Shopping at Kroger could soon look very different as grocery giant undergoes Walmart-inspired shake up

Ferrero said it will buy US better-for-you brand Purely Elizabeth, keeping it as a standalone brand within the Ferrero Group. Founder and CEO Elizabeth Stein will remain in her role. Purely Elizabeth’s products are in about 30,000 US stores, and sales have more than doubled in two years. Ferrero plans to expand distribution and innovation.

Walmart, according to the FDA, is voluntarily recalling select Great Value Tomato Bisque Soup Kits due to potential undeclared milk allergens. The recall covers 20 oz boxes with specific UPCs and production dates June 1 to July 15, 2026, sold nationwide. About 47,000 units were distributed. No confirmed illnesses reported; refunds offered.

Berkshire Hathaway increased its Alphabet stake 83% to about 106 million shares, worth nearly $38 billion at June 30, after agreeing to buy $10 billion of Alphabet stock in a June private placement and buying 19.6 million shares on the open market, according to a portfolio disclosure. Berkshire also bought net $20 billion of stocks in Q2.

Kroger says it has closed at least 39 stores across nine banners as part of a plan to shutter 60 underperforming locations by end-2026, according to reporting and company statements. Closures span Kroger, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, QFC and others. Kroger also plans faster expansion and a $1.65B Giant Eagle acquisition, per outlets.

Walmart (WMT) completed its Aug. 4 acquisition of Vibe.co, a self-service streaming TV ad platform, to expand Walmart Connect and let advertisers plan, buy, and measure streaming campaigns tied to shopping behavior. The company reported recent quarter revenue up 7% to $7.3B, with ad revenue up 37%. Shares have lagged despite results, with valuation concerns and unchanged guidance.

Taylor Farms said it is recalling certain products sold at Target and Walmart in Florida after fresh jalapeños were linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak. The FDA and CDC are investigating, and the possible source was traced to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, supplying Coast Citrus Distributors. Taylor Farms says it stopped sourcing from that grower and will use alternative suppliers.