The meat counter is practically under siege right now. Shortages, diseases, skyrocketing prices, changing consumer habits, sustainability concerns, battered supply chains — they’re all having an impact, and certainly not a positive one.
Our Janani Ravi is tracking a livestock pest, once eradicated, that’s making an unwelcome comeback in the south. Alexander Wissel is looking at the rapidly warming Pacific Ocean where a developing El Niño pattern could have far-reaching impacts on the interconnected global supply chain — and local shelf prices.
But of course the news isn’t all dire. Phil “Supermarket Guru” Lempert went to the Nourishing Change conference in Des Moines and came away with an entirely new way for retailers to think about loyalty — and seize a multibillion-dollar health opportunity along the way. Greg Madison dives into some new Acosta data that shows brand loyalty — which is on the ropes in places — is thriving in one key category.
And we’ve got a welcome development out of Long Island, where King Kullen — America’s first true supermarket — is about to see another company first.
It’s all below in the Northeast Grocery Roundup.
Loyalty Is the New Front Door of Retail Healthcare
Retailers like CVS, Walgreens, or Hy-Vee want and need their customers to think of them as healthcare partners. But the truth is, in 2026, a lot of their customers think of them as places to grab a birthday card or a bottle of shampoo. But there are tantalizing signs that this relationship is changing, and swinging retailers’ way.
Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert reports from Des Moines, Iowa, and the Nourishing Change conference on what this means for the industry.
Here’s what Phil has to tell you…
ICYMI: Retailers Should Brace for El Niño in 2026
The equatorial Pacific Ocean is thousands of miles away from the Eastern U.S., but there are big changes brewing there — warming surface water — that promise to upend grocery retail right here… and all the way around the world.
As we saw during the pandemic, and interconnected global supply chain can go from a great strength to a great weakness quickly.
Brand Loyalty Shows Real Resilience Here
We’ve gone on the record to say that brand loyalty is in trouble — dying, even. Evidence from across the food retail sector backs that claim up.
But… new research from Acosta shows that over in the fresh aisle, brand loyalty is alive and well. And it’s actually fulfilling an important “clinch” role for retailers and customers alike.
Greg Madison has the scoop on what Acosta found…
There’s a New Threat to U.S. Beef Production
As if we needed any more challenges over at the meat counter… An insidious parasite we actually eradicated in the United States back in the mid-20th century is making a fierce comeback in cattle country. When this pest strikes, a herd can be fine one week, then in real trouble in the next.
Our Janani Ravi has details on this resurgent threat, and more about what can be done to stop if before it impacts prices.
The story is here…
King Kullen Names First-Ever Woman COO
There’s change underway at legendary Long Island retailer King Kullen. President and COO Joe Brown is closing out a stellar 53-year career with the store, and company leadership has tapped senior vice president Tracey Cullen as successor. America’s first-ever true supermarket has named its first-ever female leader.
