The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has appointed Natalie Markle to the newly created position of member communications coordinator. Markle is responsible for marketing member resources and events, developing and maintaining an online and social media presence for members and engaging members in NFRA’s PR and promotion efforts. In 2013, NFRA partnered with […]
Category: National
Posted in, National
Tyson Wants Hillshire, Deal Contingent Upon Termination Of Pinnacle Merger
Just more than two weeks after Hillshire Brands announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Pinnacle Foods Inc. in a $6.6 billion deal, Tyson Foods said Thursday that it hopes to buy Hillshire in a $50-per-share cash transaction valued at $6.8 billion. Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson says its proposal represents a “superior […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Survey: Majority Of Consumers Believe Total Data Privacy No Longer Exists
The vast majority (80 percent) of consumers age 20-40 in the U.S. and the U.K. believe total privacy in the digital world is a thing of the past, and nearly half (49 percent) said they would not object to having their buying behavior tracked if it would result in relevant offers from brands and suppliers, […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Former Winn-Dixie CEO Peter Lynch Joins RPAI’s Board Of Directors
Peter L. Lynch, former chairman, president and CEO of Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., has been elected to Retail Properties of America Inc.’s board of directors. Lynch was CEO of Winn-Dixie from 2004-2006 and chairman of the board of directors, president and CEO from 2006-March 2012. Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., now owned by Bi-Lo Holdings, is a NASDAQ-listed […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
PMA Launches Redesigned Website
In response to member feedback and as part of its new strategic plan implementation, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) unveiled its redesigned website at pma.com today. With a fresh new design, new structure, a fully functioning search feature and mobile-ready access, the website is part of the association’s ongoing efforts to bring a complete portfolio of […]
Posted in, National, West
Memorial Service For Jax’s Bill MacAloney To Be Held Sunday
A memorial service for Mr. Bill MacAloney, who died May 21 following a battle with cancer, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary’s Historic Mausoleum/Rose Window Chapel in Santa Ana. He will be cremated. Mr. MacAloney was the president and CEO of California’s Jax Markets. “…Bill was […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
Hershey Brings Back Full-Size Krackel Bar
Krackel Milk Chocolate with Crisped Rice Bar is no longer just a miniature candy treat. For the first time in nearly 20 years, The Hershey Co.’s Krackel Milk Chocolate with Crisped Rice Bar is back as a full-size offering. The candy bar, which has only been available in Hershey’s Miniatures Assortment bags, is now available […]
Posted in, National, West
Unified Grocers Hosting Annual Expo In Long Beach Next Month
Unified Grocers is hosting its largest-ever annual expo for the company’s members, customers and vendor community at the Long Beach Convention Center on June 18–19. Unified President and CEO Bob Ling recently celebrated his first anniversary leading the company. He and other members of the wholesaler’s senior team will be on hand. Unified says this […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Three Rules For Auditing Your Store Cash Offices
Retailers have many systems in place to track, study and audit nearly everything about a store, including inventory, sales and marketing efforts. But the cash office and front end are often an afterthought, tacked on to audits of other parts of the store. Audits of the cash office and the front end, including surveys of […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Trader Joe’s Is Consumers’ Favorite Grocer, Publix And Aldi Also Top Rankings
Trader Joe’s continues to deliver a grocery experience that leaves shoppers wanting more, according to a study by Market Force Information of more than 6,200 consumers. The study found that Trader Joe’s is North America’s favorite grocery retailer based on satisfaction. Publix and Aldi were ranked second and third. All three were lauded for their […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Michigan Grocers Association Endorses Incumbent For Governor
The Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) has endorsed Gov. Rick Snyder in his 2014 re-election bid, marking only the second time MGA has endorsed a gubernatorial candidate. “Rick Snyder ran for governor four years ago with an ambitious plan to reinvent Michigan’s economy,” says MGA President and CEO Linda M. Gobler. “We began to see positive […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
Sofi Finalists For Best New Product 2014 Revealed
Crunchy capers from Sicily, lentil rice crispbread from East Hampton, N.Y., and grapefruit lilac water from Westfield, Mass., have made the finalists list for the Specialty Food Association’s sofi Award for Outstanding New Product of 2014. In all, there were 459 entries for the New Product Award. A national panel of specialty food professionals tasted […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Wonka Confectionary Brand Introduces Peel-A-Pop Frozen Treats
Wonka is rolling out its latest innovation: Wonka Peel-a-Pop frozen treats. The dessert pops look like and peel like bananas but, in true Wonka form, the peels are edible, according to the brand. Now available in freezer aisles nationwide, the dessert pops are available in two flavors, Vanilla Banana and Vanilla Grape. “At Wonka, making […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Spangler Candy Promotes Bill Martin To President
Spangler Candy Co. has promoted Bill Martin to president. He is the first person outside the Spangler family to serve in the role. The Ohio-based company made the announcement on its Facebook page earlier this week. Martin, who was appointed EVP and CFO of the company in 2008, “has performed increasingly important responsibilities,” the post […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
Survey: American Appetite For Organic Breaks Through $35B Mark
American consumers have not had their fill of organic products yet. In fact, sales of organic products in the U.S. jumped to $35.1 billion in 2013, up 11.5 percent from the previous year’s $31.5 billion and the fastest growth rate in five years, according to the latest survey on the organic industry from the Organic […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Taps Trader Joe’s VP As Its New CFO
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the oldest and largest privately-held specialty premium coffee and tea retailer in the U.S., has appointed Trader Joe’s executive Karen Cate as its CFO. She is responsible for all accounting, finance, treasury and IT functions at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Her teams are focused on delivering value-added business […]
Posted in, National
Shelby’s Stephanie Reid To Moderate Upcoming WGA Webinar
Stephanie Reid, EVP of Shelby Publishing Co., will moderate a webinar May 28 about mentoring the next generation of leaders. The webinar, hosted by the Women Grocers of America (WGA), is being presented by Lisa Walsh, VP of PepsiCo Sales, and Barbara Thomas, director of training at K-VA-T Food Stores. These industry veterans will talk […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Norseland Inc. Appoints Carter Califri GM Of Sales And Marketing
Norseland Inc. of Darien, Conn., has appointed Carter Califri as GM of sales and marketing. “With 20 years experience in sales and trade marketing, Carter’s breadth of knowledge in consumer goods, focused management style, keen customer insight and close associations in the retail field are vital assets that will lead our team in building stronger […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Initiative Urges Consumers To Take Fresh Look At Frozen Foods
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has launched a national effort to encourage consumers to take a fresh look at frozen foods through the “Frozen. How Fresh Stays Fresh.“ category education and promotion initiative. Leading American frozen food makers have come together to launch this first-of-a kind national dialogue to inform and remind consumers that […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Almond Dream Now Available In 24-oz. Tubs
Almond Dream non-dairy yogurt is now available in a 24-oz. tub, ideal for multi-serve occasions. Made from real almonds, and no genetically engineered ingredients, it is high in calcium, contains live and active cultures and is gluten, lactose and soy free. “Our Almond Dream non-dairy yogurt single-serve container has been very well-received by customers. The […]