The National Grocers Association (NGA) Show has kicked off in a big way: more than 3,000 attendees are buzzing around a show floor that’s been sold out since November. This year, the 350 exhibitors accompany several pavilions, which house even more exhibitors. The Global Marketing Development Center (GMDC) has more than 80 exhibitors at its […]
Author Archives: Kristen Cloud
Kristen was Editor at The Shelby Report.
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Kroger Acquires YOU Technology
The Kroger Co. has purchased the assets of YOU Technology Brand Services, the Silicon Valley-based leader in digital coupons and promotions. Founded in 2008, YOU Tech’s retailer-centric, cloud-based platform bridges the gap between online engagement and in-store purchases, creating a measurable way for many of the world’s largest retailers and brands to drive consumer purchase […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Kraft Cheese Removes Artificial Preservatives From Singles
Kraft Foods says it is introducing Kraft Singles with No Artificial Preservatives, removing artificial ingredients while still delivering the same taste, look and melt its consumers expect. “We know families today want convenient foods that have no artificial preservatives and a simpler, more recognizable ingredient list, and Kraft is working to deliver more of these […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Taskle Solution Launches At NGA Show
Many retail businesses have begun utilizing store walks as a way to verify consistent and proper execution as well as to identify issues and opportunities. Yet, identifying trends such as poor performing locations and company-wide concerns is still a challenge. That’s according to execution solution Taskle. Taskle delivers a cloud-based, easy-to-use solution to communicate priorities […]
Posted in, National
NGA Reveals Creative Choice Awards ‘Best Of Show’ Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has recognized its Creative Choice Awards “Best of Show” winners in the Marketing and Merchandising categories at a special reception held during the 2014 NGA Show, which wraps up today in Las Vegas. The “Best of Show” title is the highest award of the Creative Choice Awards contest. The Best […]
Posted in, National, West
Unified’s SMART Shows Feature Technology, Marketing Programs For Independents
Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western U.S., held the first of three regional SMART (Sales, Marketing And Retail Technology) Shows last week in Norwalk, Calif. The shows were created exclusively for the wholesaler’s independent retail customers. The new, day-long event showcased the latest in technology and cutting-edge marketing programs that are […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Cardenas, Northgate Gonzalez Come Together To Purchase Pro’s Ranch Markets
Two well-known Southern California-based Hispanic retailers—Cardenas Markets and Northgate Gonzalez Markets—said this morning they have come together and reached an agreement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to purchase Phoenix, Ariz.-based Pro’s Ranch Markets, which has seven stores in Arizona, two in New Mexico and two in Texas, for $55 million. The two retailers recently formed […]
Posted in, National
Supervalu Combining Regional Shows Into National Sales Expo This Summer
With grocers from across the country gathered for the 2014 NGA Show this week, one of the nation’s leading grocery distributors, Supervalu, said today that it will host its first national sales expo, Sales 4 All Seasons, this summer. The three-day event, to be held Aug. 12-14 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn., brings […]
Posted in, Suppliers, West
GoGo squeeZ Plans $85M Manufacturing Facility In Idaho
Materne North America—the makers of GoGo squeeZ Applesauce On the Go—plans to make an $85 million investment in a new food processing facility that will create a minimum of 230 new jobs in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The new state-of-the-art facility—the company’s second U.S. location—will be housed at a site formerly owned by Micron Technology Inc., at […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Report: Marketers Fail To Incorporate African American Demographic
With a population of 44 million and buying power more than $1 trillion in 2013, African Americans are a key segment in a U.S. economy that is increasingly reliant on purchase patterns of minority consumers, according to “The African-American Consumer Market, 9th Edition,” a report by market research publisher Packaged Facts. By 2017, the buying […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Little Debbie Introduces Cosmic Cupcakes
Little Debbie snacks, maker Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls, Honey Buns and Cosmic Brownies, is launching a new product: Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes. The chocolate cakes are filled with creme and topped with chocolaty frosting and candy-coated chocolate chips. “Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes are light years ahead of anything else on the market today,” said […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Minute Maid Rolls Out Liquid Water Enhancer With Real Fruit Juice
The Coca-Cola Co. is introducing Minute Maid Drops, made with real fruit juice and available in four flavors: Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Mango Tropical and Raspberry Lemonade. Each bottle makes approximately 28 servings and can be resealed until the next use. “Adding Minute Maid Drops to our diverse portfolio of juices and juice drinks demonstrates our […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Mondelez International To Invest $130M In U.S. Biscuit Manufacturing Network
Mondelez International plans to invest more than $130 million in new biscuit manufacturing technology and capabilities in its current U.S. network. The investment will focus on bakeries in Fair Lawn, N.J., and Richmond, Va., supporting priority cookie and cracker brands and product platforms. To enable this investment, the company says it will consolidate its current […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Minnesota Grocers Recognizes 2014 Legislator Of The Year
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) presented its 2014 MGA Legislator of the Year Award to Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) at its annual legislative dinner in St. Paul on Jan. 28. Each year, the MGA acknowledges a lawmaker who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the retail food industry. This year’s honor went to Dahms for his work […]
Posted in, National
Stars Celebrate ‘Pure Goodness’ With Wonderful Halos, Feeding America
Actress Jennie Garth and TV personality and actor Mario Lopez have officially kicked off a partnership between Wonderful Halos mandarins and Feeding America. Wonderful Halos—the sweet, easy-to-peel and seedless mandarins—is taking its Pure Goodness message to schools across America by providing nutritious food to children through the Feeding America BackPack program. Lopez, host of “Extra” […]
Posted in, National
Congress Reaches Agreement On Farm Bill
The long-awaited Farm Bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate casting the final approval—in a 68-32 vote on Tuesday—before the nearly $1 trillion bill goes to the president’s desk. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill has compromises throughout, including changes […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, Suppliers
Anheuser-Busch Acquiring Blue Point Brewing Co.
Anheuser-Busch has agreed to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., one of the nation’s top craft brewers with more than 40 beers and sales concentrated along the East Coast, in a move that will bring additional resources to Blue Point’s operations, allowing it to meet growing consumer demand for its award-winning brands. Terms of the agreement […]
Posted in, National, Store News
CVS To Stop Selling Tobacco Products At All Locations
CVS Caremark will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the U.S. by Oct. 1, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step in support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers, according to the Rhode Island-based company. “Ending the sale […]
Posted in, Executive News, West
Unified Names Bergmann, Murphy To New Leadership Roles
Unified Grocers’ board of directors announced two EVP appointments on Tuesday. Leon Bergmann was named EVP of sales and procurement, and Dan Murphy was named EVP of fresh programs and manufacturing. Bergmann has served as SVP of sales since joining Unified in December 2012. In addition to responsibility for sales and service functions across all […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Mrs. Freshley’s Introduces Cinnamon Coffee Cakes
Mrs. Freshley’s, an award-winning brand of snack cakes and pastries from Flowers Foods, is expanding its product portfolio with new Cinnamon Coffee Cakes. The cinnamon-flavored cakes are available across the nation, starting Feb. 3. Joining an extensive line of snack cakes and pastries, Mrs. Freshley’s Cinnamon Coffee Cakes are available in 3.4-oz. two-count, single-serve packs and can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores and vending […]