Center Store

Popcorn, Indiana debuts new FIT snack line
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Popcorn, Indiana — maker of all-natural popcorn snacks — announced the debut of FIT, a new line of better-for-you popcorn that will be available in stores nationwide this month.

Boasting amazing taste, crispy crunch, 40 calories or less and just 2 g of fat per cup, FIT is ideal for those who are looking to snack smarter, not just skinnier, and don't want to sacrifice on flavor.
Weis Markets announces 10th round of price freezes
SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Friday announced the launch of its 10th round of price freezes, effective in all 163 store locations.

More than 2,000 products have been reduced in price and will stay at these discounted levels for 90 days. Since the company began its price freezing initiative in January 2009, Weis customers have saved more than $40 million dollars, the grocer stated.

Hormel acquires iconic Skippy peanut butter line

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Skippy peanut butter business from Unilever United States, of Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States and other jurisdictions.
Sweets and Snacks Expo bucks trade show trend

CHICAGO — Retailer and supplier consolidation has led to the demise of some conventional trade shows, but that’s not the case with the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

Record attendance is expected at the event scheduled for May 21 through May 23 in Chicago due in part to format changes by event organizer the National Confectioners Association and the strength of merchandise categories represented at the mega event.
Disney sets home release dates for animated adventure 'Wreck-It Ralph'

NEW YORK — Walt Disney Animation Studios announced the debut of the hit arcade-game-hopping adventure “Wreck-It Ralph." Disney will release an HD digital and HD digital 3D version early on February 12, 2013, a company first. Then on March 5, the company will broaden the release to the four-disc Blu-ray combo pack, two-disc Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, SD digital and On-Demand.
Fred's posts slight December decline; looks forward to strong 2013 with expansion in pharmacy, specialty drugs

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's on Thursday reported a 1% sales decline to $209.9 million for the five-week fiscal month ended Dec. 29. Comparable store sales for the month decreased 4.2% compared with a decline of 0.4% in the same period last year.
Pepperidge Farm launches Jingos! snack crackers

NORWALK, Conn. — Pepperidge Farm, makers of popular Milano cookies and Goldfish snack crackers, has unveiled new Jingos! snack crackers.
Anheuser-Busch InBev unveils new Beck's Sapphire

ST. LOUIS — German beer brand, Beck's, part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is adding a new "gem" to its product line: Beck's Sapphire.

Brewed from German saphir hops, the beverage is a pilsner with 6% alcohol by volume and will be marketed to a high-end demographic, including bars, clubs and restaurants. The beer will also be sold in grocery and liquor stores nationwide available in six- and 12-packs with a sleek, 12-ounce black glass bottle. A-B InBev debuted the beer on New Year's Eve.
H-E-B launches shelf labeling system and health newsletters to help Texans make healthier food choices

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B on Thursday announced that it is introducing more ways to help customers eat and live healthier in 2013, including the introduction of a nutrition labeling system and a weekly newsletter filled with healthy tips, recipes and coupons.
Zak Designs expands eco-friendly options

SPOKANE, Wash. — Zak Designs is looking to expand its environmental commitment by launching a new line of dinnerware, serveware and kitchen prep items, all made from recycled melamine. The Sprinkles collection uses the same patented process Zak used in its best-selling, upscale Confetti collection, allowing the company to offer the same environmentally friendly products to the mass market.