Taking a look at the food retail industry in the time of COVID-19, here are some top stories from last week. For more food retail news, subscribe to FMI dailyLead.
A slower-than-expected rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has led officials to enlist the help of regional and national supermarket and pharmacy chains to vaccinate both the general population and front-line workers. Kroger is looking into ways to hold mass vaccination events, says Colleen Lindholz, president of the company's health care business, and Walgreens, Tops Markets and Stop & Shop are also in talks to help speed up vaccine rollout.
The pandemic-fueled explosion of digital grocery shopping and a forced return to the kitchen were among the ways grocery and eating habits were altered in 2020. FMI's "Home Cooking in America, 2020" report helps explore some of the other ways the COVID-19 outbreak has reshaped how people eat.
The business world is transforming. Organizations with the agility to adapt can leverage the change, while those unprepared for change will struggle to keep up. The ongoing pandemic has accelerated digital transformations already underway and demonstrated how crucial an eye on innovation can be for leaders. Articulate purpose, empower and guide your team with empathy while setting ambitious goals to set a course for success in 2021.
Experts warn that pandemic fatigue is posing a greater threat as the coronavirus crisis wears on and case numbers continue to climb. The adrenaline of the initial fight against the virus has warn off and many people are engaging in riskier behaviors, driven by nostalgia for pre-pandemic lifestyles, peer pressure and sheer exhaustion. Experts say continuing to take precautions is key to ending the pandemic and advise finding alternate ways to socialize and connect with friends and family until the danger has passed.
Forty-one percent of business leaders doubt their ability to enforce pandemic-related workplace safety, while 51% don't believe employees will stick to guidelines and 45% are worried safety guidelines aren't enough, according to a Stericycle survey. In addition, 47% are concerned about legal action if workers contract the coronavirus in the workplace.
Tiny vegetable and herb gardens have appeared on balconies and in yards around the world as the pandemic drove concerns about food shortages and a desire to cook and eat more locally grown ingredients. Officials in the Philippines have launched a program aimed at encouraging urban millennials to start their own gardens, while a Thai architect convinced local authorities to let him convert a landfill to a garden to address pandemic hunger. A women in Iowa converted a disused park in her neighborhood into an urban farm and has launched the first community pantry in her city.
The pandemic's acceleration of a longstanding online shopping trend is prompting transformation in the logistics and shipping industries. Safety concerns, lockdowns and travel restrictions have highlighted the importance of direct-to-consumer delivery channels and exposed flaws in supply chains the world over. Many shipping companies are seeking new logistics partners to improve their resilience amid future crises.
The coronavirus will have far-reaching impacts on this year's Super Bowl and playoffs, affecting fans, players and advertisers alike. The traditional "home team" advantage will be muted as the number of fans in the stands is restricted -- and many fans for whom attending the game is a tradition will find themselves shut out this year. CBS' Super Bowl ad space is selling well, but brands are realizing a need to adjust their campaigns amid mounting case counts, deaths and job losses. Doctors are urging those taking in the game at home to avoid house parties, noting that cheering and screaming can increase the spread of infectious droplets.
