With three openings in the Southeast last week, The Kroger Co. has reached the 2,000 mark in terms of fuel centers. The total comprises 1,275 supermarket fuel centers and 725 convenience stores with fuel. The new fuel centers opened in Abingdon, Va., Decatur, Ga., and Louisville, Ky. Kroger has rewarded customers with savings on fuel […]
Category: National
Posted in, National
SFA Adds Retailer Network Committee Members
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has elected four members to its Retailer Network Committee for a two-year term. “The committee’s mission is to build a community of specialty food merchants that facilitates communications and relationships among all constituents in our industry and helps all segments to grow and succeed,” according to Ron Tanner, VP of […]
Posted in, Center Store, Industry News, National, New Products
RAP Protein Gummies A Lighter, Sweeter Alternative To Bars
RAP Protein Gummies, the first protein gummy snack to hit the market, launched nationwide on Sept. 10. RAP Protein Gummies are a convenient alternative to protein bars and shakes, which are often heavy in fat, available in a limited flavor profile and can be time consuming to make at home. The new gummies are fat […]
Posted in, National, Perishables, Suppliers
New Research From IDDBA Studies Evolving Shopper
The International Dairy∙Deli∙Bakery Association (IDDBA) has released a new original research study entitled Engaging the Evolving Shopper: Serving the New American Appetite. The study, compiled by The Hartman Group, showcases the evolving U.S. shopper of fresh perimeter categories—dairy, deli, bakery, prepared foods, specialty cheese and specialty meats—through the lens of Millennials, modern eating, health & […]
Posted in, Center Store, National
Report: Latinos A Bright Spot For Nutritional Supplements Market
Hispanics have taken to using supplements in greater numbers over the last five years, and comprise the fastest growing ethnic population for vitamin and mineral use, according to Nutritional Supplements in the U.S., 6th Edition, a recent report by market research publisher Packaged Facts. The market growth in this segment is particularly noticeable when compared […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Council On Aging Supports Increased SNAP Enrollment For Seniors
Nearly 5 million—or close to one out of every 12—seniors will experience hunger this year, with even more at risk. But there is assistance available. Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help food insecure seniors over age 60 pay for nutritious food. That’s why during Hunger Action Month in September, the National […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural, Suppliers
Crider Selected For First-Ever OTA Member Of The Year Award
Steve Crider doesn’t see a problem with being outspoken and tenacious, especially when it comes to getting things done in Washington, D.C., to support the organic food and agriculture movement and to act as advocate and champion for the organic industry. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is honoring Crider for his strong and consistent voice […]
Posted in, Center Store, National
Nielsen’s Hale Delivers ‘State Of’ Report At GMDC Conference
At the Global Market Development Center’s (GMDC) 2014 General Merchandise (GM) Marketing Conference, Todd Hale, a retail insights thought leader, presented on behalf of Nielsen the “GM State of the Industry 2014,” a business session that provided more than 400 attendees with an exclusive look into the retail landscape and its performance in GM categories. This […]
Posted in, Industry News, Marketing News, National
Pink Ribbon Produce Is Back For Ninth Year To Help Fight Breast Cancer
This October, Pink Ribbon Produce will continue its partnership with big names in the grocery industry to support the fight against breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Harris Teeter, Meijer and Price Chopper have once again joined together to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) by welcoming customers to take the Fresh Plate […]
Posted in, Industry News, National, Perishables
Lempert: Americans Throw Half Of Their Food Away Annually
According to a report by the National Resources Defense Council, Americans throw away nearly half of their food every year. The report also states that a 15 percent reduction in losses in the U.S. food supply could feed 25 million Americans annually. This week’s segment of The Lempert Report Innovation Series, a weekly video series […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
United Fresh Honors Paramount Citrus As Industry Advocate Of Year
The United Fresh Produce Association honored Paramount Citrus as the Produce Industry Advocate of the Year earlier this week at The Washington Conference. Paramount Citrus has been a longtime leader in the public policy arena, serving on several of United’s boards and councils, including United’s board of directors. Additionally, Paramount Citrus executives have been major […]
Posted in, Executive News, National, Perishables
Refrigerated Foods Association Appoints New Executive Director
Megan Levin has been appointed as the Refrigerated Foods Association’s (RFA) new executive director. Levin has worked for the RFA in various positions since 1992, including communications director, membership coordinator and associate executive director. She received the President’s Pin in 1997, a testament to her value with RFA. As the new executive director, Levin is responsible […]
Posted in, National, West
L.A. Mayor Seeks Hourly Minimum Wage Increase
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said this week that he would be pushing a major proposal for a citywide increase in the hourly minimum wage, according to the California Grocers Association (CGA). For the past few weeks his office has been in contact with Los Angles area business groups to circulate his plan. The proposal […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Mars Says New LED-Lit Racks Can Boost Front End Confectionery Sales
Mars Chocolate North America and Wrigley are introducing racks illuminated with LED lights that the companies say can lift front end grocery sales by 10 to 12 percent. These innovative LED-lit racks—combined with the ideal assortment and shelf pitch—create a brighter environment and make it more appealing for shoppers to browse while waiting to check […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Fleet Advantage Promotes Holland To President
Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing and life cycle management, has promoted SVP and CFO Brian Holland to president. Holland, who joined Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Fleet Advantage in 2011, will continue in his role as CFO. In his new role as president, Holland will be responsible for establishing and […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
New Online Marketplace Launched To Advance Retail Industry Innovation
The Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) today unveiled a new online platform for the supermarket industry. The CART marketplace at advancingretail.org is designed to help the supermarket sector keep pace with technology innovation that is rapidly transforming the way people shop. “Retailers and brand manufacturers are experiencing […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Traina Foods Debuts Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup
Traina Foods, a leading seller of premium sun dried fruits, is rolling out new Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup, an addition to the award-winning Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup that debuted in 2012. “Our California Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup truly celebrates the tomato,” said Willie Traina, CEO of Patterson, Calif.-based Traina Foods. “And now we are […]
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, National, Whole Foods
Kroger’s 2Q ID Sales Up 4.8 Percent
The Kroger Co. on Thursday reported net earnings of $347 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, and identical supermarket sales growth, without fuel, of 4.8 percent in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014. Net earnings in the same period last year were $317 million, or $0.60 per diluted share. It marks the Cincinnati-based grocer’s 43rd […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, National
Independent Grocers Hold Ground In Tough Fiscal Year 2013
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMS Solutions have released the results of their joint 2014 Independent Grocers Financial Survey, covering fiscal year 2013. Independents’ financial performance much mirrored the nation’s economy, which showed modest growth and both ups and downs in consumer, financial and market performance indicators. Some retailers managed to grow sales, margins […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
U.S. Surpasses France As Largest Wine Market
The U.S. topped France as the world’s largest wine market last year as Americans continue to develop a greater appreciation for the libation. According to the Beverage Information and Insights Group’s 2014 Wine Handbook, the wine category increased 1.9 percent to 325.4 million 9-liter cases last year. Production and consumption levels also are at an […]