Grocery Headquarters back issues from April 2009:
Scenes from an economic tempest: retailers and suppliers are trying all kinds of things to beef up sales and save money. Here are four examples--and not all of them work.(FROM THE PUBLISHER)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF MESSAGES OUT THERE DURING THIS PERIOD OF ECONOMIC DISTRESS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here are some examples: Exhibit A: Someone at Pepsico got the great idea to redesign the packaging of its best-selling Tropicana pure premium orange ...
The greening of the CPG supply chain: pallet pooling can help companies put the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mantra into action.(FOOD FORUM)
Apr 01, 2009; ... AS SUPERMARKET AND CONSUMER GOODS EXECUTIVES ENDEAVOR TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF THEIR COMPANIES, supply chains have increasingly become a key area of focus. In fact, supply chain efforts to improve transportation efficiency, operations, raw material selection and packaging ...
Consumers redefine value: concepts that focus on fresh and healthy are winning the day.(FOOD FORUM)
Apr 01, 2009; ... QUESTIONS ABOUND ON HOW CONSUMERS ARE COPING WITH THE NEW ECONOMY. How does it impact their food shopping? Are consumers trading down or trading channels? Are brands obsolete or an affordable status quo? Eating out less--or eating more lunch and less dinner? [ILLUSTRATION ...
Meeting the competition: don't waste any time getting to know the new neighbors.(FOOD FORUM)
Apr 01, 2009; ... NEW COMPETITION IS A FACT OF LIFE IN THE SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY. Even in a recessionary economy, acquisitions and the increased availability of re-use retail property will ensure continued competitive turmoil. In addition, the current economic environment is obviously a happy hunting time ...
Before you assume the bulk.(STATS & FACTS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... "Before you assume the bulk of customer theft is committed by the poor, officials at Carttronics tell me some of the worst customer theft they discovered during a year and a half long test program took place in affluent areas, such as LaJolla, ...
Poll archives.(STATS & FACTS)
Apr 01, 2009 ... The Whole Foods Experience <Pre> With Whole Food's success, are you placing more emphasis on 50.0% natural/organic products? Are you maintaining your natural/organic ...
Promoting women's heart health.(trade TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... DOWNERS GROVE, ILL-BASED SARA LEE FRESH BAKERY IS PARTNERING WITH THE HEART TRUTH CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of heart disease among women. Sara Lee is supporting the campaign in a number of ways, including highlighting The Heart Truth logo on more than 27 million bread packages through ...
Supermarket shopping with Rachel Ray.(trade TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... EFFECTIVE WITH ITS APRIL ISSUE, EVERY DAY WITH RACHEL RAY is launching the first-ever regular magazine column devoted to the supermarket. "Supermarket 101" will feature tips and advice from the editor's of Ray's magazine, along with input from some well-known grocery experts. ...
Does your co-op rock?(trade TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE GROCERS ASSOCIATION HAS LAUNCHED A "MY CO-OP ROCKS VIDEO CONTEST," a nationwide contest where individuals and groups can submit short, up to two minutes, videos of why their co-op is the best. NCGA is hosting the contest in celebration of all the "qualities and ...
Sweet eat at home Alabama.(trade TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... IN WHAT MAY SERVE AS A MODEL FOR OTHER STATES LOOKING TO BOOST THEIR DOMESTIC GROCERY INDUSTRY, the Alabama Grocers Association in Birmingham has launched a new website that is serving as a tool to help consumers learn how to save money, eat healthier, safely prepare and store foods, ...
Get the word out: new product innovation is a necessity even in a downturn. Communicating the features and benefits of new products is more important than ever.
Apr 01, 2009; ... CONSUMER RELATIONSHIPS WITH FOODS AND BEVERAGES, and the stores that provide them, have suddenly changed. Over the past 12 months, consumer confidence has slid almost as much as most Americans' retirement accounts. As household budgets withered, consumers took control of what they ...
Talking shop with ...(Interview)
Apr 01, 2009 ... What impact does in-store signage have on impulse purchases? Kevin Armata: According to research, 66% of all purchases are unplanned and more than 50% of all purchasing decisions are made at the store level. In-store signage should be powerful enough to alter shopping patterns, ...
