Kroger partners with China e-commerce giant Alibaba

Kroger announced last week that it plans to test sales of its Simple Truth natural and organic brand  through Alibaba, China's largest e-commerce retailer. The move will give Alibaba's 500+ million Chinese consumers access to Kroger's Simple Truth brand.

Kroger pointed out that the partnership supports its strategic plan to redefine the grocery customer experience by growing its private brand program, creating customer value and driving top-line growth via alternative revenue streams.

The Alibaba deal also means that Kroger is following Walmart and Amazon, who have significantly boosted their e-commerce presence in lucrative foreign markets.

Asian grocer 99 Ranch opening stores in New Jersey

Asian supermarket 99 Ranch plans to open at least three stores in New Jersey this year, according to published reports. The first store, a 60,000 square foot former Pathmark, opened recently in Edison, NJ, about a mile from an H Mart, which is also an Asian grocery chain. 99 Ranch stores are also slated for Jersey City and Hackensack.

The chain is owned and operated by California-based Tawa Supermarket, Inc. and has 42 additional locations in its home state, Washington, Nevada and Texas.

99 Ranch focuses on products from China, but also includes a broad assortment of foods from other Asian countries including India and the Philippines.