Supervalu Inc. on Thursday reported its second quarter fiscal 2014 results—and perhaps the biggest news dealt with the company’s Save-A-Lot banner, whose corporate-operated stores experienced a 4.6 percent increase in identical store sales. Sam Duncan, president and CEO of Supervalu, said on a conference call Thursday morning that corporate stores have revamped their meat and […]
Category: National
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, National
Fred Water Expands U.S. Distribution
Fred Beverages has partnered with CST Brands Inc. and the The Kroger Co., along with other independent stores across the U.S. in 13 major cities, to carry Fred Water. This expansion of approximately 2,000 additional stores will make Fred available to millions of additional customers who can experience the pocket-friendly Fred bottles of spring water. […]
Posted in, National
Hass Avocado Board Unveils New Spanish-Language Mark, Website
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has rolled out Saborea Uno Hoy, its new Spanish-language mark and website to offer information to Hispanic consumers in the U.S. and encourage them to include fresh Hass avocados in their everyday meals. The new mark visually invites consumers to enjoy the avocado’s unique and satisfying flavor by including the […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
NACS: Consumer Pessimism Deepens Despite Gas Price Declines
Consumer pessimism continues to deepen despite a second straight month of gas price declines. Nearly one in four consumers (23 percent) say they are “very pessimistic” about the economy, tied for the highest level measured this year, according the latest monthly NACS Consumer Fuels Survey. This is also the fourth month in row of increasing […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Mulberry Love Beverage Makes Debut
Health advocate, author and entrepreneur Dianne Burnett has launched a antioxidant-rich, phytonutrient-potent new beverage—Mulberry Love. Sourcing her mulberries from organic trees in Izmir, Turkey, Burnett says naturally sweet Mulberry Love draws on the memory- boosting, vision-enhancing, heart-healthy and inflammation-reducing properties inherent in this new super food. Mulberry Love comes in two varieties—a premium organic mulberry […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National
17th Americas Food And Beverage Show To Highlight Global Culinary Scene
The vibrant and diverse cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean will take center stage at the World Trade Center Miami’s 17th Americas Food and Beverage Show, Oct. 28 and 29, with more than 500 food producers from 22 countries—each showcasing their products, recipes and delicacies. The 17th Americas Food and Beverage Show at the Miami […]
Posted in, National
FoodLink Adds New Produce Traceability Customers
FoodLink, a leader in supply chain and commerce solutions for the fresh food industry, has announced a series of new customers that have selected its FoodLink PTI supply chain traceability solution for fresh produce. Retail grocers are requiring new levels of information about the origin and history of the fresh food they sell. As a […]
Posted in, National
Advantage To Acquire Tri-Venture Marketing
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC (ASM) today revealed its plans to acquire Tri-Venture Marketing Inc., “The Perishable Connection,” on Wednesday. Lakeland, Fla.-based Tri-Venture is a food brokerage company focused on meat, deli, bakery, produce, cheese, seafood and frozen clients and customers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “Tri-Venture has delivered best-in-class service to the […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Champs Chicken Revamps Brand With Enhanced Website, New Logo
Champs Chicken, a nationwide branded food program from Pro Food Systems Inc. (PFS), is revamping its brand with a newly redesigned website, showcasing an improved navigation system, engaging content and a new logo. Created with both retailers and customers in mind, the website—champschicken.com—promises to offer a user-friendly experience by featuring enhanced food photography of menu […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Chobani, Cornell Univ. Join Forces For Food Science, Dairy Innovation
Chobani Inc., maker of America’s No. 1-selling Greek yogurt brand, and Cornell University are partnering to promote innovation in dairy and food science. Made possible by a $1.5 million gift from Chobani to the university, the partnership marks an important step in elevating the broader dairy industry and New York State’s role as a Greek […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, National
NGA Member Testifies On Healthcare Law’s Full-Time Definition
National Grocers Association (NGA) member Steven Hermann, VP of Paul’s Supermarkets based in Eldon, Mo., testified this week before the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology at a hearing titled “The Effects of the Health Law’s Definitions of Full-Time Employee on Small Business.” Hermann’s testimony, on behalf of NGA, focused specifically on the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Hershey’s First New Brand In 30 Years Launches In U.S.
The Hershey Co. is launching a new confectionery brand in the U.S. called Lancaster. The brand will feature a line of caramel soft cremes that will roll out nationwide in January 2014. The introduction of the Lancaster brand marks a significant milestone for The Hershey Co., as it’s the first time the company has launched […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Marie Callender’s Debuts Easy Sides Pasta Side Dishes
Marie Callender’s, a brand of ConAgra Foods, has introduced Easy Sides, a new line of pasta side dishes. Easy Sides take four minutes in the microwave and eliminate the hassle of multiple ingredients or pots and pans, according to Marie Callender’s. Cooks simply open the package, add water and microwave for a side dish to […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, National
Budweiser Brewmasters Introduce Three New Brews As Part Of Project 12
Budweiser’s Project 12—the brewmaster innovation platform that resulted in the introduction of Budweiser Black Crown—is back with three new beers named for the ZIP codes where the beers were brewed, beginning Oct. 28. Project 12’s premise is this: Budweiser’s team of brewmasters develop new beer recipes featuring the signature yeast first used by Adolphus Busch […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Cake Boss Cake Mixes, Frostings Available At Stores Nationwide
Fans of the Cake Boss now can bake like the Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, in their own kitchen with Cake Boss Cake Mixes and Frostings now available at retailers across the country. A fourth-generation baker and star of TLC’s hit TV series “Cake Boss,” “Next Great Baker,” and “Bakery Boss” premiering in December, Valastro shared […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition Launches Seafood Finder Mobile App
October is National Seafood Month, and the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition is making it easier than ever to celebrate by enjoying Gulf of Mexico seafood favorites with its new Gulf Coast seafood finder mobile app. Whether it’s baked, broiled, blackened or grilled, finding flavorful wild-caught Gulf Coast seafood at a market, restaurant or wholesaler is […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National
CBA Awards Retail Partners Safeway, Buffalo Wild Wings
Craft Brew Alliance Inc. (CBA), an independent craft brewing company, awarded Safeway, one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, and Buffalo Wild Wings, a casual dining restaurant chain with more than 950 locations in the U.S. and Canada, during a beer conference in Las Vegas last week. Safeway took home the […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Former Nestle Exec Takes Helm At Schwan
The Schwan Food Co. has named former Nestle executive Dimitrios Smyrnios as its CEO, succeeding Gregory Flack whose previously announced resignation became effective Oct. 4. “After a thorough and deliberate search process, the board of directors concluded that Dimitrios Smyrnios is the right leader to strengthen our company moving forward,” said Allan Schuman, board chairman […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, Store News
Aldi Expands Coffee Offerings With Exclusive Brand Of Single-Serve Cups
Aldi is introducing a new, exclusive brand line of single-serve coffee cups from Beaumont Coffee. The Beaumont single-serve coffee cups will be available in all Aldi store locations beginning this fall in a variety of flavors like Breakfast Blend, Dark Roast, Hazelnut, French Vanilla and Fair Trade Columbian. The SRP is $5.79 for a 12-count […]
Posted in, National
Mastronardi/Sunset To Roll Out New Products At PMA Fresh Summit
Mastronardi Produce is gearing up for this year’s PMA Fresh Summit. Taking place Oct. 19-20 in New Orleans, the company’s Sunset brand will be unveiling new innovative products and packaging. Sunset can be found at booth No. 2738. This area includes a full gourmet kitchen where Sunset executive chefs will create signature recipes and introduce […]