Gold rush: as it gears up for the 50th anniversary of its city store, Andronico's unveils a remodel that places an increased emphasis on fresh and prepared foods.(RETAIL SPOTLIGHT)
Apr 01, 2009; ... IT'S EASY TO FIND WHERE ALL THE FOODIES HAVE LEFT THEIR HEARTS IN SAN FRANCISCO--JUST HEAD OVER TO THE ANDRONICO'S ON IRVING STREET AT THE CORNER OF FUNSTON. There, high on a hill in the Inner Sunset District, a mouth-watering array of farm-fresh produce, gourmet sandwiches, ...
Looking from different angles: many segments posted solid dollar sales growth, but fewer posted higher unit sales.(2009 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALMANAC)
Apr 01, 2009 ... How well is the total consumer products category faring at supermarkets? Well, it all depends on the angle from which one looks at the category. In fact, looking at a list of the top 50 categories at supermarkets, compiled by Chicago-based Information Resources, Inc., many people would ...
Hitting the sack: legislation and consumer demand are helping reusable bags carve out a home at the checkout counter.
Apr 01, 2009; ... Better add "reusable" to the familiar "paper or plastic?" refrain from cashiers. That's because whether made from paper, cotton, hemp, virgin plastic or recycled soda bottles, reusable bags are the latest rage at the supermarket checkout counter. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
No flash in the pan: olive oil and marinade companies say health-conscious consumers, product innovations and aggressive promotions will help the segments grow.(CENTER STORE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... WHILE OLIVE OIL AND MARINADE SALES WERE FLAT IN 2008, major players in these categories are hopeful that they not only can ride out the current economic storm but emerge stronger. They agree that American's continued focus on healthy eating and living, coupled with a new desire to eat at ...
Hip to be square.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... DON'T TELL THE FOLKS AT SOLO CUP CO. THAT YOU CAN'T FIT A SQUARE PEG INTO A ROUND HOLE. In May, the Highland Park, Ill.-based company is launching Solo Squared, the first of its kind square-bottom, disposable plastic cup. The cups feature four ergonomic grips to provide a more secure hold, ...
Kosher cook-off.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... KOSHER FOOD ISN'T JUST FOR PASSOVER ANYMORE. The Manischewitz Co., based in Secaucus, N.J., proved that when it sponsored The Third Annual Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York recently. Amy Siegel of Clifton, N.J. took home the top prize of $25,000, ...
More energy is brewing.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THE NORTH AMERICAN COFFEE PARTNERSHIP, A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN SEATTLE-BASED STARBUCKS AND PURCHASE, N.Y.-BASED PEPSICO, is perking up the energy drink category with Cinnamon Dulce, the newest flavor in its Starbucks Doubleshot Energy+Coffee beverages line. [ILLUSTRATION ...
Healthier applesauce.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... KNOUSE FOODS, A FRUIT GROWER-OWNED CO-OPERATIVE BASED IN PEACH GLENN, PA., has added two product lines to its Musselman's applesauce brand. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Totally Fruit, an applesauce naturally sweetened with fruit juice concentrate and containing no high ...
Slinging hash.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... MARY KITCHEN IS MAKING A WISH AND BLOWING OUT THE CANDLES. This year, Austin, Minn.-based Hormel Foods is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Mary Kitchen canned hash line. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As part of the party Hormel is releasing limited edition 60th ...
Tomato revolution.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... WEST PATERSON, N.J.-BASED POMI USA has become the sole importer and distributor of all Pomi products produced by Boschi Food & Beverage. In 2007, Parmalat sold the Pomi brand to Boschi, which had been producing Pomi products for more than 25 years. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Snacking with spinach.(in the AISLES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... KING CITY CALIF.-BASED METZ FRESH, LLC., HAS INTRODUCED SPINNY CHIPS--the first spinach infused corn chips. Made with organic spinach grown on Metz Fresh's own farms, Spinny Chips are fully organic and contain 25% spinach, making them a healthier option than traditional corn chips, the ...
Frozen pizza delivers: cost-conscious shoppers opt for convenience, value and taste as they shift from dining out to more home meal occasions.(THE FREEZER CASE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... SALES OF BUDGET-PRICED FROZEN PIZZAS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE SOLID--EVEN INCREASE--DURING AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, but what has been truly surprising is how well premium pizza products have fared during the current economic doldrums. Some of the uptick can be attributed to ...
