Engagement Labs, a data and technology solutions provider, has released its TotalSocial rankings of the top-performing non-alcoholic beverage brands in the U.S. with respect to consumer conversations. The report is intended to “help brand marketers better understand the consumer conversations taking place about today’s top beverage brands both online and offline,” the company says. It […]
Category: National
Will Someone Win The Price Vs. Service Battle, Or Is There Room For Both?
by Art Patch/a retired retail executive & regular columnist for The Shelby Report For years, the successful retail business model featured a strong commitment to customer service. Customer service does cover a broad area but was often listed in surveys as the primary reason a customer chose a store. It was not uncommon for employees […]
Wakefern, AWG Named Among Top-Earning Cooperatives
National Cooperative Bank, which provides banking solutions for cooperatives nationwide, this week released its annual NCB Co-op 100, listing the nation’s top 100 revenue-earning cooperative businesses. In 2016, these businesses posted revenue totaling approximately $208 billion. The report also highlights the ways co-ops commit to their members, sustainability, education, impact, kindness and their community. “The […]
Registrar Corp Urges Advance Compliance With New Labeling Rules
On Sept. 29, the FDA proposed an extension of the compliance dates for the final rules mandating changes to food, beverage and supplement labeling. The extension would provide large food businesses (defined for these rules as grossing ten million dollars or more in annual sales) until Jan. 1, 2020 to comply, while small businesses would […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Changes Are Coming To NEW As Technology, Financial Industries Approached
by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Southwest & Midwest Sarah Alter took over as president of the Network of Executive Women (NEW) on June 5. She may be new to the organization, but not to its ideals. She has had a penchant for helping women and diverse leaders advance throughout her career, which fits perfectly with NEW’s vision to […]
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 […]
Food Industry Associations Praise Tax Reform Proposal
The National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) have high praise for the proposed tax reform framework published by the group known as the “Big Six.” The group is made up of Republican congressional leaders and administration officials, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Treasury […]
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 […]
More Millennials Search In-Store For Deals Than Baby Boomers
Seventy-one percent of Millennials are visiting multiple stores to find the best deals, compared to 57 percent of Baby Boomers, according to the second in a series of reports by First Insight, a technology company focused on product investment and pricing decisions. While Millennials are still going online to search for deals (82 percent), the […]
Study Finds Reviews Are Key For Online And In-Store Grocery Shoppers
PowerReviews, a consumer feedback technology company serving more than 1,000 global brands and retailers, has released a new research paper exploring the results of a survey on American consumers’ grocery shopping habits. “Beyond the Supermarket Shelves: How consumers are navigating the grocery shopping experience online and in-store” examines the changing landscape for grocery retailers and provides […]
GMDC Names HBW17 Product Showcase Winners
Global Market Development Center (GMDC) has revealed the top 10 products and merchandising displays showcased at its 2017 Health Beauty Wellness Marketing Conference (HBW17). The event, which brought more than 200 retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and service companies together, includes an annual showcase that lets participants select the brands they believe are the most innovative and will spark the […]
