Retailers are providing significant aid to those affected by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Instacart is waiving delivery fees and using its Community Carts program to deliver needed supplies, while SpartanNash is donating truckloads of essential products and raising funds for the American Red Cross. Kroger aims to raise $1 million and is supplying food and water, and Amazon is using its Wildfire Relief Hub to deliver essential items and technology support. Other companies such as DoorDash and Misfits Market are also contributing through various initiatives.

H-E-B has been ranked as the top US grocery retailer for the third year in a row by dunnhumby's Retailer Preference Index with other regional grocers Market Basket and WinCo Foods ranking No. 2 and 4 on the list, respectively. Costco and ALDI filled out the top five in the index, which evaluates consumer sentiment and financial performance.

Hershey has appointed Andrew Archambault as president of US confection and Veronica Villasenor as president of salty snacks, effective Feb. 3. Archambault joins from Keurig Dr Pepper, while Villasenor is a 22-year Hershey veteran.

Instacart has partnered with Dumac Business Systems and Truno Retail Technology Solutions to supply Caper Cart smart carts to independent grocery and convenience stores. Dumac and Truno will manage implementation and technical support. Instacart aims to drive growth through smart carts, adding features such as personalized coupons and gamification.

In today's fast-paced grocery landscape, protecting your business goes beyond safeguarding shelves--it's about preserving relationships and building resilience. The FMI Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference, March 31 - April 2, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo., connects you with industry experts who can help you address critical challenges, from minimizing merchandise loss and strengthening customer trust to optimizing operations and ensuring long-term profitability. With tailored strategies and innovative solutions, you'll gain the tools needed to protect every facet of your business -- from inventory and revenue to reputation and customer confidence. Every aisle should be a safe place to shop, work, and grow, and this event equips you to make that vision a reality. Don't miss out -- RSVP now to the B2B Exchange for early access to the scheduler and exclusive networking opportunities that will set your business on the path to success.

FMI remains in communication with its partners at the California Grocers Association (CGA) to support the state association's emergency response and crisis communications efforts. CGA's resource page offers links to timely information from USDA hot foods waivers to federal aid. Visit the CGA Emergency Operations page here.

DoorDash has introduced a pilot program in Georgia to provide Dashers with portable benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings and paid time off. The program, supported by the Stride platform, allows participants to allocate savings to relevant categories.

PepsiCo's strategy for effectively managing its workforce depends on creating an inclusive culture, doing as much as possible with technology and prioritizing employee well-being, says CEO Ramon Laguarta. The company says its focus areas have led to better retention, deeper employee engagement and recognition.

The FDA has released a long-term strategy to enhance the resiliency and safety of the US infant formula market, building on an immediate strategy from 2023. The plan addresses issues highlighted during the 2022 formula crisis and prioritizes oversight, contamination prevention and supply chain integrity.