Convenience Retailer

New Product of the Day—UDF Homemade Brand Yogurt Smoothies

Tired of battling your blender for the perfect smoothie drink? Looking for a delicious, nutritious beverage to drink on the run? To provide smoothie fanatics with a flavorful and convenient option, Midwest-based convenience retailer United Dairy Farmers recently launched a new line of all-natural, frozen yogurt smoothies through its Homemade Brand™. The ready-to-eat, low-fat smoothies can be immediately enjoyed with a spoon right out of the freezer, or they can be microwaved for 15 to 20 seconds to create a drinkable smoothie treat.

“Smoothie popularity has skyrocketed in recent years and we’re excited to expand the Homemade Brand to meet this growing interest,” said John Luebbers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for United Dairy Farmers. “Other smoothie products require additional ingredients and preparation, but with our ready-to-eat version, health-conscious and on-the-go people have a delicious and convenient healthy snack option.”

Each package comes with two smoothie cups, available in Wildberry and Strawberry Banana flavors. With just 100 calories per serving, the smoothies are low in cholesterol and sodium, making them a guilt-free, refreshing snack. Made with real fruit, each 11.5 ounce cup is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C and calcium.

“Our new, all-natural frozen yogurt smoothies provide a frozen treat option people can enjoy anywhere,” said Luebbers. “They’re a healthy, tasty snack for kids after school or adults looking to recharge after a workout.”

The new smoothies and other Homemade Brand products are available at 184 UDF dairy stores throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, as well as in select grocery stores across the nation.

United Dairy Farmers
www.udfinc.com/homemade_brand/

RaceTrac Partners with Mindshare Technologies to Gather Customer Feedback

Atlanta-based convenience store chain RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc. recently joined forces with feedback management provider Mindshare Technologies to roll out a new guest survey program. The new system, RightTrac, allows RaceTrac to continuously gather feedback and respond to customer needs in real time to further its mission of making guests’ lives simpler and more enjoyable.

“The launch and overwhelming response to RightTrac has been fantastic,” said Mark Reese, Vice President of Operations for RaceTrac. “Since our rollout on March 1, we’ve received more than 55,000 customer reviews, which we have been able to utilize to make immediate improvements in the stores for our guests. This new firsthand feedback has helped RaceTrac successfully provide consistent and enjoyable experiences for our guests.”
Through its partnership with Mindshare, guests at RaceTrac stores are encouraged to provide feedback at every visit. Details on how to give feedback are shown to every guest at the bottom of their receipt.

RaceTrac began a pilot test with Mindshare’s software at the beginning of 2011. The company experimented with several guest satisfaction system providers before ultimately deciding to partner with Mindshare. “This system allows us to accurately capture guest feedback and make improvements to our stores going forward,” said Reese, “Mindshare’s immediate approach to feedback management and the flexibility of the technology is what ultimately set the program apart.”

Equally pleased by the RightTrac program’s early success, Mindshare is confident they have found an ideal partner for their customer-focused feedback solutions. “To work with a company like RaceTrac that is so outwardly dedicated to their customers is a dream partnership for Mindshare,” said Lonnie Mayne, Chief Experience Officer for Mindshare Technologies.“They already have the track record and the people in place to provide an exceptional customer experience, so adding a program that delivers immediate guest insights for the front-line store team members to act on directly puts the company at a serious advantage.”

Mindshare enables companies to improve operational excellence, foster consumer satisfaction, build customer loyalty, and support employee retention. Mindshare's proprietary survey technology captures the voice of the customer in real time and immediately transforms it into actionable intelligence through powerful and incisive reporting. In addition, industry experts guide clients in building comprehensive enterprise feedback management solutions using the data collected. Mindshare serves more than 25 different industries including travel, hospitality, restaurant, financial, salon, automotive, and retail. For more information, visit www.mshare.net.

New Product of the Day—Peckman's Pops

Peckman’s Pops are the ultimate retro cool treat made with the finest premium ingredients that are also fat free. Described as a popsicle without a stick, each Peckman’s Pop comes in a 100 ml single serving tube designed to be easily frozen and enjoyed. Peckman’s Pops are a fun, affordable treat to be shared with family and friends for any occasion. The signature artisanal flavors of Peckman’s Pops include Citrus Mint, Mango Cotton Candy, Orange Creamsicle and Pomegranate Blueberry Lemonade. Peckman's Pops are available in single flavor and assorted flavor packs of eight pops. “Peckman's Pops are more than an ice pop. We were inspired by the shared memories of cool treats on a hot summer day that provided a simple pleasure and so much fun. We wanted to create an affordable experience in an amazing assortment of delicious flavors that you just freeze and open to enjoy your sweet escape,” said Deborah Krause, Chief Executive Officer of A5 Group, parent company of Peckman’s Pops.

A5 Group
702.586.5566
www.peckmanspops.com

In the News—Convenience, Fuel Retailers Prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac

As Tropical Storm Isaac barrels down on the Gulf Coast convenience and fuel retailers are working hard to meet consumer demand, all the while preparing for potential negative impacts of the storm.

