Retail Beat

Freshway Foods looks back on 25 years
Freshway Foods was founded 25 years ago with five associates and an 8,000-square-foot facility. Today, the company employs more than 400, has a 100,000-square-foot facility and distributes in an area covering more than 60% of the U.S. population. Progressive Grocer (3/14)

Ethical-company list includes Safeway, Whole Foods and Target
Safeway, Target and Whole Foods Market are among the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies, a list compiled by the Ethisphere Institute. "We are honored to be included in this prestigious list and humbled to be in the company of the most admired and principled businesses in the world," said Safeway Executive Vice President Larree Renda, who chairs the Safeway Foundation. This is Safeway's third time on the list. Drug Store News (3/14)

Natural Grocers prepares to open first Ore. store
Oregon's first Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage store is set to open March 26 in Medford. "We're excited to open our doors and get involved in Medford -- we know it is one of the best locations for Natural Grocers because the residents are committed to living healthy, active lifestyles," co-President Kemper Isely said. The Shelby Report online (3/14)

Target plans to acquire 2 cookware companies
Target says it is buying Cooking.com and Chefs Catalog, which together will become a wholly owned subsidiary. "We know consumers are increasingly looking online for cooking solutions to make their lives easier -- from utensils and cookware to recipes," said Casey Carl, president of multichannel and senior vice president of enterprise strategy at Target. "These strategic transactions provide us a great way to address this growing opportunity." The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (3/14), HomeWorld Business (3/14), The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (3/14)

Trend-Spotter

Study: Shoppers seek sustainable and traceable food
More shoppers are seeking sustainable food with no genetically modified organisms, according to the 2013 MamboTrack Annual Natural and Organic Product Survey. "Eco-shoppers have moved beyond ingredient lists and are now focused on tracing the source of their food supply from non-GMO to locally/regionally produced and fair trade," said Karen Herther, co-founder of Market LOHAS, which conducted the study with laz pr. Progressive Grocer (3/14)

Health, Nutrition & Pharmacy

Target to open 14 more in-store health clinics
Target plans to open clinics in three Chicago-area stores, part of a larger national plan to add 14 clinics this year, the company said. The facilities will treat minor illnesses and injuries, and provide services including camp physicals and acne treatment. Chicago Tribune (tiered subscription model) (3/13)

Almond flour is safe alternative for gluten-free diners
After learning she had celiac disease more than 50 years ago, Colleen Sherratt and her husband, Lowell, began a mission to provide gluten-free products through their business, Honeyville Grain. One of their most popular products, almond flour, is versatile and provides a significant source of nutrients. "Sales growth remains hot," said Chris Ondatje, vice president of Honeyville’s e-commerce division. "It’s so sought after that we’re constantly fighting to stay ahead of the demand curve." The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (3/13)

Supplier News

Lance marks 100 years with new look, products
Snack brand Lance is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a revamped logo and packaging, new products, and a social media campaign. To enter for the chance to win $100,000, participants have 100 days in March through June to submit photos of their families enjoying Lance snacks. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily (3/14)

Hain Celestial launches more than 100 products
Hain Celestial Group debuted more than 100 products during Natural Products Expo West, including Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea varieties; food for babies, toddlers and children under the Earth's Best brand; and MaraNatha No-Stir Creamy Coconut Almond Butter. Consumer Goods Technology News (3/14)

Technology Solutions

Raley's taps BzzAgent for social marketing
Through Something Extra Try-It, a social-marketing platform developed by BzzAgent and Raley's Family of Fine Stores, shoppers can try products based on previous purchases and share their opinion on social media. "Social marketing is important for Raley's, and this program helps us identify our best customers online and reward them with experiences they'll want to share with their friends in social media and in person," said David Palmer, the retailer's vice president of marketing and consumer relationships. Progressive Grocer (3/15)

FMI Spotlight

Deadline in one month: FMI Gold Plate Award
Think your company goes beyond meeting customers' shopping list? Do you nourish not only the body but also the mind and soul? We're looking to celebrate stores that bring families together around food with the newly instituted Gold Plate Award. To learn more about the award and submission guidelines, visit FMIFamilyMeals.com.

Daily Quote

People may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing." -- Florence Foster Jenkins, American amateur operatic soprano Share: