Low gas prices continue to push consumer optimism to high levels, and this optimism will likely translate into more holiday travel and shopping, according to the December 2017 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey. Low gas prices—which dropped 3 cents per gallon to $2.47—are a big reason for the optimism: 72 percent of drivers say that gas […]
Tag: National
Supervalu, Instacart Expand Partnership, Launch New E-Commerce Sites
Grocery wholesaler and retailer Supervalu Inc. has entered into an exclusive multiyear contract with on-demand delivery service Instacart. Under the agreement, Supervalu recently launched refreshed e-commerce sites “Powered by Instacart” for four of its retail banners across the nation: Cub, Farm Fresh Food and Pharmacy, Shop ‘n Save, and Shoppers Food and Pharmacy. Supervalu and […]
McCormick Predicts A Rise In Dishes With International Twists
McCormick & Co. Inc. has released its McCormick Flavor Forecast 2018. This annual report is a comprehensive look at the latest ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary ideas driving “what’s next” in flavor at restaurants, on retail shelves and in home kitchens, the company says. “This year’s Flavor Forecast highlights the casual, adventurous and interactive nature […]
2018 IGA Hometown Proud Retailers Are The ‘Best Of The Best’
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has revealed its 2018 IGA Hometown Proud Retailers, representing the “best of the best from IGA’s progressive independent retailers in the United States.” “Submitted by our IGA Licensed Distribution Centers as their candidate for IGA USA International Retailer of the Year, these Five-Star IGA Hometown Proud retailers represent the best […]
Industry Orgs React To Senate Passage Of Tax Reform Bill
The Senate voted over the weekend to pass its version of tax reform, and industry organizations have been quick to voice their support for the move, urging the House and Senate to come together on a final bill. Greg Ferrara, SVP of government relations and public affairs at the National Grocers Association (NGA), released this […]
GMA Urges Senate Passage Of Tax Reform Legislation
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass a comprehensive tax reform bill this week for businesses and consumers. “Our industry, the largest sector of American manufacturing jobs, calls on the Senate to quickly pass tax reform legislation,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of GMA. “Tax reform is necessary […]
Albertsons Cos. Partnering With Instacart At 1,800+ Stores
Albertsons Cos. has entered into an agreement with on-demand grocery delivery service Instacart to offer same-day deliveries in as little as an hour. When the platform is fully developed, Instacart customers will be able to choose from Albertsons Cos. banner stores across key market areas. “Instacart’s extensive delivery network combined with Albertsons Companies’ existing home […]
Kroger Introduces Sustainable ‘Our Brands’ Floral Line
The Kroger Co. has introduced Bloom Haus, a sustainable Our Brands floral line launching in its family of stores in time for the holidays. The move comes as the company looks to enhance its Our Brands offerings as part of its Restock Kroger Plan. “Customers can always count on our professional florists to help them […]
Walmart Selects SAS Retail Services As A Preferred Service Provider
Walmart has selected SAS Retail Services, a provider of in-store merchandising services for retailers and consumer brands nationally, as one of five preferred service providers (PSPs). SAS will provide Walmart stores a range of services, including modular/category resets, display execution, stocking, product assembly, product recall, fixture/equipment installation, POS signage installation, quality control compliance and customer […]
Amazon, Whole Foods Lowering Prices On Customer, Holiday Favorites
Whole Foods Market and Amazon are rolling out lower prices on additional best-selling grocery items and holiday staples at Whole Foods stores, including a new lower price on organic and no-antibiotic turkeys for all customers and a deeper discount for Prime members. According to the company, this offer is a sneak preview of the special […]
Eco-Products Honored For Compostable Foodservice Containers
Eco-Products has earned awards for two of its compostable containers: a snack cup and a take-out container that “make life easier for customers and venues alike.” Eco-Products was the only company to be honored for two separate products in this year’s QSR/FPI Foodservice Packaging Awards competition. The company’s Grip & Dip Snack Cup earned first place […]
General Mills Board Chairman Retires, Successor Elected
Ken Powell will be retiring as General Mills’ chairman of the board, effective at the end of the year. The company’s board of directors has elected CEO Jeffrey Harmening to serve as chairman upon Powell’s retirement effective Jan. 1, 2018. Harmening will continue to serve as the company’s CEO. “Today’s announcement concludes a long and […]
Industry Organizations Applaud Tax Reform Efforts
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the National Retail Federation (NRF) are welcoming the release of a tax reform proposal by the House Ways & Means Committee that moves the U.S. Congress one step closer to passing tax reform. “This is a critical step forward towards enacting the first major overhaul […]
Sprouts Farmers Market Increases Net Sales By 16 Percent In 3Q
Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. has released its results for the 13-week third quarter ended Oct. 1, reporting significant sales growth. Net sales for the third quarter of 2017 were $1.2 billion, a 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2016. Net sales growth was driven by a 4.6 percent increase in comparable store […]
Target Investing In Store Technology To Improve Customer Experience
In an effort to improve shopper experience, Target has made what it calls a host of technology enhancements to its stores nationwide. “We’re using cutting-edge technology to make it easier, faster and more convenient for guests to shop Target stores,” said Mike McNamara, Target’s chief information and digital officer. “Technology is increasingly vital to make sure […]
Meal Planning Service eMeals Debuts Vegan Plan
Meal planning service eMeals has launched a new Vegan Meal Plan that it says solves the “What’s for dinner?” dilemma with creative, plant-based, animal-free dinner menus that change on a weekly basis while also costing an average of $3.50 per serving—half the price of typical meal kits. Read more: eMeals Expands Online Ordering Fulfillment Options With […]
My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream Introduces Self-Serve Bars Nationwide
My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, a line of frozen snacks, is looking to expand its in-store footprint—moving from the freezer aisle into the bakery and prepared meals sections of supermarkets throughout the country. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream now is available in its signature self-serve My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream Bars in select Wegmans, Safeway, Kroger, Harris Teeter, […]
Ferrero To Acquire U.S. Confectionery Company Ferrara
The Ferrero Group, a global confectionary group, has entered into a definitive agreement for a Ferrero-affiliated company to acquire Ferrara Candy Co., the third-largest U.S. non-chocolate confectionary company, with strong positions in the gummy and seasonal candies categories. Ferrero is acquiring Ferrara from L Catterton, a global consumer-focused private equity firm. Terms of the transaction were not […]
Subscription Box Companies Get Creative With Interactive Packages
As the popularity of subscription box services increases, companies are looking for ways to transform their use of cardboard packaging by making their boxes part of the brand experience. Among the companies seeking to make their shipping containers part of the consumer experience are KitNipBox, KiwiCo and Loot Crate. KitNipBox Queens-based subscription box startup KitNipBox […]
ROFDA And Rosie To Bring Online Shopping To 2,000 Independents
Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) and Rosie, an e-commerce company, have entered into a new partnership, announced at the National Grocers Association’s Fall Leadership Meetings, that will bring Rosie’s online shopping platform to 2,000 independent grocery stores across the U.S. over the next two years. “The partnership will provide omni-channel online shopping programs, […]
