by Rick Rusch For The Shelby Report Private label or store brand foods have grown explosively. No news there! Private label food and beverage sales surpassed $98 billion in the United States in 2011, according to Packaged Facts figures from October 2012. Take a quick look at the facts: • Between 2006 and 2009, private […]
Author Archives: Kristen Cloud
Kristen was Editor at The Shelby Report.
Posted in, National
Baloian Farms Introduces Seasoned Squash Product
Baloian Farms has introduced a first of its kind, value-added product in the fresh vegetable category featuring yellow and green squash with a seasoning packet included. The new product is expected to drive a higher margin and new sales in the vegetable category year round. Each individually wrapped tray includes a mix of three fresh […]
Posted in, Southeast, Store News
Report: Walmart Could Become Alabama’s Medicaid Drug Provider
The Alabama Medicaid Pharmacy Study Commission last week heard a proposal from retail giant Walmart to make the stores Alabama’s main pharmacy provider through Medicaid, according to the Birmingham Business Journal. The Commission, which is tasked with finding cost cutting measures for the drug program under Medicaid, heard the proposal from Walmart Stores Inc. representative […]
Posted in, National
Safety Of Personal Information In Loyalty Programs Worry Many Consumers
Enrollment in loyalty programs is on the rise across all retail categories, but soaring participation in retailer loyalty programs does not necessarily translate to “genuine” loyalty, and relevant communications are increasingly essential in loyalty engagement. However, recent Mintel research finds that consumers also are concerned about privacy when weighing whether or not to sign up […]
Posted in, National, West
Unified Grocers Holds Newly Designed Fall ‘Sell-abration’ In California
Unified Grocers combined its Expo and Extravaganza this fall in a new show experience designed to drive sales through the holidays and beyond. The show was held Oct. 23-24 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Unified’s new Sell-abration event is dedicated solely to products and to moving cases at retail. This mid-sized show featured a […]
Posted in, Midwest, Store News
Meijer Operates One Of Largest All-Clean Diesel Fleets In North America
Midwest retailer Meijer says it now operates one of the largest all-clean diesel fleets in North America. As part of its ongoing green initiatives, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer’s fleet utilized innovative technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 60 percent since it first began implementing the U.S. Environmental Protection […]
Posted in, Southeast, Store News
Publix To Open First Cleveland, Tenn., Store Next Week
Publix Super Markets will make its Cleveland, Tenn., debut next week when it opens a 54,700-s.f. store at Mouse Creek. The store will open at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 635 Paul Huff Pkwy. NW. “We are proud to bring the Publix shopping experience to Cleveland,” said Brenda Reid, Publix spokeswoman. “Stellar customer service, […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Dasani Sparkling Coming Soon
Bottled water brand Dasani will soon roll out Dasani Sparkling Water Beverage: water with a hint of flavor, and bubbles. Dasani Sparkling is unsweetened, has zero calories, is lightly carbonated and infused with natural flavors. It comes in four flavors: Lime, Lemon, Berry and Apple as well as an unflavored variety. Dasani Sparkling is the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Honey Stinger Enters Youth Market With Kids’ Organic Waffles
Honey Stinger, a leading manufacturer of honey-based nutritional products, is rolling out Kids’ Organic Waffles, now available across the country at grocers and specialty retailers. “We often hear from our customers that it’s nearly impossible to keep a stock of Honey Stinger Waffles in the pantry because their kids are always eating them,” says Rich […]
Posted in, National
NGA, FMI Support Effort To Reform Patent System
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) have voiced their support of patent system reform. NGA VP of Public Affairs Greg Ferrara made the following statement upon introduction of the Innovation Act of 2013, a patent reform bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week: “NGA commends Chairman (Bob) […]
Posted in, National
13 Inducted Into Candy Hall Of Fame, Top New Products Recognized
