The Checkout: IRI Merges with NPD; Rao’s Activates First Marketplace Popup

Welcome to The Checkout: an express lane for the weekly news you need to know, always 10 items or less.

IRi Merges With Market Info And Advisory Service NDP

Global market research firm IRI announced yesterday it has merged with NDP, which gathers market insights for over 20 industries, to form a “leading global technology, analytics and data provider.” The fusion of these two companies will give its clients a “total view” of retail purchasing and consumption trends and analytics. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2022, terms were not disclosed.

“This combination is a win for IRI, NPD, our clients and our teams as we bring together two industry leaders to offer a total store view,” said Kirk Perry, president and CEO of IRI, in a press release. “We look forward to joining forces with the NPD team, which brings expertise in parts of the store that IRI does not cover today.”

NDP provides insights on general merchandise, technology, retail and foodservice and food consumption. Coupled with IRI’s market analytics, supply chain solutions, tech platform and additional services, Perry believes the company will be a lead supporter of growth for brands and retailers.

“As the global retail landscape continues to evolve, IRI and NPD will have innovative technology, analytics, data resources, talent and geographic reach to best support the growth of the world’s leading brands and retailers,” Perry said in the release. “Our combined organization will be well-positioned for continued innovation and success, backed by the expertise and resources of our new majority investor, Hellman & Friedman, alongside our long-term partners at Vestar Capital and New Mountain Capital.”

The merger brings IRI into the ranks of global private equity firm Hellman & Friedman (H&F), parent company of NPD, which has become the majority investor and stakeholder IRI.

“We are excited about the prospect of combining our companies to give clients the tools and information they need to succeed amid changing consumer behavior,” said Karyn Schoenbart, CEO of NPD, in a press release. “Both NPD and IRI share similar client-focused, innovative and collaborative cultures, making this combination a natural fit.”

Rao’s Activates First Popup Marketplace, The Saucery, in NYC

Italian food maker Rao’s Homemade, a Sovos portfolio company, announced the opening of its first pop-up marketplace in NYC’s Soho neighborhood in addition to a virtual version of the three-day event. The event will begin on April 22 and allow consumers to sample all Rao’s products, complete with wine pairings.

“The Saucery by Rao’s Homemade transports guests to an Italian marketplace through an immersive experience that celebrates quality ingredients, authentic Italian heritage and the delicious flavors that set our products apart,” said Risa Cretella, EVP, Group General Manager for Rao’s Homemade, in a press release. “Much like a winery, The Saucery by Rao’s Homemade will honor the ingredients and process of creating a perfectly balanced, delicious pasta sauce, and we hope consumers leave The Saucery by Rao’s Homemade with more knowledge and even more love for our brand.”

The popup marketplace will stock all of Rao’s sauces, soups, pastas and frozen entrees in addition to fresh produce and herbs, for consumers to purchase at 15% off their original price. To kick off the event, Rao’s has partnered with actress Busy Philipps to create an exclusive “Saucery” recipe.

All of the proceeds from the popup event will be donated to Jersey Cares, a local nonprofit that supports the needs of its community through various events, collection drives and other volunteer opportunities.

“Rao’s Homemade has been an incredible partner to Jersey Cares, starting with the #Sauce4Cause program in 2020,” said Michelle Dee, COO at Jersey Cares, in a press release. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership on an even larger scale with the opening of The Saucery by Rao’s Homemade.”

All Y’all’s Foods Supports Texas Ranch Turned Vegan Sanctuary

Plant-based food company All Y’all’s Foods announced a new partnership with farm Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, to donate a portion of its proceeds to support the care of the cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and chickens living on the sanctuary that would have otherwise gone to slaughter.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the Rowdy Girl Sanctuary in their mission to provide love and care to animals,” said the company’s founder, Brett Cristoffel, in a press release. “They also assist other ranchers’ transition from animal agriculture to plant-based products through their rancher advocacy program. It’s a win for everyone involved.”

Cristoffel founded the company after learning his home state of Texas was the nation’s largest beef supplier. The business began with a plant-based jerky line and has since expanded to incorporate snacks and salad toppings, and will soon introduce heat-and-eat products, according to the announcement.

Kroger Dallas Launches Restaurant Supply Program

Kroger introduced a new solution for Dallas area restaurants this week. The national grocery chain’s Dallas division introduced Kroger Restaurant Supply, a fulfillment service with “competitive wholesale pricing, opportunities to purchase items by the case or unit and seven-day-a-week delivery.”

“Supply chain bottlenecks are impacting nearly every restaurant across the country – this opportunity comes at a great time for small and independent restaurants,” said Corey Mobley, Executive Director of the North Texas Region of the Texas Restaurant Association, in a press release.

The service offers free, next-day delivery for orders over $250 every day of the week. Businesses must submit an EIN and Texas state tax ID to begin placing orders.

“We know our commercial customers want options and solutions that offer fresh food, consistent pricing and reliability,” said Keith Shoemaker, President, Kroger Dallas Division, in a press release. “When our [Dallas Fort Worth area] restaurants think food, we want them to think Kroger. We look forward to providing this new offering and extension of our overall grocery ecosystem.”