Safeway Inc. has been selected to receive the 2014 Military Officers Association of America’s (MOAA) Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals or organizations for their support of national defense and the uniformed service community. The company was recognized by MOAA for its “outstanding support as an employer of Guard and Reserve members and veterans.” “It […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
Walmart Rolling Out Wild Oats Organic Products
Walmart will carry Wild Oats organic food items. Originally introduced in 1987, Wild Oats says it will relaunch at Walmart starting this month with a new, more affordable price point on quality products covering a variety of categories—from salsa and pasta sauce to quinoa and chicken broth. Customers will save 25 percent or more when […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Mars Buying Chunk Of P&G’s Pet Food Business For $2.9B
Mars Inc. plans to buy the Iams, Eukanuba and Natura brands in major markets from The Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) for $2.9 billion in cash. This, Mars says, is a significant strategic move for Mars Petcare to complement its large and growing global Petcare business. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the […]
Posted in, National, West
CGAEF Honors Arceneaux, Amens
While it’s certainly an honor when one’s industry peers praise him or her, it’s perhaps an even greater honor when members of one’s own family speak of them in glowing terms. After all, they see them as they are—can’t hide one’s true self from family for very long. Family members of Mondelez International’s Kevin Arceneaux […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Halo Beverages Rolls Out BetterSweet Maple Water
Halo Beverages has launched BetterSweet Maple Water. Maple Water is the mineral-rich, subtly sweet water that feeds Maple trees; it contains more than 130 micro-nutrients and organic compounds that help Maple trees thrive all year long. This nutrient-rich water flows from the roots to the buds of maple trees during thaw-freeze cycles in early spring […]
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, National, Store News, Whole Foods
Walmart, Target, Publix Rank Among Most Valuable In 2014 Best Retail Brands Report
Walmart maintains its No. 1 spot on Interbrand’s 2014 Best Retail Brands list and, even with a 6 percent decline in brand value, it preserves an enormous margin over the next closest brand. Four brands increased their brand value by more than 25 percent this year: Macy’s, Whole Foods, Amazon and Cabela’s. The global Best […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Near East Brings Multigrain Chips To Deli Section
With a history of preparing and serving home-cooked, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like rice pilaf, couscous and other grain-based fare, the Near East brand now is bringing these flavors to a new snack: Near East Multigrain Chips. Made using a blend of ingredients like corn, couscous, quinoa and lentils, these chips are subtly seasoned and ideal for […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Traditional Baking Promotes Tuthill To Assistant GM
Traditional Baking Inc. has appointed David Tuthill to assistant GM. Traditional Baking is a contract bakery producing two million cookies daily at its 60,000-s.f. SQF-certified facility in Bloomington, Calif. It also operates a 100,000-s.f. facility of warehousing and distribution space in Redlands, Calif. Tuthill has worked for Traditional Baking for the past three years as […]
Posted in, National, West
Save Mart, Cargill Beef Support Homes For Our Troops
U.S. Marine Cpl. Joshua Hotaling, who suffered traumatic injuries in the line of duty, will receive a special gift that will allow him to enjoy better mobility and the ability to live more independently—keys to a new, specially adapted home. Hotaling, a mine sweeper, was working to clear a compound for his battalion during his […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Cheetos Flamin’ Hot, Doritos Dinamita Chile Limon Unite For Snack Combo
Cheetos and Doritos, two of the marquee brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, are introducing a bold snack mix that the brands say deliver a double-dose of crunch and spice. The snack mix combines Cheetos Flamin’ Hot cheese flavored snacks with Doritos Dinamita Chile Limon rolled tortilla snacks in a single bag. “The new Cheetos Flamin’ […]
Posted in, National
House Passes Bill To Raise ACA’s ‘Full-Time’ Definition
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Save American Workers Act by a bipartisan vote of 248 to 179 on Thursday. House Resolution 2575, introduced by Congressman Todd Young (R-Ind.) and also championed by Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), would change the new definition of a full-time employee under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) from 30 […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Consumers Find Value In Technology-Based And Traditional Marketing But Demand ‘Return Engagement’
A consumer panel discussion during the 2014 Inmar Forum, hosted by Winston-Salem, N.C.-based technology company Inmar, brought out commentary from the panelists confirming the increased use of technology to enhance the shopping experience as well as the desire among shoppers for more personal, relevant engagement from retailers (grocery stores, pharmacies and mass merchandisers) and brands […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
C.H. Robinson Recognized For Workplace Giving Campaign
Once again identified as a leader in the local community, C.H. Robinson received the Community Impact Award in the Workplace Giving Campaign category from Minnesota Business magazine. The honor recognizes a successful volunteer or employee-giving campaign benefiting any nonprofit or other worthy organization. This is the second year in a row that Minnesota Business has recognized C.H. […]
Posted in, National
Specialty Food Sales Break Records
Americans have a growing appetite for specialty food. U.S. sales of specialty food and beverages reached $88.3 billion in 2013, a record high for the fourth year in a row and a jump of 18.4 percent since 2011. Cheese dominates specialty food sales at retail, with $4 billion in sales in 2013, followed by the […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
Record In-Store Sales In 2013 For Convenience Stores
U.S. convenience stores reached record in-store sales in 2013, with sales climbing 2.4 percent to $204 billion. Combined with motor fuels sales of $491.5 billion, overall convenience store sales were $695.5 billion, according to figures released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). The industry’s 2013 numbers were announced at the NACS State […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Study Reveals Motivations Behind Millennials’ Brand Loyalty, Buying Power
Millennials are not angst-filled, skinny-jeans-wearing, side-swept-bangs-sporting hipsters, according to Mooslyvania, an independent digital advertising agency. The company recently conducted a survey that refutes the most common myths associated with this generation and presents data on what really motivates Millennials in how they think, shop, buy and continue purchasing their favorite brands. While there’s no cookie-cutter […]
Posted in, National, Perspectives
The Year Of The Pet
2014 may be the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar, and while horses can be considered pets, I’m pronouncing 2014 the Year of the Pet. In 2012, there were an estimated 157,141,000 dogs, cats, birds and horses in the U.S. So why do I think 2014 should be the Year of the Pet? […]
Posted in, National, New Products
ThinSlim Foods Introduces Healthy Baked Goods Line
Specialty baker ThinSlim Foods says it’s rolling out a new line of guilt-free, healthful baked goods, snacks and desserts. The Ringoes, N.J.-based company says that people who are typically restricted from brownies, cookies, breads and even cheese pizzas will now be able to indulge through ThinSlim’s new line. Products, according to the company, cut calories […]
Posted in, Center Store, National
Progresso Recipe Starters Now In Pouches
Progresso Recipe Starters are now available in pouches. The product previously came in a can. “Available in five flavorful varieties, Recipe Starters thick sauce provides a rich and concentrated, robust flavor,” said Stefan Miller, associate marketing manager for Progresso. “Each of the flavors can be used as a starter to create a variety of tasty […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National
America’s Beer Distributors Recognize National Alcohol Awareness Month
Throughout the month of April, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) will be recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month, as designated by the U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to raise awareness about alcohol abuse. “Alcohol is a unique product that is not for everyone,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “National […]