On Monday morning, the eye of Tropical Storm Isaac was located about 300 miles Southeast of the Mississippi delta. The storm is expected to make landfall as a category 1 or category 2 hurricane around midnight tonight. The storm surge is expected to be anywhere from 3 to 6 feet, and some low lying areas of the Louisiana coast are already under mandatory evacuation orders. Although the storm is expected to be of lower strength than Hurricana Katrina, local residents of the Gulf Coast are busy stocking up on necessities, preparing themselves for a potential disaster.

Since the middle of last week when storm preparations began, retail stores across the Gulf Coast from Florida to Mississippi are seeing daily sales volumes usually reserved only for busy weekend days. With many residents choosing to wait out rather than evacuate from what is expected to be a relatively week storm, consumers are flocking to convenience stores and gas stations, stocking up on fuel, water, batteries and other emergency staples. However, retailers are also reporting increased sales of beer, snacks and cold drinks as many residents are hoping to have some fun or even throw parties while the storm passes through.

In the past, hurricanes have resulted in severe shortages of many products at Gulf Coast retailers. However, this time around many store owners appear to have learned their lesson, as they have stocked up on the items that consumers need most during times of natural disasters. Batteries and water are in particular demand, and convenience retailers are doing their best to keep these items in stock. However, these retailers are also actively responding to an increased consumer demand for nonperishable food, over-the-counter medicine, baby and pet supplies.

In addition to coping with potential flooding, loss of electricity and structural damage, Tropical Storm Isaac is also impacting convenience retailers in another way as well: rising fuel prices. Gas prices are already rising along the Gulf Coast due only to the potential threat of reduced supply. With area refineries shutting down as Isaac works its way through the region, and shortages sure to pop up, fuel prices are only going to rise further. This will impact the way fuel retailers reach out to their customers.

*photo by Alfonso Surroca

New Product of the Day—Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

Inspired by the bolder, more mysterious side of legendary privateer Henry Morgan, the Captain Morgan Rum Company created Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum. Crafted from the finest Caribbean Blackstrap rum, rich clove spice and premium cassia bark, Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is finished with double charred blackened oak for a premium, smooth taste. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is best enjoyed on the rocks, but is also delicious as the key ingredient in edgy, new twists on classic cocktails. “Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is a mature and carefully crafted spirit that is meant to be savored like a fine whiskey or enjoyed in a classic cocktail,” said Tom Herbst, Director of Marketing at Diageo, parent company of Captain Morgan. “We believe this bold, interesting and unexpected new offering has the potential to make Captain Morgan the preferred spirit among a segment of consumers we don’t currently reach with our existing portfolio.” Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $21.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Diageo
www.captainmorgan.com

Study Explores Why Key Employees Quit and What to Do About It

As the economy begins to improve, employers across the board are finding it increasingly difficult to retain key talent, those employees who are the strongest performers, have high potential or are in critical jobs. A recent study by WorldatWork, Hay Group and Dow Scott, Professor of Human Resources at Loyola University Chicago, titled “Retention of Key Talent and the Role of Rewards,” found that a majority of respondents (83 percent) view turnover of key talent as very costly to their organization.

Survey participants reported that the most significant reason key talent quits is to earn better pay elsewhere. Other reasons include a lack of promotional opportunities, the perception that pay is unfair and dissatisfaction with job and work responsibilities.

“Talent wars are going to become intense, not just this year but for the foreseeable future, because jobs are becoming more complex and demanding, Baby Boomers are retiring and Generation X has far fewer people who can fill this gap.” said Scott.

Tom McMullen, North America reward practice leader for Hay Group, said, “If a company is to thrive in the next decade, they must learn how to recruit, develop and retain key talent in a much more competitive and transparent competitive environment.”

The most effective methods for retaining key talent include identifying key employees and discussing with them their future opportunities with the organization, paying key employees above the labor market and allowing for more flexible work schedules.

“Rewards professionals are under increased pressure to make counteroffers, increase new-hire offers, and offer special deals to retain key employees,” said Kerry Chou, a certified compensation professional and practice leader at WorldatWork. “The most successful organizations moving forward will be those that develop a clear definition of what is considered key talent, identify them and make a concerted effort to ensure that those employees are engaged with their organization and satisfied with the full range of organization rewards.”

Data for this collaborative study was gathered through a survey of 526 participants, conducted between Dec. 15, 2011 and Jan. 15, 2012. Respondents were gathered from private sector-publicly traded, private sector-privately held and not-for-profit companies.

New Product of the Day—Chevron Delo® 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Heavy-Duty Engine Oil

Chevron Products Company, maker of the Delo® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, recently introduced Delo® 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30, which can deliver significant fuel economy benefits. The product is designed to provide maximum fuel economy improvements while meeting industry and engine manufacturers’ performance requirements and is ideal for heavy- and medium-duty trucks operating both on- and off-highway. Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is a mixed-fleet gasoline and diesel motor oil recommended for engines in which the API CJ-4 or API SN service categories and SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade are recommended. The oil is designed to meet the demands of EGR and EGR/SCR engines while also providing the highest levels of performance in other diesel engine technologies. Delo 400 LE Synthetic SAE 5W-30 can deliver up to 4.5 percent fuel economy improvement with short haul trucks (Class 6) and up to 2 percent with long haul trucks (Class 8) when compared to SAE 15W-40 reference oil. In addition, there are significant benefits in terms of emissions, operating costs and system life.

