5 things: Kroger catches Senate flak. And not just for the merger…

More takeaways from the Kroger hearing: Companies that believe they are “doing good” by pursuing ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals such as racial or gender equity and addressing climate change might want to remember the old adage that “no good deed goes unpunished.” Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen experienced this first hand when some Senators grilled him about an employee discrimination lawsuit the company recently settled and criticized Kroger’s highlighting of ESG synergies as a benefit of its pending merger with Albertsons. It’s part of a broader backlash against ESG that some political leaders are directing at companies they perceive as being “woke.” Florida, which is pulling $2 billion from an investment firm that it accuses of “social engineering,” has been one of the most high-profile states in this arena, but retailers and pension funds around the country should be prepared for increasing activity in this area. —Mark Hamstra

Keeping an ear to the customer: Online retailer Thrive Market knew it was onto something when customers started gravitating towards its own-brand movie theater popcorn — the kind that has to be popped. What was next? An already-popped popcorn. So over the past year, Thrive began collaborating with one of the CPG brands it already carries, LesserEvil, on a co-branded popcorn line with flavors like The Dynamic Duo (a sweet and salty mix), OMG Olive Oil, and Himalayan Gold and Himalayan Pink Salt. The online retailer has had success with this kind of collaboration before, via a Beyond Meat chili launch. Morale of the story? The people demand popcorn and the answer is — collaboration with CPG can be a win. A sweet, sweet, salty win. —Chloe Riley

Watch those pennies: Economic uncertainty/rising inflation is the top concern across the food and beverage industry in both North America and the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, according to a survey of product manufacturers, distributors and processors by market intelligence firm International Data Corp. (IDC). The issue is likely to remain a major sector challenge during the next five years and will result in cost-conscious operators making efficiency and waste reduction initiatives a high priority. Indeed, almost 40% of survey respondents indicated that sustainability will be the trend with the highest priority over the next year. –Richard Mitchell 

A salute to Hy-Vee: The company was just named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans. Determined by an independent survey by that included approximately 7,000 American veterans, participants were asked to give their opinion related to topics regarding their employer, including atmosphere and development, image, working conditions, salary and wage, workplace, and diversity, as well as a set of topics related specifically to the interests of veterans in the workplace. Hy-Vee has been a longtime supporter of active-duty military members and veterans and to date has raised more than $2.7 million for veteran organizations. Hats off. –CR

Velveeta mac and cheese in hot water: Kraft Heinz is facing a pricey lawsuit based on alleged misinformation appearing on its labeling — specifically that its microwavable Velveeta Shells & Cheese product misleads shoppers when it comes to prep and cook time. The overall complaint is that three and half minutes only encompasses the microwave portion of the instructions and not the total prep time. And for this, the suit claims that more than $5 million in damages is owed in a class-action suit. Cheese-louise. —CR