How does your frozen section rate? A new study looks at satisfaction levels of shoppers in the frozen food aisle.(FROZEN OUTLOOK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... WHEN VISITING MY BROTHER AND SISTER-IN-LAW IN CENTRAL FLORIDA DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, I shared with them my trove of free coupons for frozen foods. A few weeks after that visit I received an email from my sister-in-law who was very excited about all the money she had saved on her ...
A united front: this year's show features learning centers, new products and a European atmosphere.(FOCUS ON FRESH)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THE WASHINGTON D.C.-BASED UNITED FRESH PRODUCE ASSOCIATION IS ADDING A BIT OF FUN AND EUROPEAN FLAIR TO ITS UNITED FRESH 2009 TRADE SHOW, which takes place at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas on April 21 to 24. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "In Europe, people are ...
Talking shop with ...
Apr 01, 2009; ... From a retailer's viewpoint, why is hydroponic produce important? Douglas Kling: The consumer is any retailer's most valuable asset. The consumer generates the equity that builds the chain's gross revenues, brand image and reputation. Given that hydroponic products offer the ...
Tomatoes: the third-largest category in the produce department weathered a recall last year.(SALES REVIEW)
Apr 01, 2009; ... TOMATOES ARE STILL A FAVORITE AMONG CONSUMERS IN THE PRODUCE DEPARTMENT Reviewing the latest 52 weeks ended Dec. 27, tomatoes are the third-largest category in the produce department, accounting for 6.6% of department sales. Despite the initial tomato advisory and subsequent advisory ...
Shoppers still focus on fresh: produce sales had another strong year in 2008, posting a sales increase of more than 5%.(2009 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALMANAC)
Apr 01, 2009 ... Produce sales remain healthy across the board and the category continues to make solid contributions to the bottom line. Observers attribute the strong sales to a number of factors, including a greater focus on health and wellness and more consumers prepar ing meals at home. ...
Fast tracking bakery sales.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... MINNEAPOLIS-BASED GENERAL MILLS BAKERIES & FOODSERVICE is helping retailers put their in-store bakery departments in the winner's circle with its "Be Race Ready" promotion that ties into NASCAR by leveraging the power of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet Impala SS racecar. ...
Asparagus club.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THE CALIFORNIA ASPARAGUS COMMISSION, BASED IN HOLTVILLE, CALIF., has created several promotions to spike sales of the popular vegetable throughout its spring growing season. The commission offers free point-of-purchase materials to call attention to retail displays and ...
Ocean Mist Farms goes waxless.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... AS PART OF ITS ONGOING COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, CASTROVILLE, CALIF.-BASED OCEAN MIST FARMS is moving towards replacing the waxed cartons used for its artichokes and other fresh vegetables with new waxless cartons. The recyclable waxless cartons are "encapsulated" ...
Swing into spring.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... $1 with the purchase of any TWO Mann's Sugar Snap or Gourmet Snow Peas. SALINAS, CALIF.-BASED MANN PACKING CO. is in the midst of its annual "Swing Into Spring" on-pack offer promotion. Instant redeemable coupons, offering $1.00 off any two packages of Mann items, ...
Pretty, perfect potatoes.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... SIX L'S PACKING CO., BASED IN IMMOKALEE, FLA., is getting into the potato business with a line of Florida-grown potatoes that are available in Eastern region markets from February through May. The potatoes are available in four SKUs: 5-pound bags of red, yellow and white potatoes, along ...
PETE'S Expressions.(fresh TALK)
Apr 01, 2009; ... ATLANTA-BASED INNOWARE PLASTIC, INC., a leading manufacturer and supplier of upscale, disposable plastic food containers and paper tableware products, has recently added PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) resin capability to its array of container solutions as a response to consumer demand ...
Natural fit: have natural food products had enough time to entrench themselves in the lives of mainstream consumers to make it recession-proof? The answer is yes and no.(2009 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALMANAC)
Apr 01, 2009; ... Observers of the health and wellness category report that while some fringe consumers are cutting back, core shoppers continue to purchase wellness products at a comparable pace to a year ago, despite the current economic climate. To maintain market share the remainder of the ...
Berry power.(healthy BITES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... DECAS BOTANICAL SYNERGIES IS INTRODUCING BLUCRANS, a product that combines the nutritional power of blueberries and cranberries to create a unique, wholesome snack. The item is suggested to be enjoyed straight out of the bag or mixed in cereal, trail mixes or salads. ...
