The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has been very busy lately. First was the introduction of eleven candy business leaders into the Candy Hall of Fame. The NCSA selected these candidates after they dedicated their careers to the industry. The 2007 inductees were: Raymond Brace, The Hershey Co.; Allan Dudovitz, Prinsen Distributing; Charles Flavelle, R.C.…

When retailers keep a watchful eye on products and utilize their vendor relationships, candy can produce some dandy results. When retailers keep a watchful eye on products and utilize their vendor relationships, candy can produce some dandy results. By Kate Quackenbush, Managing Editor An entire country may separate Kentucky-based Red Hed Oil Co. and Washington-based…

Convenience Store Decisions’ Reader’s Choice Awards honor the top performers in more than 20 in-store categories. “Honesty,” “integrity” and “committed to the industry.” These were just a fewof the glowing accolades industry-retailers had for their supplier partnersin Convenience Store Decisions‘ first annual Reader’s Choice Awards. “We consider our relationships with retail and wholesale partners to…

Higher operating costs and lower margins are forcing marketers to boost profitability in other areas of the store. The convenience industry is under constant pressure from an ever-changing retail environment. This requires the constant need for marketers to refine store practices for driving new business, and to expand the consumer purchase of products beyond cigarettes…

Couldn’t come to the NACS Show this year? Then register to attend this one-hour whirlwind tour of NACS highlights as the CSD Group proves that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Want to catch up on everything you missed at the 2005 NACS Show in Las Vegas? CSD Editors will share their…

Despite its size, 7-Eleven Inc. employs the grace, speed to market and creative thinking often seen in aggressive start-ups. CSD honors the industry’s mightiest retailer for its all-consuming drive to serve the customer. Like many of his peers, California franchisee Jas Dhillon believes thepower of the 7-Eleven brand lies in its ability to stay relevant,…

For these two retailers, chocolate bars had an exceptional year in 2004. Based on early results, they expect the segment’s performance to only sweeten in 2005. When the convenience store industry tries to breathe new life into a sluggish category, one of the first suggestions often made is to reduce price. But when it came…

Cereal ain’t just for breakfast anymore. A new concept called Cereality caters to all customers and all dayparts by recreating a cherished childhood experience. Starbucks may soon have competition for consumers’ "third place," after home and the office. Near the University of Pennsylvania campus in downtown Philadelphia stands the Cereality Cereal Bar & Caf, an…

Next month rings in a new year, bringing with it plenty of never-before-seen product innovations. The low-carb fad that swept the U.S. market in 2004 sparked the launches of more than 3,100 new food and beverage items through late November. But the trend has begun to wind down, leaving the door open to new developments…

Bdi Marketing/candy Dynamics Introducing Road Warrior, a new energy gum designed specifically for those on the go wanting energy that will last for the long haul. This new gum provides not only a blast of cinnamon to freshen breath, but it also boosts energy levels with caffeine and taurine, which are two of the key…