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Archive for Week of July 12, 2009
 SUPERMARKET NEWS
Bill Nasshan, Named SVP of Marketing At BI-LO, Supervalu Announces New Appointments
Bill Nasshan, senior vice president of marketing and merchandising at Shaw’s, has resigned his position to take a similar position (senior vice president of marketing) at BI-LO, a southern grocery store chain.
Judy Chong, Shaw’s spokesperson, said during Mr. Nasshan’s tenure, SHAW’S introduced the “Get Inspired” and Gas Rewards program as well as the “More Ways to $ave” initiative. The company wishes him well in his new role, she said.
He worked for Shaw’s for nearly two years after working for Borders Group, Dominick’s in Chicago, OMNI Superstores, and at SUPERVALU Owned Cub Foods.
BI-LO, LLC, headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., recently named Michael Byars as company president and chief executive officer. His appointment began Feb. 23. The company consists of 215 supermarkets with locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee and employs nearly 17,200 staff members. The company operates under the banners of BI-LO and Super BI-LO banners.
In other SUPERVALU news, the company announced the retirement of Mike Jackson, president and chief operating officer, and Kevin Tripp, executive vice president. Craig Herkert, current chief executive officer will assume the additional role of president. Peter Van Helden, executive vice president, will supervise the company’s three retail regions.
Atlantic Food Brokerage Merges With JOH
The Johnson, O’Hare Co. has announced the merger of the Atlantic Food Brokerage, Inc. clients into the JO’H Perishables Division. Ed Vetstein, Bill Forte and Jeff Vetstein will join JOH Perishables and bring veteran meat/deli expertise to the JO’H Perishables team, led by Chris Darmody.
John Saidnawey, chief operating officer of Johnson, O’Hare, said, “Bringing these two teams together creates a complete solution to providing expertise in meat, deli, seafood and bakery. We are excited to have Ed, Bill and Jeff join the JO’H family and look forward to delivering excellence in service to our clients and customers. The Atlantic Foods team has an impeccable reputation in the marketplace and is a welcomed addition to JO’H.” Ed Vetstein, president of Atlantic Foods, said, “Joining forces with JO’H gives Bill, Jeff and me the opportunity to bring over a century of perishable selling experience to an already well-established powerhouse in the broker community. We look forward to a bright future for our clients and for our customers.”
Johnson, O’Hare, a JO’H Atlantic Partner, is a northeast based food broker serving New England/Albany. The JO’H Atlantic Partners offer full service coverage in Upstate NY, Metro NY/NJ, Eastern and Central Pennsylvania and the Balt/Wash/Richmond marketplaces.
Hannaford Launches New Checkout Out System In New Saugus, Mass. Store
A new checkout system was launched in Hannaford Supermarkets newest store which opened recently in Saugus, Mass. Under a new queue system, Hannaford associates will act as “hosts” and direct customers from a central waiting line to the next available register. When the store is busy, associates with hand-held scanners also will begin the process of ringing in items and bagging groceries, even before a shopper gets to the register. Two self-service lanes will be available.
The store will be the third Hannaford to use the queue system and the first in Massachusetts. “This system makes things a lot faster for customers. I’ve seen how it works in the other supermarkets,” said John Frontiero, manager of the Saugus store. “The host doesn’t send anyone to a check-out where there’s a delay. Instead, the customer is directed to an available register, so that they can be on their way quickly.” The 33,000-square-foot-store, located on Route 1, employs 100 people.
Retail Latest Word…
Negotiations are still underway between Local 1776 UFCW and Acme Markets in 41 Pennsylvania stores. A union meeting will be held July 15and a contract vote may be taken. Phillip Tucker, owner of Aldrich General Store, In N. Haverhill, N.H. has been elected to the Associated Grocers of New England Board of Directors.
Ralph Edward “Reg” Garner, president of T.W. Garner Food Co. died June 26 at 56 years old after a long illness.
Also passing away was Eudine “Deanie” Laurans, mother of Scott Laurans, owner of Eastside Marktetplace in Rhode Island.
The NorthEast Wholesalers and Food Distributors Assn. (NEWFDA) Golf Tournament gets underway Monday, July 20 at The International Golf Course in Bolton, Mass., with a 8:30 shotgun start.
Stop & Shop voluntarily recalled its own non-fat dry milk products because they were produced with nonfat dried milk, part of a national recall by Plainview Milk and may have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.
   
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 FOODSERVICE NEWS
KeyImpact Merges With Market Dynamics Group
On July 1, KeyImpact Sales & Systems, Inc., and The Market Dynamics Group (MDG), agreed to merge the two food-service sales agencies. MDG is a food-service sales agency in the northeast United States, with coverage in all of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut as well as Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, New York. Headquartered in Natick, Mass., MDG has more than 70 employees and represents a portfolio of national and regional brands. MDG’s partners include Bob Galvin and Mark Hughes, as well as Peter Infantine and Jeanne Sawyer, and combined have more than 75 years of combined food-service industry experience.
