The 2013 Food Marketing Conference, hosted by Western Michigan University (WMU), took place March 25-26 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Mich. The conference included executives from companies like Kroger, Meijer and Sam’s Club. In an interview, Phil Straniero, executive in residence in food and CPG marketing at Western Michigan University, said this year’s […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, New Products
Dale Jr. Foods Formed By NASCAR Racer, KLN
KLN Family Brands has teamed up with Dale Earnhardt Jr. to form Dale Jr. Foods. The partnership that was formed in January has launched four flavors of potato chips in three sizes. The flavors are Crispy Original, Zesty Jalapeno, Creole & Green Onion and Carolina Barbeque. “At KLN Family Brands, we always put family and […]
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Forecast: Top 10 Industry Trends
Trends compiled from an annual consumer panel conducted by Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert have been released. The top 10 industry trends were presented by National Grocers Association (NGA) President and CEO Peter Larkin, filling in for Lempert, during the 48th Annual Food Marketing Conference earlier this week in Kalamazoo, Mich. “I think (if Phil were […]
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Western Mich. University A Strong Choice For Food Marketing Students
Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association (NGA), spoke with Geoff Welch, The Shelby Report’s VP-Midwest, on March 25 during the 48th Annual Food Marketing Conference sponsored by Western Michigan University. Speaking at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Mich., where the conference took place, Larkin told Welch that it was his […]
Posted in, National, West
CGA Hires New Government Relations Manager
The California Grocers Association (CGA) has hired Dane Hutchings as its government relations manager, effective immediately. In this position, Hutchings will be responsible for bill tracking and analysis, regulatory analysis, member relations and grassroots development. In addition, he will work with CGA members to develop positions and draft advocacy messages and represent the organization before […]
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Yoplait Launches New Spring Yogurt Flavors
Yoplait is rolling out two spring flavors: Yoplait Light pina colada and Yoplait Original cosmopolitan-flavored yogurt. Both are available for a limited time. “Consumers are continually looking for new and different ways to enjoy the refreshing goodness of yogurt,” says Cameron Archibald, associate marketing manager for Yoplait. “The popularity of fruity and tropical flavored drinks […]
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NGA, CART Research Showcases ‘Active Listening’ As Best Practice
For grocery retailers, customer service reputation is strengthened by maintaining an everyday practice for listening and responding to shoppers’ concerns, feedback and praise. Showcasing best practices for “active listening,” the National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) released the first work product from their newly-launched Innovation Center at the […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National
Supervalu Cutting 1,100 Jobs Companywide
Supervalu said today that it plans to reduce its national workforce by an estimated 1,100 positions. The final working dates for impacted employees vary, based on the needs of the business and the areas they support. The reductions include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled. “The decision to reduce our […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Dollar General Reports Jump In Same-Store Sales For 4Q, Year
Dollar General Corp. on Monday reported record sales, operating profit and net income for its fiscal 2012 fourth quarter (13 weeks) and full year (52 weeks) ended Feb. 1, 2013. “Dollar General had yet another outstanding year in 2012 including exceptionally strong fourth quarter results,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based Dollar […]
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Earth Fare Debuts New Website
Earth Fare has launched a new community-focused website at www.EarthFare.com. Fletcher, N.C.-based Earth Fare says its new website focuses on bringing communities together to fuel health and earn rewards for reaching common goals. Earth Fare’s first community campaign asks customers to stop by for its “Sunday Burgers for Bucks” event, join the conversation on Facebook […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, Northeast
Industry Supports HB 790 To Reform Pa.’s Alcohol Sales System
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), the state’s advocate for food retailers, applauds the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee for moving House Bill 790 forward in support of reforming Pennsylvania’s alcohol sales system. PFMA urges all members, associates and their customers to ask their lawmakers to support HB 790. “Visit FreeMyBeer.com today and send a […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Nestle Survey Looks At Frozen Food Habits
When it comes to frozen, ready-made meals, some of us are keeping secrets. According to a new survey by NestleUSA, 25 percent of Americans confess to having passed off frozen meals as their own culinary creation. Another 14 percent admit to having “accidentally” taken a co-worker’s frozen meal in the workplace. These and other findings […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National
Supervalu Makes Additional Exec Appointments, Revamps Website After Deal
Supervalu today announced appointments to its executive team, including Janel Haugarth who will remain with the company as EVP and president of independent business and supply chain services. The announcement comes as Sam Duncan, Supervalu president and CEO, continues finalizing his leadership team following the sale of five retail banners to AB Acquisition LLC, a […]
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Agri Beef Co. Adds Ground Beef Processing Facility
Agri Beef Co., producer of premium Northwest beef brands Snake River Farms, Double R Ranch and St. Helens, has expanded its Washington beef processing facility in Toppenish, Wash., to include a grind operation. The new grind facility is co-located with the company’s beef production facility for efficiency. Agri Beef will now grind its own retail […]
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Legislation Addressing Overreach Of Proposed Menu Labeling Regs Gets Support
The National Grocers Association (NGA) released the following statement supporting the introduction of a bi-partisan bill, House Resolution 1249 The Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2013, by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement the chain restaurant menu labeling provision under the […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Walmart To Expand iPhone Mobile-Checkout Option
Walmart Stores Inc. is expanding its program that lets shoppers scan items with their iPhones and proceed to self-checkout lanes to pay, published reports say. The Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant’s “Scan & Go” program debuted late last year in Arkansas and has since been deemed a success. The option soon will be available at more […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, National
Starbucks Expands Loyalty Program To Grocery
Starbucks is expanding its loyalty program so customers can earn rewards by buying the company’s products at grocery stores, the company announced at its annual shareholders meeting in Seattle on Wednesday. The Puget Sound Business Journal says that, beginning in May, customers can earn rewards “stars” when they buy Starbucks packaged coffee in grocery stores. […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Lean Cuisine, Fresh Express Team Up To Offer New Salad Product
Lean Cuisine and Fresh Express are partnering to help consumers make good food choices, with new Lean Cuisine Salad Additions and Fresh Express lettuce. The salad, according to a news release, can be prepared in minutes and is 350 calories or less. “We know that Lean Cuisine consumers have lettuce in their fridge, but they […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National
Supervalu Completes Sale Of Five Retail Grocery Banners
Supervalu this morning said that it has completed the sale of its Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market stores and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management L.P.-led investor consortium, in a stock deal valued at $3.3 billion, including $100 million in cash and […]
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Smari Organic Icelandic Yogurt Makes U.S. Debut At Whole Foods
The thykk yogurt of remote Icelandic villages is now available in the U.S., at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. In Iceland, yogurt, skyr, is thick, fat-free, protein and calcium rich, and low in sugar. A signature food of Iceland since the 9th century, it kept the Vikings strong through long dark winters, where food preservation […]