Despite pandemic-related challenges throughout the year, two in three convenience retailers (66%) report that their in-store sales were higher in 2021 than in 2020, according to a NACS “Pulse” survey of its retailer members, and only one in six retailers (16%) say that in-store sales decreased in 2021. In 2020, in-store sales reached a record…

Avoidance of alcohol is becoming the norm for a growing minority of consumers around the world. While this trend is seen across all age groups, it is most apparent in Generation Z, with as many as a third of consumers aged 18-25 now saying that they never consume alcohol. This trend is creating an entirely…

Fresh new data from Gopuff reveals what consumers ordered on the platform throughout 2021. Not only was it a big year for Gopuff, from strategic acquisitions to international expansions and new vertical launches, it was a busy year for Gopuff customers, as well. In 2021 Gopuff introduced its one-of-a-kind Gopuff experience to some of the…

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association this week welcomed Charles Irons, market director for McLane Co., to its board of directors. In 2009, Irons started his career with McLane Co. as market director. He has led management responsibilities for Circle K, Thorntons, TravelCenters of America, Speedway, EG America and QuickChek, along with several regional accounts. Currently,…

The Alkaline Water Co.’s Alkaline88 products will soon be available in the more than 370 Maverik convenience store locations across 12 western states. “Maverik is well-respected, recognized as a premier convenience retailer, and is the largest independent fuel marketer in the Intermountain West,” said The Alkaline Water Company President and CEO Ricky Wright. “They exemplify…

In July, President Joseph Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy to create a fairer, more resilient and more dynamic economy. The meat and poultry processing sector is a textbook example, the White House said in a new statement, with lack of competition hurting consumers, producers and our economy. Four…

Mintel announced three trends set to impact global consumer markets in 2022. From technology that predicts the success of potential romances to brands tackling COVID-19 “survivor’s guilt” and eco-anxiety, this year’s trends include: In Control: In times of uncertainty, consumers crave a sense of control over their lives. Brands can deliver the information and options…

Quorn Foods USA, a leader in meatless protein solutions to both retail and foodservice, has appointed Kevin Eiden as its vice president of foodservice. Eiden is a foodservice leader with deep expertise in building high performing teams to deliver transformational growth across the industry. In his new role at Quorn Foods, Eiden will be responsible…

DoorDash’s recently released, third-annual Deep Dish Report checks in on popular food and other trends across the globe over the past year using DashPass and DoorDash order data. Notably, french fries came in at No. 1 on the top-ordered food list. DoorDash saw an increase in a variety of different fries, including cilantro lime fries…

The Kraft Heinz Co. announced today a pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operational footprint (Scope 1 and Scope 2) and entire global supply chain (Scope 3) by 2050, reaffirming the company’s commitment to contribute to global efforts to reduce the ongoing threat of climate change. As a milestone on…