Publix Senior Vice President Announces Retirement Plan

Today, Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement plan of Senior Vice President of Product Business Development Dave Bornmann after 41 years of dedicated service and the promotion of two officers effective Jan. 1, 2025.

“We are grateful for Dave’s more than four decades of dedicated service to Publix, our associates and the communities we serve,” said Murphy. “He’s been a strong leader keenly focused on growing and supporting our supplier relationships, store merchandising and replenishment, as well as emerging business and health and wellness initiatives...

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (the "Company") today reported results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended September 7, 2024.

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Highlights

• Identical sales increased 2.5%
• Digital sales increased 24%
• Loyalty members increased 15% to 43.0 million
• Net income of $146 million, or $0.25 per share
• Adjusted net income of $301 million, or $0.51 per share
• Adjusted EBITDA of $901 million

"In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, investments in our Customers...

Butterball® Unveils a Stress-Free Solution for Holiday Hosts: Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey

Today, Butterball, LLC introduced the Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey, an innovative offering for seasoned and novice Thanksgiving hosts alike. Created with convenience in mind, the new Cook from Frozen turkey requires just two easy steps: unwrap and roast. There's no thawing, no mess and no stress, resulting in an effortless Thanksgiving centerpiece.

The most popular questions received by the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line® are consistently about how and when to thaw a turkey...

For a Limited Time, Enjoy the Boldly Irresistible Taste of HORMEL® Pepperoni in a Fun, New Shape

The makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are excited to announce the launch of HORMEL® Pepperoni Confetti — a bold, innovative shape that brings even more irresistible flavor to your favorite dishes. This limited-time product is set to revolutionize pizza night and elevate snacks for every occasion.

HORMEL® Pepperoni Confetti stands out with its unique ribbon shape, designed for even distribution across a pizza and allowing for maximum pepperoni goodness in every bite...

Conagra Brands Arrives at 2024 NACS Show with Powerhouse Lineup of Snacks

Conagra Brands, Inc., one of North America's leading branded food companies, is ready for the neon lights of Las Vegas and the 2024 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show. Featuring a $3.2 billion1 snacks portfolio, Conagra's offerings are a sure bet, with industry-leading meat snacks, sunflower seeds and bagged salty snacks. The NACS Show, the nation's largest convenience store expo, takes place October 8-10, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees at the Expo can find Conagra Brands...

Impossible Foods Launches 3 New Family-Friendly Retail Products

Starting this month, Impossible Foods is rolling out a suite of new retail products designed to make it more convenient for families to enjoy delicious, nutrient dense meat from plants: Impossible™ Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets, Impossible™ Meal Makers and Impossible™ Corn Dogs.

The new Impossible Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets reimagine the brand’s #1 best-selling1 Impossible™ Chicken Nuggets in the shape of beloved, familiar Disney characters in advance of the world premiere of the new film, Disney Mufasa: The Lion King...

Smithfield Culinary Introduces Smithfield Select Bacon, the Game-Changing, Fully Cooked Bacon 

Smithfield Culinary, a leading producer of premium proteins, launched Smithfield Select Bacon, a fully cooked ready-to-eat option, as the latest addition to the company's platinum line of superior bacon products. This innovative offering is designed to provide an unparalleled sensory experience while significantly reducing time, labor and costs for foodservice operators. Smithfield Select Bacon delivers the rich flavor, appealing appearance and mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked bacon without the hassle.

Smithfield Culinary's insights reveal that foodservice operators have traditionally faced the challenge of balancing...

The Retail Rundown:  Port Strike Sends Shockwaves Throughout Supply Chain 

The strike at East and Gulf Coast ports officially began once the calendar turned to October, following unsuccessful contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

The strike's impact is being felt throughout the supply chain, causing significant disruptions in the flow of goods ahead of the rapidly approaching holiday season. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, USMX stated that its current offer includes a nearly 50% wage increase. In response, ILA said it has rejected USX's offer "because it fails to address...

NRF Calls on Administration to Use ‘Any and All Authority’ to End Port Strike

The National Retail Federation today released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay after a labor strike was initiated at all U.S. East and Gulf Coast container ports. The strike went into effect after the six-year master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired on Sept. 30.

“NRF urges President Biden to use any and all available authority and tools — including use of the Taft-Hartley Act — to immediately restore operations at all...

