Alberstons Recap 2022: Major Milestones

The onset of the pandemic has entirely disrupted how the grocery industry used to function. In an otherwise stagnant industry, grocers were compelled to quickly adapt to the changing times and adopt new ways of shopping. As the market became increasingly competitive, grocery giants like Albertsons Companies rose to the occasion and worked towards building a 360-degree e-commerce strategy. 

Albertsons has embarked on a new multifaceted digital approach. Its embrace of digitalization reflects the changing retail landscape, which continues to drive data-driven initiatives to fully comprehend the end user and accelerate the shift to e-commerce. Albertsons, in the past year, achieved many milestones. Here is a look at some of Albertsons’ significant landmarks: 

‍Merger Between Albertsons and Kroger

‍Kroger and Albertsons sent shockwaves through the grocery industry when they announced that Kroger would merge with one of its greatest rivals. The deal, reported to be worth $24.6 billion, will allow Kroger and Albertsons to leverage their massive assets to compete with perennial powerhouse Walmart for grocery supremacy.

"We have been on a transformational journey to evolve Albertsons Cos. into a modern and efficient omnichannel food and drug retailer focused on building deep and lasting relationships with our customers and communities,” said Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons Cos. “I am proud of what our 290,000 associates have accomplished, delivering top-tier performance while furthering our purpose to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being."

‍Launch of new Electronics Benefit Transfer

In 2022, Albertsons Companies announced that its Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, and Pavilions stores nationwide now provide Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) recipients a new online service. The integration of EBT services makes it possible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users to leverage their benefits when making online grocery purchases through the websites and mobile apps of Albertsons Cos. or the Albertsons Cos. virtual stores on the Instacart App, guaranteeing that households and individuals who rely on EBT SNAP benefits have more access to wholesome, nutritious foods.

“Research shows that a large percentage of EBT recipients face mobility challenges due to a disability, lack of transportation, or caring for young children, which can prevent them from physically shopping at a store,” said Chief Operating Officer, Susan Morris. “As a trusted community grocer committed to helping solve food insecurity, we want to make healthy foods available to those at risk by offering multiple private, secure, and convenient shopping options. This program allows shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup, which is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to create a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers.”

‍Collaboration with The Very Good Food Company

More than 900 Albertsons' grocery stores across the country now carry products from The Very Good Food Company Inc. Customers can find Very Good’s Smokey and Maple Bourbon Ribz and the Very Good Steak in the freezer sections of seven Albertsons Divisions' 900 locations and 2,700 latest distribution points.

"We are excited to work with Albertsons, who recognized our innovative products with great taste, texture, and outstanding nutritional profiles that will excite customers,” said Very Good’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jordan Rogers. ”I am very proud of our US sales team, who have been instrumental in helping us execute our strategy of retail expansion in the US." 

‍Access to Fresh Food and Wellness Products

Shoppers can now use supplemental benefits to buy over-the-counter medicines and fresh produce in its stores. The new program strengthens the company's dedication to promoting the health and well-being of the communities it serves by giving customers easy access to services using pre-paid cards sponsored by Medicare Advantage plans, healthcare providers, employer incentives, or local governments.

“We are committed to offering solutions that deliver access to healthy produce and meals, reduce food insecurity and provide solutions for chronic condition management,” said Omer Gajial, EVP of Pharmacy and Health. “Using supplemental benefits enables shoppers to conveniently shop for fresh food and over-the-counter medications contributing to their overall health and well-being.”