December 27, 2012-Regional themes will highlight 2013 flavor trends

Retail Advisory Weekly Top Stories

1. NYT: Walmart paid bribes in Mexico
2. Staples sets sights on online growth
3. Lynn Gust secures top position at Kroger division
4. Caribou Coffee Co. acquired by an investment firm
5. Regional themes will highlight 2013 flavor trends
6. DG eyes another year of reco.rd expansion
7. Walmart considering acquiring share in Turkish retailer
8. The Twinkie tale: Hostess set to survive abroad?
9. Three Named to Haggen ‘Office of President’

Know your editor – Mani S

Walmart’s ongoing investigation into bribery allegations was thrust into the spotlight again on Monday after the New York Times ran a lengthy piece detailing how an elaborate series of payments accelerated construction of a controversial store in Mexico City. The thoroughly sourced article laid out in intricate detail how Walmart funneled payments to various Mexican authorities to facilitate construction of a store in the nation’s capital that was particularly controversial because of its location near the ancient… RetailingToday (12/18) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Staples plans to triple the size of its e-commerce and IT staff by 2014, and has unveiled a new Velocity Lab at Kendall Square in Cambridge, Mass., to start off its accelerated online growth initiative. The Velocity Lab is part of Staples’ strategic plan to integrate its retail and online offering and to provide its business customers with a seamless multi-channel buying experience. To that end, Staples plans to staff the lab with e-commerce and IT teams charged with designing and implementing… RetailingToday (12/18) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Long time Fred Meyer executive Lynn Gust was named president of the 133 store Kroger division. Gust, 59, joined Koriger in 1970 as a parcel clerk and most recently served as the company’s SVP of operations. Gust was appointed to that position in 2011 and prior to that he served as EVP of corporate merchandising and advertising. During his career Gust also served as vp of the Fred Meyer food group and SVP of store operations. “Lynn’s long history with Fred Meyer and deep knowledge of our business… RetailingToday (12/14) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Investment firm Joh. A. Benckiser Group agreed to acquire Caribou Coffee Co. for approximately $340 million. Caribou will continue to be based in Minneapolis and operate under its own brand and management, the companies said in a statement. As of September 30, 2012, the company had 610 coffeehouses, including 202 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia and 10 international markets. “We anticipate the next chapter in Caribou’s tour will be filled with tremendous… ChainStoreAge (12/17) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Regional American and regional Mexican and Latin American flavors will be among the top flavor trends in 2013, according to Bell Flavors & Fragrances. In the savory segment, the company said Mexican food consumption is increasing faster than any other segment in the food service category and is also becoming more popular for home preparation. As a outcome consumers will be looking for regional Mexican and Latin American flavors, which may include flavors derived from Aji Amarillo, a Peruvian… FoodBusinessNews (12/14) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Dollar General fined tuned its full year sales and profit forecast following better than expected third quarter results that also flashed a few warning signs. Third quarter same store sales at Dollar General increased 4% thanks to a blend of increased customer traffic and average transaction size while earnings per share of 62 cents were two cents better than analysts forecast. Total sales increased 10.3% to nearly $4 billion and profits increased 21.6% to $208 million. The store base swelled to… RetailingToday (12/11) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

A Thursday report by the Financial Times said that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is in discussions with Turkish retailer Migros Ticaret AS to acquire an 80% share in the company from London-based equity group BC Partners. The Times said that Walmart held meetings with Migros managers in recent days in Turkey but it had not placed a bid for the Turkish retailer. Sources have not been identified and Wal-Mart so far has not commented…. ChainStoreAge (12/13) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Up-for-sale Hostess Brands has had strong interest from international firms looking to snap up its iconic brands, the company has said. The Twinkies and Wonderbread-maker is now considering prospective bids, after a Letters of Interest deadline passed on Monday, December 10, with last bids set to come to court next month. Hostess Brands’ spokesperson, Lance Ignon, told BakeryandSnacks.com that there had been a “substantial level of interest from regional, national and international… FoodNavigator (12/12) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

Haggen Inc. here has introduced a three-member “office of president” to succeed Clarence J. “Gabe” Gabriel, who has left the company, according to published reports. Company officials could not be reached for comment. Gabriel was president and chief executive officer of the 28-store chain since February 2011, when Haggen was acquired by Comvest Group, West Palm Beac.h, Fla. He had formerly worked for Albertsons from 2002 through 2008 as executive vice president, merchandising and supply… SupermarketNews (12/12) Share: Forward | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIN

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