Online Grocery Shopping Surges: VTEX Survey Reveals 69% of Consumers Shop Digitally

VTEX, the composable and complete commerce platform for premier B2C and B2B brands and retailers, released new research on online grocery shopping and consumer preferences. According to the survey findings, of 1,000 U.S. consumers 18 years old and older, 69% of consumers purchase groceries online in some capacity, indicating a strong and growing preference for these services.

As brands and retailers continue to explore the best ways to engage with today's consumers, the survey findings underscore the growing trend and need for grocers to adapt...

Daiya Elevates Plant-Based Pizza with a Major Line Overhaul

Today, Daiya, the brand that cracked the code on dairy-free cheese, announced the launch of its new and improved pizza line - just in time for National Pizza Month. Available now at major retailers nationwide, the reformulated pizzas deliver an even better taste for the whole family to enjoy.

The refreshed products boast a lighter, fluffier, and crispier gluten-free crust, with enhanced rich tomato sauce and now paired with Daiya's reformulated cheese made with Daiya Oat Cream™ blend. This cheese, crafted with proprietary plant-based cultures...

CORRECTING and REPLACING Circle K Introduces New Meal Deals for $5 or Less

Third sub-bullet and eighth sub-bullet should read: Choice of 20 oz. Pepsi (instead of Up to 44 oz. Polar Pop).

The updated release reads:

CIRCLE K INTRODUCES NEW MEAL DEALS FOR $5 OR LESS

Circle K, the global convenience store chain, today announced new satisfying and convenient Meal Deals with a variety of food and drink offerings at irresistible prices, available in stores throughout the US starting October 1. As an often-daily part of customers’ lives, Circle K...

The Makers of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Introduce OVEN READY™ Thick Cut Bacon

The makers of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon are committed to pushing the boundaries of bacon innovation, and today, the brand is once again revolutionizing the category with the launch of its latest patent-pending product: HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® OVEN READY™ Thick Cut Bacon with Oven Safe Tray. This first-of-its-kind product brings the convenience of fully cooked bacon while offering a mess-free, easy-to-prepare option for bacon lovers everywhere...

The Retail Rundown: Onwards to October

With October nearing, the shift in retail meat features from grilling cuts to roasts is picking up pace. More households are utilizing their ovens and crockpots, making it prime time for hearty ingredients like chuck roasts and pork shoulders.

Still, warmer weather lingers in some regions. For those with favorable grilling conditions, shoppers may find deals on items like steaks, ribs, and pork chops as retailers work to move any extra inventory. 

This week’s retail buying opportunities show seafood continuing to lead, making up 26.9% of protein advertisements, followed by pork at 24.7%, beef at 21.2%...

American Egg Board’s “Meant to be Broken” Campaign Inspires Consumers to Rediscover Eggs

Integrated, multichannel campaign aims to shift perceptions of eggs from boring to a powerhouse food with relevance in the changing lives of consumers

The American Egg Board (AEB) today announced the launch of “Meant to be Broken,” an integrated marketing campaign that challenges consumers to rethink eggs and their everyday lives by inspiring them to be bold and break something—an expectation, routine and, of course, an egg—to unlock new possibilities. The campaign marks a strategic shift for the egg industry designed to accelerate sustained...

Laoban Doubles Retail Footprint, Expanding Into Major Conventional Retailers

Laoban, the Asian frozen food brand known for using high-quality ingredients to make mouth-watering dumplings and bao buns, has doubled its retail distribution by adding 6,000 points of distribution.

In the past month alone, Laoban launched its dumpling line in thousands of Walmart and Kroger stores. The company also increased the distribution of its new Bao Bun, now available at Sprouts nationwide. Beginning next month, one Bao Bun flavor will also be available at over 200 Target locations across the country. Laoban will also release another exclusive product...

A.1. Enters the Dairy Aisle with Bold New Innovation: Steakhouse Butter

This fall, A.1., the brand known for its iconic steak sauce, is going beyond the condiment aisle with the debut of A.1. Steakhouse Butter. Marking the brand’s first innovation outside the sauce bottle in more than five years, A.1. Steakhouse Butter provides the perfect combination of delicious authentic steakhouse-inspired flavors and a buttery, creamy texture elevating grill enthusiasts’ favorite meals.

