Coca-Cola North America has acquired Topo Chico, a zero-sugar, zero-calorie, sparkling mineral water brand. The company’s Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) unit will bring Topo Chico into its portfolio to “nurture its storied history and century-old brand values, and bring the popular brand to more people across the U.S.” Topo Chico will continue to be imported […]
Category: Grocery News
Pork Board: Responsible Antibiotic Use Commitment Making A Difference
Nine months after the full implementation of FDA Guidance 209 and 213, the National Pork Board (NPB) says America’s pig farmers “continue to demonstrate their awareness and commitment to doing what’s right on the farm.” FDA guidance 209 and 213 ends the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and increases veterinarian oversight for […]
Cardenas Markets Acquiring Los Altos Ranch Market
The collective owners of CNG Ranch LLC, including managing partner Northgate Gonzalez Market, have reached an agreement that allows Cardenas Markets to acquire the seven Los Altos Ranch Market stores in Arizona. The sale is expected to close within 45 days pending final approvals. “Acquisitions and new strategic store locations are a key component of […]
Certified Angus Beef Honors Retail, Distributor ‘Stars’
As consumer demand for beef continues to grow, retailers play an important role in satisfying their needs. The Certified Angus Beef brand recognized retailers and distributors for their leadership in product quality, marketing and sales at the group’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 27-29. “Quality and integrity unite their focus on delivering the finest […]
IDDBA Elects 2017-18 Officers, Board Of Directors
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) recently elected its 2017-18 officers and board of directors at its annual business meeting in Rosemont, Illinois. Erik Waterkotte, senior director of sales for Columbus Craft Meats, assumes the role of chairman of the board. He has served on the board of directors since 2010 and has been […]
Central Co-op Returns More Than Half Its Revenue To Local Economy
In celebration of National Co-op Month, Seattle-based Central Co-op has released the results of an economic impact report conducted by Civic Economics, a financial analysis agency, showing the cooperative returns more than 52 percent of its revenue back to the local economy. By comparison, the average U.S. cooperative grocery recirculates 36 percent of its revenue […]
Sprouts To Enter Maryland During Next Round Of Store Openings
Natural and organic grocer Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open nine new locations in the first quarter of 2018, including its first store in Maryland at 9150 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City. The new Maryland store represents the company’s first opening in the mid-Atlantic region of the country and brings the total number of […]
Walmart, Trader Joe’s Lose Customers To Whole Foods After Price Cuts
Thasos Group, a data intelligence firm, has published a new research report, “Competitive Impact of Lower Prices at Whole Foods,” analyzing the number, composition and behavior of new customers at Whole Foods stores following significant price reductions in the wake of the chain’s acquisition by Amazon in August. Key findings of the report include: Foot […]
Sandwich Designed By NFL Wide Receiver Debuts At Harris Teeter
At 1 p.m. today—Tuesday, Oct. 3—Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess will make an appearance at the Harris Teeter store at Morrocroft Village in Charlotte to debut his personally designed signature sub sandwich (and sign autographs). Not surprisingly, Harris Teeter says the sandwich is made for larger appetites. Funchess’ sandwich, dubbed the “Funchess Munch,” features […]
Tyson Eliminating 450 Jobs, Boosts 2017 Guidance
Tyson Foods has unveiled plans to cut approximately 450 positions, primarily from its corporate offices in Springdale, Arkansas; Chicago; and Cincinnati. “We’re grateful to everyone who has contributed to the company’s success, and we’re thankful for their time with Tyson Foods,” said Tom Hayes, Tyson’s president and CEO. “These are hard decisions, but I believe […]
Vape Company Space Jam Expanding Into National C-Store Chains
Space Jam Juice LLC, a vape company, is expanding into national convenience store chains, growing from its current 4,000 stores to 10,000 by the end of 2017, and 25,000 stores by the end of 2018. This year’s authorizations include: Circle K Arizona, 580 locations; Circle K West (California, Oregon, Washington), 236 locations; 7-11, 400 locations; Giant (New Mexico), 260 […]
Ahold Promotes Teal Pumpkin Project For Allergy-Safe Halloween
Ahold USA’s Stop & Shop, Giant Food and Giant-Martin’s stores are the exclusive grocery partners on the East Coast for the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project. The project’s goal is to help shoppers become more aware of food allergies and ensure safe choices for children this Halloween. Shoppers will find special Teal Pumpkin Project […]
CVS Launches Health & Wellness Vending Machines
CVS Pharmacy is introducing automated retail vending machines stocked with on-the-go necessities including over-the-counter health products, “better-for-you” snacks and personal care products typically sold at CVS Pharmacy locations. “We are always looking for new ways to combine convenience and innovation to help better serve our customers,” said Judy Sansone, SVP of front store business and chief […]
Pompeian Unveils New State-Of-The-Art Quality Control Center
The Pompeian Quality Control and Research & Development Center opened Sept. 26 in Baltimore, Maryland, dedicated to ensuring the quality, purity and full traceability of Pompeian products, which include extra virgin olive oil. The $2 million facility, which comes on the heels of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) accreditation of the Pompeian Sensory Panel, is […]
Bruhn To Join Pabst As Chief Marketing Officer
Pabst Brewing Co. (PBC), an independent brewer, has named Matt Bruhn to the role of chief marketing officer (CMO), effective Oct. 2. In this role, he will oversee marketing for the entire PBC portfolio, including heritage, imports, craft and other categories. Bruhn will take over the responsibilities of Dan McHugh, PBC’s previous CMO for the […]
Bueno Foods Gains Expanded Distribution Through Walmart
Bueno Foods, a family-owned producer of food from New Mexico, has expanded its distribution into Walmart stores throughout Texas, Colorado, California and Arizona. According to the company, the expansion is a result of increased consumer interest in “authentic products with bold flavors.” Products on-shelf now are Bueno Foods’ signature Enchiladas (SRP $3.68-$5.12); New Mexico Hatch […]
Halo Top Unveils First Non-Dairy And Vegan Flavors
Halo Top Creamery is launching its first low-calorie ice creams that are both non-dairy and vegan-friendly. These seven new additions will hit retailers nationwide mid-October, in Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, Sea Salt Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Cinnamon Roll and Chocolate Covered Banana flavors. “The number one request that we get from our fans is […]
Former Coca-Cola Leader Cahillane Named Kellogg CEO As Bryant Retires
Kellogg CEO John A. Bryant is retiring. Steven A. Cahillane has been elected CEO of the company, effective Oct. 2. Cahillane has served as president and CEO of The Nature’s Bounty, a health and wellness business, since 2014. Cahillane also will join the company’s board of directors. Bryant will continue as executive chairman of the […]
Clean Labels, Clean Snacking: The $41B Future Of Candy
From consumers’ growing knowledge about product ingredients, the “clean snacking” mindset has emerged. Clean snacking is a balanced approach to nutrition that explores realistic options rather than a more dogmatic philosophy that forbids snacks or sweets altogether, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in last year’s “Chocolate Candy in the U.S., 11th Edition” report. […]
Carl Buddig Inks Deal With Kingsford For Pre-Cooked Ribs, Barbecue Entrees
Carl Buddig & Co. subsidiary CBQ has reached a multiyear agreement to produce Kingsford-branded pre-cooked ribs and barbecue entrees. Kingsford, known for inventing the charcoal briquet, entered the food category this year with the launch of Kingsford BBQ Sauces & Dry Rub. CBQ’s pre-cooked Kingsford ribs and barbecue proteins, made with simple ingredients and no […]
