The organic food revolution that is minting millionaires

Walmart Stores Inc. will begin deploying employees to all its entrances and exits in a move to deter shoplifters and improve customer service, reviving a door-greeter program that had languished in recent years. Greeters will return to Walmart’s U.S. superstores in multiple forms, the company said on Wednesday. At two-thirds of locations, a standard greeter will be stationed at the entrance. Many of these stores had relocated the workers to other areas, such as the main shopping aisle. read more

Home deliveries and strong sales of takeaway sandwiches have helped Morrisons achieve its second consecutive quarter of underlying growth after nearly four years of decline. Online sales boosted that figure by 1% with sales in stores continuing to fall after Morrisons slashed prices by an average 2.6% to help fight off competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl as well as major rivals such as Tesco and Asda. read more

Whole Foods Market sales increased $3.7 billion in the second quarter, driven by America's insatiable appetite for organic, healthy food. As consumers become more discerning about what they eat and more are willing to pay for better-quality foods or those for special diets, many small food makers are carving out toeholds in this fast-growing marketplace. The trend is not surprising, considering that about $45 billion is spent on organic food every year in the United States. Today, organic products are available across America in more than 20,000 food stores and nearly 3 out of 4 grocery stores, according to TechSci Research. And it is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 16 percent through 2020. read more

Upcoming classes sponsored by Shoprite of Medford will have both kids and adults eager to hit the kitchen and start cooking. Opportunities for kids to get comfortable in the kitchen include Kids Can Cook and a Kids Culinary Workshop. It’s important to teach kids about eating right from the get-go, said Beth Ann Peterson, a Retail Dietitian with ShopRite, so they don’t fall prey to consuming things that taste good but offer no nutritional value. read more

Instacart plans to launch its online grocery delivery service in San Antonio next week, eight months after partnering with H-E-B stores in Austin and Houston. San Francisco-based Instacart's expansion into the Alamo City — which will involve H-E-B, Central Market, Whole Foods Market Inc., Spec's, Total Wine & More, Petco and Costco — was announced in an email the company sent out today. 

Publix has issued a voluntary recall for its Wheatberry Salad over Listeria concerns. The supermarket chain said the sunflower kernels used in the salad are involved with the larger nationwide recall due to Listeria monocytogenes. Brous said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the salad.

Two of the most competitive grocery chains in the Richmond area are reducing prices on numerous items, and German discount grocer Aldi on Thursday opened another store in the region, adding to the options of consumers looking for deals. Officials at the Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division announced Thursday that prices on thousands of items have been lowered at its 120 stores in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and parts of Tennessee. Price reductions on some of the produce, including yellow onions and tomatoes on the vine, are specific to the Richmond area. read more

SA: Pretoria Food Co-op a new approach to fresh produce 

Catherine Hill-Herndon recently hosted an event at her residence to celebrate the launch of the Pretoria Food Co-operative (Co-op). Local agriculture experts and small farmers gathered to discuss the importance of food co-ops which support farmers, offers training and mentorship and assure markets for their produce. The Pretoria Co-op represents a new approach to delivering fresh produce and is a win-win for small farmers and consumers alike. Over the years, we have partnered to help South Africa develop the skills of its farmers and more than 500 South Africans have received agricultural training. read more