February Inflation Holds Steady — Grocery Categories Tell a Mixed Story

The February CPI report showed overall inflation holding steady at 2.4% year-over-year, but grocery category results were anything but uniform. This article breaks down the key numbers for independent grocers — including a sharp year-over-year rise in beef prices, continued egg price relief, and an emerging energy cost factor that could influence March and April results.  READ MORE

Inflation Slowed in January — But Not for Every Item on the Shelf

The January CPI report showed overall improvement, with the all-items index easing to 2.4% year-over-year — but category-level results tell a more complicated story, with cereals, nonalcoholic beverages, and dairy all posting notable increases. This article also examines how a single severe weather event shaped January grocery sales data and what to watch as February numbers come in.  READ MORE

December CPI Signals Ongoing Pressure and Cautious Consumers

Inflation ended 2025 with steady but uneven pressure, with the all-items index holding at 2.7% year-over-year and food costs continuing to shape household budgets. This article examines the December data and how shifting consumer behavior — driven by cost-of-living pressure, higher borrowing costs, and tariff uncertainty — is changing shopping patterns heading into 2026.  READ MORE

November CPI Update: Inflation Eases Slightly, but Key Costs Still Pressure Grocers

November’s inflation data offered modest relief at the headline level, but key grocery categories continued to apply margin pressure for independent operators. A breakdown of the numbers and what they mean for pricing decisions and consumer behavior heading into the holiday season.  READ MORE

Cost Shifts Ahead: What Grocers Should Do Now to Protect Margin

Anticipated cost changes across several categories give independent grocers a window to act before pressure arrives at the shelf level. This article outlines where to focus attention and what pricing, inventory, and promotional adjustments to consider before the changes hit.  READ MORE

September CPI Update: Grocery Inflation Holds Steady, But Pressure Persists

September’s inflation data showed little relief for grocery operators, with key categories continuing to apply margin pressure. A breakdown of the numbers and what they mean for pricing and promotional decisions heading into the fourth quarter.  READ MORE

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