In 2022, U.S. consumers spent nearly $1 billion buying air fryers, up 51% from 2019, according to market research firm The NPD Group. Sales of the cooking appliance have been soaring since 2017, and food companies are responding accordingly. Last year, Nestle launched pizza bites under its DiGiorno and Stouffer's brands. Both lines' packaging tells consumers "Try It in Your Air Fryer." Tyson Foods jumped on the trend relatively early, launching its air-fried line in 2019. The products, ranging from chicken strips to its newest addition, parmesan-seasoned chicken bites, contain 75% less fat. Kellogg and Gorton's Seafood are among other companies leaning into the air fryer boom to appeal to consumers… Ross Stores continues to grow both its store banners. The off-price retailer opened 11 Ross Dress for Less stores and eight DD's Discounts locations across 13 states in February and March as it expanded into existing markets including California, Texas and Florida. DD's growth also included the chain's first store in the state of Wisconsin. The February and March openings are part of 100 new stores that Ross plans to open in fiscal 2023. The openings will include 75 Ross locations and 25 DD's outposts...
