On July 20, Walmart identified the “high priority” chemicals it has been asking suppliers to eliminate over the past three years. Those ingredients include triclosan, formaldehyde and butylparaben, among others. Products containing these ingredients include household cleaners, personal care, baby products, and beauty items. In a statement released July 20, Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart said the chemicals that […]
Category: Industry News
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, National, Sustainability News
MillerCoors Releases Its 2016 Sustainability Report
MillerCoors has released its 2016 Sustainability Report, which provides a comprehensive review of the company’s 2015 efforts in the areas of alcohol responsibility, environmental stewardship and community investment. The brewer continues to take steps to prevent drunk driving and underage consumption, reduce water use and brewery waste, and create equal opportunities for women in beer. “At […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, Industry News, Northeast
Weis, Big Y, Tops, Saubel’s Market All Involved In Ahold-Delhaize Divestiture Plans
Several Northeast retailers are set to gain stores as a result of the proposed divestiture between Ahold and the Delhaize Group. Last week, the two European-based super-retailers reached agreements with buyers to divest a total of 86 U.S. stores in areas where both companies operate stores. The deals are being made in connection with the […]
Posted in, Industry News, Northeast, Online Grocery Technology
NACS, Retail Firms Urge Debit Reform Bill Retainment
In a letter to House Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) expressed grave concerns with proposed legislation to repeal debit swipe fee reform. Last month, Hensarling included a provision to repeal the Durbin Amendment in his discussion of the Financial Choice Act. […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Perishables, Produce News, Suppliers
Apple Co-op Releases SweeTango Crop Projections
Members of the Next Big Thing Growers’ Cooperative released estimates for the 2016 crop of SweeTango, the sweet, tangy, crunchy apple that was developed by the University of Minnesota to feature the best characteristics of the Honeycrisp and Zestar apple varieties. The projected crop yield is 450,000 standard 40-lb. boxes, which is an 18 percent […]
Posted in, Dairy News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Southeast, Suppliers, Sustainability News
Publix Has Target Date For Cage-Free Egg Transition
Publix Super Markets has published a position statement on its website that says it will work toward a 100 percent cage-free egg supply by 2026. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sent out an email to media with a link to Publix’s statement. Even though Publix already offered seven varieties of cage-free eggs […]
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House Passes Biotech Labeling Act; President’s Desk Is Next Stop
The U.S. House has voted 306-117 in favor of final passage of S. 764, the Roberts-Stabenow Biotech Labeling Act. Industry groups are praising the House for passing the bill, which is now on the desk of President Obama. Media reports have indicated that the president is likely to sign the bill. If signed, the law […]
Posted in, Center Store, Home Page Latest News, Marketing News, National
Kashi Unveils Refreshed, ‘Cleaner’ Brand Identity
With the inspiration that “good clean food deserves good clean design,” Kashi is launching a new and refreshed brand identity that reflects its belief that food should not only taste good, but do good. Created in partnership with Jones Knowles Ritchie, the new look is a commitment to visually telling the brand story of bringing […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Perishables, West
Fresh Solutions Network Brings Farmers Table Brand To Organic Produce Summit
Fresh Solutions Network will be showcasing its Side Delights Farmers Table Organic Potatoes at the Organic Produce Summit trade show, today and tomorrow, July 14, in Monterey, California. The Organic Produce Summit is a celebration of organic, fresh produce growers, retailers and distributors, coming together to share information about the success of this rapid-growth, multi-billion-dollar food […]
Posted in, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Grocery News, Grocery Store Equipment, Grocery Store Layout, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Southwest
The United Family Ups Lubbock, Texas, Investment To $100 Million
Robert Taylor, president of The United Family, said July 12 that the company has increased its total investment in its home city of Lubbock, Texas, to $100 million. Projects include a distribution center expansion, remodels on seven of the nine stores in Lubbock and one new location in the city. United purchased the distribution center […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Southeast
Kroger’s New Atlanta Store Generates Buzz
If social media is any indication, the new Kroger at Glenwood Place in east Atlanta has been very well received. One of the biggest draws appears to be a wine and beer bar inside the store. Many are calling it the “KroBar,” and joking (at least partially) that people will gladly be grocery shopping in […]
Posted in, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Merchandising News, Midwest
Van Buskirk Leaving Supervalu July 16
Supervalu said in a July 11 U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that Mark L. Van Buskirk’s employment with the company will terminate effective July 16. Van Buskirk is EVP of merchandising, marketing, retail and pharmacy. Supervalu said it is evaluating succession plans for Van Buskirk’s roles and in the interim his functional areas […]
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Survey: Majority Willing To Pay More For More Humane Options
According to a national survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), most Americans don’t know the true meaning of food labels like “cage-free,” “free-range” or “grass fed” and believe that farm animals are protected by laws or independent oversight. The survey also showed that, despite their misconceptions, approximately […]
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Kroger Releases Sustainability Goals For 2020
The Kroger Co. has released new and expanded sustainability commitments to increase responsible sourcing and improve eco-stewardship by 2020. Kroger’s list of 2020 sustainability goals includes: Expanding its 100 percent sustainable seafood commitment; Achieving the EPA’s “zero waste” threshold of 90 percent in all facilities; Optimizing 100 percent of corporate brand packaging; and Transitioning toward […]
Posted in, C-Store News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
Report: How Lower Gas Prices Impact Spending
The JPMorgan Chase Institute has issued a new report that reveals consumers’ financial response to a year of lower gas prices. With U.S. gas prices down 25 percent year over year in 2015, middle income households spent $477 less at the pump. For every dollar saved from lower gas prices, households decreased their spending on […]
Posted in, Grocery Store Equipment, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Industry News, Midwest, Store News
Dick’s Fresh Market Celebrates New Store Opening In Menomonie, Wisconsin
by Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor Doug Rinehart, president and CEO of Dick’s Fresh Market, saw opportunity when the fourth generation of the family running a store on 9th Street in Menomonie, Wisconsin, decided to leave the grocery business. The store was founded 155 years ago, during the Civil War, and the same family had operated it […]
Posted in, C-Store News, Food Service News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
Convenience Store Sales Remain Strong For First Half Of 2016
Convenience store sales surged over the first half of the year as lower gas prices fueled more driving and Americans embraced the continued addition of fresh and healthy food options, according to a NACS survey. More than two in three convenience retailers (70 percent) say that in-store sales in the first half of 2016 were […]
Posted in, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Perishables, Suppliers
Meat/Poultry/Seafood Sourcing Event Coming This Fall To Florida
FirstSource Events’ MainCourse1on1 is coming up Nov. 2-3 at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine, Florida. Bill Doherty, director of MainCourse1on1, says the event targets high-volume retail and foodservice buyers and suppliers of all “main course proteins,” including meat, poultry and seafood. Referring to surveys of past participants in MainCourse1on1, Doherty said, […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Southwest
Fiesta Mart Acquiring All Minyard Food Stores
Houston-based Fiesta Mart said today that it is acquiring all nine of the remaining Minyard Food Stores and two Sun Fresh Markets affiliated with Minyard in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex from RLS Supermarkets. Fiesta is a specialty grocery retailer known for its international offerings that cater to the diverse communities served by their stores. With […]
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Senate To Hold Final Vote On Compromise GMO Labeling Bill
On July 6, the U.S. Senate voted 65-32 to end debate and have a final vote on bipartisan national legislation regarding the disclosure of genetically engineered ingredients in food products. The compromise bill, S. 764, was championed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). It includes reforms to […]