Today in Food Commerce: eGrocery Adoption Rises; C-Stores Add Next-Gen Self-Service

Today in food commerce, PYMNTS data reveal an increase in daily usage of same-day grocery delivery aggregators such as Instacart, and global convenience store giant Couche-Tard announces that it is bringing “Smart Checkout” to 7,000 of its stores. Plus, Shibli Juneja, vice president, U.S. consumer premium products at American Express, discusses with PYMNTS how consumer dining habits have changed.

Daily Grocery Aggregator Use Is Spiking, PYMNTS Research Reveals

Increasingly, consumers expect to be able to have their food needs met when they want, where they want. The expectation of on-demand convenience has grown so dramatically that many consumers now purchase from same-day restaurants and grocery aggregators every day of their life. Daily use is on the rise, according to data from the May edition of PYMNTS’ ConnectedEconomy Monthly Report, which drew from a survey of more than 2,600 U.S. consumers.

C-Stores Step Up Self-Service Offerings with AI-Powered Tech

For convenience stores to make good on their promise to consumers, they must offer not only a comprehensive range of essential products but also a quick and seamless retail journey. Noting this need, global convenience store giant Couche-Tard announced last week that it is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) self-service “Smart Checkout” machines in more than 7,000 Circle K and Couche-Tard locations over the next three years.

Amex Adds Dining Credit Partners as F&B Businesses Seek to Offer Competitive Rewards

Last week, American Express announced three new partners for its Gold Card Dining Credit program. For participating partners, the program increases the amount Gold Card holders spend with them, Shibli Juneja, vice president, U.S. consumer premium products at American Express, explains in an interview with PYMNTS. As adoption of the program grows, it opens up new opportunities for these partners to drive sales.