Coca-Cola Commits To Climate-Friendly Refrigeration
The Coca-Cola Co. and its bottling partners announced that 100 percent of their new vending machines and coolers will be hydrofluorocarbon-free (HFC-free) by 2015. Coca-Cola is committing to use its scale to accelerate the transition to HFC-free refrigeration equipment. This announcement is a direct result of work with Greenpeace that began in 2000, and a demonstration that phasing out the use of HFCs is a tangible and near-term action corporations can take to protect the climate.
Muhtar Kent, Chairman & CEO of The Coca-Cola Co. said, “Our announcement demonstrates a commitment to use our influence in the marketplace to drive innovation and help shape a low-carbon future.”
In addition to its refrigerant gas commitment, Coca-Cola developed a proprietary energy management system (EMS) that delivers energy savings of up to 35 percent and has placed over 1.7 million of these units around the world.
Wonderful Pistachios Displays Promote 'Get Crackin' Campaign
Wonderful Pistachios has launched a new marketing campaign which challenges Americans to pick up their pistachios and “Get Crackin.” The campaign features eight celebrity figures demonstrating how they crack open a pistachio, each in their own unique, light-hearted way, through a series of national TV commercials.
“We want to remind America, in a light-hearted way, that pistachios are a unique, fun and healthy snack,” said Dominic Engels, V.P., Global Marketing, Paramount Farms, producer of Wonderful Pistachios. Wonderful Pistachios encourages Americans to “Get Crackin” with a video submission contest that asks nut lovers to develop their own video commercial for a chance to win $25,000. Point-of-purchase displays support the campaign in-store.
Cheez Doodles Integrates Displays With Viral Marketing
Wise Foods is working with Zemoga, a digital marketing firm, to unveil a fresh new look for CheezDoodles.com. The new campaign introduces the Cheez Dudes alternative rock/pop group with original music, and an augmented reality contest that gives teens and tweens a chance to win musical instruments. “Cheez Doodles appeals to moms, but we needed to get more engagement with teens and tweens,” said Kevin Foltz, Brand Manager at Wise Foods.
Two million Cheez Doodle grocery-sized bags are currently hitting the shelves at supermarkets on the East Coast with a 2x3-inch sticker featuring a call to action for the Cheez Dudes contest. Cheez Doodle 8-foot in-store displays feature header cards calling out the "ROCK THE CHEEZ!" promotion, along with shelf danglers. By signing up to be a fan of the Dudes, kids will be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win $1000.
CASCAL French-Style Soda Displayed At Whole Foods
CASCAL, a handcrafted all-natural soda designed in France, has been introduced and sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market stores across the US. Cascal’s always fresh, crisp taste is fashioned with imported European ingredients at a microbrewery in Florida, where it is pioneering a patented new “dual-stage slow malt fermentation” method with no added sugar. Cascal is akin to a fine wine or prosecco, yet without alcohol. Careful crafting gives the sophisticated French-style soda its unique taste and aroma and natural goodness - with 60-80 calories per bottle.
“We are excited to be offering CASCAL exclusively in our stores,” said Jim Spiers, global vice president of purchasing for Whole Foods Market. “CASCAL is the first non-alcoholic beverage to bridge the gap between fine wines and soft drinks. It meets all our high quality standards and is a perfect complement to the upcoming holiday meal and party season.”
Meridian Winery Featuring ‘Regatta-Sailboat Mast’ Display
Fosters Wine Estates Americas recently launched this ‘Regatta’ display for its Meridian Winery brand in supermarkets. The display was designed to convey the brand’s coastal California location in a genuine and aspirational way for the consumer. The structure uses metal with actual marine rope details to construct the mast while sails use a 'scrim' material that is designed to read clearly from afar and be somewhat translucent when consumers are close.
Grocers are very aware of 'blockage' to sight plains on floor and this display creates a win for the Meridian brand and the grocer alike. Case stacks are built 360 degrees around the display. The Meridian Winery “Regatta-Sailboat Mast” supermarket display was designed and produced by Packagingarts, a Mare Island, CA-based p.o.p. display firm.
