Defeating 26 other competitors from across the nation, Andrew Hadlock, a bagger from Macey’s grocery store in Sandy, Utah, claimed the title of National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion. The contest, in its 28th year, with a new title sponsor, PepsiCo, and supporting sponsors Bunzl and Pan-Oston, was held Tuesday during the 2014 NGA […]
Tag: Grocery
Posted in, National, Perishables
Kraft Cheese Removes Artificial Preservatives From Singles
Kraft Foods says it is introducing Kraft Singles with No Artificial Preservatives, removing artificial ingredients while still delivering the same taste, look and melt its consumers expect. “We know families today want convenient foods that have no artificial preservatives and a simpler, more recognizable ingredient list, and Kraft is working to deliver more of these […]
Posted in, National
NGA Reveals Creative Choice Awards ‘Best Of Show’ Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has recognized its Creative Choice Awards “Best of Show” winners in the Marketing and Merchandising categories at a special reception held during the 2014 NGA Show, which wraps up today in Las Vegas. The “Best of Show” title is the highest award of the Creative Choice Awards contest. The Best […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Cardenas, Northgate Gonzalez Come Together To Purchase Pro’s Ranch Markets
Two well-known Southern California-based Hispanic retailers—Cardenas Markets and Northgate Gonzalez Markets—said this morning they have come together and reached an agreement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to purchase Phoenix, Ariz.-based Pro’s Ranch Markets, which has seven stores in Arizona, two in New Mexico and two in Texas, for $55 million. The two retailers recently formed […]
Posted in, National
Supervalu Combining Regional Shows Into National Sales Expo This Summer
With grocers from across the country gathered for the 2014 NGA Show this week, one of the nation’s leading grocery distributors, Supervalu, said today that it will host its first national sales expo, Sales 4 All Seasons, this summer. The three-day event, to be held Aug. 12-14 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn., brings […]
Posted in, Suppliers, West
GoGo squeeZ Plans $85M Manufacturing Facility In Idaho
Materne North America—the makers of GoGo squeeZ Applesauce On the Go—plans to make an $85 million investment in a new food processing facility that will create a minimum of 230 new jobs in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The new state-of-the-art facility—the company’s second U.S. location—will be housed at a site formerly owned by Micron Technology Inc., at […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Little Debbie Introduces Cosmic Cupcakes
Little Debbie snacks, maker Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls, Honey Buns and Cosmic Brownies, is launching a new product: Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes. The chocolate cakes are filled with creme and topped with chocolaty frosting and candy-coated chocolate chips. “Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes are light years ahead of anything else on the market today,” said […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Minute Maid Rolls Out Liquid Water Enhancer With Real Fruit Juice
The Coca-Cola Co. is introducing Minute Maid Drops, made with real fruit juice and available in four flavors: Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Mango Tropical and Raspberry Lemonade. Each bottle makes approximately 28 servings and can be resealed until the next use. “Adding Minute Maid Drops to our diverse portfolio of juices and juice drinks demonstrates our […]
Posted in, Midwest, National
Minnesota Grocers Recognizes 2014 Legislator Of The Year
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) presented its 2014 MGA Legislator of the Year Award to Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) at its annual legislative dinner in St. Paul on Jan. 28. Each year, the MGA acknowledges a lawmaker who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the retail food industry. This year’s honor went to Dahms for his work […]
Posted in, National
Congress Reaches Agreement On Farm Bill
The long-awaited Farm Bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate casting the final approval—in a 68-32 vote on Tuesday—before the nearly $1 trillion bill goes to the president’s desk. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill has compromises throughout, including changes […]
Posted in, Executive News, West
Unified Names Bergmann, Murphy To New Leadership Roles
Unified Grocers’ board of directors announced two EVP appointments on Tuesday. Leon Bergmann was named EVP of sales and procurement, and Dan Murphy was named EVP of fresh programs and manufacturing. Bergmann has served as SVP of sales since joining Unified in December 2012. In addition to responsibility for sales and service functions across all […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Mrs. Freshley’s Introduces Cinnamon Coffee Cakes
Mrs. Freshley’s, an award-winning brand of snack cakes and pastries from Flowers Foods, is expanding its product portfolio with new Cinnamon Coffee Cakes. The cinnamon-flavored cakes are available across the nation, starting Feb. 3. Joining an extensive line of snack cakes and pastries, Mrs. Freshley’s Cinnamon Coffee Cakes are available in 3.4-oz. two-count, single-serve packs and can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores and vending […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Newport Avenue Market Astounds Feeding Agency With Donation
Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Ore., is celebrating a mission accomplished: The company’s “Food for February” campaign held in December resulted in a fresh food donation that will produce 5,000 meals per month for nearly five months. The December campaign raised $12,668.24 from customer donations. Inspired by that level of generosity from its shoppers, Newport […]
Posted in, National
Farm Bill Passes In Senate; Off To President
The long-awaited Farm Bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate casting the final approval—in a 68-32 vote today—before the nearly $1 trillion bill goes to the president’s desk. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. For more on the deals of the bill, […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Ingles’ Net Sales Increase, But Income And Same-Store Sales Down
Ingles Markets has reported net sales of $945.1 million for its first fiscal quarter ended Dec. 28, 1.1 percent higher than last year’s first fiscal quarter ended Dec. 29, 2012 ($935.0 million). Net income totaled $9.5 million for the December 2013 quarter compared with net income of $11.6 million for the quarter ended December 2012. “We wanted […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Trend Report: America’s Love Of Sweet Baked Snacks, Desserts Spurs Market
Americans’ love of sweets has propelled dollar sales of packaged sweet baked snacks and desserts by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5 percent since 2008 to reach $13 billion in 2012. “Packaged Sweet Baked Snacks and Desserts: U.S. Market Trends,” a report by market research publisher Packaged Facts, projects retail sales in the […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
Stonyfield Rolls Out New Flavors, Enhances Greek Yogurt Line
Stonyfield has introduced two new flavors—Black Cherry and Cafe Latte—and is making its line of organic Greek yogurt with a creamier texture and enhanced flavor. Stonyfield Greek is made without the use of pesticides, GMOs, artificial hormones and antibiotics. “Greek yogurt makes an excellent snack with its high protein content and moderate calorie count, and […]
Posted in, Midwest, Store News
Hy-Vee Introduces Responsible Choice Seafood Program
Starting today, Hy-Vee shoppers will see blue and green Responsible Choice logos on select products in the seafood case. The Responsible Choice education program is part of Hy-Vee’s Seafood Procurement Policy that provides customers high-quality seafood acquired through responsible methods and in accordance with the highest environmental standards in the food industry. “The Responsible Choice […]
Posted in, National
C.H. Robinson Expands Welch’s Grape Distribution Globally
C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest produce and logistics companies, continues to expand Welch’s Fresh Grapes globally. To mark the occasion, Welch’s Fresh Grapes and other produce offerings will be showcased at the C.H. Robinson booth during the Fruit Logistica show in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 5-7. Through expanded distribution, C.H. Robinson, the exclusive marketer […]
Posted in, Southwest, Store News
WinCo Entering Texas With Two Store Openings This Week
WinCo Foods will open its first discount supermarkets in Texas on Thursday. The Fort Worth store is located at 8000 Crowley Lane and the McKinney store is located at 1800 N. Graves St. Each store is approximately 95,000 s.f. and includes WinCo’s newest decor package creating an efficient, clean feel that highlights product and coordinates […]