ConAgra sells Medallion to Shearer's in $33.5M deal Private-label snack-maker Shearer's Foods has purchased Medallion Foods from ConAgra Foods in a deal valued at $33.5 million. ConAgra acquired Medallion, which makes tortilla chips and other corn-based snack products, through its 2013 purchase of Ralcorp Holdings. "Although ConAgra Foods believes strongly in the salty snacks category, the Medallion Foods business is not large enough within ConAgra Foods to command the resources it needs to grow," ConAgra said. BakingBusiness.com (4/17) ADM looks to sell chocolate business ADM is looking to divest its chocolate business but retain its cocoa presses after negotiations with a buyer fell apart. That potential buyer had been rumored to be Cargill, which may have raised antitrust issues. The chocolate division, which has been estimated to be worth $1.9 billion, includes facilities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Belgium and Germany. Reuters (4/15), Bloomberg Businessweek (4/15) Other News | Flavored, functional water market to grow 11.5% by 2019 The flavored and functional water category had $17.2 billion in sales in 2012, and the category is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate of 11.5% by 2019 to hit an expected $36.7 billion, according to Transparency Market Research. Main drivers for the growth are the increasing obesity rate, an aging population and changes in consumer preferences. Growth in markets such as Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East also will spur sales. FoodBev.com (4/17) | | On the Plate: An original look at trends in restaurants and foodservice from SmartBrief | The evolving nature of snacks Snacks have shifted from an after-school treat to a meal alternative as meal times become more fragmented. The Hartman Group's report "Modern Eating: Cultural Roots, Daily Behaviors" divides snacking into three segments: physically driven, emotionally driven and socially or culturally driven. While all three meet different consumer needs, 27% of people also reported aimless snacking, which has its roots in food and beverages being readily available, prompting consumers to eat or drink even if they have no desire for food or drink. Food companies and restaurants can benefit by understanding how their products and offerings meet the snacking needs of consumers. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Food & Beverage (4/18)  | White Paper: An Uncanny Solution
Today's retail market is more challenging than ever, with the average supermarket carrying nearly 47,000 products. Well designed packaging is a brand's greatest tool to engage with the overwhelmed consumer. Download this white paper to find out how the right packaging can influence shoppers in the store and after they've taken your product home. |
 | Pom vs. Coca-Cola could affect food and beverage makers across the board A Supreme Court decision on the case between Pom and Coca-Cola could have a major impact on food and beverage makers. The case, which will determine whether food and beverage labels can be misleading even while complying with Food and Drug Administration regulations, also involves questions of whether businesses can sue each other for such a misleading label. "No one has asserted that Coca-Cola violated FDA rules and law. The issue is whether the FDA regulations are the floor or the ceiling," said Linda Goldstein, a partner with Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. "Pom says it's the floor and that the label can still be misleading." Adweek (4/17) Cadbury strikes a chord with recipe-sharing campaign Cadbury has found a way to consumers' hearts with a pre-Easter invitation through a Google+ community to share recipes using the candy maker's crème eggs. The campaign designed with Google was viewed 8 million times in less than two months and was part of a larger social media push that used the hashtag #CremeEggBake. ClickZ (4/17)  | 10 Principles for Building an Effective Human Capital Plan
The Human Capital Plan is an important tool that organizations use to drive focused actions that can ensure goal achievement and business success. It allows organizations to assess, plan for, and respond proactively to its human capital challenges and needs. Download the free white paper to learn more. |
 | Grocery shoppers want more from mobile apps, survey finds About two-thirds of grocery shoppers who own smartphones have used mobile applications while shopping, but they want a more seamless integration of features, according to a survey from Catalina and InsightsNow. Shoppers want digital and real-time coupons for items they actually buy, reminders about their shopping lists and a way to track spending, the survey found. The survey also found that shoppers are less interested in social media integration, copies of their receipts and generic geolocation notifications. FoodNavigator (4/17)  | FedEx Express® Freight
With easy-to-use solutions, FedEx Express Freight will make you believe in fast, reliable freight shipping. Whether you're shipping urgent parts or hustling to meet a national product launch, we'll help your freight meet your schedule. Send your freight flying > |
 | Nutrition Facts changes might not affect perceptions Possible changes to the Nutrition Facts panel, including adjusted serving sizes and information on added sugar, might not significantly affect consumers' perceptions of products, according to an online test conducted by The Hartman Group. "As previous Hartman Group research indicates, the nutrition panel is just one of many information sources that concerned consumers use to make informed decisions," the company said. FoodNavigator (4/18)  | NRF wants to send you to DC to share your retail story.
Your voice matters, but we know your resources are stretched. That's why we're sending up to 50 retailers to DC — on our dime — to share their stories with legislators. Join us, and you'll meet face-to-face with lawmakers and influence the decisions that affect your business. Tell us your story to apply. |
 | New Medicare Secondary Payer Act regulations to be discussed Over the next few months, several amendments are expected to the MSP that will have a major impact on reporting requirements for all companies in the food, beverage and CPG industry. This year's GMA Consumer Complaints Management Conference will teach you how to prepare and navigate through these new regulations. | GMA: Federal GMO law only way to go Vermont's bill to mandate labeling of GMO foods is "a step in the wrong direction for consumers," according to the GMA. "It sets the nation on a costly and misguided path toward a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling practices that will do nothing to advance the safety of consumers," the association said in a statement. Instead, the GMA and other members of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food back a federal mandate that is based on science and determined by the FDA. Supermarket News (free registration) (4/17) |  | Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." -- Robert Collier, American writer | | | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
| Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please comment thoughtfully CPG Brokers, your best resource to optimize your in store self exposure and maximize sku distribution.