America’s appetite for specialty foods hit a record high last year, with consumers spending $86 billion on everything from artisanal chocolates and cheese to oils and charcuterie. To help food enthusiasts navigate the wealth of food-gift choices available this holiday season, the Specialty Food Association has released the results of a survey that reveal the […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, New Products
Yoplait Yogurt Introduces Limited Edition Holiday Flavors
Yoplait yogurt limited edition flavors for the holidays, voted on by fans, are in stores now. Flavors include Yoplait Light mocha mint and Yoplait Original peppermint bark-flavored yogurt. Both flavors are a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Yoplait Light mocha mint contains 5g of protein per 6-oz. serving with 90 calories, and Yoplait […]
Posted in, National, Shelby Content
Conquering That Pesky Millennial Generation
by Kristen Cloud/staff writer Millennials, as retailers have come to discover, are a tough collective nut to crack. The group includes those born between 1977 and 1995 and also is referred to as Gen Y. There are 79.8 million Gen Yers and, while they may be the children of Baby Boomers, they pose […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Hershey-Sponsored CocoaLink Program Hits 40K Mark For Registered Farmers In Ghana
The Hershey Co. says that more than 40,000 Ghana cocoa farmers across 1,700 villages have now registered for CocoaLink, a digital exchange network that links farmers to modern farming information that benefits families and the entire farming community. An innovative public and private partnership between the cocoa sector and the Ghana Cocoa Board, CocoaLink is […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Study: Digital Commerce Remains Largely Untapped Opportunity For CPGs
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are underestimating the e-commerce channel’s growth potential and consequently may be missing out on a substantial market opportunity, according to the first of a two-part Deloitte study, “Digital Commerce in the Supermarket Aisle.” The study analyzed responses from a survey of 2,040 online shoppers who are responsible for shopping and […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Mars Chocolate Introduces Sweet Treats For The Holidays
Mars Chocolate North America is ringing in the holidays with the return of some sweet favorites and the introduction of new seasonal treats. “Chocolate is a quintessential part of so many family celebrations, and Mars Chocolate brands have been integral to holiday traditions for generations,” said Roy Benin, chief consumer officer for Mars Chocolate North […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
McCormick Reveals Top Flavors, Food Trends For 2014 And Beyond
Marking its 125th anniversary of making food more flavorful, McCormick & Co. Inc. has kicked off a yearlong celebration of tastes with the unveiling of its McCormick Flavor Forecast 2014: 125th Anniversary Edition. The report, developed annually by McCormick experts around the world, highlights five top food trends and more than a dozen emerging flavors […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Chobani Names Golechha To CFO Post
Chobani Inc., maker of America’s No. 1-selling Greek yogurt brand, has named Dipak Golechha as its CFO. Golechha joins Chobani after 18 years at Procter & Gamble where he held a variety of finance, operational and management positions, including CFO of the global snacks division. He will report directly to Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani’s founder and […]
Posted in, National
Report: GMO Confusion And How Food Companies Can Help
Although voters in California and Washington state have rejected ballot measures to label genetically engineered foods, in some ways the topic is just heating up. Labeling supporters say their ultimate aim is nationwide disclosure, and the subject is more on people’s minds because of media coverage and advertising surrounding both measures, plus Whole Foods’ well-publicized […]
Posted in, National
PMA’s Former President Dies
Mr. Bob Carey, former president of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), died Friday in Delaware. He was 82. Mr. Carey led PMA from 1958 to 1996, taking it from a near-bankrupt organization with fewer than 100 members focused on produce packaging to a vertically integrated association of thousands focused on marketing. His vision of bringing […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
BeBevCo Looks To Expand Into Another Category With Relaxation Ice Cream
Bebida Beverage Co. (BeBevCo), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of relaxation drinks and energy products, plans to enter into a new industry through a wholly-owned subsidiary. BeBevCo CEO Brian Weber, who developed the company’s flagship product, KOMA Unwind Relaxation drink, recently embarked on another curiosity. Now, that curiosity has taken another step into becoming a […]
Posted in, National
Most Americans Believe Another Government Shutdown Is Likely
While his overall approval ratings may be inching downward, President Obama’s job approval ratings on the economy are holding steady. But “steady” means three in 10 Americans (30 percent) giving the president positive ratings for his handling of the economy; 70 percent still give him negative marks, which is unchanged from last month. These are […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Food Channel Unveils Top 10 Food Trends For 2014
The Food Channel has released its “Top 10 Food Trends for 2014.” Based on research conducted by The Food Channel in conjunction with CultureWaves, the list identifies the significant food movements consumers, foodservice professionals and manufacturers should watch for in the coming year. “This year it’s all about global flavors and customs. There is also […]
Posted in, National
Coldest Holiday In 20 Years Helped Put Seasonal Items In Customer Baskets
Business estimates from the Black Friday weekend are emerging, and they are indicating a solid start to the holiday shopping season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), there were more than 141 million unique shoppers who visited stores and websites over the long weekend, representing a 1.4 percent increase over last year. This includes […]
Posted in, National
How Transportation Costs Affect Fresh Fruit And Vegetable Prices
Fuel prices, understood to be a major driver of food prices in the U.S., can have significant impacts on food price levels and volatility, according to a recently released report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Since consumer demand for fruits and vegetables has been proven to be price sensitive, fuel price surges could significantly […]
Posted in, National
Winter Fancy Food Show To Feature Extensive Seminar Program
The Specialty Food Association has a full menu of seminars and workshops for its Winter Fancy Food Show designed for all levels of expertise, from emerging food entrepreneur to seasoned industry veteran. The show takes place Jan. 19-21 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. It is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, Southeast
State Of The Southeast: Region Sees Shakeup In 2013
A number of big stories came out of the southeastern states in 2013. Many of them involved companies having to regroup and/or sell off their holdings, but there were a couple of bright spots as well, including mergers and strong performance. Below are 10 of the most noteworthy stories as reported by The Shelby Report […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s Introduces Flavor Essentials Program
Much like the “pantry essentials” list of ingredients every kitchen should have, Frieda’s Flavor Essentials are fresh specialty produce items produce departments should always have on hand in high volume to help shoppers elevate their everyday menu, according to Frieda’s. The five Flavor Essentials are Shallots, Ginger, Jicama, Fingerling Potatoes and Heirloom Tomatoes. These items […]
Posted in, National, Store News
FMI Initiates 2013 Community Outreach Award Program
To recognize and honor the food retail industry’s role as neighborhood partners in service initiatives, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Community Outreach Awards. These awards highlight the many contributions food retailers make to their community and serve the industry as a source of creative inspiration for service programs. Nominations […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Top 8 Ways Grocers Can Survive Plastic Bag Bans
by Pete Grande, CEO, Command Packaging For The Shelby Report All over the country, plastic shopping bags are being outlawed in grocery stores and other retail outlets. Fees are being imposed on all shoppers who do not bring their own bags. Plastic is no longer an available option at the checkout counter except at stores […]