Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey said today that George W. Koch has been selected to receive the first GMA Leadership in Public Policy Award, and that the annual award will be named for him and presented in his honor in 2014 and beyond. “George Koch is a legend in the […]
Tag: Grocery
Posted in, National, New Products
Cracker Jack Launching Two New Flavors, Modernized Prizes And More
In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Cracker Jack brand from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division is introducing new flavors, more peanuts and modern prizes. “After 120 years, we knew it was the right time for the Cracker Jack brand to modernize to really suit the changing snacking preferences among our biggest fans—while still remaining true to […]
Posted in, National
ROFDA Conference Starts With Retailer Focus
J. H. “Jay” Campbell Jr., president and CEO of Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge and ROFDA chairman, kicked off the Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) Spring Conference earlier this month by reminding attendees what ROFDA is all about: “Our Independent Retail Grocers.” Held May 18-21 at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Amelia, […]
Posted in, National
IGA Partners With Wounded Warrior Project In Annual IGA Donation Drive
IGA has joined forces again with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in its third annual IGA Exclusive Brand donation initiative. During this national campaign—running in participating IGA stores from Memorial Day weekend (May 27) through Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3)—a number of WWP co-branded IGA Exclusive Brand products will be available for purchase in participating IGA […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Northeast
Tops Acquires Four Additional Big M Stores
Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, said Thursday that the company has completed the acquisition of four Big M supermarkets. In March, Tops entered into an agreement with the Bonisteel family to acquire four Big Supermarkets located in Boonville, Watertown, Sandy Creek and Adams, […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Sweetbay, Harveys On The Sale Block?
Delhaize Group may be shopping two of its banners, according to published reports, which say the Belgian grocer—parent company of Food Lion—has hired Lazard Ltd. to sell Sweetbay and Harveys. Sweetbay, which has its corporate offices in Tampa, Fla., had 105 stores in the Sunshine State at the end of 2012. The chain closed 33 […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Kroger’s Mid-South Division President Hackett To Retire After 50 Years
The Kroger Co.’s Mid-South Division President John Hackett is set to retire after 50 years of service. His last day with the company will be June 28. Hackett began his career with Kroger in 1963 as a store clerk in London, Ohio, working his way through college at The Ohio State University. Following graduation he […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Southeast
Lowes Foods Opens New Store In Hampstead, N.C.
Lowes Foods is hosting its grand opening festivities at a new store at 17230 U.S. Hwy. 17 in Hampstead, N.C., today. This is the most recent Lowes Foods store to open in the Carolinas and the first in the Topsail area. The new Lowes Foods design is based on research that indicates consumers are always […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Shop And Save Market Opens In Downers Grove, Ill.
A new 45,000-s.f. Shop and Save Market opened earlier this month in Downers Grover, Ill., outside Chicago. The store is located at 7241 Lemont Rd. in the Downers Park Plaza. “This is a very special store, for all of us,” said Ed Dubek, store director. “We are putting a lot of thought in tailoring our […]
Posted in, National
Reasor’s To Aid In Storm Relief Efforts
Reasor’s is partnering with the Salvation Army to collect donations to help with disaster relief across central Oklahoma. It is asking that the public text the word “Storm” to 80888 to donate $10. Reasor’s will match the first $10,000 donated. Additionally, starting today, all 17 Reasor’s locations throughout northeastern Oklahoma will begin collecting the most […]
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, Center Store, National
Snikiddy To Preview New Individual-Size Bags At Snacks & Sweets Expo
Snikiddy will introduce 1.5-oz. bags of Snikiddy All-Natural Baked Fries and Eat Your Vegetables at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago next week, May 21-23. The new smaller, portion-controlled bags will be available in Snikiddy’s most popular flavors, including All-Natural Baked Fries Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salt and Hot & Spicy, and Eat Your Vegetables […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
ROFDA Adopts Food Safety Solution From ReposiTrak
The Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA), the largest cooperative of independent food wholesalers, is adopting the use of track and trace technology from ReposiTrak, a solution provider backed by international food safety consultants Leavitt Partners and retail technology experts Park City Group. The ReposiTrak system, which includes Document Management and Track & Trace, […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
New CEO Named At Kettle Cuisine As Founder Transitions To Board Chair
Kettle Cuisine, a market leader in premium quality, all-natural soups for foodservice and grocery operators, says that Joe Rainert will take on the role of CEO of the Chelsea, Mass.-based company. Jerry Shafir, who founded Kettle Cuisine 27 years ago, will transition from CEO to chairman of the board of directors and continue to help […]
Posted in, National, New Products
MorningStar Farms Debuts Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burger
MorningStar Farms is introducing its Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burger, packed with chickpeas and vegetables. “The Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Burger is a bold addition to the MorningStar Farms’ lineup of meatless burgers,” says Michael Allen, president of Kellogg Frozen Food. “And with hearty, delicious chickpea recipes gaining popularity, we are excited to be bringing the brand’s […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Oscar Mayer’s New Products Include The Bacon Dog
Oscar Mayer said earlier this week that it will soon begin rolling out its five new hot dog products—including the Bacon Dog. Beginning in June, consumers will be able to purchase the Bacon Dog—the first bacon hot dog on the market, according to Oscar Mayer. It is made with hardwood-smoked, authentic Oscar Mayer bacon. “No […]
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, National
GMA’s Lynch Joins NGA As VP Of Industry Relations
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has appointed Brian P. Lynch as VP of industry relations, effective June 3. Lynch will be responsible for NGA’s efforts related to collaboration with associate members, coalitions, third-party partnerships and trading partners. He also will have primary responsibility for managing the NGA Trading Partner Advisory Council. His hire underscores the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Baskin-Robbins Launches First Retail Freezer Bar Product
Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, has launched a new line of shelf-stable sherbet flavored freezer bars, which are rolling out at major national retailers this spring. Baskin-Robbins’ Sherbet Flavored Freezer Bars are the first freezer bar treat from Baskin-Robbins that guests can purchase at participating supermarkets and drug stores nationwide. […]
Posted in, National
FMI Offers Webinar Series On Food Retailing 2013 Research
The Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) research on “Tomorrow’s Trends” uncovered cornerstone changes that will shape the grocery retailing industry over the coming years, according to the organization. On Wednesday, FMI will launch an eight-session webinar series on topics such as food retailing trends, local food movements and social media. The webinars will offer a platform […]