A market study takes a close look at the generational differences in eating habits of Americans to help the retail and foodservice industries Packaged Facts released a report that analyzes America’s mealtime tendencies and eating habits. The study titled “How We Eat: Retail and Foodservice Opportunities in When and Where America Eats” reports that age…
Convenience Store Sales Topped $680 Billion in 2011
Convenience store sales, both at the pump and inside the store, set new records in 2011, according to data released today by NACS. In-store convenience store sales grew 2.4%, reaching a record $195.0 billion. Combined with $486.9 billion in motor fuels sales, total convenience store sales in 2011 were $681.9 billion, or one out of…
Ethnic, Local Themes Among Emerging Deli Trends
International fare and regionally produced ingredients are the hottest trends in deli department foods, according to “What’s in Store 2012,” the recently released annual trends publication of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA). Eighty-two percent of consumers enjoy visiting supermarket delis that feature newer and trendier items, regardless of whether they regularly purchase these items. Delis…
NACS CAFÉ Joins NRA Show
“Our industry’s involvement in the NRA Show is a testament to just how far convenience stores have come in foodservice,” says NACS CAFÉ education director. NACS Center for Achieving Foodservice Excellence (NACS CAFÉ) Education Director Nancy Caldarola will moderate a session at the 2012 NRA Show, the food industry’s largest trade show dedicated to foodservice.…
Will Tesco Turn it Around?
Fresh & Easy is rolling out a new Express store format, but can the company come out on top after nearly four years of heavy losses? By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Tesco’s Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market grocery chain debuted with a bang in 2007, rolling out 20 stores in rapid succession in California, Nevada…
Rutter’s Beefs Up Menu Options
Oatmeal, by-the-slice cheesecake among new items. York, Pa.-based Rutter’s Farm Stores is pleased to introduce four new delicacies; oatmeal, cheesecake, pretzel dogs and fried green beans, to its expanding touch screen menu, whetting the appetites of Rutter’s customers across central Pennsylvania. “Adding oatmeal to our breakfast offering was an easy decision to make,” says Jerry…
Choosing a Foodservice Model That Works
Is co-branding or a proprietary program the right choice for your chain? Retailers weigh in on what factors to consider before selecting a food brand. By: Erin Rigik, Associate Editor In today’s market, foodservice is crucial to attracting customers and maintaining strong sales. When adding foodservice, building a proprietary brand, co-branding and leasing space to…
Walgreen’s Fresh Food, Alcohol Sales Up The Competition
Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. is getting into fresh foods and prepared meals to draw “time-starved” customers to its more than 7,000 stores, Business Week reported The drugstore chain has been talking with foodmakers including Unilever NV, Nestle SA and Sara Lee Corp. about creating private-label and branded products, according to Bryan Pugh, vice president of…
Tracking the Trends
An otherwise tough year for convenience stores was balanced out by strong retail fuel margins from the unprecedented drop in wholesale fuels prices during the fourth quarter of 2008, according to National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) 2009 State of the Industry report. However, credit card fees continue to take a toll on industry profitability.…
Meat Eating
Pierre Foods rolls out its latest innovation in packaged foods, the Blue Stone Grill line of packaged sandwiches. The offering is aimed at consumers who enjoy the home-style flavor of fresh, hot-off-the-grill foods or spicy breaded meats. Five sandwiches comprise the new lineup: Honey BBQ Pork, Beef Charbroil with Cheese, Bacon Charbroil with Cheese, Buffalo…