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Five Key Questions Employers Should Weigh Before Implementing COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
As the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization advances, employers face decisions on whether to mandate employee vaccination. While EEOC guidance permits mandatory requirements, employers must handle exemptions for disabilities, religious beliefs, pregnancy, and minor employees. Based on analyses from multiple labor attorneys, this article proposes five key questions to help employers carefully develop policies.
Food manufacturers prepare for an unconventional holiday season: 'This is our Super Bowl'
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect consumption patterns, food manufacturers are actively adjusting their strategies to prepare for an extraordinary holiday season. Companies such as Del Monte Foods, Hormel Foods, Campbell Soup, and Frito-Lay are striving to gain an edge amid surging demand by expanding production capacity, strengthening digital marketing, launching smaller portion products, and offering innovative services. Industry data shows that CPG sales during this holiday season are expected to grow by 9.5% to 11.5%.
U.S. Grocers Leverage Paid Subscriptions to Lock In Online Traffic
To lock in the surge in online demand seen during the pandemic, U.S. grocers such as Kroger, Albertsons, and SpartanNash have launched annual or monthly subscription plans for unlimited delivery or pickup. Analysts note that this move is both defensive and offensive, but it must compete with third-party membership programs like Instacart and avoid simply replicating Amazon Prime's model.
In-house or Outsourced? Fresh Grocers Revisit the Partnership Dilemma with Instacart
The surge in online grocery orders during the pandemic has forced retailers to choose between in-house delivery and relying on third-party platforms like Instacart. While outsourcing can quickly gain customers, it sacrifices customer experience and data control. Some retailers such as Sprouts, Kroger, and Giant Food have adopted hybrid models, seeking a balance between in-house operations and third-party services. Technology companies like Onfleet are lowering the barrier to in-house delivery through software, helping retailers take control of their delivery operations.
4 Innovative Dining Solutions Born from the Pandemic
During the pandemic, grocers observed a surge in consumer enthusiasm for cooking, but also signs of fatigue. To meet diverse dining needs, retailers introduced a range of innovative solutions, including pre-packaged salads, hot food pickup and delivery services, meal kit planning, and in-store meal kits. These measures not only addressed pandemic challenges but may also become long-term trends.