cost to customers and consumers and begin to seriously tackle
more attractive for shoppers to pre-order prepared foods for
operational requirements for making e-commerce sustainable and
same-trip pickup.
profitable over the long term.
With shoppers’ heightened focus on healthier eating, additional
Therefore, expect to see more unique arrangements between trading
“better for you” center store options will not suffice; retailers won’t
partners with independent fulfillment platforms fulfilling online
be able to rely on new product lines from manufacturers to attract
orders directly inside the manufacturer’s mixing centers – lessening
and retain these increasingly discriminating shoppers.
distribution and handling and keeping costs down for online
Expanded, and more nutritious, deli, prepared, pre-packaged and shoppers. Concurrently, there will be greater use of smaller depots
locally sourced perimeter options will be retailer “must haves” in closer to delivery points to make home deliveries less costly, more
2019, with prominent labeling and signage that leave no doubt among operators leveraging automation to make the pick-and-pack
shoppers as to the quality – and origin – of what’s being offered.
28 | AL AB AM A G R OC E Rprocess more efficient, and center store shrinking as brick and The bottom line will be that retailers, working to build long-term
mortar locations make room for high-volume backroom picking shopper loyalty, will take on greater (if not full) responsibility for
and packing. store brands. This new “ownership” means that new skills, such as
Blockchain automation will make its way into integrated supply consumer and shopper research, must be acquired. At the same
chains so that food transparency and traceability will be seamless time, leveraging the opportunity presented by innovative private
and readily available to trading partners and, ultimately, consumers. label offerings will require that retailers and store brand suppliers
This push will continue to come from leading U.S. retailers and their collaborate around product conceptualization and development,
global trading partners who are increasingly requiring upgraded not just create and respond to bid specs.
sourcing information and better food safety solutions. Applied As online offerings will come to include more produce, additional
correctly, blockchain should also reduce redundancies inherent innovative private label products and broader CPG assortment, those
across trading partner systems and operations. retailer locations still standing after further consolidation will serve
This year’s omnichannel expansion will also include more and more as hyper-marts crossed with mini distribution centers.
CPG manufacturers testing their own direct-to-consumer programs. Predictive analytics will guide the supply chain logistics necessary to
There will be widespread interest and no shortage of experiments, but make this increased personalized assortment, speed and convenience
it will be those CPGs that produce small cube, high-value products economically viable. Larger retailers that have stuck to analytics
that will be better positioned to effectively leverage the opportunity hiring initiatives since the early 2000s and converted lower foot-
and make it pay off. traffic volume establishments into pseudo-DCs will fair best.
Traditional grocers will likely expand same-day delivery efforts–
paralleling the rise in consumer comfort with online grocery
“Private label will pivot toward innovation shopping. And it will be predictive analytics that will inform
while analysts will drive a superior customer spend and make this new level of CX achievable and profitable.
experience.”
Jim Hertel, Sr. VP of Retail Promotion Network and Irv Turner,
Vice President, Analytics Operations
Analytics is transforming grocery the way it has transformed several
industries – from finance to pharmaceuticals. That transformation
is not going to slow in 2019 as the key grocery retail players will
continue growing their analytics stables to drive a new level of
Customer Experience (CX). They will be investing heavily in hiring
analysts and data scientists to increase customer convenience while
using predictive analytics to grow razor-thin margins.
Even now, predictive analytics is at the core of hyper-localized
shelf assortment, shopper segmentation aligned with product affinity,
personalized discounts by CPG-brand price-sensitivity and forecasted
iStock
out-of-stocks by hour of day. Going forward, predictive analytics – in
combination with highly customized data storage vectors populated
from retailer data lakes – will significantly increase personalization A year of accelerating change…
and CX to the point where out-of-stock forecasting will focus on the From increased automation to greater shopper autonomy, 2019 will
household refrigerator rather than the supermarket shelf. see accelerating change across virtually every facet of the grocery
Highlighting this enhanced assortment will be the addition of new industry. Continuously shifting shopper behaviors – further impacted
private label offerings that do more than simply mimic national by looming economic uncertainty – will drive retailers and brands
brands. This break with retailers’ long-standing practice of growing to work harder than ever to innovate their operations in order to
new sales by relying on replicating new products from national brand anticipate and effectively address diverse marketplace demands.
manufacturers is showing stress as cost and margin pressures increase And while there is no single strategy that will guarantee successful,
for CPGs. Therefore, retailers are going to have to step up. And they if not superior, shopper activation, those trading partners that
will as the promised benefits are significant. make full use of available data and conscientiously apply advanced
Store brands that deliver on quality, in addition to value, have high analytics to inform their shopper engagement will be those that retain
appeal among younger shoppers and represent a unique opportunity their competitiveness and protect their profitability in the (very
to attract cost-conscious Millennials who want an “experience” even interesting) year ahead. ■
as they seek to save. Besides adding margin, private label can drive
store choice and shopper loyalty based on exclusive availability.
AL A BA M A GRO CER | 29You can also read