“KeyImpact is an excellent company that has implemented a vigorous strategy of regionalization in order to best meet the needs of the food-service industry in the 21st century,” says Mr. Galvin, chief executive officer and president of MDG. “As a strong advocate of regionalization and greater critical mass, joining with a professional organization with the resources needed to meet the goals of all trading partners is a sound business move.”
Key Impact comprises more than 500 employee-owners and provides a full range of products, including food, retail/deli bakery, tabletop, packaging and supplies.
Conn. Governor Jodi Rell Vetoes Calorie Bill
Conn. Governor Governor Jodi Rell recently vetoed a bill that would have required chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus. She said the menu bill would add costs for businesses and agencies in the midst of a deep recession. The bill would have required chain restaurants in Connecticut to disclose on their printed menus or menu boards total calorie counts for standard menu items.
While acknowledging the growing problem of obesity, Governor Rell noted that “healthy lifestyles and good eating habits are personal decisions and commitments.” Does it come as a surprise to anyone that a vegetable salad is healthier and more nutritious than a bacon cheeseburger?” the governor said. “There has been a growing and troubling tendency by some to legislate nearly every aspect of our lives and society, including personal responsibility. Such legislation always comes at a cost to the taxpayer and to individual freedom.” She also noted similar legislation pending on the federal level, which would impose uniform national standards, would be preferable to a patchwork of state regulations.
Papa Ginos Holdings Promotes Two To Executive Vice President
Papa Gino’s, Inc., Dedham, Mass., parent company to Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo, recently announced two promotions to strengthening the company’s day-to-day operations. Gary Sandeen and Kathy Tirrell are promoted to executive vice president of operations for Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches. and will be responsible for all aspects of each brand.
Ms. Tirrell will lead all critical programs for D’Angelo. Prior to her promotion, Ms. Tirrell was senior vice president of restaurant operations since December 1993. Ms. Tirrell began her career in 1974 as a team member, and has held numerous management positions since then, including general manager, opening restaurant coordinator, district manager, and regional vice president. Ms. Tirrell has an extensive background in restaurant operations, having opened over 90 D’Angelo restaurants during her career.
Prior to his promotion, Mr. Sandeen was the vice president of restaurant operations of Papa Gino’s since October 2004 and was regional vice president from 2000 to 2004. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sandeen spent several years with Lone Star Steakhouse and with Fuddruckers, where he held several positions including vice president of operations and vice president of International Operations.
Food Service Latest Word…
Frank Guidara, president and chief executive officer of Uno Restaurant Holdings is the new chairman of the Mass. Restaurant Assn.
In Massachusetts, cities and towns will have the authority to impose an additional .75 percent local meals tax on Oct. 2 but the measure must be adopted by local authorities such as a city council or board of selection.
Subway plans to introduce FUZE fresh brewed iced tea to all of its restaurants.
The MRA poolside reception will be held Monday, July 20 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Colonade Hotel in Boston.
Tim Hortons opened 12 coffee and baked good locations in New York City on July 13.
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 C-STORE NEWS
N.Y. Court Allows Cayuga Smoke Shops To Reopen
Two Cayuga Indian Nation's two LakeSide Trading smoke shops in the Finger Lakes region of New York resumed selling tax-free cigarettes after the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court issued a ruling in their favor.
Overturning a 2008 decision by State Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Fisher, the court ruled 4-1 that the stores are located on qualified reservation land and that "there is no statutory basis for the imposition of a cigarette tax on a qualified reservation as that term is defined in state law.
Seneca and Cayuga county authorities raided the two shops last fall, seizing large quantities of unstamped cigarettes, and presented evidence to grand juries seeking indictment of Cayuga tribal members for possession of unstamped cigarettes. The tribe sued to block the criminal prosecution.
Jim Calvin, president of the New York Assn. of Convenience Stores, said the court's finding that the two stores are on "qualified reservation" land is odd, since the Cayugas are currently applying to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to formally place the properties into "trust," which has basically the same effect as a reservation. He said this decision is likely to be appealed but believes the tobacco and motor fuel sales gains experienced by neighboring NYACS member C-Stores since the LakeSide Trading locations were shutdown will be wiped out in the middle of the summer selling season as customers, like moths to a flame, are lured back to those "tax free" outlets.
7-Eleven Mounts Huge Signature Drive To Draw Attention To Credit Card Tranaction Fees
7-Eleven store owners and operators are undertaking a million-signature petition campaign calling on Congress to reform unfair and excessive credit card transaction fees. At the end of the petition drive (Aug. 10) , 7-Eleven expects to deliver one million signatures to Congress, calling on them to stop credit companies from charging unfair, hidden transaction fees and to pass legislation empowering retailers to negotiate with credit card companies.
