A high-octane standard for the U.S. gasoline market could be the fastest and most cost-effective way to enhance fuel efficiency for vehicles produced in the next few years. New reports published by the Fuels Institute analyze the market’s ability to deliver higher octane gasoline to consumers — and how it would affect the regulatory and market…
McDonald’s Acquisition to Add Personalized Technology
McDonald’s will add the technology to its U.S. drive-thrus in 2019. McDonald’s plans to acquire Dynamic Yield tech firm to personalize its drive-thru menu boards, kiosks and mobile app. The deal is valued at $300 million, Restaurant Business reports — the company’s largest in 20 years. The technology would be able to suggest additional items based on customers’ selections. McDonald’s…
GasBuddy Report Reveals C-Store Customers’ Needs
The report indicates why customers are leaving after filling up, rather than going into c-stores. Recent GasBuddy survey findings show that forecourt conversion rates depend on whether retailers meet consumers’ needs. In short, consumers want clean restrooms, well maintained stores, healthy food options and mobile technology. For convenience retailers, in-store sales generate 72.6% of gross…
blu CEO Releases Statement on Underage Vaping
Hill said he’s disappointed that the actions of some in the industry might have put kids at risk — and jeopardized the choice for adults. Vaping brand blu released a video statement by CEO Richard Hill in response to recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) news about underage vaping. Hill said that, since 2009, blu has…
E-Cig Expectations Surge
E-cigs start 2019 with strong sales, but regulatory heat could slow their momentum. The e-cigarette category kicked off 2019 on a strong footing. According to Nielsen data, reported by Wells Fargo Securities, the segment accumulated more than $3.3 billion in retail dollar sales in all retail channels for the 52 weeks ending Jan.12, 2019. What’s…
Plant-Based Snacks Market Growing
The plant-based snacks market will have a compound annual growth rate of 8% through 2028, according to a report by Persistence Market Research (PMR). The global plant-based snacks market is expected to grow for several reasons, including: increased consumer awareness of health and wellness increased adoption of vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets a shift toward…
Pilot Flying J Launches Revamped App
The new-and-improved app offers cleaner layout screens and an enhanced My Rewards feature. Pilot Flying J has rolled out its revamped ‘myPilot’ web app touting an easier user interface, time-saving information and transaction features geared toward all of its driving customers. The Knoxville, Tenn.-based company, which has more than 750 locations throughout the U.S. and…
Seeds, Nuts Attract Snackers
Millennials and Gen Z are often turning to nuts and seeds for snacks as they seek clean-label and nutritional snack options. Instead of sitting down to three traditional meals every day, today’s busy Americans fit in food wherever they can. According to a 2018 research report by Statista, a market research organization, 32% of Americans…
Shell Rebrands First Utility, Increases Renewable Energy
More than 700,000 U.K. homes were switched to renewable energy sources. Royal Dutch Shell rebranded energy and broadband provider First Utility as Shell Energy and switched U.K. residential customers to a renewable electricity supply. More than 700,000 homes were switched to renewable energy sources, such as biomass, solar and wind, according to CNBC. “This is a…
Proposed Bill Would Double Illinois Gas Tax
A proposal Senate bill in Springfield, Ill. would make residents’ gas tax the second-highest in the nation, according to Illinois Policy. An amendment added to Senate Bill 103 would increase the motor fuel tax set at the state level to 38 cents from 19 cents per gallon. The bill would allocate $34 from the proceeds of each…