The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), in conjunction with Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), has released 2011 bottled water statistics, compiled by BMC, a research, consulting and financial services firm dedicated to the global beverage industry. The new BMC data shows the overall consumption of bottled water has increased by 4.1 percent, building on 2010’s solid […]
Category: National
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National, Northeast
Campbell Soup Co. Names Adam Kmiec Director of Digital Marketing, Social Media
Campbell Soup Co. has appointed Adam Kmiec as director of digital marketing and social media. Kmiec, 32, will lead Campbell’s digital marketing and social media efforts to enhance consumer demand and build equity for the company and its brands. Kmiec will be responsible for leading a global digital marketing and social media strategy that encompasses […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Marketing News, National
Court Affirms POM’s Right To Inform Consumers Of Products’ Health Benefits
In a 335-page ruling, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) administrative law judge has upheld POM Wonderful’s right to share valuable, scientifically validated information about the health benefits of its safe food with consumers. Since 1996, POM has been committed to studying the health benefits of the pomegranate, investing more than $35 million to support scientific […]
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, Marketing News, Midwest, National, Southwest, Whole Foods
Caddell: NARMS/IFBA Readies for a New Beginning
By Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor The National Association for Retail Merchandising Services (NARMS) is moving its base of operations from Wisconsin to Colorado, making changes to headquarters staff, assessing the services it offers and looking ahead to its own future as sales move into alternative channels. Tom Caddell, NARMS International executive director, spoke to The Shelby […]
Posted in, Center Store, National
Bodor: Candy in Moderation Equals Happiness
Confectionary manufacturers employ 70,000 individuals directly in the U.S. That number easily triples when individuals whose jobs are dependent on those candies produced—suppliers, brokers, trade customers—are included, said Allison Bodor, SVP, public policy advocacy for the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The same is true for the snack industry. Bodor spoke at the NCA’s Sweets & […]
Posted in, National
Kroger Receives Black Pearl Award For Food Safety
The Kroger Co. is the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award for advancing food safety and quality. The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) names one company annually for its efforts to advance food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Companies Bank on Snacks to Bring Big Profits
by Ashley Bates/staff writer The snacking trend is one of the most influential ones affecting a range of businesses, from supermarkets and convenience stores to fast-food and other restaurants, and it’s being fueled by consumer demand. Today’s consumer seems to be perpetually on the run and thus needs a quick “pick-me-up” snack in mid-morning or […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Kroger CEO Bags 66 Percent Pay Increase for 2011
Kroger Co. CEO David Dillon was paid $8.9 million in 2011, a 66 percent markup over what the Cincinnati-based grocer paid him the previous year, the Associated Press reports. Dillon’s pay improved along with Kroger’s bottom line. His cash performance bonus increased from $808,020 to $2.7 million, and Dillon also was paid a $619,000 long-term […]
Posted in, National
Bankruptcy Judge Denies Hostess’ Motion to Reject Teamster Contracts
In a victory for Hostess workers, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain issued an oral decision Monday evening denying Hostess Brands Inc.’s motion to reject all Teamster labor contracts, meaning that all contracts with Teamster local unions remain in effect. “We told our Hostess members all along that we would vigorously oppose the imposition of unjust […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Grocery Buyers Big Part of Buy Local Trend
by Ashley Bates/staff writer Buying local produce and meats and shopping at independent stores is one of the hottest trends in the grocery industry, recent studies say and executives agree. Grocery buyers are taking the national trend very seriously and adapting their buying habits to suit the wants and needs of the grocery shopper. Piggly […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Confections Industry Remains a Bright Spot in Economy
by Ashley Bates/staff writer The 2012 Farm Bill now being debated in Congress is not the answer to solve the problems in the sugar industry, some industry leaders say. Despite the problems, the industry is holding fairly steady through the national economic turmoil. To date, confections and chocolates haven’t been hit very hard through the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Oscar Mayer First To Offer Complete Line Of Meats With No Artificial Components
Oscar Mayer has a new line of meats called Selects that has no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Oscar Mayer is the first brand to offer this choice across a complete line of meat products that includes hot dogs, bacon and cold cuts. In 2012, 50 percent of new Oscar Mayer products will have no […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National
Nutrisystem Expands Into Retail With New Product Line At Kroger
Nutrisystem Inc., a leading provider of weight management products and services, has announced the May introduction of the Nutrisystem® Everyday(TM) product line at Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer. Nutrisystem Everyday products provide real balanced nutrition and are available in bars, smoothies, bakery and breakfast items. Each product is nutritionally balanced delivering low fat […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Athenos Unveils New Phase Of Popular Yiayia Ad Campaign
Athenos, a leading line of authentic Greek-style foods including feta cheese, hummus and pita chips, is unveiling a new phase of its popular advertising campaign featuring Yiayia, the brand’s opinionated yet relatable Greek grandmother persona. After the success of last year’s campaign, which saw a double-digit increase in sales while on air, Yiayia returns in […]
Posted in, Beverage News, National, New Products
V8 Debuts Its Take On Sparkling Juice
Campbell Soup Co. continues to transform the juice aisle with new V8 V-Fusion® Sparkling juice drinks, the only carbonated juices that provide light, fruity refreshment plus the benefits of fruits and vegetables. Carbonated beverages remain the most popular drink in the U.S., and the sparkling juice category has doubled in the past year to $20 […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Shopko Partners with Wishabi to Launch Digital Circular
Shopko Stores Operating Co. LLC in partnership with Wishabi has launched its new digital circular. Accessible at www.shopko.com, the digital circular immediately highlights Shopko’s weekly deals. Wishabi’s patent-pending technology allows consumers to quickly discover the best deals, get reviews and ratings and shop directly though the digital circular across all their favorite devices. Using discount […]
Posted in, National
Hostess Warns Its 18K U.S. Employees Of Potential Layoffs
Hostess Brands Inc. has sent notices of potential layoff, under the federal WARN act, to all 18,000 employees across the U.S. Irving, Texas-based Hostess, maker of the iconic Twinkie and Wonder Bread, currently is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. “The notices were sent to alert employees that a sale or wind down of the company […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Marketing News, National
Budweiser Bottle Gets Red, White And Blue Makeover For Summer
For the first time in many years, the iconic Budweiser bottle will see a major makeover—special red, white and blue packaging for a limited window this summer. The new design comes in advance of a summer initiative in which the brand will contribute a portion of all sales from May 20-July 7 to help raise […]
Posted in, National, West
Former Hostess CEO Takes The Helm At Diamond Foods
San Francisco-based Diamond Foods has appointed food and beverage industry veteran Brian J. Driscoll as president and CEO, effective May 8. Driscoll, who will join the Diamond board of directors, replaces Rick G. Wolford, a director who has served as interim CEO since Feb. 7 while the company conducted a nationwide search for a permanent […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, Marketing News, National
FMI’s Walsh: ‘Back To The Future’ For Chicago Show In 2014
Though FMI 2012 The Food Retail Show just wrapped up in Dallas, Texas, Food Marketing Institute officials already are preparing for the big show in 2014. Pat Walsh, SVP of industry relations, education and research for FMI, tells The Shelby Report that show will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago. It is scheduled for […]