Del Monte Foods is considering the sale of its ubiquitous but slow-growing canned-food business, the Wall Street Journal reports. The San Francisco-based company would focus on its profitable pet food business, which includes Milk-Bone and Kibble ‘n Bits, 9Lives and Meow Mix, according to the San Francisco Business Times. Del Monte added to its offerings […]
Tag: California
Posted in, National, West
Enthusiasm, Upgrades Seen At Unified Grocers Expo 2013
Excitement and confidence were the feelings that dominated the Unified Grocers Expo 2013 in Long Beach, Calif., this week. Bob Ling, president and CEO of the Commerce-based wholesaler, said those sentiments were shared by both Unified employees and vendors. “Nobody is going to declare victory over the recession just yet,” Ling told The Shelby Report […]
Posted in, National
Calif. Cantaloupe Producers Implement Mandatory Food Safety Program
As the summer cantaloupe season moves into full swing and consumers see larger melon displays at their local supermarkets, many will be pleased to learn about a new mandatory food safety program in place to ensure the safety of the majority of cantaloupes produced during the summer months. “Beginning this year, California cantaloupe farmers and […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s Offers Grilling Season Suggestions For Produce Department
The grilling season continues with the Fourth of July holiday, and Frieda’s Inc. is sharing some holiday favorites. These colorful suggestions, the Los Alamitos, Calif.-based company says, will make any produce department stand out. “Fourth of July grilling is all about summer traditions like hot dogs and burgers, but consumers are also looking to change […]
Posted in, National, West
Raley’s Hit By Cyber Attack
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores says it recently discovered that a portion of its computer network systems may have been the target of a complex, criminal cyber attack. The company reports that it immediately initiated an investigation to determine whether cyber criminals may have obtained customer credit and debit card information. At this time, the […]
Posted in, National, West
Save Mart’s Q1 Perishable Grocery Donations Top One Million Pounds
Save Mart Supermarkets reports that perishable grocery donations from the chain’s 226 stores topped one million pounds in the first quarter of this year (January-March). The food, which includes bakery, dairy, deli, frozen products and produce items, is collected daily by local area food banks as part of the Fresh Food Rescue program launched in […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Safeway Names Land O’Lakes’ Libenson As New CIO
Safeway Inc. has appointed Barry Libenson as SVP and CIO. He succeeds David Ching, who retired from the role earlier this year after 19 years with the company. As CIO, Libenson will oversee Safeway’s information technology business functions. He will report directly to Safeway EVP Larree Renda and will assume his responsibilities July 1. Libenson […]
Posted in, National, West
Longtime Calif. Food Broker Cleland Passes Away At 73
Mr. Robert “Bruce” Cleland, 73, of Glendora, Calif., died May 20 at home with his loving family by his side. Mr. Cleland worked in the grocery industry for most of his life, first in his father’s store in Raton, N.M., then in California at Buy-Fair Markets. He began a more than 40-year career as a […]
Posted in, Executive News, West
Klug Joins Popchips’ Sales Team
Longtime Coca-Cola executive Todd Klug recently made the move to Popchips, where he joins the company’s national sales team with a focus on retail customers in the western U.S. Klug transitions to the snack company with more than 20 years in the beverage business within the Coca-Cola system. Popchips, which boasts an all-natural “never baked, […]
Posted in, National
FoodLink Showcases ‘Item,’ WMS Services
FoodLink, which began about 12 years ago to help retailers connect with their fresh foods suppliers, is offering a number of new services. In fact, the Los Gatos, Calif.-based company took home the “Best New Food Safety Product” award for its item-level tracking solution at the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual convention in San Diego […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Longtime Agri Beef Exec Named CEO For Superior Farms
Agri Beef Co. executive Rick Stott accepted the position of CEO for Superior Farms Lamb this week. He most recently served as the EVP of business development for Agri Beef, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, and, with more than 19 years at the company, also has served as president of Snake River Farms (a subsidiary of […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s Launches New Label For Champagne Grapes
Frieda’s Champagne Grapes, with a new green and purple label, are available for pre-booking. Packed in a 16/1-lb. clamshell to protect the fruit, Frieda’s will have supplies of Champagne Grapes beginning in July. “Frieda’s new label stands out in your grape displays, which makes it easier for consumers to find them and pick them up,” […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Bellisio Foods To Buy Overhill Farms For $81M
Bellisio Foods said last week that it is buying Overhill Farms, which makes frozen foods for Target Corp., Boston Market and other brands, for approximately $81 million in cash. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that Overhill shareholders still must approve the deal. That is expected this summer. Terms of the deal were not announced. […]
Posted in, National
United Fresh 2013 Attendees Recognize Best New Products
Attendees of the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual convention and expo in San Diego cast their votes Wednesday and recognized this year’s New Product Awards in five categories. More than 30 fresh fruit and vegetable innovations competed in the categories of Best New Food Safety Solution, Best New Fruit Product, Best New Packaging, Best New […]
Posted in, National, West
Kroger Unveils Clean Energy Production System Powered By Food Waste
The Kroger Co. on Wednesday unveiled a clean energy production system that will convert food that cannot be sold or donated into clean energy to help power its Ralphs/Food 4 Less Compton distribution center. The anaerobic conversion system will process more than 55,000 tons of organic food waste into renewable energy annually and provide power […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Kroger, Banners Opening Clean Energy Production Facility In Compton
The Kroger Co., along with its Ralphs and Food 4 Less banners, will celebrate on Wednesday the opening of its clean energy production facility that will convert food that cannot be sold or donated into clean energy to help power its Compton, Calif., distribution center while reducing waste. A ceremony to mark the event will […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Marketing News, West
San Fran Sues Monster For Marketing To Kids Despite Alleged Health Risks
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera has filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corp. for allegedly violating California law with its marketing of highly caffeinated energy drinks to children as young as 6 years old, despite scientific findings that such products may cause “significant morbidity in adolescents” from elevated blood pressure, brain seizures and severe […]
Posted in, National
Green Giant Fresh Adds Avocados To Product Line
Green Giant Fresh has added avocados to its line of fresh fruits, vegetables and value-added meal solutions. In association with C.H. Robinson Co. Inc., Green Giant Fresh will start shipping fresh avocados to retailers nationwide in late May. Branded with the Green Giant icon, the new avocado product line will be available year-round through C.H. […]
Posted in, California Perspective, West
Relationship Building Critical During Busy Legislative Sessions
by Ron Fong/CGA president and CEO Special to The Shelby Report The California Legislature is in full swing and despite talk of legislators taking it slow and not introducing a number of bills, this session is shaping up to be one of the busiest in quite some time. California Grocers Association (CGA) staff is sifting […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Ready Pac’s President/CEO Retiring, Successor Named
Michael Solomon, president and CEO of Ready Pac Foods Inc., has announced his retirement from Ready Pac. Solomon has been with Ready Pac since 2006 and has been president and CEO since 2008. He has led the company through several years of record performance. “I have decided that now since I have a strong senior […]