Eukanuba Promotes Puppy Starter Kit
Eukanuba is offering a specially designed Puppy Starter Kit available at local pet specialty stores. The kit provides a trial sample and money off coupon on the next purchase of Eukanuba Puppy food. A special puppy book is included in the kit that is 70-plus pages packed full of interesting and useful tips on topics such as development, health, nutrition and training.
Nestlé Purina And Kroger Run Joint Promotion
Nestlé Purina and Kroger Co. have teamed up to conduct the “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign, to raise funds for animal welfare organizations. Together Purina and Kroger will donate $150,000 to animal welfare organizations. The campaign invites pet lovers to share their favorite pet tales with Purina and Kroger online at www.TalesForThePetLoversHeart.com. For each story shared, Purina and Kroger will make an additional donation to animal welfare organizations.
David Tornberg, Marketing Manager at Nestlé Purina. said, “Our project with Kroger enables us to engage pet lovers with a program that gives back to their communities and allows us to share endearing stories about the human-pet relationship.” Specially designed “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” displays will convey the companionship and love between people and their pets. The campaign also includes in-store and circular coupons.
7-Eleven Displays 7-Select Snack Cakes, Donuts & Pastries
To complement its steadily growing line of 7-Select products, 7-Eleven stores are adding 15 packaged bakery items under the company's private-label brand. Snack cakes and pies, mini-donuts and breakfast pastries fill in the snack category for consumers who prefer sweet treats.
Joe Hermes, 7-Eleven Sr. Product Director for bakery and produce, said “Customers who turn to private label are looking for better values and ways to save money.” “But just saving money isn’t enough to keep them as repeat purchasers. Our goal was to match or improve on the taste and quality of the baked goods by the national brands.” Special displays will merchandise the product line.
Giant Eagle Unveils Its Largest Food Store
Inspired by the open-air markets of Europe and the rich, industrial heritage of Pittsburgh, Giant Eagle has unveiled a 150,000 sq. ft. culinary, dining and shopping destination in the new Settlers Ridge lifestyle shopping center in Robinson Township. “The opening of the new Robinson Market District offers all of our best food ideas and discoveries in one place,” said Giant Eagle Sr. Exec. V.P. Laura Karet.
Customers will enjoy a world-class shopping and dining experience with everything from cooking classes and demonstrations to celebrity chef appearances and interactive events. Karet said, “Our people experience food from producers located all over the world, from small farmhouses to large suppliers. They then utilize this knowledge to help satisfy the culinary curiosity of our customers, sharing techniques, recipes and ingredients so customers are inspired to try new things at home.”
Winn-Dixie To Offer Affordable Health Insurance In Partnership With Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Florida
Winn-Dixie Stores has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) to offer its customers Health Cards in all 353 of its Florida Winn-Dixie and Save-Rite locations. The program consists of two options: the $59 Gift of Health Care card and $19 FamilyBlue discount card.
The $59 Gift of Health Care card offers a convenient way to buy affordable health insurance. The $59 is applied accordingly to the plan the customer selects during the activation call. The $19 FamilyBlue discount card provides an entire family with discounts on dental, pharmacy and vision care for three months. The FamilyBlue card can pay for itself in just one visit to a provider. Shoppers will find these cards on a permanent freestanding display unit located in the pharmacy area, and in the cold and flu aisle in stores that do not have a pharmacy.
Women Still Predominant Household Shoppers
Even though women will soon outnumber men in the workplace, they are still largely responsible for purchasing food and other items used by the entire household, according to data from Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI). For instance, in 1989, 85.5% of principal household shoppers were female. By the spring of 2009, that figure had dropped to 75.1%, according to MRI--meaning women are still the predominant purchasers of food and household items.
“Although in a financial sense, women as breadwinners are far more commonplace than they were two decades ago, they're clearly still responsible for bringing home the edible bread and everything that goes on it,” said Anne Marie Kelly, SVP, Marketing and Strategic Planning, at MRI.