From cowboy butter to garlic butter, millions of food enthusiasts are crafting viral butter-based recipes to give their...

Target Names Jim Lee Chief Financial Officer

Target Corporation today announced that Jim Lee has been named chief financial officer and a member of its leadership team effective Sept. 22. In his new role, Lee will be responsible for financial planning and analysis, finance capabilities, internal audit, accounting, investor relations, treasury, tax, risk, financial products and services and corporate development. He succeeds Michael Fiddelke, Target's chief operating officer.

"As a successful leader in finance and strategy, Jim will oversee the central role our finance team plays in fueling our long-term profitable growth," said Brian Cornell, chair and CEO, Target...

Consumer Emphasis on Value and Need-Based Spending Continues in August,Reports Circana

Final wave of back-to-school spending is delayed, but there are opportunities to disrupt evolving consumer behavior and future shopping seasons

Traditional retail milestones, like the back-to-school shopping season, are being reshaped by changing consumer behavior, according to Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. During the four weeks ending August 31, 2024, total U.S. retail sales revenue across the combined view of discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) declined 1% when compared...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

Wakefern Food Corp. Seeks Local Suppliers and Vendors

Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative, with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros. banners, is hosting a supplier summit this fall to find the best new foods and products for its supermarket banners. Interested suppliers and vendors should be based in markets where Wakefern banners operate, and the application process for Wakefern’s Total Store Local Supplier Summit kicks off Sept. 9...

White Castle Doubles Up the Flavor in Grocery Aisles with New Double Cheese Slider

White Castle, the originator of the Slider and the first in the industry to transform restaurant quality food into a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) mainstay is now doubling down on its innovation with the introduction of the new Double Cheese Slider in the freezer aisle! White Castle maintains that when you have a microwave, you have a Castle, and that is true as the CPG Slider pioneer brings another craveable taste to consumers coast-to-coast.

With the new Double Cheese Slider, White Castle is...

Amazon Fresh Introduces New Grocery Savings for Prime Members

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced new, exclusive discounts for Prime members shopping in-store and online at Amazon Fresh; a new private-label brand that offers great value for all customers; and enhancements to the online experience that make it easier for customers to shop for groceries from Amazon Fresh.

"We're always looking to make grocery shopping easier, faster, and more affordable for our customers," said Claire Peters, worldwide vice president of Amazon Fresh. "With expanded Prime member savings, the introduction of the new Amazon Saver...

Chomps to Open State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in 2025 to Meet Growing Demand

Chomps, the fastest–growing snack and food brand in the U.S.1, today announces a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mexico, Missouri, slated to open in 2025. This exciting development marks the next phase in Chomps' long-standing strategic partnership with Western Smokehouse Partners (WSP) and will support Chomps' rapid growth, allowing the brand to meet an increasing consumer demand for better-for-you meat snacks.

The co-investment in a new facility with WSP comes on the heels of Chomps' most...

The Retail Rundown: September's Seasonal Shifts

Although there are about two weeks left to enjoy summer, many consider the season unofficially over following Labor Day. The retail landscape is starting to reflect this shift, where factors like cooler weather and football season are already influencing consumer demand. 

The frozen/convenience aisles and deli counters benefit from back-to-school needs and provide quick meals for busy households. Circana data indicates that prepared dishes/kits earned $18.1 million in total sales last week, up from $17.7 million the week prior. Over in lunchmeat, fresh packaged turkey retailed at $7.21 discounted, an 18-cent year-over-year decrease.  

Circana Research Reveals 86% of Eating Occasions Sourced from Home Over Past Year

Despite easing inflation, ongoing economic challenges drive shifts in consumers’ eating patterns both in and away from home

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, recently released a new report providing a complete view of food and beverage consumption trends, both at home and away from home. The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home. While retail volumes show modest growth...

SpartanNash Welcomes Erin Storm as SVP, Chief Marketing Officer

Food solutions company SpartanNash (the "Company") today announced Erin Storm has been hired as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Storm will lead the marketing function, including the OwnBrands portfolio, retail marketing programs, e-commerce and digital experience, creative services, shopper insights and loyalty.

Storm joins SpartanNash following an 18-year career with Kellogg's® and its spin-off Kellanova™, where she was most recently the Vice President of Commercial Strategy. Prior to that, Storm held a variety of marketing roles with increasing leadership responsibility...

