Tyson has added a new level to its Chairman’s Reserve line with “Prime” high-quality pork. The distinction is more familiar on the beef side of the business, but the hope is that consumers looking for top-of-the-line products will respond to Chairman’s Reserve Prime Pork in the same way. The brand was introduced with a tasting […]
Category: National
AWG Reports Record Net Sales For 2016
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, held its annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday, March 22, at the Overland Park Convention Center. The meeting was the 90th for the wholesaler, which reported record consolidated net sales of $9.18 billion, an increase of 2.7 percent, for 2016. Year-end patronage distribution was more than $201.7 million, […]
Kroger Names New Presidents For Fred Meyer Stores, Columbus Division
The Kroger Co. has named Joe Grieshaber president of Fred Meyer Stores, replacing Jeff Burt, who resigned Monday to accept the position of SVP of grocery, fresh food and beverage at Target Corp. Grieshaber has been serving as president of Kroger’s Columbus division. Succeeding Grieshaber will be Dan De La Rosa, who has been promoted […]
Albertsons, Sprouts Reportedly In Merger Talks
According to a Bloomberg report Sunday, Albertsons Cos. is in preliminary discussions to merge with organic grocer Sprouts Farmers Market. The report cites “people with knowledge of the matter.” Representatives of the companies have not commented. A deal would take Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts private. Albertsons, backed by Cerberus Capital Management, is among the largest grocery […]
Dollar General’s Chief Merchandising Officer Retiring
Dollar General’s James “Jim” W. Thorpe, EVP and chief merchandising officer, will retire on April 15. “Jim’s strong understanding of our core customer and passion for our business have been instrumental in driving innovation in our merchandising initiatives,” said Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos. “When Jim rejoined the company in 2015, we agreed upon a […]
Trade Show Planning For Your Store Success
by Michael Isenberg/COO, Chex Finer Foods Special to The Shelby Report The spring trade show season goes into full gear at the end of each February. Trade shows are important opportunities to see new products, renew old friendships, learn about industry trends and enhance your professional relationships. To assist you with maximizing your trade show opportunities, […]
Consumer Wellness Concerns Continue To Impact Animal Protein Industries
by Alissa Marchat/staff writer Departments in the store that sell meat, particularly the deli, meat and seafood departments, can be tricky spaces for shoppers to navigate. Even as consumers become more educated about the foods they eat and the industries that are producing them, they also are increasingly confused about the wellness and sustainability attributes […]
St. Patrick’s Day Spending Forecasted To Reach Record $5.3B
Americans will spend more than ever as they put on their favorite green outfits to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. Spending for the holiday is expected to reach $5.3 billion, an all-time high in the survey’s 13-year history. More than […]
The Omnishopper Can Be A Challenge For Retailers
It’s been a long time since the general store was the go-to place for consumers to pick up everything they needed from week to week. But variety hasn’t just increased over the years, it’s diversified and, as a result, today’s consumers aren’t just shopping a single channel—they blend channels and shop fluidly according to their […]
GMA Praises Gottlieb As Pick To Lead FDA
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is commending President Trump’s intended nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Gottlieb was FDA’s deputy commissioner for medical and scientific affairs from 2005-07. In a statement, GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey said, “Scott Gottlieb is an excellent choice to […]
Talking Rain CEO Abruptly Departs
Kevin Klock, president and CEO of Talking Rain Beverage Co., the maker of Sparkling Ice, has left the company. A reason was not given in press release issued Friday by the company, though Klock was in New York City conducting media interviews as recently as late February with new chief marketing officer Brian Kuz, according […]
Trends In Supermarket Advertising And Promotions
Aptaris and dunnhumby have released the second annual study, “Advertising and Promotional Practices Among U.S. Supermarket Retailers,” providing an in-depth review of grocery industry best practices with a look at expected changes in the coming years. With responses from nearly 70 food retailers representing more than 4,600 stores across 34 states, the study details growing investments in […]
S.O.S Soap Pads Marking 100th Anniversary
S.O.S Soap Pads are celebrating a century of cleaning as 2017 marks the brand’s 100th anniversary. Developed in 1917 by a cooking utensil salesman named Irwin Cox, the scrubbers were designed to help his customers keep their new pans shiny. Cox’s wife called the pads S.O.S, which stood for “Save Our Saucepans.” When S.O.S pads […]
United Fresh Reveals 25 Retail Produce Manager Award Honorees
Marking its 13th year of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, the United Fresh Produce Association has revealed the winners of its 2017 Retail Produce Manager Awards. The group of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 14 different states and two Canadian provinces. The winners will be the honored guests at the United […]
Product Revamps, Marketing Efforts Help Frozen Food Manufacturers Compete With Growing Fresh Segment
The frozen food market has proven to be largely resilient in the face of both fresh food and meal kit trends. Sales have been steady, if unspectacular, since 2012, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in a new report, “Frozen Foods in the U.S.: Hot Meals, Sides, and Snacks, 6th Edition.” Packaged Facts estimates […]
Being In The Running: Driving Deli Image And Reputation
by Anne-Marie Roerink/Principal, 210 Analytics; and Rick Stein/VP of fresh food, FMI Opportunities for deli growth are bright. These departments allow shoppers to have a hand in preparing tonight’s dinner—or not. The deli can offer a complete meal solution as an alternative to cooking, or a ready-to-eat (side) dish in combination with items cooked from scratch. […]
‘Father Of Stevia’ Dies At 80
The man known as the “Father of Stevia,” Mr. James A. May Sr., has died. He was 80 years old. Mr. May was the founder and CEO of Wisdom Natural Brands, makers of SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener, and is widely recognized for his contributions to the natural and organic sweetener industry, including being the first to […]
One In Three Shoppers Forecasted To Order Groceries Online This Year
“E-grocery” is growing fast and is here to stay, as 31 percent of U.S. shoppers are expected to order groceries online in 2017, up from 19 percent in 2016. That’s according to Unata’s 2017 Grocery eCommerce Forecast. The report from Unata, which provides digital solutions for grocers, was completed in partnership with Brick Meets Click. It surveyed more […]
FDA Revamps Nutrition Facts Label For Packaged Foods
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently finalized a new Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and beverages to better help consumers make informed food choices that support a healthy diet. Manufacturers will need to use the new label by July 26, 2018, and small businesses will have an additional year to comply. During […]
Study: Demand For Pouches Used In Meat Packaging To Grow 5.3 Percent Annually
Demand for pouches used in meat packaging is forecasted to climb 5.3 percent per year to $220 million in 2021, with unit gains expected to advance 3 percent per year to 1.6 billion units. Above average gains will be driven by the growing preference for products that make meal preparation more convenient. These and other trends are […]
