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Amazon is expanding same-day delivery for fresh groceries to over 1,000 US cities, with plans to reach 2,300 by late 2025. The rollout integrates perishables into its core app for single-cart checkout alongside other goods, offering Prime members free delivery on orders over $25. Early pilots saw strong adoption, especially from first-time grocery buyers who shopped more frequently after trying fresh food. The move pressures rivals like Walmart, Instacart, and Kroger in a slowing but sizable $271 billion online grocery market. If Amazon can convert trial users into loyal customers, it could reshape expectations for grocery delivery speed and convenience.

More Amazon Prime shoppers purchase groceries from Walmart than from the ecommerce retailer, according to Coresight Research data reported by Grocery Dive. While grocery is a hugely important category for Amazon to conquer, its efforts so far have been hampered by a complex ecosystem. The retailer鈥檚 attempts to unify that system could result in a more seamless experience for shoppers, while its fast delivery capabilities could make it a more appealing place to shop for perishables.

The trend: Consumers are less satisfied with chain drugstores than with mail-order pharmacies, mass market merchandisers, and supermarket pharmacies, according to JD Power鈥檚 US Pharmacy Study. Our take: We expect consumers to increasingly explore different channels for getting their prescriptions, both in-person and online鈥攅specially folks in areas affected by drugstore closures. CVS and Walgreens have a built-in advantage of established pharmacy customers, but will lose more of them if they don鈥檛 address long lines at the counter and improve their online and in-app capabilities.

The playbook: Amid mounting pressure across the grocery sector, Publix and Sprouts Farmers Market are gaining ground by leaning on four core pillars鈥攅ach executed with their own twist: A sharp focus on value Convenient, high-quality prepared food options Loyalty programs that drive repeat visits Disciplined, strategic expansion The formula is working: In the most recent quarter, Publix鈥檚 revenues grew 7.0% YoY and its same-store sales rose 6.0%. Sprouts delivered even stronger results, with revenues up 17.2% and same-store sales jumping 10.2%. Our take: Publix and Sprouts show that even in a tough retail climate, disciplined execution on fundamentals still pays off. By doubling down on value, convenience, loyalty, and strategic expansion, both are positioning themselves for durable growth in a category where shopping habits tend to stick. Their clear, consistent playbook is helping them gain ground while many competitors stand still.

Starbucks is taking a different approach to its much-hyped Pumpkin Spice Latte this year. Rather than pulling the launch forward, as it has done for the past several years, the drink will make its debut on August 26鈥攆our days later than in 2024, and the PSL鈥檚 latest launch date since 2022. Delaying the launch slightly could build excitement over Starbucks鈥� fall menu, and encourage customers to visit more often once the PSL hits stores. The move might also lift sales for Starbucks鈥� grocery assortment鈥攅specially given the current popularity of at-home coffee brewing鈥攚hich could in turn help offset the company鈥檚 in-store softness. Still, the enduring popularity of the PSL alone won鈥檛 be enough to lift Starbucks out of its slump.

As more consumers start GLP-1 treatments, some CPG brands must work harder to stay in shopping carts. As many GLP-1 users eat less and change their diets, it opens new challenges and opportunities for retailers and marketers.

The news: The wave of consolidation in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector is continuing with Italian candymaker Ferrero鈥檚 $3.1 billion acquisition of cereal manufacturer WK Kellogg. The deal will give the maker of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher a foothold in staple grocery categories, as well as deepen its North America presence鈥攁 particular area of focus for the company. Our take: With grocery spending strained and costs rising, most CPG companies are taking one of two tracks. Some, like Ferrero and PepsiCo, are making strategic acquisitions to broaden their portfolios and keep up with shifting trends. Others, like Conagra and General Mills, are shedding assets to reduce expenses and focus on the categories with the greatest growth potential.

The trend: Scarcity still sells. Even as consumers become more budget-conscious, limited releases continue to spark outsize demand and buzz. Our take: Consumers are drawn to the new, the novel, and the exclusive. That鈥檚 why limited releases continue to deliver results. They create urgency and give brands a way to protect margins鈥攅ven at a time when many shoppers are rethinking their overall spending.

Canada鈥檚 ecommerce market is catching up with global peers. A key factor: the growing digital presence of the 鈥渂ig three鈥� grocery players鈥攚hose ecommerce sales we鈥檙e forecasting for the first time.

Demand for food delivery strengthened in Q2, DoorDash and Uber said, as more customers become used to ordering restaurant meals and groceries online. Order frequency on Uber鈥檚 delivery platform reached all-time highs during the quarter, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in prepared remarks, while volumes and profitability for the unit also hit record levels. Delivery bookings jumped 20% YoY, while revenues surged 25%. DoorDash also broke records, with total orders (up 20% YoY), marketplace GOV (up 23%), and revenues (up 25%) all surpassing previous quarterly highs. Food delivery is one area that is so far immune to uncertainty鈥攁 sign that consumers are increasingly wedded to services that offer convenience, and are willing to pay a premium (or at least a membership fee) to get food and other goods delivered quickly to their doors.

The news: Walmart boosted its full-year earnings and sales outlook, even as tariffs weigh on its costs. Our first take: Walmart continues to prove its resilience in a shaky macro environment by leaning on its three biggest levers: value, convenience, and groceries.

Over half (56%) of US adults commonly purchase private label grocery/food and beverage products, the most popular category of private label purchased, according to April 2025 data from First Insight.

Execution missteps remain a stubborn issue in grocery retail. Nearly half (48%) of shoppers have encountered pricing mismatches or promotional errors at checkout鈥攁 frequent frustration that quietly undermines trust, per a consumer survey commissioned by store intelligence provider Simbe. At a time when brand loyalty is waning, strong execution and a seamless in-store experience can be a powerful competitive advantage.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are in turmoil as shifting food trends, cuts to government benefits, and inflation challenge their share of grocery spending, while organizational headwinds compound the pressures. The strain is forcing bold actions and inviting scrutiny. Kraft Heinz鈥檚 breakup makes clear that size and brand recognition alone are not enough to ensure consistent growth鈥攅ven for a company whose portfolio contains such household staples as Kraft Mac & Cheese and Heinz ketchup. While cost cutting is paramount as tariffs add millions to companies鈥� operating costs, CPGs must balance efficiencies with product innovation to recover some of the sales lost to private labels.

The trend: Older consumers pick up their prescription medicines in person more often, while Gen Z looks to buy Rx drugs online, per M3 MI鈥檚 Consumer Health Study of over 20,000 US adults. The takeaway: Drugmakers can lean into tailored marketing efforts that match age demographics and retail preferences. Amazon Pharmacy doesn鈥檛 take ads, but pharma companies can show young people getting Amazon Rx deliveries. On the flip side, feature older actors or promote vaccine messages via retail media in grocery stores.