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Fitch Confirms SuperValu Risky Rating
Fitch Ratings has confirmed the default ratings given for SuperValu as ‘CCC’ even with some divestitures announced last week that seemed to reduce the retailer’s exposure to many competitive pressures. These were counteracted, however, by deteriorating environment and high debt leverage in its businesses. The ‘CCC’ default rating given implies very high risk. Cerberus Capital…
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Google Unveils Zavers
Google has unveiled Zavers by Google, a digital coupon product that has been developed to help manufacturers and retailers reward their consumers with relevant coupons. The coupons will be those that fit the interest of the customer with the goal being to increase redemption rates and basket size. Google says the Zavers solution will provide…
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Groups’ Petition to Wal-Mart on Assault Weapons
A lengthy history of random shootings and recent school shootings has raised public fury and ensured that the gun debate is not about to go away very soon in the U.S. Gun groups are predicting that attempts through Congress to ban sale of assault weapons will fail. The debate and petitions continue. Wal-Mart is set…
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H-E-B Showcases Unique Finds
H-E-B has a launched Primo Picks, a shelf-tag program showcasing unique beverages and foods. According to H-E-B in a statement on the retailer’s website, they have searched the world for a selection of one-of-a-kind items to be Primo Picks, products that are cool, tasty and unique that people may not have tried before or even…
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Ahold Posts Positive Q4 Sales
Ahold has realized 7.8 billion euros in consolidated net sales, which is approximately $10.4 billion for its fourth quarter last year. This is a 7.5% increase compared to the same period in 2011 and a 5.1% increase when steady exchange rates are considered. The international conglomerate had posted consolidated sales (net) of 32.8 billion euros…
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Country’s Largest Fishery Opened in Alaska
Sunday, January 20, 2013 saw the country’s largest fishery open and ready for the Alaska Pollock harvest season, which is about 30% of all the nation’s seafood landings (weight being the factor). Mid-water fishing boats are used in the harvesting, which is intended to reduce the impact on the nation’s marine environment. The Pollock fishery…
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Events Co-Location as Midwinter Launches
For the first time, the co-location of FMI’s Executive Conference and GMA’s Chairman Lecture, Dinner and Reception commenced. According to event attendees, this collaboration helped to enhance trade partner interactions, particularly for the future. The Grocery Manufacturers Association series on Saturday was followed by the Food Marketing Institute’s football themed Midwinter kickoff on Sunday. The…
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Protest against Walmart’s Sale of Assault Weapons Gains Momentum
For more than a week, thousands have been demanding action and pressuring Walmart to cease its sale of assault weapons. One of the rallies held last week saw four petitions delivered and a rally of survivors of gun violence and activists outside a Danbury, Connecticut, Walmart store. The petitions contained over 300,000 signatures. Change.org, one…
