Pear Bureau Northwest, the Portland-based nonprofit marketing organization that represents the 1,600 fresh pear growers of Oregon and Washington, has named Publix as the 2014 Pear Retailer of the Year for its outstanding pear merchandising activities. Publix is being recognized with this award for its successful implementation of pear merchandising tactics that resulted in substantial increases […]
Category: Grocery News
Posted in, National, Produce News
Fresh Summit Contest Spotlights Healthy Eating For Kids
Students from the Walker Junior High School in La Palma, California, will put 10 produce-centric recipes to the test at the 4th annual PMA Fresh Summit Sensory Experience Contest this coming Friday, Oct. 17. The contest, sponsored by Bolthouse Farms and supported by Disney Consumer Products, features the top 10 recipes submitted by exhibitors. They […]
Posted in, Deli News, National, New Products
Another Limited Batch Flavor Launched By Tribe
Tribe’s latest Limited Batch hummus flavor, Herb Infused Olive Oil, hits grocery store shelves this week. The company says this latest product “has a bold taste that is both rustic and refined.” It combines Tribe’s Classic hummus with za’atar, a mixture of sumac, sesame seed and herbs frequently used in Mediterranean foods. It is then […]
Posted in, National, Produce News
NGA, PBH Partner For Dietitian Education
The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) this morning announced a newly formed partnership between the two organizations focused on the continuing education of supermarket dietitians within independent and small retail chains and wholesale grocers. One outgrowth of the new partnership is dedicated educational and networking events during the […]
Posted in, Center Store, Marketing News, National, Organic Natural
House Foods Intros ‘Biggest Loser’-Branded Packaging For Tofu Shirataki Noodles
House Foods, a premium tofu purveyor since 1983, has unveiled a new look for its category-leading Tofu Shirataki noodles. The noodles now feature branding from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” to encourage consumers to eat consciously and get in shape like the contestants on the show. “The Biggest Loser has been integral in showing Americans how to […]
Posted in, National, Produce News
United Fresh Launches Floral Membership Category
The United Fresh board of directors voted at its meeting last month to create a new floral membership category in 2015 to enhance services to members throughout the floral supply chain. In addition, United Fresh will appoint a new Floral Advisory Board of suppliers and retailers to lead the effort. “Our new partnership with the […]
Posted in, National, Produce News
United Fresh Promotes Staff Members To Grow New Foundation
The United Fresh Produce Association has promoted several staff members in order to create what it calls strong team alignment to enhance service to members. Victoria Backer is promoted to EVP of the association, with a mandate to lead the association in all aspects of organizational development, management and operations. Backer will have several key […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National, Store News
Aldi’s Exclusive ‘LiveGfree’ Product Line Becomes Permanent Addition In Stores
Aldi has added its exclusive gluten-free brand “LiveGfree” as a permanent lineup in its stores. The line features 17 items—from bread, pasta and pretzels to cookies, brownie mix and granola. Illinois-based Aldi says that adding LiveGfree products to its exclusive offerings was a direct response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from its shopper base. […]
Posted in, Grocery News, Merchandising News, Midwest, National
Martha Stewart To Keynote PLMA Trade Show Next Month
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has revealed its slate of speakers and seminars for its 2014 “Store Brands Reality Trade Show,” to be held Nov. 16-18 in Chicago. Headlining the program will be a keynote speech by Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur, best-selling author and […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Marketing News, Southeast
J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida Named 2014 Craft Beer Distributor Of The Year
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Brewers Association (BA) have recognized J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida Inc. of Tampa, Florida, as the 2014 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year. The award, now in its eighth year, recognizes the beer distribution company that does the most to market, promote and sell craft beer. NBWA and BA presented […]
Posted in, Grocery News, Industry News, National