Darren Rebelez, 7-Eleven, Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer, said “Interchange fees are hurting individual small business operators, which represent more than 75 percent of 7-Eleven stores in the U.S. Because more and more customers are using credit cards for small purchases, there are small transactions where the operator actually loses money. The fundamental challenge is that in most business relationships, both parties have the ability to negotiate, and in this case we do not. ”
The petition drive takes place at all of 7-Eleven’s U.S. stores, and a copy of the petition will be prominently offered for signatures at every check-out counter.
NACS State of the Industry Report Now Available
NACS has just released the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2008 Data, a comprehensive collection of firm-level, store-level and category data and trends based on the convenience store industry’s 2008 performance. The report features more than 100 charts and tables focusing on every aspect of the industry’s 2008 performance, including financials, store operations, merchandising, motor fuels sales and quartile analysis. New this year, the report features a five-year perspective of same-store data and separate chapters for merchandise and food service. To order the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2008 Data/Convenience Store Industry Fact Book package, visit www.nacsonline.com/shop or call NACS Customer Service at (800) 966-6227.
C-Store Latest Word…
Thirty eight operating convenience store and travel center units, owned by the Herndon Oil Corp in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi were sold to The Pantry.
As of July 1, the Florida state tobacco tax increased by $1, the biggest of its kind in Florida history to a total of $1.34 per pack.
Hot Stuff Foods has rolled out Big Stuff Trio, three pizzas when baked and put end-to-end equate to a 52 Inch Big Stuff Pizza. John Barber, Hot Stuff Foods Chief Customer Officer said this is larger than any party pizza in the market today.
PepsiCo. and Pepsi Bottling Group plan to invest $1 billion in Russia over the next three years.
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 NEW CHANNELS
New Coalition Formed to Fight Beverage and Food Taxes
Americans Against Food Taxes, a new coalition of individuals, families, and small and large businesses, was unveiled on July 14. The coalition opposes new taxes on beverages and food, such as a tax on juice drinks and soda now under review by Congress. The coalition’s website is www.nobeverageandfoodtaxes.com.
The coalition has twin primary aims: to promote a healthy economy and healthy lifestyles by educating Americans about smart solutions that rely upon science, economic realities and common sense; and to prevent the enactment of regressive and discriminatory taxes that have a negative impact on American families struggling in this economy. The coalition has more than 110 national and state organizations as members, as well as more than 20,000 individuals. Some of the group members include: the American Beverage Association, the National Supermarket Association, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, the Corn Refiners Association, the Food Marketing Institute, the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Grocers Association, the National Restaurant Association, the Snack Food Association and the National Taxpayers Union..
NACDS, FMI Support Legislation to Curb Methamphetamine Production and Abuse
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ is supporting a proposed federal bill which addresses the problems of illicit methamphetamine production and abuse. Similar support also came from the Food Marketing institute.
NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants with pharmacies. Member companies include regional chains with a minimum of four stores to national companies.
NACDS) President and CEO Steven Anderson said the chain pharmacy industry recognizes the importance of addressing the serious problem of illicit methamphetamine production and abuse.
He said the NACDS supports support legislation that will ensure that entities that sell pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products to consumers self-certify with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and will help ensure that non-certified entities cannot access pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products.
NSFA Awards Third Gold Award To Nueseke’s Ror Outstanding Food Innovation
Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats of Wisconsin, a purveyor of premium, artisan Applewood Smoked bacon, ham, sausage and poultry since 1933, received its third gold Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation (Sofi) award in 10 years from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade.
Nueske's was presented with the gold Sofi award at a red-carpet event at the Javits Convention Center in New York at the 55th Annual Summer Fancy Food Show. The company won in the category of Meat, Pate or Seafood. Nueske's credits its popularity to a commitment to high-quality, hand-trimmed meats, old family recipes and their artisan smoking process. Nueske's smokes their bacon for a minimum of 24 hours, nearly five times longer than that of many other bacon products on the market, More than 250 retailers and foodservice buyers judged close to 2,000 entries in 33 categories.
New Channels Latest Word…
BJ's Wholesale Club of Natick, Mass., reported that sales for June decreased by 4.8 percent to $1 billion, from $1.05 billion in June of 2008. Comparable club sales for June decreased by 7.5 percent, including a negative impact of 10.2 percent from lower gasoline revenue. Excluding gasoline, merchandise comparable club sales increased by 2.7 percent. A company report said that unseasonably cool and wet weather throughout the month across the Northeast had a negative impact on merchandise sales of approximately 1 to 2 percent.
Feline Pine, a national manufacturer of all natural cat litter is sponsoring a national Take Your Cat To Vet Day on Aug. 22
FMI and the Global Marketing Development Center will co-locate their health oriented fall conferences Sept. 11-14 this year in Orlando, Fla.
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Copyright Griffin Publishing Co. 2009
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