Walmart plans to increase domestic sourcing of the products it sells and help veterans find jobs when they come off active duty. Speaking at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual BIG Show, Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon also announced the company is helping part-time associates who want to be full time make that […]
Category: National
Posted in, National, Perishables
Consumers Express Increased Desire For ‘Farm-To-Table’ In 2013
Consumer demand for “farm-to-table” will continue to grow in 2013 if shopper behavior matches responses to new research conducted for Plainville Farms turkey and FreeBird chicken. Shoppers said their motivation for wanting “farm-to-table” products is based on a belief that they are “fresher” (95 percent) and “healthier/more nutritious” (90 percent). More than 80 percent of […]
Posted in, National
Produce Leader Barbra Metheny Passes Away
Produce industry leader Barbra Metheny has died following a long battle with brain cancer. Metheny passed away Jan. 11. She had a prolific career in the produce industry, working at Victoria Farms, Full Sail Produce, Pacific Provisions, JC Produce and, most recently, Fresh Connect, where she was chief sales officer. “Barb was one of the […]
Posted in, National
NGA Promotes Munster, Ott To VP Roles
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted Aileen Dullaghan Munster to VP of education and research and Matthew R. Ott to VP of membership and information technology. Munster previously served as director of education and research for NGA. She is responsible for setting strategy for education initiatives as well as the development and management of […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Seneca Foods Acquires Independent Foods
Seneca Foods Corp. has completed the acquisition of Independent Foods LLC. This business, based in Sunnyside, Wash., is a processor of canned pears, apples and cherries in the United States. Its product suite is sold via branded and private label items to the retail, foodservice and industrial markets. “We believe that these operations are a […]
Posted in, National, Southeast
Food City Category Manager Mike Sullivan Passes Away At Age 63
Mike Sullivan, a category food manager for KVAT-Food City, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Tennessee. He was 63. Sullivan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 8, 1949, a son of Carla Doecher Sullivan of St. Petersburg, Fla., and the late Jack Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
M&M’S Unveils New Marketing Campaign: ‘Better With M’
Mars Chocolate North America has introduced M&M’S Brand’s new integrated marketing campaign called “Better With M,” which includes a new 30-second television commercial that will air during the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVII. “‘Better With M’ showcases how M&M’S irresistible chocolate makes moments more fun and delicious,” said Roy Benin, chief consumer officer for […]
Posted in, National
Flowers Foods Going After Hostess Bread Brands, Bakeries
Flowers Foods Inc. has signed two asset purchase agreements with Hostess Brands Inc. as the “stalking horse bidder” for certain Hostess assets. The announcement was made Jan. 11. One of the agreements provides for the purchase by Flowers of the Wonder, Nature’s Pride, Merita, Home Pride and Butternut bread brands; 20 bakeries; and approximately 38 […]