Mr. Timothy Wayne Warren, a produce industry veteran, died July 15 in Corona, Calif., due to heart complications. He was 55. A memorial service will be held this weekend. Mr. Warren was well known and respected within the produce community and was working in sales for Great West Produce Co. at the time of his […]
Category: National
Posted in, Beverage News, Industry News, National
Income Does Not Determine Shoppers’ Private-Label Preference
An ongoing shopper behavior study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research shows that, while income groups differ a bit on their perception about private label (highest-income shoppers are more skeptical about the quality of store brand products), their reported behaviors are very similar. Most shoppers across income groups say they regularly compare prices […]
Posted in, National, West
CGA Educational Foundation Receives Landmark Donation
The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation has received a record donation from the California Independent Grocers Association (CIGA) that will significantly expand the funding of college scholarships, tuition reimbursement and industry educational opportunities for independent grocer members of CGA and their dependents. The $403,000 gift was the result of the recent merger between CIGA and […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Campbell Plans Massive FY15 Product Launch To Hit $10B Sales Goal
Campbell will launch more than 200 new products in fiscal 2015 for consumers’ changing tastes, preferences and needs, President and CEO Denise Morrison told investors during a presentation earlier this week. The launches, designed to strengthen its core business as well as expand into faster-growing spaces, are part of Campbell’s goal to become a profitable […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, Southeast
Iconic Coca-Cola ‘Ghost Signs’ Come Back To Life
Not long after Coca-Cola was invented in 1886, the company hired sign painters to extol the virtues of the new beverage on the sides of buildings across the country. Thousands of iconic Coca-Cola wall murals became prominent features in cities and towns, particularly in the rural South. Thousands of these iconic advertisements remain today, but […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Company Debuts Index That Measures Consumer Intent To Purchase New CPGs
Instant.ly, an on-demand consumer insights platform, today debuted the Instant.ly Shelf Score, an index measuring consumer intent to purchase recently introduced consumer packaged goods (CPG) products. Instant.ly Shelf Score evaluates the newest CPG market offerings and ranks 10 of the most innovative from that group by overall consumer interest. Instant.ly is provided by uSamp, a […]
Posted in, National
Iconic Pop Music Group America Highlights 2015 NGA Show
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is bringing the hit-making music group America to its stage for the Chairman’s Gala at the 2015 NGA Show, which will be held Feb. 8-11 in Las Vegas. “America has entertained listeners since the 1970s with ballads, such as ‘A Horse With No Name’ that have never grown old for […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Zola Releases Coconut Water Lemonade
Zola Fruits of the World, maker of coconut waters and acaí juices in the U.S., has rolled out Coconut Water Lemonade, available nationwide. This new flavor innovation combines naturally hydrating coconut water with the refreshment of lemonade for a taste that is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, according to Zola, which also is […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Kettle Brand Introduces Non-GMO Popcorn
Kettle Brand, known for creating some of the most popular and original potato chip flavors with natural, non-GMO ingredients, is launching into another snack category this summer with the rollout of Kettle Brand Popcorn. In development for nearly a year, the line of five flavors includes: • Maple Bacon: Sweet maple with a deep smoky […]
Posted in, National
Grocery-Related Companies Hold Majority Of Top 10 ESOPs In U.S.
The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) compiles a list of the top 100 companies that are at least 50 percent owned by an ESOP or other qualified plan in which at least half of full-time employees may participate. The Employment Ownership 100 2014 list shows that six of the top 10 employee-owned companies in the […]
Posted in, National
NGA, Feeding America Laud Passage By House Of Food Donation Giving Incentives
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Feeding America both are commending the House of Representatives for passage of House Resolution 4719, the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act of 2014. The resolution includes legislation that would renew and expand tax incentives for donated food. “We applaud the House for passage of HR 4719,” said Greg Ferrara, VP […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Is Your Store The Best Restaurant In Town?
Fresh prepared foods (FPF) are a high-growth category for most grocery retailers as consumers seek more fresh, healthy foods in ready-to-eat formats. As retailers continue to invest in their fresh prepared foods programs, some of the recent innovations and learnings from fast-casual restaurants and international retailers could provide some insights and opportunities for food retailers […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
Lay’s ‘Do Us A Flavor’ Chip Finalists Unveiled
Lay’s potato chips, one of the marquee brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, has revealed the four finalist flavors in its Lay’s “Do Us A Flavor” contest. Lay’s Cappuccino, Lay’s Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese, Lay’s Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger and Lay’s Wavy Mango Salsa flavored potato chips were selected as finalists from the more than […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
G.H. Cretors Popped Corn Introduces Organics
G.H. Cretors—best known for its Chicago Mix, the combination of caramel corn and cheese corn in the same bag—is rolling out a new certified organic line of popcorn, which includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Simply Salted varieties. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) flavor is the first ever popcorn to be wet-popped in EVOO, […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
More Than 30 Brands Support Believe In Heroes Campaign
More than 30 national leading consumer brands and 100 grocery retail banners have pledged to support this generation of veterans by participating in the 2014 Wounded Warrior Project Believe in Heroes campaign. Believe in Heroes benefits Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Since its inception […]
Posted in, National, New Products
The Little Potato Co. Debuts New Packaging And Products
The Little Potato Co., the largest grower of creamer potatoes in North America, has launched smaller packaging with a 1.5-lb. gusset bag that is portable and easy to store for its red, yellow and blue creamer potatoes. Each variety is proprietary to the company and comes with a unique story, appearance, flavor and texture. The […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Hy-Vee’s Watson Appointed IGIA Chairman
Tom Watson, EVP and chief retail officer for Hy-Vee Inc., has been appointed as chairman of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) board of directors. He replaces Brian Burnam, owner of Keith’s Foods in Bloomfield, Iowa, who has served on the board for the past nine years. “I am proud to welcome such a prestigious […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, Southeast
Reynolds, Lorillard, Imperial Confirm Acquisition Talk
In response to U.K. disclosure obligations, today Imperial Tobacco PLC issued an announcement describing certain discussions among Imperial, Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and Lorillard Inc. Reynolds and Lorillard confirmed the talks. Reynolds American said it is in discussions regarding a possible acquisition of Lorillard. British American Tobacco (BAT), RAI’s largest shareholder, is participating in the […]
Posted in, Center Store, National
Insignia Capital Group Acquires Parent Company Of On The Border Brand
Insignia Capital Group has acquired Truco Enterprises from Arbor Investments and Truco’s co-founders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1991 by David Silver and Roy Truitt and based in Dallas, Texas, Truco is a leading developer and marketer of tortilla chips, salsa and queso under the On The Border brand. The company’s […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Midwest, National
Metro Detroit Youth Day Celebrates 32nd Anniversary July 9
One of the highlights of summer for more than 35,000 youngsters from the Metro Detroit area is the annual Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD). This year, the event for children will celebrate its 32nd anniversary on July 9 at Belle Isle Park from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. It is the largest youth event in Michigan, according […]