Campbell Soup Co. is set to acquire Bolthouse Farms for $1.55 billion in short- and long-term borrowings by Campbell. The company expects to finalize the acquisition by late summer. Campbell said in a press release that it remains on track to deliver results consistent with fiscal 2012 sales growth, up to 2 percent. Bolthouse markets […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, Perishables
Fresh Swordfish Available for Limited Time at Whole Foods
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified harpoon-caught swordfish from Nova Scotia will be available for two months beginning in July at Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods says it is the only national retailer to carry this fresh, never frozen summer grilling specialty. To harvest the swordfish, fishermen harpoon mature fish one at a time, virtually eliminating […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Iowa Grocery Industry Association Names New President
The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) has appointed a new president. Michelle Hurd took the position July 2, replacing Jerry Fleagle who, according to his LinkedIn profile, had been with the organization since January 1998. Details of Fleagle’s departure were unknown at the time of this report. Hurd has been with the association for six […]
Posted in, BJ's Wholesale Club, Marketing News, National
Study: Four Grocers Prove That Actors, Theatre Drive Retail Growth
A consumer study of America’s leading brands has shown that the retailers driving economic and sector growth are doing so by creating a sense of theatre around their in-store experiences. Half of the top 100 companies overall are retailers. Within the Top 10—Wegmans, fourth; Publix, fifth; Trader Joe’s, sixth; and H-E-B, 10th—were set apart by […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Vlasic Introducing Expanded Line Of ‘Farmer’s Garden’ Pickles
Pinnacle Foods-owned Vlasic® pickles is introducing an expanded line of Farmer’s Garden(TM) by Vlasic home-style pickles to supermarkets nationwide, and just in time for the summer season. Starting this month, the extended Farmer’s Garden by Vlasic product line will include: • Deli Style Halves—new flavor with a classic deli taste and an extra kick of […]
Posted in, National
Three Industry Leaders To Be Inducted Into Frozen Food HOF
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) have announce that the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats has selected three food industry leaders as the 2012 Frozen Food Hall of Fame inductees. The 2012 inductees are Nevin B. Montgomery, retired president/CEO of NFRA; Dr. H. Reid Wagstaff, retired VP […]
Posted in, National
Mars Recalls Limited Range of Pedigree Brand Wet Dog Food
Mars Petcare US has announced a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of Pedigree® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk. Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which entered the food during the production process. The source of the plastic has been identified and […]
Posted in, National, Perishables
Beef Checkoff Seeks Entries For National Awards
The Beef Checkoff Program is calling for entries for its annual National Retail Beef Backer Awards, a prestigious national awards program that honors retailers that go above and beyond to market and merchandise beef to their customers. Through Oct. 1, retailers can enter to win in one of four categories: • Independent Retailer (fewer than […]
Posted inNational, West
Mollie Stone’s Named Outstanding Specialty Retailer by NASFT
The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc. (NASFT) has selected Mollie Stone’s Markets as an Outstanding Specialty Food Retailer of 2012. This award recognizes only five retailers nationwide each year for excellence in customer service, product sourcing, merchandising, quality assurance and a passion for presenting top-quality food. “Mollie Stone’s shows true commitment to […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Study: Change Of Generational Guard Means Trouble For Established Brands, Traditional Stores
Jefferies, the global investment bank, and AlixPartners, the global business advisory firm, have announced the findings of their new joint study, “Trouble in Aisle 5,” which finds that the traditional food-at-home vertical, which is already facing trouble, is likely to see its challenges accelerate over the next few years. The study, which included a survey […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Johnsonville Rolls Out Pork & Chicken Sausage In Two Varieties
Johnsonville Sausage has launched its new Pork & Chicken Sausage—available in Traditional Brat and Mild Italian. These new sausage varieties have 50 percent less fat and are now available at select retailers nationwide. “At Johnsonville, we know there is nothing like a summer cookout with family and friends,” says Amber Brandimarte, Johnsonville senior brand manager. […]
Posted in, National
Scholarship Program Provides Family Businesses Insight Into Produce Advocacy
The United Fresh Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2012 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program. The program awards up to four scholarships for employees of family-owned businesses to attend United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference (WPPC) in October. Scholarship recipients will receive complimentary airfare, hotel and registration to attend the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Tostitos Artisan Recipes Introduces Two New Flavors
Appealing to the ever-evolving American palette, the Tostitos Artisan Recipes brand is tapping distinct, flavorful ingredients and real recipes to create its latest tortilla chips flavors. New Tostitos Artisan Recipes Baked Three Cheese Queso and Toasted Southwestern Spices flavored tortilla chips are made with a nine-grain blend and real ingredients, like roasted garlic, a blend […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Fancy Feast Introduces Morning Meals For Cats
In many households, mornings include rituals and memorable shared moments for people and cats alike. In a recent survey of U.S. cat owners conducted on behalf of the Fancy Feast® brand, more than 60 percent of respondents said their cats were most eager to get their attention in the morning so they could eat. From […]
Posted in, National
Del Sol Achieves 10 Years With No Lost-Time Accident
Del Sol Food, manufacturer of Briannas Fine Salad Dressings, celebrated 10 years without a lost time accident on May 18 at the company’s plant in Brenham, Texas. Employees were treated to a catered meal, a Briannas goodie bag, a bonus and the afternoon off. To further commemorate the occasion, Del Sol Food is flying a […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Russell Stover Will Pay $585K Clean Water Act Fine
Russell Stove Candies Inc. will pay a $585,000 penalty as part of a settlement relating to allegations that it violated the federal Clean Water Act. The Kansas City Business Journal reports that the settlement, announced late last week, stems from a 2008 Environmental Protection Agency audit that found problems at Russell Stover’s Iola, Kan., location, […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, Nonfood Items
Non-Foods Marketing Fall Expo Set For Atlantic City
The Non-Foods Marketing (NFM) Fall Expo 2012 Merchandise Show is coming up Oct. 15-16 at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. NFM is a direct, one-stop source for today’s top general merchandise items, including housewares, seasonal items and pet supplies from more than 200 manufacturers serving the grocery, drug and convenience store […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Duracell Rolls Out New Battery With Duralock Power Preserve Technology
Innovation has been within the core of Duracell for 60-plus years, according to the company. Since introducing the first AA and AAA batteries in the 1960s, Duracell has continued to invest and lead innovation to drive the category. Now the brand reports that it is launching its greatest innovation since Coppertop—guaranteeing Duracell power for up […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
Simpli OatShake Beverage Innovation Wins Third Award In Six Months
On a hot streak of awards for its innovative Simpli™ OatShake beverage, Simpli OatShake Coffee received the sofi™ Silver award for Outstanding Cold Beverage from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc. (NASFT). This marks the third award received by Simpli OatShake within the last six months, an unprecedented event for a newcomer […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Congressman Bested By Teteak In Bagging Competition
The National Grocers Association (N.G.A.) held its first National Best Bagger Congressional Competition (sponsored by Kellogg’s, Bunzl and Pan-Oston) on Wednesday on Capitol Hill. (Click here to view more pictures.) The 2012 national champion, Stephanie Teteak from Larry’s Piggly Wiggly/Kaukauna, Wis., who won the competition at this year’s N.G.A. Show competed against her member of […]