Mintel Releases 2010 Global Consumer Packaged Goods Predictions
New products in the coming year will recreate the familiar, according to Mintel’s 2010 global consumer packaged goods (CPG) predictions. “Post-recession, we don’t expect manufacturers to reinvent the wheel” said Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s new products expert. “On retail store shelves, we expect today’s familiar megatrends--health and wellness, convenience, sustainability--to get a fresh, new makeover for 2010.”
Mintel predicts seven core trends will impact global new product development: Symbol overload: In the US, nearly half of adults say having caloric information on the front of packages would help them reduce their intake. More manufacturers will opt for clean, clear facts on front-of-pack statements in 2010. Sodium reduction: Poised as the next major health movement, sodium reduction is finally ready to take hold. Local gets stretched: For 2010, the definition of “local” will expand, becoming more practical for major companies to use and for mainstream shoppers to purchase. Simple made special: The recent trend towards boutique-inspired packaging highlights how manufacturers will make the mundane a little more special next year. Color coding for convenience: To help shoppers make faster choices, more manufacturers will color-code their products. Iconic budget brands: Private label “brands” are starting to look a lot more like brands. Gen Y cleans up: New products will highlight simplicity of use and quick, easy results to appeal to Gen Y shoppers.
IRI Report Reveals Better-For-You CPG Products Experiencing Sales Growth
“During the past several years, marketing programs have effectively stimulated demand for healthier CPG solutions, but there is still a lot of opportunity for growth,” said IRI Shopper Marketing and Innovation President Thom Blischok. The latest IRI Times & Trends Report, “Health & Wellness: Redefining Healthy Living,” takes a new look at product development, marketing and merchandising tactics that will increase penetration of better-for-you food, beverage and beauty care products.
“Retailers and manufacturers should consider leveraging the brand strength of existing national and private brand products and introduce brand extensions that feature healthier and/or organic ingredients, Blischok said. “Kellogg's instituted this approach with its Pop-Tarts brand, which now includes whole grains. And, Hostess has taken a slightly different approach by offering portion-controlled packages for several of its snack cakes.”
Savvy CPG marketers and retailers are also exploring merchandising opportunities. Use of displays or kiosks featuring better-for-you products, cross-selling healthier products on packages of “traditional” products and selectively reducing prices are examples of three successful strategies being employed today.
Colman Brohan Davis Study Finds Healthy Eating Winning Battle At Retail
Consumers are making food purchase decisions based on healthy ingredients and nutrition considerations, according to a new study conducted by Colman Brohan Davis. The Colman Brohan Davis Consumers Food Shopping Survey revealed what matters most when making food purchases: 1. Taste 2. Cost 3. Ingredients 4. Nutrition labels, 5. Fat content 6. Locally Grown 7.Sustainability 8.Shelf life 9. Organic 10. Packaging11. Fair trade 12. Brand name.
Virtually 100% of respondents said they read nutrition labels “always” or “sometimes.” When asked, “Do ingredients influence your purchase?” over 80% said “yes.” In order of priority, women are “always” interested in: fat, calories, sugar, fiber and protein. Men are “always” interested in: fat, calories, sugar, protein and preservatives.
MRI & Natural Marketing Institute Report On Green Consumers-
Natural Marketing Institute and Mediamark Research & Intelligence have integrated NMI’s LOHAS consumer segmentation model with MRI’s Survey of the American Consumer database. LOHAS is an acronym for “Lifestyles Of Health & Sustainability,” a segmentation system that classifies consumers by their attitudes toward the environment.
The five LOHAS consumer segments now available through MRI are: LOHAS (19% of adults): consumers dedicated to personal and planetary health; NATURALITES (15% of adults) have a strong personal health focus but are not as committed to the environment; DRIFTERS (25% of adults) have good intentions, but factors other than the environment influence their behavior; CONVENTIONALS (24% of adults) don’t have far-reaching green attitudes; UNCONCERNED (17% of adults) The environment is not a priority to this segment.
Millennials Entering Strong Growth Period In Income And CPG Spending
Millennials-Americans born between 1979-1989-are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in both income and consumer packaged goods (CPG) spending. However, taking advantage of this emerging $54.3 billion opportunity presents significant challenges, according to IRI’s, “Winning with Millennial Women Shoppers” report. When compared with older shopper groups, Millennial households shop less often, spend more per trip, and do a greater share of their CPG spending at supercenters and Walmart.
Millennial non-food spending is similar to Generation X households. At a category level, hair care, suntan products and household cleaner cloths have potential for strong growth, since consumption in many non-food categories peak for shoppers in their 40s when household size peaks. IRI research found that compared with women in their 30s and 40s, Millennial women report an even stronger need for retailers to serve as better partners to support healthy diets. Nearly half of Millennial women think they don’t have a healthy weight. Millennial women are motivated to “shop for health,” but they believe finding healthier foods at retail is a challenge.
el Jimador Introduces Tequila Cocktails In A Can
el Jimador Tequila is breaking new ground in the U.S. spirits industry by offering the first tequila cocktail in a can. el Jimador “NEW MIX,” will be available where spirits are sold in a single serving or four-pack. Made with el Jimador Tequila, NEW MIX will be available in three cocktails: the Paloma, the Margarita, and the Spicy Mango Margarita. Each cocktail comes in a 12-ounce can at 5% ABV, similar to most beers.
Pepperidge Farm Adds Veggies To Goldfish
Pepperidge Farm has launched Goldfish Garden Cheddar snack crackers containing 1/3 serving of real vegetables in each serving of Goldfish crackers. “We’re thrilled to offer Goldfish Garden Cheddar crackers to help moms provide wholesome, tasty snacks their kids will love with the addition of vegetables as an unexpected bonus,” said Michael Simon, Sr. V.P., Snacks Division at Pepperidge Farm.
GE Introduces New Reveal CFL Bulbs
GE’s new Reveal CFL light bulbs produce clean, beautiful light that makes colors “pop.” Reveal CFL bulbs mimic the clean beautiful light that Reveal incandescent and Reveal halogen users are used to. But these new Reveal CFL light bulbs last eight times as long as and use up to 75% less energy than a standard incandescent Reveal bulb.
Steaz Launches Zero Calorie All-Natural Soda
Steaz, a premier brand of organic and fair-trade beverages, has introduced Steaz Zero Calorie Sparkling Green Tea -- the first certified organic, all-natural zero calorie carbonated soft drink. Steaz Zero Calorie is an all-natural alternative for diet soda drinkers.
The new line is based on Steaz’s sparkling green tea formula. Steaz Zero Calorie combines the bubbles of a soda with a cup of freshly brewed green tea, providing 120 mg of natural tea antioxidants.
American Greetings Launches First Digital Slideshow Greeting Card
American Greetings and Target Corp. have partnered to introduce the first digital slideshow greeting card, available in the Target card aisle. The digital slideshow greeting card holds up to 50 digital images, includes an original holiday soundtrack and even allows the sender to record their own vocal message to give the greeting a personalized touch. Each presentation will play for three hours before needing to be re-charged.
Duracell Unveils New Battery With Gauge
Duracell has introduced its new Ultra Advanced with POWERCHECK battery that offers consumers the ability to know how much power is available in each battery. Rick June, Duracell V.P. & General Manager, North America, said, “Ultra Advanced with POWERCHECK demonstrates Duracell’s commitment to develop products that build on the brand’s strong heritage. With POWERCHECK, the days of guessing whether a battery has enough power are in the past.”
Godiva Launches Truffle-Inspired Coffees
Godiva Chocolatier has introduced a new line of specialty coffees designed to turn the everyday ritual of drinking coffee into a rich, indulgent experience. Available in both flavored and regular varieties, Godiva Coffee combines high-quality medium roast beans with the world-famous flavors of Godiva’s signature truffles. Godiva Coffee is now available in grocery stores and comes in seven tempting varieties.
