Retail Foodservice Roundup: Amazon adds B2B fresh grocery delivery, McLane expands driverless trucks and more

Amazon adds fresh groceries to B2B delivery

Amazon continues to tinker with its grocery operations. Now the retail giant is adding same-day delivery of perishable foods to its business customers, including offices, schools and other venues.  

That means businesses of all types can now order milk, baked goods, produce, frozen foods and more through the Amazon Business platform when they’re ordering paper, pens and other supplies.  

“Our customers have been asking for an easier way to order fresh groceries alongside the everyday business essentials they rely on to run their operations,” said Shelley Salomon, VP of Amazon Business. “By adding fresh groceries to the already expansive selection Amazon Business offers, organizations can now combine items like copy paper and printer ink with milk, fruit and other breakroom supplies—check out with a single cart, and have everything delivered to their workplace within hours.” 

McLane expands driverless truck route

Major convenience-store and restaurant distributor McLane Co. announced it is expanding its driverless truck program following a successful pilot test. The company said it will begin autonomous hauls through Texas with the Aurora Driver self-driving system.  

The driverless tests began in 2023. Since then, Aurora Driver has logged more than 280,000 autonomous miles in Texas while delivering 1,400 loads for McLane, the companies said.  

“Autonomous technology helps us driver greater efficiency across the supply chain, while our drivers remain focused on the critical last mile—and continuing to serve as the face of our company to customers,” McLane Restaurant President Susan Adzick said.  

Big grocery leadership changes in the works

It was a significant week for executive transitions at major grocers.  

Grocer Ahold Delhaize (parent of Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford and more) announced the retirement of President and CEO Frans Muller, scheduled for next year. Muller, who has led the company since 2018, will be preplaced by Thierry Garnier, pending shareholder approval.    

Publix Super Markets announced the retirement of Executive Chairman Todd Jones at the end of this month. Jones logged a 47-year run with the Florida-based grocer, including serving as CEO and president in 2016. He began his career with the chain in 1980 as a front-service clerk before becoming a store manager in 1988. Jones will continue to serve as chairman of the Publix board of directors.  

Wawa adds an unlikely smoothie

Pennsylvania-based convenience-store chain Wawa unveiled a new partnership with hometown mascot Gritty of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, releasing a limited-edition Gritty Smoothie at some 400-plus Philadelphia-area stores in honor of the team’s playoff run.  

The orange drink reportedly has mango, pineapple and tart cherry flavors. It’s topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips and is served in a disposable cup decorated with Gritty’s visage.  

The item’s marketing lore states that Gritty pitched the fruit smoothie concept to Wally Goose, Wawa’s mascot. 

“I’ve been a lil choosy on who I meet with during the playoffs, but when Wally the Wawa Goose calls, you answer," said Gritty in a statement. "Like most Philadelphians, I’m rough around the edges, everyone knows it. But on the inside, I’m smooth (and doughy). What if there was a way to harness my smooth side and put it in a 24oz cup? Impossible? Wrong. We did it. We made a smoothie. WE MADE A GRITTY SMOOTHIE. You’re welcome.” 

No word on whether the smoothie is, in fact, gritty.