As sports fans around the country gather to watch the first cold weather Big Game played outdoors at MetLife Stadium, they will more than likely enjoy a Big Game food spread that includes avocados. This year, Americans are predicted to consume nearly 32 percent more avocados than they did last year, which equates to nearly […]
Tag: California
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Command Packaging, Bunzl Dist. Bring Bag Ban-Compliant Reusable Plastic Bags To Grocers
Command Packaging, a U.S. manufacturer of reusable shopping and restaurant bags, has entered into a partnership with Bunzl Distribution USA to bring smarterbags—bag ban-compliant reusable plastic bags—to grocers in areas where bag bans have eliminated ultra-thin plastic T-shirt bags. “Contrary to what many have been led to believe, plastic grocery bags are not going out […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Publix Pharmacies Launch Sync Your Refills Program
Publix Pharmacies plans to expand a new Sync Your Refills program to all pharmacies. After a successful test in the Atlanta Division, the program will expand companywide to the remaining Publix Pharmacies by Jan. 24. There are 925 Publix Pharmacies in the Lakeland, Fla.-based grocery chain. Sync Your Refills is a program established to assist […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Report: Bankrupt Mi Pueblo Evaluating Possible Sale Or Financial Lifeline
San Jose, Calif.-based grocery chain Mi Pueblo Foods, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last July, has asked for court permission to hire investment bankers as it seeks a financial lifeline or a possible sale of the company. The Silicon Valley Business Journal reports that Mi Pueblo wants to retain Piper Jaffray, the Minneapolis-based […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Donating $54K, Time To Hospital For Three Kings Day
Vallarta Supermarkets is celebrating the 2nd annual Three Kings Day (Dia de Reyes) with patients, families and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles today. Vallarta staff is joining in the festivities by dressing as the Three Kings and bringing toys for patients. Additionally, the grocer is bringing its traditional Rosca de Reyes (traditional sweet bread in […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, National
Whole Foods Commits $25M In Funding For Loans To Local Producers
Whole Foods Market says its Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP) has reached the initial goal of funding $10 million in low-interest loans to local and independent food businesses, and has now committed up to $25 million in funding. The LPLP has provided 184 loans to 155 companies since its inception in 2007. In providing easier […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
Michigan Family Wins Eckrich’s Ultimate Tailgate Contest
Eckrich, a part of the John Morrell Food Group, a division of Smithfield Foods, has announced the winner of its Ultimate Tailgate sweepstakes that includes a chance to meet college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, participate in a VIP tailgate experience and attend the college title game in Pasadena, Calif. William McGrath of Charlotte, Mich., is […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, West
Gelson’s Parent To Sell To TPG Investment Firm For $394M
Arden Group Inc., parent of Gelson’s Markets, an operator of 17 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by TPG, the global private investment firm, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $394 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Arden Group’s shareholders will receive $126.50 […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Aldi Launches Growth Strategy To Operate Nearly 2K U.S. Stores By 2018
Discount grocer Aldi today announced a five-year strategic plan to open 650 new stores across the nation. The company launched its expansion efforts after announcing it would build a regional headquarters and distribution center in Moreno Valley, Calif. To reach its goal of 2,000 stores, Aldi plans to accelerate the pace of new store openings over the […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Save Mart, Lucky And FoodMaxx Will Match ‘Holiday Shares’ Donations
Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx on Saturday will match donations to local Bay Area, and Monterey and Santa Cruz County, Feeding America-affiliated food banks through their “Holiday Shares” program, for a total dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000 for the day. This initiative could not come at a more critical time for local food […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s ‘Power Of Purple’ On Trend For 2014
Frieda’s Specialty Produce is getting a boost for the “Power of Purple” movement as the global authority on color, Pantone, announces “Radiant Orchid” as the Color of the Year for 2014. According to Pantone, a provider of professional color standards for the design industries, “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Sales Up, Earnings Down At Stater Bros. For 4Q And Fiscal 2013
Stater Bros. has reported its sales and earnings results for its fourth quarter and fiscal 2013 year ended Sept. 29. Fourth quarter fiscal 2013 sales were $960.4 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 0.33 percent, compared to normalized 13-week 2012 fourth quarter sales. Fiscal 2013 sales were $3.9 billion, an increase of $54.4 million, […]
Posted in, International Foods, National, New Products
Tarté Asian Yogurt Hits Shelves
Tarté Asian Yogurt says it is leading the pack when it comes to innovation in the yogurt industry. Asian yogurt originally was introduced by the French during the colonial period of Indochina. Asian Yogurt has a lighter, more subtle sweet taste, yet it is smooth and creamy in texture for a high-protein yogurt. Asian yogurt’s signature […]
Posted in, National, West
Unified Reports $17M Loss For Fiscal 2013
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 […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Stater Bros. Charities Donates $53K To Toys For Tots
For the ninth year in a row, Stater Bros. has helped to spread cheer through the local Toys for Tots program. Stater Bros. Charities, the charitable arm of Stater Bros. Markets, presented a $53,624 check to representatives from the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program earlier this week. This year’s check was more than […]
Posted in, International Foods, Store News, West
Vons Reopens Pavilions Store In Arcadia, Includes ‘Asian Zone’
After four months of construction and merchandising enhancements, Vons is celebrating the grand reopening of its Pavilions banner store in Arcadia. Located at 745 E. Naomi St. in the Arcadia Hub Shopping Center, the newly remodeled Pavilions—which has served the community since 1969—has incorporated specialized areas into its floor plan for added customer convenience. In […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, West
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 […]
Posted in, National
Winter Fancy Food Show To Feature Extensive Seminar Program
The Specialty Food Association has a full menu of seminars and workshops for its Winter Fancy Food Show designed for all levels of expertise, from emerging food entrepreneur to seasoned industry veteran. The show takes place Jan. 19-21 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. It is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s Introduces Flavor Essentials Program
Much like the “pantry essentials” list of ingredients every kitchen should have, Frieda’s Flavor Essentials are fresh specialty produce items produce departments should always have on hand in high volume to help shoppers elevate their everyday menu, according to Frieda’s. The five Flavor Essentials are Shallots, Ginger, Jicama, Fingerling Potatoes and Heirloom Tomatoes. These items […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Top 8 Ways Grocers Can Survive Plastic Bag Bans
by Pete Grande, CEO, Command Packaging For The Shelby Report All over the country, plastic shopping bags are being outlawed in grocery stores and other retail outlets. Fees are being imposed on all shoppers who do not bring their own bags. Plastic is no longer an available option at the checkout counter except at stores […]