Unified Grocers Inc. has released its results for the fiscal year ended Sept. 28. The Los Angeles-based cooperative reported gross billings of $3.743 billion and net sales of $3.692 billion, a decrease of 1.4 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively, compared to the prior fiscal year ended Sept. 29, 2012. The company reported a net loss […]
Tag: business
Study: Crowded Stores Lead Consumers To Think And Behave Differently
Recent research in the American Marketing Association’s Journal of Marketing Research finds that, as the environment becomes more crowded, consumers show an increased preference for products with safety connotations. Crowds also cause consumers to process marketing messages differently and actually appear to become more averse to risk in general. Whether shopping for groceries at a […]
Chobani’s Twin Falls Facility Reaches Full Capability Milestone
Chobani’s Twin Falls, Idaho, facility has reached optimal production capability, a significant milestone achieved in less than a year, according to the New York-based yogurt brand. This will serve to support the continued growth and demand for the company’s Greek yogurt, as its sales have increased 32 percent year-to-date and are projected to grow even […]
Conquering That Pesky Millennial Generation
by Kristen Cloud/staff writer Millennials, as retailers have come to discover, are a tough collective nut to crack. The group includes those born between 1977 and 1995 and also is referred to as Gen Y. There are 79.8 million Gen Yers and, while they may be the children of Baby Boomers, they pose […]
Study: Digital Commerce Remains Largely Untapped Opportunity For CPGs
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are underestimating the e-commerce channel’s growth potential and consequently may be missing out on a substantial market opportunity, according to the first of a two-part Deloitte study, “Digital Commerce in the Supermarket Aisle.” The study analyzed responses from a survey of 2,040 online shoppers who are responsible for shopping and […]
Unified Selects Nielsen As Analytics Provider
Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western U.S., has selected Nielsen as its analytics and insights provider. Under the terms of the contract, Nielsen will provide Unified with data analytics tools for the exclusive use of its retail partners. “Unified is pleased to work with Nielsen,” says Sue Klug, SVP and chief […]
D.C. Metro Fresh & Green’s Grocery Stores To Close
The Natural Markets Food Group (NMFG), parent company of Fresh & Green’s grocery stores, has decided to close its six Fresh & Green’s stores in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, citing the stores’ unprofitability. After a wind-down period, all will be closed by the end of December. NMFG acquired the former SuperFresh stores from A&P in […]
Newport Avenue Hosting Food For February Fundraiser Through Dec. 31
February is one of the hardest-hitting months for hungry families in Central Oregon, which is why Newport Avenue Market is again hosting Food for February. The fundraiser began Dec. 1. The campaign held its first drive last year and the grocers’ customers donated $4,025, an amount Newport Avenue matched. Working with Unified Grocers, Newport Avenue […]
Most Americans Believe Another Government Shutdown Is Likely
While his overall approval ratings may be inching downward, President Obama’s job approval ratings on the economy are holding steady. But “steady” means three in 10 Americans (30 percent) giving the president positive ratings for his handling of the economy; 70 percent still give him negative marks, which is unchanged from last month. These are […]
Coldest Holiday In 20 Years Helped Put Seasonal Items In Customer Baskets
Business estimates from the Black Friday weekend are emerging, and they are indicating a solid start to the holiday shopping season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), there were more than 141 million unique shoppers who visited stores and websites over the long weekend, representing a 1.4 percent increase over last year. This includes […]
State Of The Southeast: Region Sees Shakeup In 2013
A number of big stories came out of the southeastern states in 2013. Many of them involved companies having to regroup and/or sell off their holdings, but there were a couple of bright spots as well, including mergers and strong performance. Below are 10 of the most noteworthy stories as reported by The Shelby Report […]
State Of The West: Region Marked By Shakeup In 2013
A number of big stories came out of the western states in 2013. Many of them involved companies having to regroup and/or sell off their holdings, but there were a couple of bright spots as well, including new banners and strong performance. Below are the top 10 most noteworthy as reported by The Shelby Report […]
Foulkes Appointed President Of CVS/Pharmacy
CVS Caremark has named Helena B. Foulkes as president of CVS/pharmacy, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Foulkes, 49, most recently served as the company’s chief health care strategy and marketing officer responsible for corporate strategy and enterprise marketing, government relations and communications. Throughout her more than 20-year tenure with the company, Foulkes has held numerous leadership […]
New Walmart CEO Takes The Helm In February
Walmart Stores Inc.’s board of directors has elected company veteran Doug McMillon, 47, to succeed Mike Duke, 63, as president and CEO, effective Feb. 1. McMillon also was elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. McMillon currently serves as president and CEO of Walmart International—a segment of Walmart’s overall operations with more than […]
Sue Bee Honey Now Bears ‘Support The USA Honeybee’ Seal
Sioux City, Iowa-based Sue Bee Honey has begun placing “Support the USA Honeybee” seal labels on all its branded products to inform consumers that they are buying 100 percent all-natural American honey and supporting American beekeepers and the role their bees play in pollinating more than $47 billion in American crops. David Allibone, president of […]
WAFC Elects Two New Board Members
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected two new members to its board of directors: Ann Reed and Mike Servold. Reed is VP of merchandising for The Kroger Co.’s Fred Meyer Stores Division, based in Portland. She is responsible for merchandising for 132 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington that employ more […]
Blue Diamond Posts Record Sales And Revenue
Blue Diamond Growers’ global almond sales soared to $1.2 billion, up $189 million in fiscal year 2012-13. Value-added sales volume increased by 14 percent, even with a crop that was 7 percent smaller, according to President and CEO Mark Jansen, who addressed the cooperative’s grower owners at the company’s annual meeting. Value-added sales now represent more […]
C&K Market Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Will Keep About 40 Stores
To address legacy costs, sell or close underperforming stores and resolve debt issues, C&K Market Inc. has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene. C&K’s operations are expected to continue as normal throughout the bankruptcy process as it develops a reorganization plan. The […]
NGA Hires New Communications Director
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has hired Laura Strange as its director of communications and marketing. Strange, who most recently served as a communications director on Capitol Hill, is responsible for the implementation and advancement of communications and marketing strategies targeted for audiences and outlets on the national, local and industry-specific levels. She also will […]
H-E-B First Company To Be Inducted Into Texas Business Hall Of Fame
During the 31st annual induction dinner, the Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation honored H-E-B as one of this year’s inductees. This was the first time that a company, rather than an individual, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. “We are honored to receive this award,” said Craig Boyan, H-E-B president and COO. “It’s […]
