7-Eleven Inc. has upped its packaged snacks game with the introduction of a new selection of gourmet, organic and better-for-you snacks. 7-Eleven has studied dining trends that show consumers are snacking more often than ever, and 7-Eleven stores now are offering a broader assortment that reflects consumer desires for snacks made with premium ingredients and […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, Store News
Whole Foods Now Boasts 147 Certified Cheese Professionals
Seventy-seven Whole Foods Market cheesemongers recently put their expertise on display at the second annual American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional exam. The exam tests cheesemongers’ mastery of all things cheese, including cheese making, ripening, storage, handling, nutrition and more. Those who pass the exam are part of an elite few who have mastered all […]
Posted in, National
NGA Provides Testimony At Swipe Fee Litigation Fairness Hearing
The National Grocers Association (NGA) provided testimony Thursday at a fairness hearing before U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the case “In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation.” The purpose of the hearing was to determine whether to approve the motion for final approval of the settlement. After […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Betty Crocker And Hershey’s Launch A Dozen New Baking Products
Betty Crocker, in partnership with the The Hershey Co., is introducing a dozen new baking products. The new lineup offers “A Sweet for Every Style” and includes cookie mixes, cupcake mixes and frostings made with iconic flavors of Hershey’s, Reese’s and Almond Joy. “We are very excited about our continued partnership and the launch of […]
Posted in, National
We Card Program Calls For Accelerated ‘Carding’ Of Minors
September is We Card Awareness Month, named for one of the most successful corporate social responsibility effort in America. The We Card program is entering its 18th year with a call to action for retailers—requesting stronger restriction of tobacco products to minors. The program, recognized by its ubiquitous yellow and red signage that warns “Under […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Kroger Reports Record 2Q Results
The Kroger Co. on Thursday reported net earnings of $0.60 per diluted share and identical supermarket sales growth, without fuel, of 3.3 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. The company marked its 39th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket sales. “Kroger’s strong second quarter results have us on target to deliver the earnings per […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
New Raspberry 5-Hour Energy Will Support Breast Cancer Support Group
Living Essentials LLC says it continues to support breast cancer causes with the introduction of a new, limited-edition, specially marked raspberry flavor of 5-hour Energy. Through Dec. 31, Living Essentials will donate 5 cents from the sale of every bottle of specially-marked raspberry flavored 5-hour Energy to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), a national nonprofit […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
AMI Foundation Debuts New Video On Proper Thermometer Use
Using a thermometer to ensure meat and poultry products are cooked to a proper internal temperature is one of the most important food safety steps people can take, yet research by the International Food Information Council Foundation shows that only 36 percent of Americans make this a regular habit. With that in mind, the American […]
Posted in, National, Northeast
NJFC President Honored As N.J. Weights And Measures Person Of The Year
The New Jersey Weights and Measures Association Inc. recognized Linda M. Doherty, president and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), as Person of the Year at the 103rd Annual Conference earlier this month in Atlantic City. Each year, the membership of the New Jersey Weights and Measures Association selects a person who has […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, Store News
Albertson’s LLC To Acquire United Supermarkets
Albertson’s LLC announced late Monday afternoon that it intends to acquire United Supermarkets LLC (The United Family), based in Lubbock, Texas. United operates 50 retail stores under three banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos. Additionally, its United Express brand has seven convenience stores and 26 fuel centers. United operates two divisions: RC Taylor, which distributes tobacco, […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Chiquita Tropicals Fruit Juice Line Makes Debut
Mojo Organics Inc. is introducing Chiquita Tropicals, a line that has launched its first four 100% fruit juice products made from tropical fruits: Banana Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple and Passion Fruit. They have the same great taste as the tropical fruits they come from, according to Mojo. “We are very pleased to introduce Chiquita Tropicals. This […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle Hits Shelves With New Look, Taste
The classic Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle brand is back. The generational favorite is returning with a new recipe and revamped packaging and product format from Atkinson Candy Co. Lufkin, Texas-based Atkinson reformulated the Sophie Mae recipe to include more peanuts and less corn syrup than competitive products, while also cutting out trans fats, gluten, additives […]
Posted in, National, Southeast
CFIC Fall Golf Tourney Is Next Month
The Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC) will host its annual fall golf tournament on Thursday, Oct. 3, at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C. A foursome is $5,000 for members and $5,750 for non-members. The group should consist of three players from the sponsoring supplier company, plus a retailer of the sponsor’s choice. Go here for […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Brands Improve Ad Response By Targeting Based On Price Sensitivity
According to a new research report published by customer science company dunnhumby, a consumer’s sensitivity to price greatly influences his or her response to advertising tactics and the channel of delivery. Further, common demographically based media targets do not align with price sensitivity, suggesting that a brand that buys ads targeted to “moms,” for instance, is […]
Posted in, National
NGA To Hold Best Bagger Congressional Competition On Tuesday
The National Grocers Association (NGA) will hold its second annual National Best Bagger Congressional Competition on Tuesday. The event will begin at 5 p.m. on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Andrew Borracchini, NGA’s 2013 Best Bagger National Champion, will compete against his member of Congress, Rep. Jim McDermott of Washington State. Borracchini, who was featured […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Executive News, National
Marley Coffee Adds Two Industry Veterans To Sales Force
Marley Coffee has appointed two industry veterans to director roles within the company’s sales force. Effective immediately, Russ Stange will serve as director of sales—West Coast and Chris Mamos will serve as director of sales—East Coast. Stange previously served as senior account manager at KeHE Distributors Inc., an Illinois-based grocery distribution chain. Prior to this, […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Weight Watchers Debuts Brownie Bliss Products
Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods is introducing Weight Watchers Triple Chocolate Brownie Bliss and Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss, two new products that started hitting store shelves last month. The additions to the Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods lineup offer a one-of-a-kind indulgence with creamy fillings, rich flavors and decadent textures, Weight Watchers says. Triple Chocolate […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
Cascadian Debuts First Cereal Box Liner Made From Renewable Plant Sources
Cascadian Farm, makers of more than 75 organic products, has introduced its first-ever cereal box liner made from renewable plant sources. Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch cereal is now packaged in an inner bag made from up to 57 percent certified plant-based material. This new liner is the latest among the brand’s various sustainability initiatives that […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National
Latest Android Platform Named After Iconic Kit Kat Chocolate Bar
Google this week announced the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, calling it Android KitKat after one of America’s most beloved confectionery brands. The creators of the popular mobile platform have teamed up with The Hershey Co. in the U.S. for the next release of the platform, “Android KitKat.” “We […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Retailers and Suppliers Connect Through Federated Show
The Federated Show, held July 21-23 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, is a place for retailers to connect with their suppliers through Federated, but it offers more than networking opportunities. At the show suppliers get the chance to meet with 40 customers in just two days, making it a cost-effective venue for them, Doug […]