Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) member retailers and teammates celebrated the 40th anniversary of its flagship private brand, Best Choice, during the recent Innovation Showcase. In 1985, Best Choice debuted with a mission to help member retailers offer shoppers a line of products that could compete with national brands in quality and price. In its […]
Category: Grocery News
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News
PLMA Inducts Private Label Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025
The Private Label Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place during the PLMA 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The class consists of nine men and women who were honored in one of three categories: Private Brand Champion Thomas Becker, who most recently served as director of proprietary brands, Circle K; John […]
Posted inCenter Store, Packaging News, West
Hidden Valley Ranch Introduces 7 New Flavors
Hidden Valley Ranch has added seven new flavors to its ranch product lineup – Blue Cheese Ranch, Kickin’ Cajun Blackened Ranch, Cilantro Lime Ranch, Cracked Pepper Ranch, Sweet Barbecue Ranch, Garlic Ranch Seasoning and Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Seasoning. “As the creators of ranch, Hidden Valley Ranch is uniquely positioned to continue to take ranch to […]
Posted inBeverage News, News, Northeast
Castillo Hermanos Acquires Harvest Hill Beverage Co.
Castillo Hermanos has entered into an agreement with Brynwood Partners to acquire Stamford, Connecticut-based Harvest Hill Beverage Co., with brands such as SunnyD, Juicy Juice and Little HUG. The acquisition of Harvest Hill by Castillo Hermanos, a family-owned company founded in 1886, expands its U.S. presence. Castillo Hermanos is partnering with private investment firm Centerview Capital, which […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NFRA Convention To Spotlight Innovation, Leadership, Industry Growth
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for this year’s NFRA Convention, taking place Oct. 18-21 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. More than 1,700 anticipated attendees will conduct more than 6,500 business meetings over the course of three days. Of particular interest: Registration now open: The NFRA Convention […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Natural Grocers, News, Private Label Brands, Southwest
Natural Grocers Adds 3 Varieties Of Peruvian Chips To Private Label Line
Natural Grocers has introduced three varieties of non-GMO Peruvian chips to its Natural Grocers’ Brand Product lineup. Peru, the birthplace of the potato, is not only the source of these chips but also a global leader in biodiversity preservation. The country has maintained a moratorium on GMOs since 2011, prohibiting their entry and production to protect biodiversity, family […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Snacks Report Reveals How Health, Flavor Trends Are Redefining Cravings
Circana has shared its latest research, “Snack Unwrap: The Insatiable Craving for Growth,” offering insights into emerging trends shaping U.S. consumers’ snacking habits. The research reveals how evolving consumer priorities, a growing focus on health-conscious choices and broader macroeconomic factors are transforming snacking behaviors. The report also emphasizes the role of innovation in fostering growth […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, News, Northeast
The Hershey Co. To Acquire LesserEvil
The Hershey Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire LesserEvil, maker of organic snacks that combine bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. The addition of LesserEvil will further expand Hershey’s snacking portfolio across its long-established confection brands – such as Hershey’s, Reese’s and Jolly Ranchers – and emerging salty snack brands, including SkinnyPop, Dot’s Homestyle […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Report: Consumers Seeking More Protein For Health, Taste In 2025
People are eating more protein, with 61 percent of Americans increasing their intake in 2024, compared to 48 percent who did so in 2019. This is among the findings from Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, an annual trends report that looks at trends in protein consumption for the year ahead. The report also found that animal […]
Posted inBakery News, Northeast
Sara Lee Bread Introduces New Half Loaf Line
Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Sara Lee Bread has introduced a half loaf product line in three varieties –White, Honey Butter and Nine Grain. “At Sara Lee Bread, we understand that many customers in smaller households want to enjoy fresh, delicious bread without worrying about the waste,” said Nick Pitone, senior brand manager at Sara Lee Bread. “With […]
Posted inProduce News, Corporate Store News, Food Lion, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds Donates 14.8M Meals During Annual Orange Bag Campaign
Food Lion Feeds’ seventh annual Orange Bag campaign, in collaboration with customers, provided the equivalent of more than 14.8 million meals to address food insecurity. The campaign, which ran from Feb. 26-March 18, benefits Feeding America and local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Through this initiative, customers help address food insecurity […]
Posted inDairy News, National, News
Marquez Brothers Acquires YoGusto Brand, Hato Potero Farms
Marquez Brothers International Inc., a San Jose, California-based family-owned company that produces and distributes authentic quality branded Hispanic foods, has reached an agreement to acquire Hato Potero Farms, owner of YoGusto brand, a drinkable yogurt brand based in the southeastern United States. The move marks a milestone in Marquez Brothers International’s mission to expand its […]
Expert Article
Flat Produce Sales Driving You Bananas?
Sponsored content If flat sales in the produce department are dragging down your bottom line, don’t worry, says Gary Campisi, former senior director of quality control for produce, floral, meat and seafood at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Small changes are often all you need to get sales growing again. As one of the industry’s foremost […]
Posted inBakery News, Southeast
Firehook Introduces Limited Edition Cracker Flavors
As artisanal foods and unexpected brand collaborations continue to gain momentum, Firehook Crackers has introduced two new flavors in partnership with Graza Olive Oil and Fly By Jing. Chantilly, Virginia-based Firehook worked with Graza to create a light cracker with its premium extra virgin olive oil, lemon and chives for an herb flavor. The Fly […]
Posted inBakery News, News, Northeast
Zucker’s Introduces New Par Baked Frozen Bagels
New York City-based Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish is launching its first retail product – Par Baked Frozen Bagels – this month at online retailers Fresh Direct and Goldbelly, as well as at Butterfield Market, Westside Market and select ShopRite stores in New Jersey. Zucker’s baking process begins with the shop’s bagel recipe. Using unbromated, unbleached […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National, News
NCSA Names 2025 Candy Hall Of Fame Inductees
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has introduced its 11-member Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The class will be formally inducted during the association’s annual event Oct. 23-26 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Candy Hall of Fame inductees are: John Brooks Jr., Adams & Brooks Inc.; Jim Dodge, Mars […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Smucker Introduces Hostess ‘We Speak Snackie’ Campaign
The J.M. Smucker Co. is continuing its work to re-energize the iconic Hostess brand by introducing a new marketing campaign. Created in partnership with PSOne, Publicis’ Power of One solution for The J.M. Smucker Co., creatively led by BBH USA, “We Speakie Snackie” is designed to bring a fun, playful new voice to the snacking […]
Posted inCenter Store, Executive News, Northeast
In Remembrance: Designer Greetings Co-Founder
Funeral services were held March 19 at Congregation B’nai Jeshuran in West Brighton, New York, for Bernice “Vickie” Gimbelman, co-founder of Designer Greetings. Mrs. Gimbelman, 91, died March 15 at her home in the Manor Heights neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. A native of the Bronx, New York, Mrs. Gimbelman entered the work force […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Center Store, Executive News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Co. Names Allison As VP, Center Store Merchandising
The Giant Co. has named Steve Allison VP of center store merchandising, effective immediately. Allison will report to Rebecca Lupfer, SVP and chief merchant for The Giant Co. “With his years of merchandising experience, Steve brings a proven track record of building both strategic and mutually beneficial supplier relationships to best serve our customers’ needs,” […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, National
Report Reveals Opportunities For Private Label, Branded Product Growth
NielsenIQ has released “Finding Harmony on the Shelf: 2025 Global Outlook on Private Label & Branded Products,” a new report that offers an analysis of shifting global consumer attitudes around private label and branded products, catalysts driving these trends and insights for retailers to reach consumers within a fast-moving macroeconomic environment. According to NIQ’s report, […]