PHRQL Contracts With Hy-Vee, Expands Into Eight States

Oakland-based software development firm PHRQL has signed a long-term contract with Hy-Vee Stores, which will allow use of PHRQL’s services in more than 200 supermarkets in Illinois and seven other states. PHRQL’s Connect and Coach device allows dietitians in supermarkets to help customers develop healthy eating practices to manage diabetes, heart disease and other problems. The tool is an electronic health record adapted for uses in medical nutrition therapy.

Market Force Study: Trader Joe’s Is Consumers’ Favorite Grocery Store For Second Year

June 2, 2014 Market Force

Trader Joe’s continues to deliver a grocery experience that leaves shoppers wanting more. A study of more than 6,200 consumers by Market Force Information, a worldwide leader in customer intelligence solutions, found that Trader Joe’s is North America’s favorite grocery retailer based on satisfaction. Publix and ALDI were ranked second and third. All three were lauded for their courteous and fast service, as well as the quality of their private-label brands.

Costco Reluctantly Searches The Web For Younger Shoppers, Partners With Google

Costco is adding more categories of products to its Web store and has a trial partnership with Google (GOOG) to offer same-day deliveries of Costco wares in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Minneapolis Expands Mobile Grocery Stores

Mobile grocery stores could soon provide an oasis for food deserts in parts of Minneapolis. The City Council voted last Friday to expand an ordinance allowing mobile grocery stores in Minneapolis to sell a wider variety of foods, including fresh produce, in more areas than previously allowed.

FreshDirect To Mentor Food Startups

Long Island City-based online grocer FreshDirect will announce Thursday that it has entered into a partnership with AccelFoods, a newly-launched accelerator and investment fund focused on early stage food and beverage startups. As part of their alliance, FreshDirect will co-host the first AccelFoods demo day on June 3, offering a platform for four startups chosen and mentored by AccelFoods over the last five months.