Mr. William S. “Bill” Davila, former president of Vons and past president of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC), died Feb. 14 after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. He was 82. Mr. Davila began his career with Vons Grocery Co. in 1950 and became president in the mid-1980s. He retired from Vons in […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, Store News
Food Retailers Recognized For Community Outreach, Charitable Initiatives
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented its 2013 Community Outreach Awards to six honorees. The awards recognize the creative, charitable programs established and carried out by food retailers to enhance the lives of those in the communities they serve. “These programs, and all those submitted, serve as vivid reminders that the longstanding tradition of the […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
SuperSeedz Unveils Rebranded Retail Packaging
SuperSeedz will reveal its rebranded package design at the Natural Products Expo West in March. SuperSeedz dry roasted, no-shell pumpkin seeds are gluten free, nut free, a vegetarian source of protein and made with all-natural, Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients. The company says the new packaging is clean and contemporary with vivid colored pumpkins and a […]
Posted in, National
NGA Show: Keys To Thriving As An Independent Grocer
During the 2014 NGA Show in Las Vegas Feb. 9-12, National Grocers Association (NGA) President and CEO Peter Larkin asked the outgoing Chairman Joe Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp., and incoming Chairman Rich Neimann Jr., president and CEO of Niemann Foods, about what it takes to be a successful independent in today’s […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Survey Shows Shoppers Want More Personalized Assistance In Supermarkets
Shoppers are spending more than half of their fresh food dollars in supermarkets and want professionals on the shopping floor to support healthier eating habits and to guide food-buying decisions, according to the 2014 annual National Grocers Association-SupermarketGuru Consumer Survey released this week at NGA’s annual convention in Las Vegas. More than 1,380 chief household […]
Posted in, National
Macey’s Bagger Best In Nation
Defeating 26 other competitors from across the nation, Andrew Hadlock, a bagger from Macey’s grocery store in Sandy, Utah, claimed the title of National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion. The contest, in its 28th year, with a new title sponsor, PepsiCo, and supporting sponsors Bunzl and Pan-Oston, was held Tuesday during the 2014 NGA […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Moose Tracks Parent Expands Into Novelties Category
West Michigan-based Denali Flavors, developer of the Moose Tracks flavor of ice cream, is entering a new grocery category with the introduction of four ice cream novelty products based on its top-selling Moose Tracks and Caramel Caribou ice cream flavors. Moose Tracks and Caramel Caribou ice cream bars and sandwiches currently are available at Meijer […]
Posted in, National
NGA Show Bigger Than Ever With Record Attendance
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Show has kicked off in a big way: more than 3,000 attendees are buzzing around a show floor that’s been sold out since November. This year, the 350 exhibitors accompany several pavilions, which house even more exhibitors. The Global Marketing Development Center (GMDC) has more than 80 exhibitors at its […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Kroger Acquires YOU Technology
The Kroger Co. has purchased the assets of YOU Technology Brand Services, the Silicon Valley-based leader in digital coupons and promotions. Founded in 2008, YOU Tech’s retailer-centric, cloud-based platform bridges the gap between online engagement and in-store purchases, creating a measurable way for many of the world’s largest retailers and brands to drive consumer purchase […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Kraft Cheese Removes Artificial Preservatives From Singles
Kraft Foods says it is introducing Kraft Singles with No Artificial Preservatives, removing artificial ingredients while still delivering the same taste, look and melt its consumers expect. “We know families today want convenient foods that have no artificial preservatives and a simpler, more recognizable ingredient list, and Kraft is working to deliver more of these […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Taskle Solution Launches At NGA Show
Many retail businesses have begun utilizing store walks as a way to verify consistent and proper execution as well as to identify issues and opportunities. Yet, identifying trends such as poor performing locations and company-wide concerns is still a challenge. That’s according to execution solution Taskle. Taskle delivers a cloud-based, easy-to-use solution to communicate priorities […]
Posted in, National
NGA Reveals Creative Choice Awards ‘Best Of Show’ Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has recognized its Creative Choice Awards “Best of Show” winners in the Marketing and Merchandising categories at a special reception held during the 2014 NGA Show, which wraps up today in Las Vegas. The “Best of Show” title is the highest award of the Creative Choice Awards contest. The Best […]
Posted in, National, West
Unified’s SMART Shows Feature Technology, Marketing Programs For Independents
Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western U.S., held the first of three regional SMART (Sales, Marketing And Retail Technology) Shows last week in Norwalk, Calif. The shows were created exclusively for the wholesaler’s independent retail customers. The new, day-long event showcased the latest in technology and cutting-edge marketing programs that are […]
Posted in, National
Supervalu Combining Regional Shows Into National Sales Expo This Summer
With grocers from across the country gathered for the 2014 NGA Show this week, one of the nation’s leading grocery distributors, Supervalu, said today that it will host its first national sales expo, Sales 4 All Seasons, this summer. The three-day event, to be held Aug. 12-14 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn., brings […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Report: Marketers Fail To Incorporate African American Demographic
With a population of 44 million and buying power more than $1 trillion in 2013, African Americans are a key segment in a U.S. economy that is increasingly reliant on purchase patterns of minority consumers, according to “The African-American Consumer Market, 9th Edition,” a report by market research publisher Packaged Facts. By 2017, the buying […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Little Debbie Introduces Cosmic Cupcakes
Little Debbie snacks, maker Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls, Honey Buns and Cosmic Brownies, is launching a new product: Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes. The chocolate cakes are filled with creme and topped with chocolaty frosting and candy-coated chocolate chips. “Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes are light years ahead of anything else on the market today,” said […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Minute Maid Rolls Out Liquid Water Enhancer With Real Fruit Juice
The Coca-Cola Co. is introducing Minute Maid Drops, made with real fruit juice and available in four flavors: Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Mango Tropical and Raspberry Lemonade. Each bottle makes approximately 28 servings and can be resealed until the next use. “Adding Minute Maid Drops to our diverse portfolio of juices and juice drinks demonstrates our […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Mondelez International To Invest $130M In U.S. Biscuit Manufacturing Network
Mondelez International plans to invest more than $130 million in new biscuit manufacturing technology and capabilities in its current U.S. network. The investment will focus on bakeries in Fair Lawn, N.J., and Richmond, Va., supporting priority cookie and cracker brands and product platforms. To enable this investment, the company says it will consolidate its current […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Minnesota Grocers Recognizes 2014 Legislator Of The Year
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) presented its 2014 MGA Legislator of the Year Award to Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) at its annual legislative dinner in St. Paul on Jan. 28. Each year, the MGA acknowledges a lawmaker who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the retail food industry. This year’s honor went to Dahms for his work […]
Posted in, National
Stars Celebrate ‘Pure Goodness’ With Wonderful Halos, Feeding America
Actress Jennie Garth and TV personality and actor Mario Lopez have officially kicked off a partnership between Wonderful Halos mandarins and Feeding America. Wonderful Halos—the sweet, easy-to-peel and seedless mandarins—is taking its Pure Goodness message to schools across America by providing nutritious food to children through the Feeding America BackPack program. Lopez, host of “Extra” […]