Supermarket News

Five Reasons Why Banning Foods From Presidential Photo Ops Is Bad Politics

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

A group’s proposal makes little sense for consumers, retailers and our culture, says David Orgel, SN Editor-in-Chief, in this week’s Viewpoint.

Viewpoints

Can Lawsuits Compel FDA to Act on Labeling?

Sat, 26 May 2012 09:50:00 +0000

Lawsuits against food companies are nothing new, but the pace of filings is alarming.

Viewpoints

Moody's Upgrades Smart & Final Ratings

Fri, 25 May 2012 18:39:00 +0000

NEW YORK — Moody's Investors Service here said Friday it was upgrading the ratings of Smart & Final Holdings Corp., Los Angeles, with a positive outlook.

Heinen’s Rancher-Suppliers to Grill at Stores

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:59:00 +0000

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — Heinen’s, will launch Memorial Day weekend — one of the country’s biggest grilling weekends — with visits from two of the ranchers who supply its Heinen’s Own Premium Beef program.

Costco Sees Openings Increasing

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:58:00 +0000

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. here anticipates becoming slightly more aggressive on the number of domestic warehouse openings under its new chief executive officer, a company executive said Thursday.

Beckers: Economy Complicating Transition

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

BRUSSELS — Executing its “New Game Plan” initiatives in a time of economic uncertainly has put Delhaize in “uncomfortable” position for the short term, Pierre-Oliver Beckers, Delhaize’s chief executive officer, told shareholders at the retailer’s annual meeting here Friday.

Whole Foods Names Regional Presidents

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:32:00 +0000

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market has named Scott Allshouse, Omar Gaye and Rob Twyman regional presidents following the promotion of David Lannon and Kenneth Meyer to executive vice presidents of operations.

Price Chopper Honors Vets

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:44:00 +0000

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper Supermarkets is recognizing war veterans in several ways this Memorial Day.

Kroger Doubles Fuel Reward Limit

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:02:00 +0000

CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. is doubling the limit on its fuel rewards program from $1.00 per gallon to $2.00 per gallon between May 27 and Sept. 30.

Burd Apologizes to Clinton, Pelosi

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:57:00 +0000

PLEASANTON, Calif. —Steve Burd, chairman and chief executive officer of Safeway here, has sent a letter of apology to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for a joke the chain's general counsel made at last week's annual meeting, according to published reports.

Vermont Enacts PBM Legislation

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

MONTPELIER, Vt. — On Thursday, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin enacted legislation to establish pharmacy audit standards for pharmacy benefit managers.

Sometimes, Companies Win False Advertising Lawsuits

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:04:00 +0000

Food and beverage makers should not underestimate their ability to defeat false advertising claims challenging subjective label and advertising claims.

Refresh

Giant Eagle Opens 2nd Express Store

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:38:00 +0000

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle on Thursday opened a Giant Eagle Express store in Indiana, Pa., only the second such store since introducing the concept in 2007.

IGA Golf Tournament to Benefit Wounded Warriors

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:55:00 +0000

CHICAGO — IGA here said it plans to host a golf tournament to raise funds for the Wounded Warriors Project.

City Denies Wal-Mart Permits for Neighborhood Market

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:56:00 +0000

HAYWARD, Calif. — The city council here voted Wednesday to deny Wal-Mart the permits necessary to build a Neighborhood Market in this Northern California city.

L.A. Votes to Ban Plastic Bags

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:53:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES — The City Council here voted 13-1 Wednesday to ban plastic bags at supermarket checkouts — the largest city in the U.S. to impose such a law.

Save-A-Lot Opens in Underserved Atlantic City

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:59:00 +0000

ST. LOUIS – Save-A-Lot, a subsidiary of Supervalu, has opened its first store in Atlantic City, N.J., the first full-service grocery store within a 21-mile radius of the city.

Safeway Reinstates Suspended Employee

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:31:00 +0000

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway here has reached an agreement with a union local that resulted in the reinstatement of a meat clerk who had been suspended last month after intervening in a physical altercation between a man and a pregnant woman, according to the union.

Target Offers Shopkick App

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has become the largest retailer to offer the Shopkick app, allowing shoppers nationwide to earn points for shopping at Target that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards

Food Lion Va. Store Gets Silver LEED

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:08:00 +0000

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion’s Williamsburg, Va., store has been awarded a LEED Silver certification for a number of environmentally friendly construction and energy-efficient features, including an on-site recycling center, an educational kiosk and preferred parking for carpool vehicles.

Wagner Elected Chair of Ohio Grocers

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:46:00 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Grocers Association here said Wally Wagner Jr., owner of Wagner's IGA, Minster, Ohio, has been elected chairman for a two-year term.

Survey: Americans Find It Difficult to Adopt Healthier Lifestyle

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:20:00 +0000

WASHINGTON — Most Americans think about living a healthier lifestyle, but find it difficult to do so, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s, 2012 Food & Health survey shows.

Knapp Named Chair of N.H. Grocers

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:06:00 +0000

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Judy Knapp has been named chairman of the board for the New Hampshire Grocers Association, the group said Wedbesday.

Shoppers Look to Supermarkets for Produce Purchases

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:38:00 +0000

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — While shoppers may occasionally purchase produce from farmers markets, big-box stores, and community supported agriculture programs, consumers turn to supermarkets for the majority of their produce purchases, according to a recent poll conducted by the Lauer Johnson Research for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Hy-Vee, Gallo Run Wine Promo

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

WEST DES MOINES — A private wine and cooking class is the prize in a Gallo-sponsored Hy-Vee sweepstakes event.

Bridge Dedicated to Food Circus’ Azzolina

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:05:00 +0000

HIGHLANDS, N.J. — A new bridge here is scheduled to be dedicated to the memory of food-retailing veteran Joseph Azzolina Sr., who died in 2010.

Food Lion Raises $500,000 for Hunger

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:51:00 +0000

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion customers and associates raised more than $500,000 through its latest "Hunger Has A Cure" Campaign, which supports Feeding America's network of local food banks.

Nielsen: CPG Success Hinges on Hispanics

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:01:00 +0000

NEW YORK — Members of the burgeoning Hispanic segment are accelerating growth in tea, spirits/wine and coffee while putting the brakes on underperforming beverages like bottled water and milk.

Northern California Talks Drag On

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:28:00 +0000

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Despite a strike authorization vote last week by one of its subsidiaries, Raley's here said contract talks overseen by a federal mediator will resume Wednesday, with another meeting scheduled for Friday.

Vote Against Wal-Mart Directors: Proxy Firms

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:43:00 +0000

NEW YORK — Two proxy advisory firms here said Wal-Mart shareholders should vote against several board nominees, including Mike Duke, chief executive officer, and Lee Scott, the company's former CEO.