The quiet August is definitely over… and heading into the middle of September, the trade is sending plenty of signals about where the business — and, for that matter, the consumer — is headed next.
Jessica Smith reports on Saval Foods’ major new Maryland distribution center and introduces the 21 students receiving NGA Foundation scholarships. Bryce Graham follows the legal fight over what exactly “Product of USA” should mean on a package of beef.
Executive Editor Alexander Wissel finds some welcome relief in August’s grocery inflation numbers, then takes a skeptical look at whether the headline unemployment rate captures how American consumers are really doing. And Michael Rathburn heads outside the supermarket altogether, arguing that restaurant menus may offer retailers an early look at grocery’s next breakout flavor.
It’s all below for you…
NGA Foundation Awards 21 Scholarships to Worthy Students
For an industry that spends plenty of time worrying about where its next generation of leaders will come from, here are 21 reasons for optimism.
The NGA Foundation has awarded scholarships to students pursuing education and careers connected to independent grocery, recognizing academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to the business.
Jessica Smith has more on the awards and awardees…
Meatpackers Appeal Ruling in ‘Product of USA’ Beef Labeling Case
What should “Product of USA” mean on a package of beef? For years, cattle could be born and raised abroad but still produce beef carrying a domestic-origin label if the meat was processed in the United States.
Now a group of ranchers is challenging that practice in court, arguing it misled shoppers while putting American-raised cattle at a disadvantage. Four of the nation’s biggest meatpackers — JBS, Tyson, Cargill and National Beef — want those claims dismissed.
Bryce Graham has details of the latest developments in the fight…
Grocery Prices Paused Their Upward Hike in August
Inflation heated up again in August but this time, the grocery aisle wasn’t really the problem. Overall consumer prices rose 0.4% for the month as gasoline and other fuel costs surged, while food-at-home prices were essentially flat. That’s a very welcome change for shoppers accustomed to seeing grocery prices at the center of the inflation story.
The question for the food trade is whether that calm can last.
Executive Editor Alexander Wissel looks at the big picture…
Looking for the Next Big Flavor? Watch Restaurants…
The famous Mike’s Hot Honey moved through restaurants, pizza shops, and foodservice before taking grocery shelves by storm. That rapid progression offers grocery retailers a useful lesson: restaurants aren’t just competitors for the food dollar.
They can also function as a remarkably effective test kitchen for emerging consumer tastes.
Michael Rathburn says we should pay closer attention to menus…
Saval Foods Breaks Ground on New Columbia Distribution Center
Saval Foods has broken ground on a 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Columbia, Md., that will consolidate several of the family-owned foodservice distributor’s operations and support its continued expansion across the Mid-Atlantic.
The new facility, located in Columbia Gateway, will combine Saval’s corporate offices with several of its operations.