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- Kroger: One company with many names and variations
Kroger, the nation's largest supermarket chain, is far from homogenous, with a dozen banners and with stores that vary depending on the market. "I think they are trying to take those best practices that they have learned, like their fuel-discount programs, and extend those assets to those other brands," said Neil Stern, senior partner at McMillan Doolittle, who noted that Kroger has grown by acquiring established grocery chains. Supermarket News
(3/19)      
- Ingles Markets offers something for investors
In the highly competitive supermarket industry, Ingles Markets, based in North Carolina and with 203 stores in six states, is an attractive option for investors. Founded in 1963, the chain is known for responding quickly to changing market conditions. It offers value-driven private label Laura Lynn as well as upscale books, magazines and video rental. Forbes/Intelligent Investing blog
(3/16)
- After tornado, a Food Lion distribution center is back
A Food Lion distribution center in Dunn, N.C., has reopened after being damaged by a tornado April 22. Food Lion continued to serve stores while the center was reconstructed. Gerald Greenleaf, vice president of distribution and transportation at parent company Delhaize America, said the top lesson from the experience is that food retailers and wholesalers must be prepared for natural disasters. Supermarket News
(3/16)
| Trend-Spotter | | |
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- Prepared-food category heats up
Food retailers are taking prepared food to the next level, with offerings including a crawfish boil at Rouses Markets in Louisiana and a Vietnamese takeout restaurant at Kowalski's Markets in Minnesota. Super Foodtown stores in New Jersey promote $6 hot meals that include two sides, as well as plated meals ready to be grabbed from a self-serve case. Supermarket News
(3/19)
- There's nothing timid about cheese
Culinary trends including local sourcing and interest in bold flavors are embodied in cheese, according to an annual report from the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association. Expanding categories include bold flavors, Hispanic cheese and artisan cheese with flavorful ingredients such as wasabi, truffles and bacon. Progressive Grocer
(3/19)
| Independent Operator Spotlight | | |
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| Health, Nutrition & Pharmacy | | |
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- Produce consumption is flat, research shows
Research discussed at an FMI conference shows that Americans have not increased produce consumption since 2004, and seniors are eating 8% less produce, despite efforts to underline the importance of fruits and vegetables. Elizabeth Pivonka, CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, cited reasons including the recession and fear of trying recipes. Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
(3/19)
- No connection is seen between coffee and psoriasis
 Researchers said people who drink coffee are not more likely to develop psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly and often itchy patches. "From a lifestyle point of view, I'd recommend exercising more, drinking less and quitting smoking," said Dr. Abrar Qureshi, who led a study that examined more than 82,000 people over 14 years. Yahoo!/Reuters
(3/19)
- Launches of dark chocolate focus on health
To maximize chocolate's health benefits, companies are launching dark-chocolate bars with a higher concentration of cocoa and little or no sugar. "The higher the percentage of cocoa, the higher the flavanol content, the higher the antioxidant content and thus we believe the greater positive health benefit," said Joy Dubost, a nutritionist and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Wall Street Journal
(3/19)
| Supplier News | | |
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| FMI Spotlight | | |
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Energize your center-store potential at FMI2012
More retailers are increasing focus on nonfood and one-stop shopping, according to FMI's
The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2011 report. Learn how you can compete with innovation and trends at the
Center Store Solutions Center at
FMI2012. Learn more and register!
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What is your greatest threat in nonfood?
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Supercenters |
79.49%
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Convenience stores or drugstores |
12.82%
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Regional supermarkets |
7.69%
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| Food Safety and Security | | |
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- FDA and Agilent collaborate on food-safety technology
Agilent Technologies signed a cooperative agreement with the FDA to develop a genotyping-assay panel that would enable food-safety officials to quickly track
the source of salmonella contamination and potentially contain the spread of illness during an outbreak. The second stage of the project will focus on enhancing Agilent's DNA-based fish-species analyzer, which can be used for detecting problems such as deliberate mislabeling. Food Business Review
(3/20)
| Daily Quote | | |
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 | You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming."
--Pablo Neruda,
Chilean poet, diplomat and politician
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| | | Lead Editor: Liz DeHoff
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