Content about food

There are two issues concerning the business of diabetes monitoring that are playing out right now, one a little more immediate. 


As soon as 2013, when Medicare’s competitive bidding of durable medical equipment — which includes diabetes testing supplies — as it relates to mail order goes into effect, many pharmacies may be precluded from delivering diabetes test supplies to their patients. Currently 45% of community pharmacies deliver diabetes supplies to assisted living facilities, according to the National Community 
Pharmacists Association. 


CVS Caremark’s front-store business continues to experience solid performance despite a weak economy — success that can be credited to such factors as a skilled merchandising team, a focus on store brands and a clustering initiative that tailors stores’ merchandise mix based on how the stores are shopped in certain locations.


OPELOUSAS, La. — Tony Chachere's lineup of Creole seasonings and food products has expanded.

Launching later this month, new bold seasoning is the company's first seasoning blend in more than 20 years. The company said the new product is "a direct response to consumers who have been asking for a spice blend that retains the wonderful flavors unique to our products but with an added kick of heat."

ST. LOUIS — A leading producer of private-brand foods and food service products has expanded its board of directors.

Ralcorp announced that Corvex Management LP founder and managing partner Keith Meister has been named to Ralcorp's board, effective immediately. In addition to his appointment, Meister also will join the board's strategy and financial oversight committee, which is responsible for the evaluation of strategic opportunities to drive shareholder value.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Monday announced Jim Griffiths has been named as the association’s VP scientific and international affairs, effective Oct. 10.

Employee engagement and customer experience. These are not just buzzwords or empty promises for Walgreens. 


For the human resources team within Walgreens, this means attracting, training and retaining the right talent, who not only will be actively engaged but who, in turn, will enhance the customer experience in stores, whether it be in pharmacy, beauty, fresh food or any other aspect of the business.


ARLINGTON, Va. — More than three-quarters of physicians think the federal government should regulate foods with unhealthy ingredients, while 79% say employers should fund weight-loss programs for employees, according to results of a survey presented Tuesday at a diabetes conference.

The survey, conducted by Joslin Diabetes Center and healthcare research firm WorldOne, included more than 150 endocrinologists and primary care physicians, and results were presented at Joslin's Diabetes Innovation 2012 conference.

NEW YORK — Organic food brand Happy Family has introduced a new line of low-calorie, on-the-go snacks and treats.

The company said its Happy Squeeze brand offers 10 new portable pouches for both kids and adults under four lines: Happy Squeeze Super, Happy Squeeze Coco, Happy Squeeze Fruit and Veggie Twist and Happy Squeeze Treat.

• Happy Squeeze Super combines such superfruits as acai, pomegranate and kiwi with the super grain salba. It is available in pomegranate, blueberry and apple; acai, grape and apple; and kiwi, banana and apple varieties;

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Harris Teeter is currently renovating two locations into a new concept called 201central, which will carry an extensive variety of wine, beer, specialty foods and other general merchandise items. The new format also will feature an array of specialty services, including in-store wine consultants, event coordination and catering as well as party rentals and educational classes focused on wine, beer and food pairings.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and HumanaVitality have developed a unique way to incentivize people to eat healthier while promoting increased customer traffic at Walmart stores.

The companies on Wednesday morning launched a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood, whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

Candy is a sweet spot for drug retailers. The drug channel is outperforming food and mass in total category dollar sales, according to data from the National Confectioners Association. “Total category dollars are up 2.6%, while drug is up 3.3%,” said Jenn Ellek, a spokeswoman for NCA. “Drug stores do a great job with promotion, in-store display and multiple points of interruption.”

Sales of hair spray experienced a slight lift during the 12 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group, as beauty mavens continued to turn to styling products to achieve a desired look and lock it in place.