U.S. consumers are ready to treat themselves and others as they prepare for the Halloween season. According to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association, 94 percent will share chocolate and candy with friends and family, with consumer demand fueling retail trends such as “Summerween” and “Aug-tober.” The Halloween season is a key moment […]
Category: Grocery News
Posted inNatural Grocers, Produce News, Southwest
Natural Grocers Promotes ‘Field To Can’ Process During Film Series
Natural Grocers is promoting its new short film, “Field to Can,” within its “Meet Your Farmer” film series in stores and online. “As your neighborhood grocer, we choose to positively impact the way the food in this nation is grown and raised,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers. “We choose to be responsible […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, National
IDDBA Names New Board Members At Annual Business Meeting
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) recently held its annual business meeting in Rosemont, Illinois. For three days, the IDDBA staff came together with stakeholders that make up the board of directors and committees. “During the meeting, we reviewed our 2023-24 successes and most importantly discussed our long-term plans to serve our members and […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Health & Wellness, Midwest
The Kroger Co. Closes Sale Of Specialty Pharmacy Business To Elevance Health
The Kroger Co. has finalized the sale of its specialty pharmacy business to Elevance Health. The grocer announced the agreement on March 18. In closing the transaction, the retailer and Elevance Health have worked to ensure minimal disruptions for customers and associates. The specialty pharmacy serves patients with chronic illness that requires complex care. Skilled […]
Posted inBakery News, National, Snacks Brands
Mondelēz International Invests In UK-Based Urban Legend
Mondelēz International’s corporate venture capital arm, SnackFutures Ventures, has taken a minority stake in Urban Legend, a “better-for-you” fresh doughnut and pastry business based in the UK. Founded in 2021 by scientist and entrepreneur Anthony Fletcher, Urban Legend uses a custom designed and patented air frying technology to reduce sugar, fat and calories by 30-75 […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
North Coast Seafoods Extends Kelp Partnership Through 2026
North Coast Seafoods has renewed its food supplier partnership with Boston Public Schools for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, focusing on their locally-sourced Maine Kelp products. Following a successful pilot program, the renewal of the Maine Kelp Program through 2026 deepens the school district’s commitment to providing thousands of students in kindergarten through 12th grade […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
Platinum Equity and Butterfly Acquire Rise Baking Co.
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Rise Baking Co. has been acquired by global investment firms Platinum Equity and Butterfly. Founded in 2013, Rise Baking Co. is a provider of cookies, pies, cakes, icings, muffins and crispy bars in North America to retail bakeries, foodservice operators and distributors. Rise will continue to operate under its current management team, led by CEO Brian […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Survey: Self-Checkout Presents Opportunities For Fresh Produce Sales
As self-checkout continues to shape the retail landscape, a recent consumer survey conducted by Fusion, a business-to-business marketing agency for fresh food, reveals insights into the behavior and preferences of today’s shoppers. With more than three-quarters of surveyed consumers regularly using self-checkout and 90 percent expressing satisfaction with the experience, the findings point to successes, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Sustainability News
Niman Ranch Names 2024 Sustainable Farm Of The Year
Niman Ranch has recognized the Hundling family of Breda, Iowa, as the 2024 Sustainable Farm of the Year. This accolade honors the Hundlings for their land stewardship and ongoing commitment to the principles of regenerative agriculture. For Brice and Melanie Hundling, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. Their multi-species, biodiverse farm is a model of sustainable […]
Posted inInternational Foods, National
PepsiCo To Acquire Siete Foods For $1.2B
PepsiCo Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Garza Food Ventures, d.b.a. Siete Foods, for $1.2 billion. PepsiCo said the acquisition of the Mexican-American brand will complement its portfolio while growing its better-for-you food offerings. Founded in 2014, Siete produces authentic heritage-inspired tortillas, salsas, seasonings, sauces, cookies and snacks. Siete’s products can be […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast
Giant Eagle Invests $25M To Lower Prices On Produce Items
Giant Eagle is implementing a 20 percent average price reduction on more than 200 produce items across its Giant Eagle and Market District locations, offering customers an estimated $25 million in annual savings. The New Low Price initiative will include many of the most popular items in the produce department as Giant Eagle aims to […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, Association News, Northeast
Plant Based World Expo North America Holds Successful Fifth Event In NYC
Plant Based World Expo North America held its fifth event Sept. 24-25 at the Javits Center in New York City, presenting the future of the industry to retail and foodservice professionals. The event highlighted the innovation and longevity of the plant-based sector, setting the stage for what’s next in food and beverage for key stakeholders. […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Albertsons, Beverage News, West
Albertsons Cos. Introduces New Private Label Bee Lightly Wines
Albertsons Cos. has launched Bee Lightly, the newest addition to the company’s Own Brands wine portfolio, distinguished by its flat bottle design made from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate. This approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, highlighting its commitment to recycled solutions. The 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Aldi, Association News, National
Aldi President Rinaldo To Keynote PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show
Dave Rinaldo, president of Aldi, will deliver the keynote address at PLMA’s 2024 Private Label Trade Show. Rinaldo will speak during the breakfast Nov. 18 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, which is adjacent to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, site of the annual show organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). In […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, Private Label Brands
AWG’s Best Choice Expands Vitamin Portfolio
Best Choice, the private label brand of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), has expanded and refreshed its vitamin assortment to meet growing customer demand. “As a leading private brand, Best Choice is committed to staying on top of market trends with quality and value,” said Stacy Leeton, AWG category manager. “With the expanded […]
Posted inHarris Teeter, Deli News, Private Label Brands, Southeast
Harris Teeter Introduces HT Traders Ready Made Meals
Harris Teeter has introduced its new HT Traders Ready Made Meals line of entrees and sides. Available at all stores in the fresh foods section, the variety of different dishes can be heated at home in a microwave or oven. “Our customers lead busy lives, and we at Harris Teeter understand the importance of convenience […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
NFRA Announces 2024 Golden Penguin Award Winners
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association has shared the winners of its 2024 Golden Penguin Awards, recognizing marketing and merchandising in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Entries are judged by a panel of marketing professionals who look for creativity, clarity and effectiveness when supporting the promotional months. Winning entries and campaigns feature measurable […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Prairie Farms Recognized Among ‘Best Of The Best’ In Dairy Contest
Prairie Farms won multiple honors at the World Dairy Expo Dairy Product Contest, which unveiled the 2024 award winners on Sept. 5. Prairie Farms Dairy and its family of companies won 65 awards in 37 of the contest’s 93 classes. The company received more awards than any other participant, making it the reigning contest champion. […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Crystal Valley Foods Celebrates 30th Anniversary In Produce Industry
Crystal Valley Foods is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of service to the produce industry. Since its inception in 1994, Crystal Valley Foods provides premium-quality fruits and vegetables to customers across North America. Established in Miami, Florida, Crystal Valley Foods has grown into a recognized specialty supplier, serving retail, foodservice and wholesale markets. […]
Posted inBakery News, Feature, National
St Pierre ‘Putting The Consumer First,’ Continuing To Educate
Sarah Boddy, managing director for St Pierre at Grupo Bimbo, recently spoke to the The Griffin Report about the company’s journey and how it is helping retailers navigate inflation and other industry challenges. “When we launched into the U.S. market…nobody knew what brioche was,” Boddy said. “We had a big job in educating the customers […]