Instacart Inc., a 10-year-old grocery delivery startup that was once one of the most highly valued of its gig-economy generation, is preparing to go public. CEO Fidji Simo now must convince investors that Instacart’s explosive growth during the COVID-19 lockdowns won’t fade along with the virus.

Venture capitalists have poured billions into companies in the latest pandemic delivery craze: companies that promise food or toiletries in 30 minutes or less. But experts say they are unprofitable and officials in some cities are complaining about how they operate, saying it’s bad for employees and residents.

GrubHub Inc., Postmates Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. must face a lawsuit alleging their delivery fees result in higher prices even for New York diners not using those apps.

Instacart Inc. is adding a fuel surcharge on grocery delivery orders, becoming the latest gig economy company to impose new fees on customers to ease drivers’ gas bills amid record-high prices.

Albertsons Cos. may be looking to unload some of its nearly two dozen grocery chains as the company launches a review of its business strategy, analysts said.

Ocado Group Plc has developed new, lower-cost technology that will speed up online grocery deliveries, boosting the company’s prospects as it seeks to license its robotic warehouse systems globally.

Albertsons Cos. is wrestling with higher labor and logistics costs as it seeks to cash in on surging sales.

Kroger Co. and Instacart unveiled a new home-delivery service in which the companies will drop off food and household staples in as little as 30 minutes.