DATATRAC
Personnel Updates
• Hy-Vee announced the promotions of Jeremy Gosch, currently Chief Merchandising Officer, to Exec VP Strategy and Donna Tweeten to Exec VP and Chief Marketing Officer.
• Kroger announced the retirement of William Breetz President Houston division effective August 26, 2016. Mr. Breetz will be replaced by Marlene Stewart; currently President Dillons division. Replacing Ms. Stewart at Dillons will be Colleen Juergensen who is currently VP Merchandising for Kroger’s Smith division. Also announced was the promotion of Pamela Matthews to President of the Quality Food Center division, succeeding Dennis Gibson who has been named President of the King Soopers and City Market divisions.
• Roundy’s announced that Robert Mariano CEO and Chairman will retire effective September 1st 2016. Mr. Mariano will serve as an advisor for two years after his retirement.
• SUPERVALU announced the departure of Executive VP Merchandising Mark Van Buskirk. Bruce Besanko Executive VP, COO and CFO will head merchandising on an interim basis.
Industry Insight
• Raley’s will be launching a new health and wellness program called “Let’s Begin” with a focus on increasing awareness for healthier lifestyles.
• Walmart is now selling what they call imperfect apples under the brand name “I’m Perfect” with the hopes of reducing food waste and increased affordable options for their customers.
• Wegmans is celebrating their 100th year anniversary. The company currently operates 89 locations and has plans to enter North Carolina.
• Weis Markets announced the conversion and reopening of five former Mars Super Markets. The company also has plans to finalize their purchase of 38 Food Lion locations in September, 2016.
• Whole Foods has started testing a produce program called “ugly” with Imperfect Produce at 11 locations in California.
• Whole Foods’ Market Rewards loyalty program will be now be offered nationally; currently the program is only available in a dozen markets.
Mergers and Acquisitions
• CrossAmerica Partners is acquiring State Oil Company of Illinois for $45.0 million. The deal includes 55 leased dealers, 25 independent dealers, 3 company-owned and operated locations, 2 non fuel locations and other assets. The acquisition is expected to close the third quarter of 2016.
• Delhaize Group and Royal Ahold have merged, creating the fourth largest supermarket chain in the United States. The new entity named “Ahold Delhaize” operates 6,500 locations globally under several banners in 11 countries.
• Kings Super Market and Balducci’s Holdings were purchased by KB Holding, Inc. The sale includes 25 Kings locations, six Balducci locations and several smaller Express Balducci locations.
• Kroger announced that company-owned Axium Pharmacy Holdings will purchase specialty pharmacy Modern HC Holdings allowing Kroger’s customers access to medications that are not currently available.
Real Estate
• Ahold Delhaize announced the divestiture of 86 locations: Albertson’s Inc. will purchase one Giant Food Store, Big Y will purchase eight Hannaford locations, Publix will purchase 10 MARTIN’S locations, Saubel’s Markets will purchase one Food Lion, SUPERVALU will purchase 22 Food Lion locations, Tops Markets will purchase four Stop & Shop and two Hannaford locations and Weis Markets will purchase 38 Food Lion locations.
• Kroger has opened a new Kroger Marketplace location in Columbia, SC. The location measures 124,000 square feet and is a one of a kind concept featuring upscale service departments, Starbucks, an apparel department, fuel center and drive thru pharmacy.
