Category Archives: 2012 01 Article Archives
Cultivating yogurt culture
Innovations, including Greek yogurt, packaging and digital media are spurring consumer interest. Dairy products continue to play a bigger role in the American diet. … Continue reading
Talking Shop With… Suzanne Wolter
The director of marketing for Selah, Wash.-based Rainier Fruit Co. says new varieties are juicing up apple sales. Grocery Headquarters: What are the main … Continue reading
Talking Shop With… George W. Prest
The CEO of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) outlines some of the educational and networking opportunities at MODEX 2012. Grocery Headquarters: What … Continue reading
Wellness winner’s circle
The economy may have slowed the number of products companies are launching, but it is clear by the submissions we received for the 2012 Trailblazer Awards that it has not curtailed the amount of innovation introduced to the wellness category. Continue reading
Four technologies to watch in 2012
Rising commodity costs, fierce competition and other factors are driving grocers to seek an edge in 2012 and many are turning to technology for a competitive advantage. Continue reading
Soups satisfy
Industry observers say consumers and retailers are embracing the value proposition of fresh soup offerings. They further suggest that the primary reasons for growth in this category is that fresh soup represents value for the money, while offering a convenient meal solution. Continue reading
Tall order
“Get Shorty’s!” That’s what urban planners and downtown redevelopment authority heads are going to be shouting when looking for a supermarket component to jumpstart their revitalization efforts, judging from the impact this little supermarket is having on downtown Lexington, Ky. Continue reading
Supporting the spud
When the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed limiting the amount of potatoes that could be served in federally financed school lunches this past fall, potato growers prepared for battle. Continue reading
Store brands stay strong
It was clear by the crowds at the Private Label Manufacturing Association’s (PLMA) 2011 trade show in Chicago that private label manufacturers are having no trouble keeping up with retailers’ needs. In fact, they are capitalizing on this trend with innovative products that are not only competing with national brands technology but also leading the way. Continue reading
On Point: Now you see it…
The best service is sometimes invisible to the customer. By Tom Weir To the male half of the couple it was surprising, disappointing actually, … Continue reading
Nonfoods Talk: Back from the crypt
Seeking to build sales and profits, grocery retailers may want to start expanding some long-dormant categories. It may be time for grocery retailers to … Continue reading
Sounding Board: Boom towns
Retailers weight their next moves as the real estate markets begin to heat up. Where is the next best place to operate? Now that … Continue reading
Future Forces: The Amazon effect
Center store profits could be at risk as consumers do more of their research and buying online. By Patrick Kiernan As our industry continues … Continue reading
Making room for housewares
When a category gets hot, responsive retailers do not hesitate to capitalize on ever-evolving consumer buying habits by adjusting their merchandising strategies. Industry observers say now is time to clear some shelf space for housewares. Continue reading
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
A produce resolution
Sharing nutritional information and reminding consumers of good eating habits can help shoppers stick to their New Year’s resolutions—and keep sales up. Continue reading
Hot chocolate
Gourmet candies are transforming the confectionery aisle. Don’t call it the “candy aisle” anymore. The term “bonbonnière” is much more apropos. That’s because the … Continue reading
An eye toward building sales
In some categories, growth is subject to the whim of ever-changing consumer preferences. The eye care category is not one of those categories. Continue reading
LEEDing the way to sustainability
Many supermarkets are making an effort to use sustainable materials, and an increasing number are getting their projects certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Continue reading
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
Hop to it!
The Easter Bunny who is foretelling an early spring this year. And by doing so he is throwing a monkey wrench into retailers’ efforts to top April same-store sales by drastically shortening the 2012 Easter selling season. Continue reading
Baby steps
Industry officials are hopeful a host of new product launches and better category management will help to reinvigorate the baby care category. Nature has … Continue reading