FMI Research: Shoppers Feel in Control of Their Grocery Spending

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024: Return to Routine, provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and evolving their grocery shopping habits in the current economic environment.

While shoppers report continued concerns regarding inflationary pressures on food and other consumer categories...

Kroger Files Motion to Enjoin the FTC's Administrative Merger Challenge

The Kroger Co. today filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging the company's merger with Albertson's Companies, Inc. The company argues that by proceeding in its administrative tribunal, in addition to the separate action in federal court, the FTC is violating Constitutional protections.

The motion details how the FTC's administrative proceeding against the merger clearly violates the Constitution in two areas:

• First, the FTC violates Article II of the Constitution because...

The Retail Rundown: Leaping Towards Labor Day

Labor Day weekend, often viewed as the unofficial end of summer, is just two weeks out. Many families are seizing the opportunity for one last vacation, boosting foodservice spending.

For some students, summer break has already concluded, and back-to-school shopping for essentials like breakfast and lunch items is in full swing. Among retailers, Labor Day is recognized as the final major grilling event of the year, marking the last big push to promote barbecue favorites.

Last week, boneless skinless chicken breasts were featured at $4.43 discounted, 18 cents above...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Deanna Brady, Executive Vice President, Retail, after 28 Years 

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announces the retirement of Deanna Brady, executive vice president, Retail, at the end of the fiscal year on Oct. 27, 2024. During nearly three decades of distinguished service to Hormel Foods, she successfully led teams across both the foodservice and retail lines of business and served as a key architect of the company's results-driven, high-performing culture.

The company also announces the return of John Ghingo, who will join Hormel...

July Retail Sales Reveal a Summer Vacation From Discretionary Spending, Reports Circana

Total U.S. retail sales across the combined view of discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) continued on the path toward a state of equilibrium in July. During the four weeks ending August 3, 2024, overall sales revenue remained level with the same four weeks last year, and unit demand declined 1%. While both food and beverage and non-edible CPG sales revenue increased 1%, with generally flat year-over-year unit performance, discretionary sales remained challenged, with a 3% decline in dollars and a 2%...

The Retail Rundown: Multiple Factors Fuel Promotions; CPI Update

As we reach mid-August, grocery stores are transitioning their end caps from summer displays to game-day essentials, gearing up for the NFL regular season. At the same time, circulars are packed with barbecue items for the upcoming Labor Day weekend along with back-to-school essentials as some regions are already welcoming students back to class.

This week, seafood continues to dominate, representing about 28% of total protein volume in retail buying opportunities. Pork follows with a 23.4% share, while beef captures...

Egglife Foods Debuts in Top 12% of Inc. 5000's Fastest-Growing Companies

Egglife Foods has harnessed the power of eggs to become one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Thanks to the success of its debut product - egglife® egg white wraps - Egglife Foods has earned its place in the top 12% of the coveted Inc. 5000 list. The startup makes its Inc. 5000 debut at #563 overall and #22 among food and beverage companies, after growing from $4M to $40M in just four years.

"It's amazing to see how far the power of egg...

Conagra Brands Acquires FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks

Today Conagra Brands, Inc. announced that it has acquired Sweetwood Smoke & Co., maker of FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks. Financial terms were not disclosed.

FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks are protein-packed, better-for-you snacks for people on the go, made with high-quality pork and beef smoked with real hickory wood.

"The acquisition of FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks is another step in reshaping our portfolio for faster growth," said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands. "Adding a premium brand such as FATTY to our growing, better-for-you...

Weis Markets Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Weis Markets, Inc. today reported its financial results for the 13-week second quarter and 26-week year-to-date period ended June 29, 2024.

"Our second quarter 2024 results, which were negatively impacted by the Easter holiday shift, are in line with our expectations despite an extremely challenging market environment marked by continuing customer caution," said Weis Markets, Inc. Chairman, President, and CEO Jonathan H. Weis. "During the quarter, we increased our price investments by lowering the prices on 600 high-demand dairy items as...

The Retail Rundown: Unsettled Start to August

August began with a sharp decline in the global market, triggered by weak U.S. economic data and disappointing labor market figures. Traders are also assessing corporate earnings and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates amid concerns of a U.S. economic slowdown.