If COVID-19 weren’t challenging enough for convenience retailers, the start of the pandemic saw an increase in crime, said Sean Sportun, a security expert who’s spent almost 18 years in the convenience store world, 15 of which were with Circle K, leading the company’s Central Canada Loss Prevention Department. “People, it seemed, felt very comfortable…

In response to a national shortage of COVID-19 test options, Pittsburgh, Pa.-based McDade Products LLC has partnered with G Medical Tests and Services, a division of G Medical Innovations, to make several million FDA EUA-approved COVID-19 PCR collection kit tests available for retailers to sell by the end of January. McDade Products is a division…

New data from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and IRI shows that, despite the pandemic, consumers remained enthusiastic about the winter holiday season and the role that chocolate and overall candy play in their traditions and celebrations. So, how exactly did candy sales fare this year? Total seasonal confectionery sales were up by 20% over…

Candy’s always been a consumer favorite and an ever-popular c-store staple. But the candy industry, like many others, is rapidly evolving to meet consumers’ expectations and keep them coming back for more — or to try something new. So, what are some top candy trends from this past year to consider as we enter 2022?…

C-stores nationwide — Casey’s, 7-Eleven, TXB, Sheetz and more — are offering an increasing selection of proprietary products, from classic potato chips to better-for-you options and HBA items. CStore Decisions tries a few standout offers.

Bipartisan House lawmakers recently introduced a bill to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop regulations for food and beverages containing hemp-derived CBD and allow for their interstate commerce. The CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act would require the FDA to develop rules and hold a public comment period on the maximum amount…

New data from market research company Brightfield Group confirms 2021 has been a positive year for the cannabis industry, with new U.S. states legalizing the substance, plus other countries across the world considering cannabis reform, from Mexico to Germany. Thanks to the industry’s growth and the effects of the pandemic, Brightfield Group is outlining opportunities…

Among the results of a new study by healthtech B-corp Radicle Science, participants experienced a 71% improvement in their well-being on average. Thirteen U.S. brands were included in the Radicle Advancing CBD Education and Science (ACES) study of nearly 3,000 participants to determine whether botanical products containing CBD deliver therapeutic benefits across five health outcomes,…

The CBD skincare market is projected to reach $3.4 billion globally by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8% during the forecast period, according to a report from Allied Market Research. For comparison, the market was valued at just $633.6 million in 2018. Growth will likely be attributed to the rapid rise in…

Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season. More than 109 million people — an almost 34% increase from 2020 — will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of…