Chevron U.S.A.
800.822.5823
www.chevrondelo.com

In the News—Court Sides With Tobacco Companies in Cigarette Labeling Case

In a 2-1 decision released today, a federal appeals court in Washington D.C. found in favor of the tobacco industry in what is only the latest in a series of back-and-forth court decisions over new federal regulations on the packaging of tobacco products. The decision is likely to drive the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court where a final decision will be made on the issue.

In 2009, the United States passed a law requiring all tobacco manufacturers to display a series of extremely graphic and unsettling warning images on their packaging. These images depicted various diseases that have been connected to the use of tobacco products. The federal government argues that these images could help lower the smoking rate by as much as .212 percent. However, the tobacco industry immediately balked at the requirement, arguing that it was a violation of their right to free speech.

In February of this year, another federal appeals court ruled against the tobacco companies, arguing that the images simply inform consumers about the addictiveness of the product. However, in this latest court ruling, the two majority opinion judges ruled that the previous court ignored the free speech rights of the tobacco companies and that the purpose of the images is not to inform but to frighten.

Because two appeals courts have now issued directly contrasting rulings in the case, it is probable that it will come down to the U.S. Supreme Court as the ultimate arbiter on the issue.

New Product of the Day—Stride Gum Mintacular

Inspired by Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White, Stride Gum recently released its newest variety, Mintacular. Mintacular follows in the footsteps of Stride Gum’s first Shaun White-endorsed flavor Whitemint. Stride’s Mintacular features a bold minty flavor with a subtle hint of watermelon.

In launching Mintacular, Stride Gum has partnered with 7-Eleven, which completely transformed one Manhattan location into a “Mintacular paradise” for today only.

With a confident, courageous attitude and a willingness to put himself out there every day, Shaun White embodies our ‘A Little Bit Epic’ campaign and the Stride brand overall,” said Stephanie Wilkes, Vice President of Marketing Confectionary for Kraft Foods. “We are also thrilled to partner with the 7-Eleven team, who allowed us to completely transform their store…so people can try Mintacular in a fun, engaging way.”

Stride Mintacular is available nationally at convenience stores, mass merchandise stores, drug stores, grocery stores and other retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $1.49. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Stride-gum.

Kraft Foods
800.622.4726
www.stridegum.com

Clorox® Launches New Line of Professional Cleaners and Degreasers

Removing grease build-up is time-intensive and arduous. It is one of the biggest issues facing restaurant owners and kitchen managers today. Grease formation is unavoidable, yet even the smallest grease mess can increase the risk of fire or create slippery floors for employees. In fact, slips and falls are the number one accident in the foodservice industry, accounting for 57 percent of all general liability claims.

Clorox Commercial Solutions® line of Professional Cleaners & Degreasers are a breakthrough in workplace cleanliness and safety, harnessing scientific innovation to break free from the way grease has been cleaned in the past. The new Clorox degreasing products utilize unique technology to remove heavy-duty, grease-related soils found in various foodservices operations, including everything from commercial kitchens in restaurants and hotels, to cafeterias in schools, universities and offices.

“With our new portfolio of cleaners and degreasers, we’re offering restaurant and foodservice professionals a uniquely different degreasing solution that eliminates the problem and stress of grease build-up in their kitchens,” said Lynda Lurie, Marketing Manager, Clorox Professional Products Company. “Clorox Cleaners and Degreasers offer the foodservice industry peace of mind that proper cleaning and degreasing can occur on stoves, fryers and tile floor surfaces to help reduce the risk of slips and falls.”

The Clorox Commercial Solutions line includes three new products. Professional Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser Spray is designed to dissolve tough, baked on grease found on ovens, stoves and countertops. It leaves stainless steel shiny and streak-free. Professional Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser Concentrate quickly removes stubborn grease with less effort. The economical concentrate delivers streak-free cleaning while removing grease and can be diluted into a spray bottle or bucket. Professional Floor Cleaner & Degreaser Concentrate is designed to remove and lift slippery grease from quarry tile and grout, helping to improve employee safety. No rinse is required, and the product leaves no stickiness or residue on porous tile. The light, pleasant scent is ideal for use around customers.

“Clorox Cleaners & Degreasers remove grease from my kitchen floors and countertops like nothing else I've ever used,” said Edson Almedia, owner of Nino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, San Carlos, Calif. “I’m saving time and ultimately money because these Clorox products work right the first time and there is no rinsing or long soak times required.”

Clorox Cleaners & Degreasers are available now through your local distributor or broker. For more information, visit www.cloroxprofessional.com/cleaning.