Chicago-based Kraft Heinz has named Nicolas Amaya president of North America, effective Feb. 23, overseeing strategy, operations and performance across Kraft Heinz’s largest market. Amaya most recently served as SVP and president of Kellanova North America, where he was a member of Kellanova’s executive committee. Navio steps down Pedro Navio, current president of North America, will step […]
Category: Grocery News
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Featured News, News, Southeast
Southern Exposure 2026 To Feature Grower Panel, Product Launches
The Southeast Produce Council will hold Southern Exposure 2026 from Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors. The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, News, Suppliers
Moo & Oink Celebrates 50th Anniversary In 2026
Chicago-based meat brand Moo & Oink is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong series of special events, new products and retailer celebrations. Shoppers will see a commemorative badge across Moo & Oink packaging, along with in-store sampling events, mascot appearances and displays at participating retailers. “Moo & Oink has always been about […]
Posted inProduce News, National, News
Little Potato Co. Celebrates 30th Anniversary With New Logo
The Little Potato Co. has unveiled an anniversary logo to mark 30 years in business, launching a year-long celebration that will include social and email campaigns, employee events and partner celebrations. The visual mark will appear across the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada-based company’s materials, marketing and select touchpoints throughout 2026. Additional activations are planned for later […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast
PFMA Supports Bill To Enable Third-Party Alcohol Delivery For Grocers
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association testified before the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee Feb. 11 in support of House Bill 1451, legislation that would allow licensed third-party transporters to deliver beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails on behalf of licensed retailers. The trade association called the bill a necessary update to the state’s liquor code that […]
Posted inExecutive News, National, News, Snacks Brands
Mars Snacking North America President Vincent Wins 2026 Kettle Award
Anton Vincent, president of Mars Snacking, North America and Global Ice Cream, has been named the 2026 Kettle Award recipient by the National Confectionery Sales Association. The Kettle Award honors outstanding contributions to the confectionery industry across education and personnel training, energy and environmental sustainability and product innovation. The award will be presented May 19 […]
Posted inCenter Store, National, News
Freshpet First Pet Food Brand To Receive Clean Label Project Certification
New Jersey-based Freshpet has become the first pet food brand to secure Clean Label Project Certification and receive the organization’s Purity Award across its U.S. and Canadian product portfolio. Clean Label Project is a nonprofit that tests products for contaminants not disclosed on labels. The Purity Award is reserved for the top third of performers in […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News, Produce News
IFPA Welcomes Ayoub As New Director Of Workforce, Business Policy
The International Fresh Produce Association has appointed Samantha Ayoub as director of workforce and business policy on the U.S. Government Relations team effective Feb. 23. Ayoub will lead Washington, D.C.-based IFPA’s policy and regulatory efforts on workforce, labor, immigration, transportation, logistics and broader business issues shaping the fresh produce and floral supply chain. She also […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Finance News, Midwest, News, Supply Chain News
Smithfield Foods Plans $1.3B Processing Facility In Sioux Falls, SD
Smithfield Foods has initiated the approval process to build a packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, representing a preliminary investment estimate of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years. The facility, subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000-acre heavy industrial […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, Frozen Food, National, News
AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives
The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Nonfood Items
Inspired Home Show 2026 Programs Focus On AI, Consumer Trends
The Inspired Home Show 2026 will offer four keynote sessions and two days of targeted education programming March 10-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the International Housewares Association announced. Sessions will focus on market opportunities, business strategies and consumer insights covering artificial intelligence (AI), growth through disruption, marketplace trends and color forecasting. The education programming […]
Posted inBakery News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
Top Baking Trends Shaping In-Store Bakeries In 2026
In 2026, in-store bakery is becoming a “solution department” more than a “nice-to-have case.” Shoppers still buy baked goods with their senses, taste and price remain the top two purchase drivers, but the bar for what counts as a good indulgence is rising. Recent consumer research continues to show that taste drives purchase decisions first, […]
Posted inProduce News, Finance News, National, News
Shore Capital Forms Produce One Through Partnership, Acquisition
Shore Capital Partners has formed Produce One, a specialty produce distribution platform, through a partnership with Premier ProduceOne and the acquisition of Native Maine Produce. The platform combines Premier ProduceOne’s statewide distribution coverage across Ohio with Native Maine’s Northeast-focused distribution network across Maine, Connecticut and New York. Shore Capital plans to partner with additional produce […]
Posted inBeverage News, Marketing News, News, Southeast
Coke Florida Surpasses $1M In Black History Month Investments
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida has invested more than $1 million to support technology access programs across Florida since launching its efforts in 2018, the Tampa-based bottler announced Feb. 11. As one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States, Coke Florida marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month by continuing investments in education, technology […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Finance News, National, News
J.M. Smucker Eliminates COO Role, Expands CFO, Supply Chain Leadership
The J.M. Smucker Company has announced a leadership restructuring that eliminates the chief operating officer position and expands responsibilities for its chief financial officer and newly created chief product supply officer. The Orrville, Ohio-based food manufacturer said the changes, effective Feb. 9, are designed to advance long-term growth strategy, further momentum among its brand portfolio […]
Posted inCenter Store, Finance News, National, News
Kraft Heinz Pauses Company Split, Commits $600M To Turnaround Plan
The Kraft Heinz Company announced Feb. 11 it is pausing work on its planned separation into two independent companies, instead committing $600 million to accelerate growth efforts as the food manufacturer reported a 15 percent decline in full-year 2025 adjusted earnings. CEO Steve Cahillane, who joined the Pittsburgh and Chicago-based company Jan. 1, said its […]
Posted inBakery News, National, News
Rise Baking Co. Identifies 5 Trends Shaping 2026 Bakery Category
Rise Baking Co. released its outlook for the bakery sector in 2026, highlighting five consumer behaviors and market dynamics expected to influence in-store bakery and foodservice operations throughout the year. The Minneapolis-based manufacturer – which supplies cakes, cookies, muffins and pies to grocery chains, convenience stores and foodservice operators – identified indulgence, portion variety, flavor […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Health & Wellness, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Offers GLP-1 Medications Through Savings Program
Meijer is making Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) more affordable through NovoCare savings programs, offering the two lowest-dose injection pens for $199 per month for the first two months at its pharmacies. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer announced Feb. 10 that patients who haven’t used a coupon for these products previously can access the introductory pricing […]
Posted inOrganic Natural, Association News, National, News
Organic & Natural Health Association Honors SENPA’s Short With Champion Award
The Organic & Natural Health Association presented Debra Short, executive director of the Southeast Natural Products Association, with its Champion Award Jan. 22 at the conclusion of its 11th annual conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Short was honored her commitment to advocacy, education and support of independent natural products retailers. She opened the conference, “The […]
Posted inProduce News, Finance News, Independent Store News, News, Northeast
EmpowerFresh Enhances Produce Operations At Karns Quality Foods
EmpowerFresh has partnered with Karns Quality Foods, a 10-store family-owned grocer in central Pennsylvania, to enhance produce operations through artificial intelligence-powered ordering and inventory management. Founded in 1959, Karns Quality Foods has been recognized for its meat and produce departments. The partnership will leverage EmpowerFresh’s AI-driven forecasting and data analytics to help the grocer reduce […]