Granola essentials.(healthy BITES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... FLAXPLUS VANILLA ALMOND GRANOLA is joining the family of products by Nature's Path Organic Foods, a Richmond, British Columbia, Canada-based producer of breakfast foods and snacks. As one of the top one organic cereal manufacturers in North America, Nature's Path has packaged its new ...
Snack to your heart's content.(healthy BITES)
Apr 01, 2009; ... LOS ANGELES-BASED CORAZONAS FOODS is extending its lineup to include three heart-healthy snacks: whole grain tortilla chips, tortilla chips and potato chips. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, all three products are low in saturated fat, contain no trans fat and combine a nutritional ...
Hawaiian care.(SUPPLIER NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009 ... Hawaiian care: Melville, N.Y.- based Hain Celestial is expanding its Alba Hawaiian personal care collection with the launch of Alba Botanica Hawaiian Hand Wash. Available in passion fruit, pineapple and goji berry varieties, the new products contain 100% natural fragrance derived from ...
Big snacks.(SUPPLIER NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009 ... Big snacks: Thanasi Foods, LLC has launched Bigs, a proprietary branded line of sunflower seed snacks. Initial flavors include original, zesty ranch and salted & roasted, as well as the following co-branded flavors: Frank's Redhot Buffalo Wing, Vlasic Dill Pickle and ...
Waiting for the next great thing: the HBC category has long survived on product introductions. That same strategy seems to be in play today.(2009 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALMANAC)
Apr 01, 2009; ... "It is all about the new products, now more than ever," says a health and beauty care buyer for a major Southeastern supermarket chain. "When suppliers have a full pipeline of new and unique items, we see a sales increase. When there are few new items--and, more importantly, few new unique ...
Pharmacy accreditation update: a look at the potential impact and some of the lingering questions regarding DMEPOS accreditation.(NONFOODS FORUM)
Apr 01, 2009; ... NOW THAT THE JAN. 31 DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS, AND SUPPLIES (DMEPOS) ACCREDITATION APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED, let's take a look at the current DMEPOS landscape and try to answer some lingering questions. Will pharmacists eventually be exempt from ...
Figuring out feminine care: to build sales, grocers need to carefully consider the product mix to keep customers from being overwhelmed.(NONFOODS FOR PROFIT)
Apr 01, 2009; ... SOME CATEGORIES GENERATE A LOT OF BUZZ AMONG RETAILERS AND UNDERGO MANY CHANGES ALONG THE WAY, but feminine care has not been one of them. As a result, not much has changed in the way the category is merchandised during the past few decades. This business-as-usual approach, combined with a ...
In focus: sexual well-being.
Apr 01, 2009; ... Companies such as yours are increasingly launching products outside of the condom arena. However, as you've discussed with us in the past, generating awareness is taking some time. Bill Siegel: It has been interesting to see how the lubricant segment has exploded in recent years ...
Duracell wins Good Housekeeping Seal.(nonfoods NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009 ... GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE HAS RECOGNIZED DURACELL with the Good Housekeeping Seal. Only products that have been evaluated and accepted by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute can earn the seal, which also provides an additional limited warranty against defects. "Consumers ...
A New look from Clean Ones.(nonfoods NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... CLEAN ONES HAS RELEASED A NEW PACKAGE REDESIGN FOR ITS HOUSEHOLD GLOVE LINE. The new design utilizes updated images and fresh graphics to display each glove in use. Many traits of the packaging remain the same with prominent product descriptions, differentiating colors, easy-to-read ...
Big things come in small packages.(nonfoods NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... SCRIPTO IS INTRODUCING A TINY LITE SPARK-WHEEL LIGHTER MULTI-PACK PROMOTION FOR 2009. Consumers will receive a free Tiny Lite lighter with the purchase of a Tiny Lite 5-pack. The newest mini lighters are compact in size to fit in pockets and handbags and come in an assortment of attractive ...
Supersized flea and tick relief.(nonfoods NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... IN RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, Central Life Sciences has "supersized" two of its most popular flea and tick shampoos from the Zodiac brand. The Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo, formally known as Protein Conditioning Shampoo, and Flea & Tick Conditioning Shampoo For Puppies are ...