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) honored 13 industry veterans with induction into the Candy Hall of Fame during a black-tie gala Oct. 19. More than 360 attended, a record for the event in Tampa, Fla. The inductees include Russell Berg of E.A. Berg Associates; Robert Boutin of Knechtel Inc.; Robert Edelheit of Hanson Faso […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Hungry Jack Rolls Out New Seasonal Waffle And Pancake Mix Varieties
Hungry Jack is introducing new waffle and pancake mix varieties. The Hungry Jack Complete Belgian Waffle Mix and Hungry Jack seasonal pancake mix varieties—Complete Pumpkin Spice Flavored Pancake Mix, Complete Cinnamon Spice Flavored Pancake Mix and Easy Pack Funfetti Holiday Buttermilk Pancake Mix—are available nationwide. “During the holiday season, breakfast is the perfect time to […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Price Chopper Opens State-Of-The-Art Store In Kansas City’s Northland Area
Price Chopper kicked off the fall season earlier this month by opening a new store in the Northland area of Kansas City, Mo. The newest Price Chopper features expanded options in its prepared food departments, including a Mongolian grill and a wide selection of cheeses. Additionally, the new location offers a drive-thru pharmacy and free […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Ben & Jerry’s Launches Ron Burgundy ‘Scotchy Scotch Scotch’ Flavor
Ben & Jerry’s is rolling out its newest limited-batch ice cream flavor, “Scotchy Scotch Scotch.” Created in honor of Ron Burgundy, the fictional TV news anchor with a penchant for all things scotch, the flavor is a concoction of butterscotch ice cream with ribbons of butterscotch swirl. “Scotchy Scotch Scotch is a delicious ice cream […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, Store News
Safeway Reportedly Considering Strategic Options
Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway Inc. reportedly is considering its strategic options, with Cerberus and other private equity firms “exploring a deal for all or part” of the company, according to Reuters. A Cerberus affiliate, AB Acquisition LLC, bought Albertsons, Jewel-Osco and several other chains from Supervalu earlier this year. New Albertsons Inc., which now operates Jewel-Osco […]
Posted in, Midwest, Suppliers
Mars Associates Volunteer With Habitat Topeka Prior To Plant Opening
Mars Chocolate North America’s manufacturing plant in Topeka is scheduled to open later this year and, earlier this month, approximately 50 Mars associates participated in the Mars Volunteer Program by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Topeka to build a home. The effort was part of M&M’S effort to “M’Prove America,” a program designed to […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Pepperidge Farm Adds Bite-Sized Pastry Cups To Pastry Line
As the holiday season approaches, Pepperidge Farm is introducing Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Cups. A miniature version of the Puff Pastry Shells, these versatile pastries provide a blank canvas for creative entertainers to serve up dishes in perfect bite-sized portions, according to Pepperidge Farm. Pre-formed and ready-to-bake, Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Cups “rise” during 20 […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
C&K Market Selling Pharmacies To Focus On Core Business
By mid-November, C&K Market Inc. says it will sell its pharmacies. C&K owns 15 pharmacies that operate as Pharmacy Express, Tiffany’s Drugs and Chetco Pharmacy & Gifts in communities in southern Oregon and Northern California. “In a move to strengthen our operations, we plan to focus exclusively on our core business of operating community grocery […]
Posted in, National, New Products
StarKist Introduces Ranch Single-Serve Tuna Creations
StarKist Co. has launched its new Ranch-flavored Tuna Creations as the latest member of the single-serve tuna pouch family. Seasoned with buttermilk and herbs, the new Ranch variety, which is 80 calories per pouch, joins the company’s current line of seasoned Tuna Creations pouches: Lemon Pepper, Sweet & Spicy, Herb & Garlic and Hickory Smoked. […]
Posted in, National, Women In The News
WGA Accepting 2014 Woman Of The Year Nominations
Women Grocers of America (WGA) is accepting nominations for its Woman of the Year award. WGA invites women in the industry to nominate themselves or an exemplary woman in the independent food sector for the 2014 honor. Nominees should exemplify the true characteristics of a leader, with passion for the independent grocery industry. She should […]