Posted inExecutive News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Merchandising News, West

Kroger Atlanta Division Director Promoted To Smith’s Merchandising VP

Kroger has promoted Deana Collins to VP of merchandising for the grocer’s Smith’s division. Collins most recently served as director of regional operations in Kroger’s Atlanta division. At Smith’s, she will oversee merchandising efforts the division’s 138 stores in seven western states. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Smith’s employs 18,000 associates. “Throughout the years, Deana […]

Posted inBonus Content, Guest Contributors, Home Page Latest News, International Foods, Specialty, West

Multicultural Marketplace Column: Challenging Times Call For Bold Action

by Terry Soto/strategy consultant and author of “Marketing to Hispanics: A Strategic Approach to Assessing and Planning Your Initiative” When thinking about the topic for this article, I couldn’t help thinking about what is most salient in the Hispanic community right now. I would have to say without a doubt that it’s the current negative […]

Posted inPackaging News, Home Page Latest News, New Products, Organic Natural, Perishables, Produce News, West

Sous Vide Organic Vegetables: A New Ready-To-Eat Option

Las Vegas, Nevada-based Straight From The Root is bringing the French style of sous vide cooking to American kitchens with USDA organic, cut and fully cooked vegetables. Straight From The Root’s sous vide cooking method involves submerging a BPA-free, vacuum-sealed bag of cut, organic vegetables in heated water to cook them completely. The bags are then […]

Posted inDeli News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, West

Ralphs Unveils Meal Kits At Select Stores, Plans Larger Rollout

Ralphs Grocery Co. is introducing pre-measured and prepared meal kits, called Prep+Pared, in its stores. The meal kits are available now in 25 Ralphs locations across Southern California, and by early 2018, shoppers will be able to purchase Prep+ Pared meal kits at more than 100 Ralphs locations. “The meals are fresh-made, chef-inspired, restaurant-quality, easily […]

Posted inSpecialty, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Organic Natural, Produce News, West

Honey Bee Produce Co. Opens First Store In Draper, Utah

Specialty grocer Honey Bee Produce Co. has debuted in Draper, Utah. A small-format store, Honey Bee says it is the first store of its kind in Utah, catering to shoppers looking for “the freshest produce, specialty items and Utah products.” Its grand opening was held Sept. 13, highlighted by a produce slicing demonstration from a “produce […]

Posted inProduce News, Home Page Latest News, Suppliers, West

POM Wonderful Acquires Pomegranate Company Ruby Fresh

POM Wonderful, a grower and producer of California pomegranates, pomegranate arils and pomegranate juice, has acquired Ruby Fresh, a processor and distributor of fresh pomegranates and arils. This acquisition, combined with existing operations, “enhances POM Wonderful’s position as North America’s leading pomegranate producer and distributor,” says the company. The Ruby Fresh brand, which leverages both […]

Posted inGrocery News, Dairy News, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, Supply Chain News, West

Darigold Brings Delivery Fleet In-House

Darigold Inc. is bringing its fleet in-house for direct store delivery of finished goods as part of what the company says is an investment in its future. This strategic change will facilitate better service to customers and an increased focus on connecting local farm families with local consumers of fresh dairy products, according to Darigold. […]

Posted inEquipment & Technology, Corporate Store News, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, Online Grocery Technology, Store News, West

Smart & Final Launches E-Commerce Site Powered By Instacart

Commerce, California-based Smart & Final Stores Inc. has launched its own delivery platform at shop.smartandfinal.com powered by Instacart, the nationwide, on-demand grocery delivery service. The e-commerce website is part of a renewed collaboration between Smart & Final and Instacart, who have signed an expanded partnership contract. Smart & Final and Instacart first joined forces to […]