Today in Food Commerce: Amazon Looks to F&B Subscription Commerce; Chipotle Tests RFID

Today in food commerce, Amazon touts its food and beverage subscription box offerings, and Chipotle Mexican Grill tests out radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Plus, smaller restaurant brands struggle with the challenges posed by inflation.

Amazon Leverages Subscription Services to Narrow Walmart’s Food Lead

As Amazon looks to minimize Walmart’s 9-to-1 lead in grocery, the eCommerce giant is pushing its direct-to-consumer (D2C) food and drink subscription offerings. With a dedicated web portal, a range of cost-cutting promotions and targeted messaging around these offerings, the company is aiming to drive adoptions of its private-label and third-party box offerings, giving it a regular point of access to consumers’ homes.

Yandex Fast Grocery Delivery Business Exploring Options in Europe 

Yandex, the Russia-based internet company, and its fast grocery unit Yango Deli, are rethinking the company’s strategic priorities in the United Kingdom and France, TechFundingNews.com reported Friday (April 1). The news outlet reported Yango Deli delivery will end its operations in France as the business suffers. The company is also exploring the sale of its United Kingdom division, sources told the online news organization.

Restaurant Roundup: Chipotle Tries out RFID Technology; Major FSRs Appeal to Inflation Anxieties  

Fast-casual giant Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Thursday (March 31) a trial of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to boost inventory management efficiency and precision, and full-service restaurant (FSR) chain Denny’s announced Monday (March 28) a limited-time promotion that centers on its ability to offer more food for lower prices than competitors.

Inflation Poses Challenges for Emerging Restaurant Brands’ Expansions

As major brands leverage their scale to price below inflation, smaller brands are put in a more difficult position, forced to get creative. Brands that are in a growth stage, accustomed to the lower prices of smaller markets, are forced to contend with geographic price variations as they plot their expansions into denser areas.