Practical Retail Merchandising has introduced a Cooler Cabinet Bridge display designed to expand cooler-freezer cabinets to merchandise product in seldom used space. The 12" wide bridge is produced from heavy duty sheet metal, tube and wire and its arms expand from 68 to 82 inches. The arch design gives the bridge strength to hold over 300 lbs. of product, ie: 54 - 750 ml. bottles. The area below the arch allows the retailer additional merchandising space that can hold 24 bottles. For more information, contact Practical Retail Merchandising, 7 Williamsburg Road, Evanston, Illinois 60203; (Tel) 847-679-4052.
Proprint Services prints high resolution graphics Basewrap, which ensures the graphics are never compromised by unsightly wedges and lines. The Basewrap shown was printed full color on poly with a strip of low tec adhesive tape applied to the backside. This tape makes applying the Basewrap easier for field people. For more information, contact Proprint Services, 5621 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario MlB 2T9 Canada; (Tel) 888-776-7768; (Web site) www.pop-online.com
Midway Displays has added a new line of Steel Bases to its line of stock merchandising components. The 5 Leg Steel Base, and the 5 Leg Caster Steel Base are available in a variety of stock sizes to accommodate 1", 1 ¼" and 1 ½" poles in stock Black or White and also a Raw finish for custom colors. This new line of bases is available for use with all of Midways stock pole displays, or can be ordered bulk shipped. For more information, contact Midway Displays, 6554 S. Austin Ave., Bedford Park, IL 60638; (Tel) 708.563.2323, (Web site) www.midwaydisplays.com
Electrodyne of Batavia, OH, offers high energy magnets, which are glued onto sign frames, to securely hold the signs onto freezer cases and other metal surfaces without the need to drill holes, or permanently fasten the signs. When the promotion is over, the sign frame is easily removed by department personnel. Sign frame manufacturer Shaw and Slavsky, purchases the high energy magnets from Electrodyne. For more information contact Shaw and Slavsky, (Tel) 313-834-3990; or Electrodyne Co., (Tel) 513-732-2822; (Web site) www.edyne.com
Trion Industries offers Clear Scan® Shelf Edge Labeling Systems which flex open at a touch for fast, drop-in labeling, and then automatically spring shut to hold a label securely in place. Trion’s patented Info Grip™ allows signs and promo tags to clip into place anywhere along the length of a shelf edge label strip instantly for a quick, cost-effective signage system storewide. Info Grip™ labeling with promo clip capabilities are available for C-channel; front-mount flat face shelves; wire basket, fencing and shelves; glass shelves; solid, laminate and wood shelves, and scanning hooks. For more information, contact Trion Industries, 297 Laird St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; (Tel) 800-444-4665; (Web site) www.triononline.com
Marketing Impact Limited has introduced a modular shelf bottle pusher display system, which makes it easy to organize and display all types of different bottles. The display system adjusts to fit most bottle diameters. It easily installs on all gondola displays. It is offered in depths of 18” and 16”. In addition to organizing product, the display unit also acts as a theft deterrent. For more information, contact Marketing Impact Limited, 50 Planchet Road, Concord, Ontario, Canada L4K 2C7. (Tel) 905-738-0888; (Web site) www.displaypeople.com
Out of the Box Exhibits recently created this 20' x 30' exhibit for Kraft Foods. Out of the Box Exhibits are made of re-enforced cardboard making them light weight and strong. The booths are made of 98% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. The booths are eco-friendly and inexpensive and they reduce shipping, drayage and storage costs. For more information, contact Out of the Box Exhibits, 495 Production Avenue, Madison, AL 35758 (Web site) www.outoftheboxexhibits.com
Liberty School Wines Launches First iPhone App For A Winery
Hope Family Wines, Paso Robles, CA, has launched a new retail marketing effort for its Hope’s Liberty School label. The program includes in-store signage and bottle-neckers that direct consumers to the “Wine DJ,” (www.winedj.com), the first iPhone application in the retail wine category. The app builds a playlist of “Music to Match Your Spirits,” based on the mood and setting in which Liberty School will be consumed, and is available for download free on Apple’s iTunes. The app comes bundled with extensive information on Liberty School, including technical information and tasting notes, and a map showing the nearest retailers that carry the wines.
