Author Archives: Craig Levitt
Sprucing Up HBC Assortments
There are dozens of HBC categories from which consumers can choose. To help increase sales, grocers would be wise to narrow the list a … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 04 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Thrill of the Grill
The grilling season and consumers’ desire to eat healthier are driving protein sales. The signs of spring are unmistakeable. Love abounds, birds are chirping, … Continue reading
Posted in 2012 04 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
The spices of life
The growing popularity of ethnic cuisine and the trend toward healthier eating has led to increased spice and seasoning sales. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 03 Article Archives, Center Store
Struggling in the golden state
California is considered a trendsetter. It would be wise for retailers in the other 49 states to pay close attention. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 03 Article Archives, Cover Stories
Fixating on oral care
By now most, if not all, consumers have gotten the message that rinsing and flossing keep their teeth and gums healthy. Many are taking the next step and recognizing that proper oral care is important to their overall health. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 02 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
A swap of meaty ideas
The 2012 Annual Meat Conference returns to Orlando, February 19 – 21, promising to offer something for everybody associated with the meat industry. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 02 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
Vitamins grow up
Back in the day children were told, “Take your vitamins so you can grow up big and strong.” Many of those children are aging adults now and are looking to vitamins to help them stay healthy and feel energetic. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 02 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Hot times for frozen foods
While grocers’ fresh sections may be the sexy place to shop, consumers seem to be flocking to the frozen food aisle in search of convenience and value. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 01 Article Archives, Center Store
Inside information
Entering the New Year, supermarkets face a myriad of challenges, from pricing pressure to increased channel competition to constantly changing technologies—just to name a few. Remaining successful has never been more difficult. Continue reading
Posted in 2012 01 Article Archives, Cover Stories
Maximizing private label profits
Grocers can use private label products as a springboard to enhancing general merchandise and health and beauty care sales. The opportunity is there. Grocers … Continue reading
Posted in 2011 11 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Produce for a greater good
Growers and shippers put their best foot forward during the Produce Marketing Association’s annual Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition. As the produce industry … Continue reading
Posted in 2011 11 Article Archives, Focus on Fresh
A pampered pet set
Building on its reputation as an upscale food retailer, Wegmans is fast becoming a preferred destination for pet food and supplies. By Craig Levitt … Continue reading
Posted in 2011 05 Article Archives, Nonfoods for Profit
Snow Problem
With the exception of school children and snow removal contractors, does anybody look forward to an impending snow storm more than food retailers? … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Creating a Convert
I have never been one of those “green” consumers. I don’t feed into the slogans being bandied about that we need to “save the … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Fresh Food Fight
As best as I can tell, Target is a good company run by intelligent people. That’s why I was a bit surprised to see … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Will work for food
Grocery stores have traditionally been a great place to work for young people getting their start in the world and for retirees looking for … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Battling the Bulge
There is a line in the movie A Few Good Men that I think accurately describes the feeling many in the food and … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Follow the Leader
In this space last week, my colleague Kim Zimmermann wrote of a shopping trip in which a supermarket employee failed to assist her during self-checkout. … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Dealing the Seal
From the long standing Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval to the recent Product of the Year, consumers love reassurance. That idea is not … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Baby Talk
As a soon-to-be first time father, contrary to what most people are telling me, I think I’m pretty well prepared for the long sleepless … Continue reading
Posted in Blogs
Party on
Beginning with college football’s Bowl games, extending through the NFL playoffs and culminating with Super Bowl Sunday, many Americans’ winter weekends are jam-packed with … Continue reading
Posted in Focus on Fresh
In its prime
The current recession has created a virtual perfect storm for retailers’ beef sales. Consumers’ predilection for eating at home has obviously been beneficial for … Continue reading
Posted in Focus on Fresh
Opportunities ahead
No one is doing cartwheels as the country remains immersed in the throes of a recession, but pardon some private label manufacturers if they … Continue reading
Posted in Nonfoods for Profit
Planting the seeds
Within a stone(fruit)’s throw of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, the Newark, Del.-based Produce Marketing Association (PMA) celebrated its 60th anniversary with the … Continue reading
Posted in Focus on Fresh
Southern Pride
Whether its grapes from Chile, asparagus from Peru or mangos from Ecuador, many South American countries help keep U.S. food retailers’ shelves, boxes, barrels … Continue reading
Posted in Focus on Fresh
