Sometimes, the simplest messages are the most powerful. When 2014 Mary Macey Scholarship recipient Kaeley Latow was asked what initially attracted her to the retail grocery industry, she responded, “I love food and I love working with people.” This time last year, the Women Grocers of America (WGA) awarded college scholarships to Latow and three […]
Category: National
Posted in, Grocery News, National, Store News
Report: Lower Gas Prices Mean More Spending At The Grocery Store
Acosta Sales & Marketing has released the 11th edition of “The Why? Behind the Buy” report, which analyzes how Americans grocery shop and what drives consumers’ purchase decisions. Acosta’s latest research outlines shifts in the consumer decision-making process to help CPG companies and retailers hone their sales and marketing strategies. “Grocery shopping has become a […]
Posted in, Executive News, National, Suppliers
Kellogg Co. Promotes Norman To President, North America
Kellogg Co. has made two leadership changes to, according to the company, help drive future growth in its North American business. Paul Norman has been named president of Kellogg North America, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO John Bryant. Craig Bahner will join Kellogg as president, U.S. Morning Foods, reporting to Norman. “The combination of […]
Posted in, Industry News, National, Store News
NGA, FMI Advocate For Legislation To Scale Back FDA’s Menu Labeling Rule
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI) offered their support to cosponsors of the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015, HR 2017, a bipartisan bill reintroduced into Congress on Tuesday with the goal of addressing what the groups say is the FDA’s misinterpretation of a chain restaurant menu labeling law that […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Equipment & Technology, National, Online Grocery Technology
Kroger Buys Certain Dunnhumby Assets To Create New ‘84.51°’ Business
DunnhumbyUSA joint venture partners dunnhumby Ltd. and The Kroger Co. today announced what they call a “new chapter in their successful alliance that will provide greater flexibility for both parties to use data to create substantial opportunities for innovation and growth.” Under the new arrangements dunnhumby Ltd. and Kroger will replace their existing exclusive joint […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, Store News, West
Hawaii Becomes First State To Pass Bill To Up Tobacco Purchase Age
On Friday, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to pass legislation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. The bill now goes to Gov. David Ige for his signature. Hawaii joins at least 64 cities and counties in seven states that have raised the tobacco age […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National, Perishables
Consumers Increasingly Turning To Fresh Items In C-Stores
More than one in three Americans (34 percent) say that they have purchased more snacks that are considered “healthy choices” over the past year, and they are increasingly turning to convenience stores for these healthy purchases, according to survey results released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). More than six in 10 […]
Posted in, National, Perishables, Southwest, Suppliers
Blue Bell To Begin Intensive Cleaning And Training, Vows ‘Fresh Start’ After Recall
Blue Bell Creameries says that, on Monday, it will embark on an intensive cleaning program while it simultaneously conducts a new training program for its employees at all four of its production facilities in Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas. The announcement follows the company’s recall of all of its products after reports of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Center Store, National
Budweiser Partners With National Park Foundation For Patriotic Packaging
This week, in celebration of Earth Week, Budweiser echoed its continued support and commitment to the environment through a partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks, for the Find Your Park movement. The multi-million-dollar partnership raises awareness about national parks and the centennial milestone of the National Park […]
Posted in, National, Produce News, West
Setton Farms Becomes Official Sponsor Of Upcoming Produce For Kids Campaign
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc.—the nation’s second largest pistachio processor and maker of Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites based in California’s Central Valley—is now the official sponsor of the upcoming Acme Markets and Produce for Kids campaign. The promotion will help raise funds for Philabundance, the largest hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley, […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, New Products
Hershey’s Caramels Making Debut In Stores
The Hershey Co. is rolling out new Hershey’s Caramels, a blend of Hershey’s chocolate with smooth, creamy caramel. Made with sea salt, molasses and fresh dairy butter, the caramel pieces are enrobed with milk or dark chocolate. Cocoa is added to the milk chocolate variety to provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National, Suppliers
New M&M’s, Pillsbury Products Take Top Spots In Latest Shelf Score Report
Instantly, the world’s largest audience and insights company, has released its latest Shelf Score report, a monthly top 10 list of the newest CPG products ranked by consumer purchase intent. Many of the March report’s top products feature spring flavors, such as M&M’s new Easter candy (76 percent purchase intent) and Pillsbury Funfetti Spring Cake Mix […]
Posted in, Executive News, National, Suppliers
GMA To Honor Three Industry Leaders With Hall Of Achievement Awards
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) will honor former ConAgra Foods CEO Gary Rodkin, former Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson and Flowers Foods’ Board Chairman George Deese with the GMA Hall of Achievement Award in August. The Hall of Achievement Award, GMA’s highest honor, recognizes the service and extraordinary contributions of distinguished food, beverage and […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, New Products
Mrs. Freshley’s Rolling Out Limited-Edition Items For Summer
Mrs. Freshley’s is introducing a couple of new items for the summer season. The brand’s Limited Edition Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are hitting shelves now. Featuring strawberry flavored cupcakes filled with creme, the product is available in 4-oz. single-serve 2-packs through Sept. 30. SRP ranges from $0.99-$1.39, and the product is packed in a 36-count case. […]
Posted in, Guest Contributors, Industry News, National, Shelby Signature Content
For A Healthy Return, Invest Executive Time In New Hires
If your company does not arrange for a member of senior management to spend time with new hires during basic training you are missing an opportunity. The opportunity to help newly hired employees get a clear understanding of your company’s brand character as well as the financial drivers that make a retail grocery business successful. […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
NACS: Consumer Optimism Strengthens As Gas Prices Remain Low
A majority of Americans say they are optimistic about the economy and low gas prices are driving the optimism. Overall, 52 percent of Americans are optimistic about the economy, an eight-point jump from March. Those most optimistic are younger consumers age 18-34 (58 percent) and those in the West (58 percent), according to survey results […]
Posted in, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Executive News, National
Albertsons Shakes Up Leadership Team
AB Acquisition LLC, parent company of Albertson’s LLC, New Albertson’s Inc. and Safeway Inc.—collectively Albertsons—says that Bob Miller, the company’s current executive chairman, will assume the additional role of CEO, effective immediately. Robert Edwards, who had been appointed CEO at the recent close of the acquisition of Safeway by AB Acquisition, will continue on with […]
Posted in, National, New Products, Perishables
Turkey Hill Dairy Launches All Natural Gelato
Turkey Hill Dairy has rolled out All Natural Gelato. Turkey Hill says it is the first major ice cream brand to release an all-natural gelato product line. “Our loyal fans are looking for great taste and simple ingredients,” said Turkey Hill President John Cox. “Given the success of Turkey Hill All Natural Ice Cream—and realizing […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, New Products
McCormick’s Spring Lineup Boasts 21 New Products
McCormick & Co. is introducing 21 new products inspired by the McCormick Flavor Forecast trend reports, which predict the future of flavor. Among the new product innovations are flavored sea salts, chili peppers and burger sauce mix-ins. “Our new products enable consumers to explore bold, more intense flavors at home that they may have seen […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National, Online Grocery Technology, The Independent Perspective
Technology Is Revolutionizing Shopping
The NGA Show concluded in February, but I still find myself thinking about how new technology innovations are changing the fundamental nature of grocery shopping. The impact of consumer-facing technology was a huge topic among show attendees. Several breakout sessions presented fascinating updates on the latest tech ideas that are driving rapid change throughout the […]