Hope was eager to embrace new technology to get its wines in front of Millennial audiences. Matt Jarvis, Partner at 72andSunny, the agency that created the promotion for Liberty School Wines, said, “As the only brand promoting an iPhone application in the wine aisle, we hope to generate more retail impact, awareness, and transactions for our client.”
7-Eleven Launches In-Store TV Network
7-Eleven has contracted with Digital Display Networks to create one of the nation’s largest out-of-home digital networks in more than 6,200 7-Eleven stores throughout North America.
7-Eleven TV is expected to reach an estimated 190 million monthly viewers. Features of the in-store network will include around-the-clock programming with national and local entertainment news and weather, as well as exclusive content fit for convenience shoppers. Other original content will consist of commercials advertising 7-Eleven’s proprietary brands, in-store and out-of-store brands and special 7-Eleven promotions. Network programming will be divided into multiple day-parts to promote specific items at the time when they are most relevant to customers.
Two LCD high-definition TV monitors with directional audio, which reaches only consumers positioned in front of monitors, are being installed in each store. Digital Display Networks (www.ddninc.tv) is providing turn-key services, supervising installation, content production and advertising sales.
Anheuser-Busch Displays Bud Light Golden Wheat
Anheuser-Busch is displaying its new Bud Light Golden Wheat beer with point-of-sale display materials themed, “Light Beer, Huge Flavor.”
Inspired by consumer interest in a more flavorful light beer and the growing popularity of wheat beers, Bud Light Golden Wheat is an unfiltered wheat beer brewed with citrus and a hint of coriander.
“Bud Light has the unique ability to introduce wheat beers to a broader audience of beer drinkers,”said Mike Sundet, Senior Director of Bud Light brands. “With the personality of Bud Light, Bud Light Golden Wheat appeals to light beer drinkers who seek a variety of flavor options from their beer.” “Bud Light Golden Wheat captures the refreshment of the wheat beer style while remaining consistent with Bud Light’s product attributes,” Sundet said.
Patch Block Varietals Are Launched
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf has redefined its varietal line under a new name, Patch Block. The wines, priced at under $10 (750 ml.), will be imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons.
The name Patch Block refers to a select patch of land within a vineyard called a “block” where the grapes exude distinct characteristics. The Patch Block line of 5 varietals is for wine consumers who want a choice of quality wines that are affordably priced. Displays for Patch Block will reflect the brand’s theme, “When it All Comes Together.”
Pacifico Contest Offers Ultimate Surf Trip
Pacifico beer is asking consumers to upload photos of their adventures for the chance to win the opportunity to win a surf trip for four with professional surfer Joel Tudor. Five first prize winners will receive their choice of a shortboard, longboard or stand-up paddle board from Surftech. 50 second prize winners will receive a one-year subscription to Surfer Magazine “Pacifico drinkers tend to live life to the fullest and find adventure wherever they are,” said John Swiatowiec, Director off-premise national accounts retail marketing for Crown Imports, the U.S. importer of Pacifico.
Coca-Cola Launches ‘Open Happiness’ Campaign For 2010 Olympic Winter Games
Coca-Cola is tapping into the joy of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with the launch of a multi-faceted Olympic Games-themed program. The campaign is anchored by a group of high-profile U.S. Olympians known as the Coca-Cola “Six Pack” of athletes, limited edition Olympic Games-themed packaging, and in-store materials.
Special Coca-Cola Olympic Games-themed collectible cans and FridgePacks featuring silhouettes inspired by popular Olympic Winter sports will be offered. A commemorative can featuring the Inukshuk, the symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, will also be released.
“The dedication to active living and athletic performances of our ‘Six-Pack’ of athletes served as inspiration for these Coca-Cola Olympic Games-themed collectible cans,” said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer, Coca-Cola. “Our special packaging and Coca-Cola Olympic Games program are a great way to celebrate the Games.
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Creative Grocery Merchandising click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here
