Monthly Archives: June 2016

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Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilizers (WesCEF) announces the resignation of its Managing Director Tom O’Leary

Perth, Australia, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF) Managing Director Tom O’Leary has resigned to take up the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Iluka Resources Limited (ASX:ILU).

Wesfarmers Managing Director Richard Goyder congratulated Mr O’Leary on his new appointment and on his contribution to Wesfarmers in his 16 years with the Group. Mr O’Leary joined Wesfarmers in Business Development and later became its Executive General Manager, before being appointed Managing Director of Wesfarmers Energy in 2009 and Managing Director of the newly formed WesCEF the following year.

“Tom’s enormous contribution to Wesfarmers included playing very important roles in the integration of Hardwarehouse into Bunnings, following the takeover of Howard Smith Limited, in 2000 and in the acquisition of the Coles Group in 2007,” Mr Goyder said.

“More recently, he has led the growth and improved the performance of our chemicals, energy and fertilizers business, including the completion of the major expansion of our ammonium nitrate production, within time and budget, and implementing a significantly increased focus and improved performance in safety.”

Ian Hansen, currently Chief Operating Officer of WesCEF, will remain in that role and report to Rob Scott, Managing Director of the Wesfarmers Industrials division. The division houses WesCEF, Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety and Wesfarmers Resources.

Mr Hansen has been with Wesfarmers for more than 30 years and has been Chief Operating Officer of WesCEF since 2014. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Wesfarmers Chemicals and Fertilisers from October 2007 until it merged with the Wesfarmers Energy division, after which he became Chief Executive Officer, Chemicals.

For more information:

Media
Cathy Bolt
Media and External Affairs Manager
+61 8 9327 4423 or +61 417 813 804
cbolt@wesfarmers.com.au

Investors
Aleksandra Spaseska General Manager, Investor Relations
+61 8 9327 4416
irelations@wesfarmers.com.au

Source: Wesfarmers

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NACS releases the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — NACS has released the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data, the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s premier benchmarking tool and most comprehensive collection of data and trends.

Published since 1972, the NACS State of the Industry Report provides valuable information to help industry stakeholders maximize their company’s growth and profitability. This year’s 203-page report examines economic conditions and their potential impact on the industry. The report includes a comprehensive selection of charts and tables that focus on every area of the industry’s 2015 performance, including financials, store operations, merchandising, foodservice, fuels sales and quartile analysis.

According to the report, U.S. convenience stores reached record in-store sales of $225.8 billion in 2015, higher than overall industry sales in 1998. Overall industry sales for 2015 reached $574.8 billion, evidence that the value of convenience continues to resonate with consumers.

“The comprehensive NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data is a compelling testament to retailers’ desire to move the convenience industry forward. Future profitability means using the best tools available and thanks to our retail survey participants, the new and more visual report provides the best possible industry benchmarks and insights. Furthermore, sharing data means that the convenience store industry has the best information available to support our positions legislatively both at the grass roots level and national levels,” said NACS Director of Research and Statistics Bob Swanson. “Only with the deep involvement of retailers sharing their data and other key supplier partnerships is such a report possible. We appreciate all NACS retailers who participated and encourage others to do so in the future.”

Purchasers of the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data will also receive the Fact Book as a downloadable, self-extracting file. Now in its 29th edition, the Fact Book provides a detailed statistical account of industry data over the past several years — or in some cases, decades — as well as a historical recap of the industry and key definitions and events that have shaped it. The Fact Book will be available in late July.

The NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data (hard copy, with the Fact Book download link) is available for purchase online to NACS member companies (order number 40022077) for $249 ($749 regular price). Additional hard copies of the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data (order number 40022081) are available for $40 but must be ordered by telephone. The Report/Fact Book package also is available for purchase online in electronic PDF (order number 40222078) to NACS members for $599 ($1,199 regular price) — please note that the PDF version is locked to disable printing and to prevent unlawful duplication. Orders can be placed online at nacsonline.com/soi or by calling NACS Customer Service at (800) 966-6227. Hard copies usually ship next business day, and electronic formats usually fulfill within two business days.

Note to editors: An industry overview excerpted from the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data is available upon request.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

For media interviews/comments contact Jeff Lenard.

Source: NACS

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Wegmans Food Markets launches “grill it in your skillet!”

ROCHESTER, NY, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Grilling may be America’s favorite way to cook when it’s warm out, so the chefs at Wegmans Food Markets have come up with a fresh approach to bring even more great grilled meals to the table. The concept – “grill it in your skillet!” Put fresh ingredients in a seasoned cast-iron skillet, place the skillet over a pre-heated grill, cover the grill, and a few minutes later, you have a sensational meal – flavorful, juicy and ready to eat.

