Retail

Mucci offers new tomatoes in new packaging

Mucci International Marketing recently launched new tomato products featuring new packaging designed to be convenient for retailers and consumers alike.

Kroger division president ends 50-year career

John Hackett, Mid-South division president for the Kroger Co., is retiring after a 50-year career with the grocery retailer.

Snack company launches Sunkist nut line

Targeting on-the-go consumers, Trifecta Foods LLC is launching a line of snacks under the Sunkist name.

Wal-Mart first quarter sales down in U.S.

First quarter sales for Wal-Mart were down 1.4% this year compared to last year, but the top executive for U.S. operations of the multinational corporation said improvements in areas such as fresh produce are driving better overall results as the second quarter begins.

Predicted early cherry start cheers marketers

YAKIMA, Wash. — Northwest cherry marketers don’t plan to be late for Independence Day fireworks from U.S. retailers.

Produce managers who deserve recognition

SAN DIEGO — Five top produce managers took home a $1,000 grand prize from the United Fresh 2013 Produce Celebration Dinner.

The winners were selected from the top 25 produce managers in the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s Retail Produce Manager Awards program. The program, sponsored by Irwindale, Calif.-based Ready Pac Foods Inc., is in its 9th year. All managers were recognized at a May 16 banquet.

Snacking and value-added lead trends for consumers

SAN DIEGO — More often these days, consumers start with the idea of a meal rather than its components.

Reaching consumers in a department full of ingredients can be a challenge, said June Jo Lee, vice president for Strategic Insights at The Hartman Group, Bellevue, Wash. “Consumers are looking at the finished product,” she said. “They’re not starting with an onion and lettuce and potatoes.”

Elite produce managers engage consumers, offer unique features

SAN DIEGO — You’ve got to be a “people person” to make it to the ranks of elite produce managers. Ten of the 25 finalists in United Fresh’s Retail Produce Manager Awards program took the stage at United Fresh 2013 on May 16 to share what makes their operations shine.

DJ Forry rolls out Sweet Bursts arils

DJ Forry is introducing a pomegranate arils product, Sweet Bursts, in a 4.4-ounce package containing two serving tubs.

BJ’s Wholesale Club adopts FoodLink

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. is adopting the FoodLink commerce and traceability network to place all fresh produce orders for its 15-state chain of stores.