Reader’s Digest has released the results of its third annual Trusted Brand Survey, published in the June issue that is available now. More than 5,500 Americans across the country participated in the online survey, which awards the “Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand” title to winners in 40 product categories, including travel, food and beverage, automotive, beauty and […]
Category: National
Grocery Biz ‘Not For The Faint Of Heart’: Independent Sales Down From Prior Year
FMS Solutions and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have released their annual “Independent Grocers Financial Survey,” the latest edition covering fiscal year 2016. The study, now in its 12th year, found independent grocers reported that their sales were down 1.62 percent in 2016 compared to 2015. Food-at-home deflation across all categories, especially in meat and […]
USDA Reorganized To Elevate Rural Development As Priority
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Thursday announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a recognition of the ever-increasing importance of international trade to American agriculture, the department says. Perdue made the announcement standing by barges filled with agricultural products along the banks […]
Supermarkets Shifting From Traditional To Digital Circulars
Consumers historically have turned to print circulars for grocery shopping decisions. They make shopping lists and plan trips based on the weekly sales and special offers. Today, shoppers are becoming more comfortable with personalized digital communications and coupons delivered to their mobile devices from their neighborhood supermarkets. To attract younger customers, grocers are increasingly investing […]
Sprouts Marks 40th Consecutive Quarter Of Positive Same-Store Sales
Sprouts Farmers Market has reported results for the 13-week first quarter ended April 2, marking its 40th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales. The company also said its new stores are performing well. The Phoenix, Arizona-based supermarket chain’s net sales for the quarter was $1.1 billion, a 14 percent increase from the same period in […]
Supervalu Reveals ‘Beef Stampede’ Winners, Karns Quality Foods Takes Grand Prize
Karns Quality Foods in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, took top honors in Supervalu’s 2016 national “Beef Stampede” contest. The annual merchandising contest is a month-long program held each fall to showcase beef as a dinner plate staple. More than 120 grocery retailers nationwide served by Supervalu’s independent wholesale distribution business participated in the contest. “Supervalu applauds all of […]
These Are The Eight Standout Grocery Stores When It Comes To Price
A new Consumer Reports survey reveals eight grocery stores where consumers will find the lowest prices. The survey looked at 62 national and regional chains. According to the report, these retailers—ranging from vast warehouse clubs to an upstart from Europe—all had the most competitive prices, based on a survey of more than 50,000 Consumer Reports subscribers […]
Alabama Grocers Association President Honored With FMI Public Affairs Award
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) on Wednesday recognized Ellie Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association, with the 2017 Donald H. MacManus Award for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the grocery industry. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin presented Taylor with the award at FMI’s Day in Washington fly-in event on Capitol Hill. […]
NGA Honors Georgia’s Kuzava With Association Leadership Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) on Wednesday recognized Kathy Kuzava, president of the Georgia Food Industry Association (GFIA), with its Association Leadership Award for her dedication and contributions to the independent supermarket industry. “I am pleased to honor Kathy for her passionate leadership and dedication to her members and the independent supermarket industry as a […]
Oscar Mayer Brand Changes Its Hot Dogs
The Oscar Mayer brand has made what it calls “radical changes” to its full line of hot dogs, making it the first to market with no added nitrates or nitrites, no artificial preservatives in its meat and no by-products in every one of its hot dogs. The overhaul comes after more than a year of recipe testing and […]
FDA Delays Menu-Labeling Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 27 submitted an interim final rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that signals a delay in the agency’s final menu-labeling rule set to take effect on May 5. While the FDA announced the submission that has yet to be published, the final rule […]
Supervalu Reports Wholesale Gains, ID Store Sales Take Hit
Supervalu on Tuesday reported fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2017 results, achieving gains in its Wholesale segment but taking a hit on same-store sales in its Retail organization. “We finished fiscal 2017 with momentum in our Wholesale business and an improved balance sheet resulting from the sale of Save-A-Lot,” said President and CEO Mark […]
Perdue Confirmed As U.S. Secretary Of Agriculture
Former Georgia Gov. George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue has been confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. A number of trade groups, including the United Fresh Produce Association, are praising this week’s appointment, which was approved by an 87-11 vote. Robert Guenther, SVP for public policy at United Fresh, said, “United Fresh congratulates Secretary Perdue […]
Albertsons Cos. Appoints New Leaders For Retail Operations And Own Brands
Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers has been promoted to EVP of retail operations for Albertsons Cos. and Geoff White has been appointed to the new position of president of Albertsons Cos. Own Brands organization. Withers will lead the company’s East Region operations, while current EVP of Retail Operations Susan Morris will lead the West Region. Jim Perkins, […]
Reports: Albertsons Considering Whole Foods Market Buy
Albertsons Cos. is reportedly exploring buying Whole Foods Market, according to a report from the Financial Times. Citing the Financial Times and its sources, Business Insider reports that the private equity funds that own Albertsons, including Cerberus Capital Management, “have held talks with bankers regarding a takeover of Whole Foods.” Earlier this month, it was announced […]
Target Thinks Outside The Box With New Sustainable Packaging Goals
Target says that, as part of its sustainability commitment, it not only reviews the products it sells but the packaging they come in. “We know our guests pay attention to packaging and its impact on the environment,” said Jennifer Silberman, Target’s chief sustainability officer. “When we provide them with thoughtfully designed, environmentally friendly packaging, we’re […]
IRS Launches New Tools To Identify ACA Noncompliance
by Chris Cooley/MyHRConcierge Special to The Shelby Report How can the IRS determine if I complied with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? That is one of the most common questions that I hear regarding ACA. Many have stated they have not heard of penalties being handed out to employers and doubt there will be enforcement of […]
M&A Advisor Expects More Deals In Latino Grocer Circles
by Lorrie Griffith/editor-in-chief Scott Moses sees a parallel between natural grocers and Latino-focused grocers, anticipating that some of the same growth that has occurred for natural grocers in recent years will increasingly take place for Latino grocers in coming months and years. Moses, who is a managing director and the head of food retail and […]
CVS Pharmacy’s New Store Design To Include Expanded ‘Better-For-You’ Food Offerings
CVS Pharmacy has unveiled a new store design that the company says will enhance the retail customer experience. The design focuses on a new assortment of healthier food, health-focused products and expanded beauty selections paired with informational signage throughout the store to help customers discover new offerings. Together with its innovative digital programs, these changes […]
Kroger Promotes Colón To Senior Director Of Diversity
The Kroger Co.’s Angel Colón has been promoted to senior director of diversity. He has been serving as the company’s director of multicultural development for merchandising since 2008. Colon succeeds Rueben Shaffer, who retired at the end of March, as Kroger’s head of diversity and also assumes the responsibilities for the company’s strong supplier diversity […]