Study Reveals Consumers Actually Enjoy Grocery Shopping
While American consumers have traditionally viewed grocery shopping as a mundane chore, new research from Acosta Sales & Marketing, a leading full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry, reveals most shoppers now like to grocery shop. According to Acosta’s latest “The Why? Behind the Buy” report released last week, 54 percent […]
Posted in, Marketing News, Merchandising News, National, Perishables, Produce News
NatureSweet Tomatoes Partners With Susan G. Komen For Third Year
To show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NatureSweet Tomatoes is continuing its partnership with Susan G. Komen and the fight to end breast cancer. NatureSweet will feature limited edition pink packaging nationwide through October 31 and will donate $100,000 regardless of sales. The in-store pink packaging and promotional materials will be featured on NatureSweet SunBursts […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National, Produce News
Sun-Maid Raisins, Chiquita Banana Bread Mix Launch ‘Sweeter-Together’ Campaign
Sun-Maid Raisins and Concord Foods are partnering on a new promotion, Sweeter Together, for the holidays. Through December, a range of recipes featuring Sun-Maid Raisins and Chiquita Banana Bread Mix will be available to consumers online at Sweeter-Together.com. In addition, instant redeemable coupons (IRC) for $0.55 off the purchase of Sun-Maid Raisins (12-oz. or larger) […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, New Products
M&M’S Crispy To Return In 2015
After a decade of phone calls, petitions, Facebook posts and countless other pleas, Mars Chocolate North America says M&M’S Crispy will return to stores nationwide in January 2015 following a 10-year hiatus. M&M’S Crispy feature a crispy center covered milk chocolate, enclosed in a colorful candy shell. This treat is slightly larger than the original […]
Posted in, Beverage News, C-Store News, Suppliers
Red Bull Art Of Can Exhibit Slated For November 7-16 In Chicago
Thirty U.S. artists who have used Red Bull cans to create sculptures will compete in the Red Bull Art of Can in Chicago Nov. 7-16 at the Chase Promenade South in Millennium Park. More than 300 artists submitted concepts, and after creating their masterpieces all summer, a panel of six judges selected 30 pieces, representing […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, New Products
Nestlé Debuts New Treats In Time For Halloween
Nestlé is rolling out new candy this Halloween, including treats from Butterfinger, Laffy Taffy and Nerds as well as bigger variety bags. • Butterfinger Best Assortment Pack features Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups: Enjoy the best of Butterfinger with Butterfinger Minis, Butterfinger Crisp and Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups (30-oz. bag, SRP is $8). • New Caramel […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Marketing News, National
Original Light Beer Returns To Original Look On All Fronts
This fall, Miller Lite is returning to its original look on all packaging and across all marketing materials. “The decision to bring back our original look was an important one for this brand,” said Miller Lite Senior Marketing Director Ryan Reis. “It’s authentic, proud and highlights what has always been true about Miller Lite since […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, Southeast
Sprite Brings Back Cranberry Variety For Holidays
With the beginning of the holiday season around the corner, Sprite says it is bringing back, by popular demand, Sprite Cranberry and Sprite Cranberry Zero. Sprite Cranberry and Sprite Cranberry Zero launched last year for a limited time—offering a blend of traditional Sprite and a splash of sweet and tart cranberry notes. “We listened to […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National, Suppliers
Global Snack Food Sales Reach $374B Annually
Global consumers spent $374 billion on snack foods annually between 2013 and 2014, a year-over-year increase of 2 percent, according to a new global report released today by Nielsen. While Europe ($167 billion) and North America ($124 billion) make up the majority of worldwide snack sales, annual snack sales are growing faster in the largely […]
Posted in, Center Store, Marketing News, National
Skippy Peanut Butter Launches New Marketing Campaign
The makers of the Skippy brand are launching a new multi-faceted regional ad campaign, the brand’s first in more than five years and the first under Hormel Foods’ ownership. After undergoing global positioning research for the Skippy brand, Hormel Foods says it discovered that consumers across the world believe peanut butter is one thing: simple […]