Host of “Extra” and “The X Factor” Mario Lopez has partnered with Avocados from Mexico (AFM) to celebrate this holiday season by showcasing how his family combines Mexican and American holiday traditions, including the use of fresh avocados from Mexico in his favorite recipes. Those recipes and more are available on the AFM website to encourage […]
Tag: Marketing
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Russ’s-Sponsored Lincoln Wine And Food Event Coming In February
The sixth annual Lincoln Wine and Food Experience returns in 2014 to offer wine connoisseurs and novices alike the opportunity to sample and savor new flavors. The event, presented by Russ’s Market, is the largest annual fundraiser for Nebraska’s Lincoln Community Playhouse and will be held at the Embassy Suites from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National
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 […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Linwoods Superfoods Unveils Enhanced Website
Linwoods, maker of flaxseed-based superfood blends, has launched an expanded website to build its online community and provide customers with healthy living tips. The family-owned company offers six superfood blends that are rich in omega oils, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The newly enhanced website provides an improved user experience and a range of content, including […]
Posted in, Beverage News, New Products, Southeast
Hard Rock Energy Drinks Debut In South Florida
Hard Rock Energy drinks are making their debut in South Florida. This test market is the first step in rolling out the new product by the Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc., the Tribe’s business development arm. Three flavors of Hard Rock Energy drinks will soon be available for purchase on store shelves and be available […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Oregon Cherry Growers Promotes Weeden To EVP, GM And CFO
Grower-owned cooperative Oregon Cherry Growers has promoted Danny Weeden, who has been with the company for nearly 10 years in the role of VP and CFO, to EVP, GM and CFO. In his new position, Weeden will manage operations in addition to finance, IT and supply chain functions for the cooperative, which supplies fresh, maraschino, […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Stride And Sour Patch Kids Bring ‘Sour, Then Sweet’ Experience To Gum
For the first time, the “sour, then sweet” experience of Sour Patch Kids will be available in gum, thanks to Stride. New Stride Sour Patch Kids gum will hit stores nationwide in January and be available in Redberry and Lime flavors. In the meantime, fans will have the chance to have a first taste by […]
Posted in, Organic Natural, Southwest
WOATS Oatsnack A Sponsor For ‘One Square Mile: Texas’
WOATS Oatsnack, a product of Fort Worth, Texas-based Anderson Trail Inc., has become a sponsor for the PBS documentary series “One Square Mile: Texas,” which will launch on Texas PBS stations in January. Produced by Emmy award winning husband-and-wife team Carl and Betsy Crum, the series documents the lives of Texans across nine distinct square […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Grocery News, National
Miller Lite Goes Retro With Limited-Edition Original Lite Can
Miller Lite, the beer that launched the light beer category, will release on Jan. 1 the limited-edition Original Lite Can, an updated version of the iconic packaging that helped change the beer industry nearly 40 years ago. The Original Lite Can features the familiar images of hops, barley and the words “a fine pilsner beer,” […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, New Products
Pasta Chips Now Available At Major Retailers
Pasta Chips, an idea born out of the hills of Tuscany and made from real pasta, are now available at major retailers, including Harris Teeter, Roundy’s, ShopRite, Safeway, Carr’s, Vons, Mariano’s, Albertsons, WinCo, and Randalls as well as Plaid Pantry, Quick Chek and Sheetz; other c-stores will carry the new snack in January. During a […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
Inventure Foods To Invest $3.9M In Freezing Capabilities, New Equipment
Inventure Foods Inc., a leading specialty food marketer and manufacturer, plans to purchase two state-of-the-art IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) freezing tunnels in 2014 for an estimated $3.9 million. “We continue to look for opportunities to meet growing demand for our frozen fruit products, while also improving margins in our frozen fruit segment by increasing our […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Gluten-Free A Hot Trend For Specialty Food Gifts, But Chocolate Still Reigns
America’s appetite for specialty foods hit a record high last year, with consumers spending $86 billion on everything from artisanal chocolates and cheese to oils and charcuterie. To help food enthusiasts navigate the wealth of food-gift choices available this holiday season, the Specialty Food Association has released the results of a survey that reveal the […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Yoplait Yogurt Introduces Limited Edition Holiday Flavors
Yoplait yogurt limited edition flavors for the holidays, voted on by fans, are in stores now. Flavors include Yoplait Light mocha mint and Yoplait Original peppermint bark-flavored yogurt. Both flavors are a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Yoplait Light mocha mint contains 5g of protein per 6-oz. serving with 90 calories, and Yoplait […]
Posted in, National, Shelby Content
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 […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Mars Chocolate Introduces Sweet Treats For The Holidays
Mars Chocolate North America is ringing in the holidays with the return of some sweet favorites and the introduction of new seasonal treats. “Chocolate is a quintessential part of so many family celebrations, and Mars Chocolate brands have been integral to holiday traditions for generations,” said Roy Benin, chief consumer officer for Mars Chocolate North […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
McCormick Reveals Top Flavors, Food Trends For 2014 And Beyond
Marking its 125th anniversary of making food more flavorful, McCormick & Co. Inc. has kicked off a yearlong celebration of tastes with the unveiling of its McCormick Flavor Forecast 2014: 125th Anniversary Edition. The report, developed annually by McCormick experts around the world, highlights five top food trends and more than a dozen emerging flavors […]
Posted in, National
Report: GMO Confusion And How Food Companies Can Help
Although voters in California and Washington state have rejected ballot measures to label genetically engineered foods, in some ways the topic is just heating up. Labeling supporters say their ultimate aim is nationwide disclosure, and the subject is more on people’s minds because of media coverage and advertising surrounding both measures, plus Whole Foods’ well-publicized […]
Posted in, National
PMA’s Former President Dies
Mr. Bob Carey, former president of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), died Friday in Delaware. He was 82. Mr. Carey led PMA from 1958 to 1996, taking it from a near-bankrupt organization with fewer than 100 members focused on produce packaging to a vertically integrated association of thousands focused on marketing. His vision of bringing […]
Posted in, National, Suppliers
BeBevCo Looks To Expand Into Another Category With Relaxation Ice Cream
Bebida Beverage Co. (BeBevCo), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of relaxation drinks and energy products, plans to enter into a new industry through a wholly-owned subsidiary. BeBevCo CEO Brian Weber, who developed the company’s flagship product, KOMA Unwind Relaxation drink, recently embarked on another curiosity. Now, that curiosity has taken another step into becoming a […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Food Channel Unveils Top 10 Food Trends For 2014
The Food Channel has released its “Top 10 Food Trends for 2014.” Based on research conducted by The Food Channel in conjunction with CultureWaves, the list identifies the significant food movements consumers, foodservice professionals and manufacturers should watch for in the coming year. “This year it’s all about global flavors and customs. There is also […]