The influx of immigrants has had a significant impact on the economy, with many relying on the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) to help them meet their basic needs. This program is designed to provide food to low-income individuals and families, and with the help of EBT, these individuals…

The 2023 NAG Conference wrapped up on Wednesday, March 29 in Austin, Texas, with a working breakfast session, a general education session and lastly, an ideas boot camp that focused on best practices. Foodservice and Digital Programs  During the working breakfast session, speakers Abbey Karel, vice president of business development, convenience retailing for Bounteous; John…

While the vape segment still faces a vexing regulatory environment, sales are delivering for c-stores. By September 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claimed to have received 8.9 million pre-market tobacco applications (PMTAs), mostly for e-cigarettes, vape products and e-liquids. Although the agency has decided on 96% of the submissions, an estimated 329,000 remain…

CITGO’s Lemont Refinery hosted its 12th annual MDA Shamrock Bowl, raising $144,560 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), making it the most successful Shamrock Bowl to date. The event, held at Bowlero in Romeoville, Ill., included a total of 288 bowlers from 63 companies. “CITGO has a long history of supporting MDA and our team…

RATIONAL has been given the award for “Factory of the Year 2022” by a jury of renowned experts from the industry. The decision was made based on the fact that the production facility in Landsberg successfully faced diverse challenges and showed a resilient supply chain, increased sustainability and recruitment of skilled workers. In recent years,…

Dash In has announced the opening of a completely redesigned store in Loudoun County, Va. The all-new Dash In location features a reimagined store experience and new menu that uses simple, fresh ingredients. The first-of-its-kind Dash In invites guests to linger by offering both indoor dining and outdoor patio seating. The 5,600 square-foot store features…

Takis announced the introduction of Takis Intense Nacho, the brand’s first non-spicy salty snack offering, alongside a partnership with Grammy-nominated, world-renowned artist Steve Aoki. The new flavor captures the classic intensity of Takis without the spice. The snack comes in several forms, including Takis Pop!, Takis Rolled Chips and Takis Waves varieties. Takis Intense Nacho […]

The Coca-Cola Co. has announced new innovations in the beverage category, including the addition of smartwater alkaline with antioxidant. This water adds an antioxidant boost of +9.5PH per bottle, making the smartwater variety a healthy option for consumers looking for beverages with added antioxidants. The new bottle still features the brand’s signature design, but with […]

The NAG 2023 Conference continued Tuesday afternoon on March 28 in Austin, Texas, with c-store retailers discussing how they are incorporating different payment systems in their stores while helping young leaders learn how to build political relationships. Next-Generation Technology For the third session of the day, speakers included Abigail Cerra, senior innovation and brand marketing…

At the National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference on March 28, Peter Tamburro received the 2023 NAG Lifetime Award for Convenience Retailing. Tamburro, general manager of Clifford Fuel in Utica, N.Y., operator of 20 Cliff’s Local Markets, has been active in NAG for almost 30 years. The award ceremony took place at Cooper’s BBQ in Austin,…