Raising the bar: the switch from UPC to the GS1 DataBar is slated for January. Is the industry ready?(TECH SOLUTIONS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... MANY RETAILERS AND MANUFACTURERS POINT TO A PARALLEL BETWEEN THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV AND THE TRANSITION FROM UPC BAR CODES TO THE GS1 DATABAR. Ultimately, all sides agree that there will be substantial benefits, but some may not be ready when the switch is flipped. While they ...
Grocery CEOs can scan.(tech NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... JAY MITCHELL OF MITCHELL GROCERY CORP. recorded the fastest time scanning and bagging a cartload of groceries at the National Grocers Association's first CEO Self-Checkout Scan-Off. His prize: A Utopia Innovation lane from Bowling Green, Ky.-based Pan-Oston. [ILLUSTRATION ...
Caputo's deploys fresh food kiosks.(tech NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... ANGELO CAPUTO'S FRESH MARKET HAS INSTALLED THE S4G FRESH FOODS SELF-SERVICE KIOSK FROM LOMBARD, ILL.-BASED ADUSA. "Caputo's is a Chicago area institution with an incredibly busy fresh foods area. Our kiosk will really help them deal with the large volume of traffic they experience, ...
Building for the future: it was a strong year for store development in the grocery industry, with limited assortment, warehouse and supercenter formats leading the charge.(2009 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ALMANAC)
Apr 01, 2009; ... Even in the best of times, competition for consumer dollars is fierce. Add a struggling economy to the mix and retailers that take even a few small missteps risk going the way of the dinosaur--just ask the former employees of Circuit City and Fortunoff. Fortunately, the situation isn't ...
Signs for healthy shopping.(e d & o NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... VESTCOM INTERNATIONAL, A LITTLE ROCK, ARK.-BASED COMPANY THAT PROVIDES CUSTOMIZED SHELF-EDGE MARKETING SOLUTIONS, is expanding its programs to include Healthy Aisles, its health and wellness in-store marketing program. Providing added value to the shopping experience, Healthy Aisles is ...
Merchandising system slashes shrink.(e d & o NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... CLEVELAND-BASED FFR-DSI INTRODUCED A NEW SHELF-FACING SYSTEM to meet the growing challenges of merchandising diverse product packaging in categories throughout the store. FFR-DSI's Power Zone Sure-Set Self-facing System provides impeccable presentation on-shelf, easy installation and ...
Future retail designers.(e d & o NEWS)
Apr 01, 2009; ... THE SUPERMARKET OF THE FUTURE WILL BE A MUCH MORE EFFICIENT, PLEASANT PLACE TO SHOP--at least if the students in the Department of Industrial Design at Auburn University have something to do with it. Partnering with Eastman Chemical, students in the Auburn, Ala., university's retail design ...
Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers drink up Retalix.(in the PIPELINE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... DALLAS-BASED RETALIX, a provider of software solutions for distributors and retailers, announced that Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers is deploying a highly integrated suite of enterprise and supply chain solutions at three distribution centers in the Commonwealth. The solution ...
Listen up.(in the PIPELINE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... FARMINGDALE, N.Y.-BASED ROBOCOM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL has released a solution for warehouse and distribution center managers that will help them achieve the productivity gains promised by voice technologies but often not realized, according to company officials. Robocom ...
Doesn't melt in transit.(in the PIPELINE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... OPTIANT, A BOSTON-BASED PROVIDER OF INVENTORY OPTIMIZATION SOLUTIONS, announced that The Hershey Co. has selected and implemented Optiant's full PowerChain inventory and supply chain optimization suite. "Optiant is proud to work with industry leaders as we deliver multi-echelon ...
Hanson logistics upgrades warehouse.(in the PIPELINE)
Apr 01, 2009; ... ST. JOSEPH, MICH.-BASED HANSON LOGISTICS announced a two-year, two-phase investment initiative in the company's Hartford, Mich. cold storage and logistics campus. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The initiative is designed to support the West Michigan agriculture business, ...
Time to innovate: the great depression gave us Twinkies and Miracle Whip. What products will be created during this economic downturn?(SOUNDING BOARD)
Apr 01, 2009; ... HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ OR HEARD SOMETHING RECENTLY THAT ENDED WITH THE CODA" ... THE WORST SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION." That bleak period, which has become the benchmark for today's economic atrocity, gave rise to the "depression mentality" that haunted our parents and ...