Author Archives: Craig Levitt
Mouth guards
New flavors, blends, packaging and promotions are brightening up the outlook for the shelf-stable and frozen concentrate juice sets. Continue reading
Olive oil is branching out
Taste as well as health benefits continue to draw consumers into the olive oil category. Over the last two months The New York Times … Continue reading
Posted in 2013 04 Article Archives, Center Store
Like a Virgin?
A few years ago when visiting Italy I went to a wine and olive oil tasting at castle in Tuscany. Now I am not … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
Spice is nice
Retailers are racking up sales as today’s consumers are more willing to experiment with spices and seasonings. There was a time, not too long … Continue reading
Posted in 2013 03 Article Archives, Center Store
Hangin’ with Heineken
I recently had the privilege of attending the HEINEKEN USA (HUSA) National Distributor Conference (NDC). I had been to the event last year, so … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
Pets are people too
Consumers’ “humanization” of pets continues and manufacturers are developing products to meet the ongoing trend. A dog or cat does not know the difference … Continue reading
Posted in 2013 02 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Meating up in Music City
Stocked with innovative merchandising ideas, new products and samples galore, AMI’s Annual Meat Conference is around the corner. Continue reading
Posted in 2013 02 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
A time and place for technology
Some of my colleagues have used this space to extol the virtues of technology and how consumers use it. They, as well as many … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs, Web-Exclusive Content
A vision for 2020
Food retailing continues to undergo major changes. Some of the industry’s top executives offer insights and opportunities. Continue reading
Posted in 2013 01 Article Archives, Cover Stories
Hooked on seafood
Increased costs for beef, chicken and pork have consumers trawling the seafood aisle in search of protein. Continue reading
Posted in 2013 01 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
Shining a light on batteries
Grocers do not have to offer the lowest price on batteries if they promote them properly. Shoppers cannot buy what they cannot see, no … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 12 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Fearsome predator
Amazon.com is stressing price, convenience and selection; center store, nonfoods and even fresh items are at risk. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 12 Article Archives, Cover Stories
Private (label) practices
Trust and value have become cornerstones on which retailers can build store brand success. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 11 Article Archives, Cover Stories
Positive grains
More and more, consumers are interested in healthier options when shopping the supermarket cereal aisle. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 10 Article Archives, Center Store
Promoting the printed page
Consumers continue to buy print magazines and supermarkets can put themselves in a strong position to sell them. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 10 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Road to Recovery
With strong promotion and a wide array of products, supermarkets can compete with drugstores in the cough/cold category. Most people try to steer clear … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 09 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Remodeling the Housewares Department
With the right mix and category focus, supermarkets can thrive in the many different housewares categories. Mass merchants continue to intrude on grocery’s bread … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 09 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Vitamin sales are poppin’
Grocers are increasing sales and gaining market share in the valuable vitamin category. Sometimes less is more. That certainly rings true when it comes … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 08 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Fired up for frozen foods
Frozen food sales continue to improve as both retailers and manufacturers look to expand eating occasions. The relationship between consumers and frozen foods has … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 08 Article Archives, Center Store
Bringing Up Baby
Baby product manufacturers are trying to spur retail sales with innovative products and marketing programs. For the majority of retailers, there is no customer … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 07 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Ice cream social
The summer months provide retailers with ample opportunity to promote and sell frozen treats. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 06 Article Archives, Center Store
Squeezing the juice
Manufacturers hope to invigorate the shelf-stable juice category with lower-calorie, healthful options. Getting people, especially kids, to eat the USDA daily-recommended allowance of fruits … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 06 Article Archives, Center Store
Beers’ fighting spirit(s)
Beer companies have ramped up their efforts with new products, increased promotion and creative packaging to help retailers lift beer sales. As if the … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 05 Article Archives, Center Store
Reclaiming general merchandise
With dedicated focus, supermarkets can regain lost market share from the profitable general merchandise category. Evolve or perish. It is a basic business tenet. … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 05 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Sending Meaningful Messages
Greeting card suppliers are finding new ways to keep consumers engaged in the category. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 04 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