The recipe possibilities are endless, but the Summer 2016 issue of Wegmans Menu magazine gives complete instructions for three dishes developed by Wegmans Chef Tadao Mikami:

Even easier – take home Ready-To-Cook versions of these entrées, (Steak Au Poivre, Salmon with Tomatoes and Capers, and Salmon Teriyaki with Mushrooms). Unwrap, pour the sauce over the protein, and put the pan (it comes in) on a preheated grill, cover, and cook about 25 minutes.  These items are packaged as single-serve portions, so all family members can choose their favorite, and should be ready to serve around the same time.

While the ready-to-cook and make-it-yourself versions are both simple to do at home, they were not so easy to develop in Wegmans’ test kitchens, says Eric Wendorff, Wegmans’ corporate chef of meat and seafood. “It took a lot of testing to come up with combinations that had great flavor, contained vegetables as well as protein, cooked together in one pan, and were done in about 30 minutes or less. But we’re really happy with the results, and customers who have tried the ready-to-cook versions have given them a big thumbs-up on wegmans.com.”

Bonus points for this technique:

  • The kitchen stays cooler because cooking stays outdoors
  • One-pan cooking makes cleanup fast
  • A seasoned, cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly, so there are no “hot spots”
  • Natural juices that collect in the pan during cooking don’t drip away; just pour over the entrée when it’s served for extra juiciness and flavor

Chef Wendorff also recommends preparing seafood this way, especially fish with tender, flaky flesh – there’s less chance that pieces will flake off and fall through the grates. Important to season a cast-iron skillet before first use so it will clean up as easily as a non-stick pan after cooking and add flavor to the dish. To properly season a skillet:

  • Heat the pan until it’s very hot
  • Pour dry salt into the pan while it’s hot and rub the salt with a dishtowel or rag against the skillet’s surface to clean it
  • Brush away the salt and put in about a tablespoon of a vegetable oil like canola which can take high heat, tilting the pan so it covers all of the interior surface, and heat until the oil shimmers and begins to smoke
  • Wipe away the oil with a paper towel, leaving a thin film, and it’s ready to use

And one more tip: don’t peek! The meals should take 20 to 30 minutes to cook, as long as the grill stays hot. Check once after 20 minutes with an instant read thermometer to see if the protein is 130 degrees for the salmon and 125 to 140 for the steak, depending on how you prefer it.

From grill to table: Keep those summertime meals safe

The warm days of summer call for extra attention to food safety rules to reduce the risk of food spoilage or food-borne illness. Bacteria that cause illness grow fastest at temperatures between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, so keeping hot foods hot and cold foods chilled until serving helps keep food safe.

Wegmans and fightbac.org, a national partnership for food safety education, recommend these four safety steps as you prepare and serve food:

  • Clean: Bacteria can spread from hands, to cutting boards, to knives, countertops, dishes, and pots and pans. To keep that from happening, wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Make sure knives and cutting boards are cleaned with warm, soapy water each time after you use them to chop or cut a food. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running tap water just before eating. Rub firm-skin produce such as melons (or scrub with clean brush) under running tap water.
  • Separate: Cross-contamination is how bacteria spread. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood and their juices or marinades away from ready-to-eat foods.
  • Cook: Improper heating means bacteria can survive. Cook to the recommended temperature and check with an instant-read thermometer to know that harmful bacteria have been killed.
  • Chill: Chill leftovers within two hours in the refrigerator at 40 degrees or below. On a warm summer day, refrigerate leftovers even more quickly.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 89-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.

Contact Information:
Jo Natale
vice president of media relations
585-429-3627

Source: Wegmans

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Southeastern Grocers announces donation of all profits generated at its grocery stores on July 4 to Hope For The Warriors

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Southeastern Grocers, parent company of BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie, announced that for the second consecutive year, all profits generated at its grocery stores on Monday, July 4, will be donated in support of veterans and service members.

This year, Southeastern Grocers has partnered with Hope For The Warriors. Hope for the Warriors is celebrating 10 years of service, and is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families.

Ian McLeod, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers said, “This Independence Day, we continue to honor and give thanks to our military and their families for the sacrifices they make for our nation and the world. We fully recognize the selfless contributions of those who have, and continue to serve. This Fourth of July, we are once again donating every cent of every dollar of profit generated as just one way we can show our support.”

“Southeastern Grocers operates in states with some of the highest active-duty military populations in the United States. We are committed to the communities we serve and we believe we all have a responsibility to contribute to the lives of those who have sacrificed for the nation,” continued McLeod.

Simply by shopping at BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie on Independence Day, customers will help support those who serve and sacrifice for our nation. The more customers shop, the more they donate.*

Other ways in which customers can support the cause include:

• By honoring a veteran or service member with a personal note displayed in-store on the Wall of Honor, which began on June 22.
• By donating generously during checkout now through Sunday, July 10.
• By proudly wearing the “I Donated” sticker that cashiers will hand out on July 4 to all customers to encourage friends and family to do the same.
• By liking, following and sharing BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie Facebook posts and Twitter feeds with #AllForHonor.
• By honoring a veteran or service member by posting a dedication on the All for Honor Facebook page, www.facebook.com/allforhonor.

Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Hope For The Warriors said, “Hope For The Warriors is humbled and very thankful to Southeastern Grocers for this incredible opportunity and support. Through this unique promotion, they are helping us reach thousands of patriotic Americans who truly understand the sacrifices of our veterans, service members and military families.”

Through the generous donations of customers and vendors, as well as all profits earned at BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores on July 4, 2015, Southeastern Grocers’ inaugural Independence Day campaign raised more than $3 million for veterans and generated thousands of personal tributes to veterans and service members.

This year, Southeastern Grocers is proud to partner with Hope For The Warriors to generate funds, which will help the organization provide comprehensive support programs to those actively serving in the military, veterans, military families and caregivers throughout the country.

About Hope For The Warriors
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served approximately 10,000 through a variety of support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and connections to community resources. The nonprofit’s first program, A Warrior’s Wish, has granted 151 wishes to fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of more than 22,000 since 2010.

For more information, visit http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/, Facebook or Twitter.

About Southeastern Grocers
Southeastern Grocers, LLC, parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is the second-largest supermarket in the Southeast based on store count. The company employs nearly 60,000 associates who serve customers in approximately 750 grocery stores, 140 liquor stores and 500 in-store pharmacies throughout the seven southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie are wellknown and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and loyal associates, and strong commitments to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.bi-lo.com, www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.

For SEG interviews or images, contact:
Joe Caldwell
Manager of Corporate Communications
(904) 318-7197 cell
media@segrocers.com

 

Source:Southeastern Grocers

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Whole Foods Market’s 2016 Prosperity Campaign for Whole Planet Foundation raised $3.26 million

AUSTIN, Texas, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market customers, team members, supplier sponsors and online donors raised a combined $3.26 million to alleviate global poverty during the company’s 2016 Prosperity Campaign for Whole Planet Foundation this spring.

Every dollar raised will go to support the foundation’s work to fund micro credit for poverty relief in communities across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., where Whole Foods Market operates stores, as well as in 66 other countries where the company sources products. Microloans are small loans – usually less than $300 – with no contract or collateral, offered to the world’s poorest for the opportunity to create or expand a home-based business and generate income for their families.

“Thanks to shopper generosity, Whole Planet Foundation will be able to give an additional 94,100 people the chance to lift themselves out of poverty through microcredit and change their own lives,” said Philip Sansone, president and executive director for Whole Planet Foundation.

Whole Foods Market covers 100 percent of Whole Planet Foundation’s operating expenses to ensure that all donations benefit microcredit clients. Since 2006, the foundation has disbursed more than $53 million in microloans through microfinance partners worldwide. Those dollars have funded more than 1.4 million microloans, giving 7.8 million people across the globe a chance for a better life.

To learn more about Whole Planet Foundation and its commitment to global poverty alleviation, visit wholeplanetfoundation.org.

Contact:

Darrah Gist
darrah.gist@wholefoods.com
678.638.5888

Lauren Bernath
lauren.bernath@wholefoods.com
678.638.5805

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Whole Foods Market's 2016 Prosperity Campaign for Whole Planet Foundation raised $3.26 million
Whole Foods Market’s 2016 Prosperity Campaign for Whole Planet Foundation raised $3.26 million

 

Source: Whole Foods

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Whole Foods Market to open second Brooklyn location on Tuesday, July 26, 2016

NY, New York, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market Williamsburg (238 Bedford Ave.), the retailer’s second Brooklyn location, will be opening on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 9AM. The opening date was revealed at Modern Farmer’s, “A Starry Night on the Farm,” event this past Saturday, June 25, which benefitted Farm Aid and featured Brooklyn-based Whole Foods Market vendor partners including Gotham Greens and chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. Whole Foods Market also revealed two new and iconic New York partners, who will offer unique products in the Williamsburg store: Luke’s Lobster and Roberta’s.

Luke’s Lobster, known as a regional favorite for their sustainably sourced seafood shacks, will be parking their Luke’s Tail Cart for the first time at a retail location to sell traceable, sustainably-sourced lobster tails. The tails will be split, skewered and grilled, and served with classic lemon butter or a seasonal dipping sauce, for customers to enjoy on-the-go as part of the store’s soon-to-be-announced prepared foods offerings.

The Williamsburg store will also be a new home for Roberta’s array of baked goods and pastries, including a sunflower spelt loaf and their incredibly popular and delicious sticky buns. Roberta’s will be expanding its original partnership with Whole Foods Market, where they exclusively launched their first frozen pizza product at the opening of the retailer’s Gowanus, Brooklyn location in 2013.

“There are so many amazing local suppliers in Williamsburg,” said Elly Truesdell, local forager for Whole Foods Market’s Northeast Region. “Both Luke’s Lobster and Roberta’s Pizza draw in visitors from the neighborhood and beyond, which is why we we’re so excited to partner with them in a special way just for this store.”

Whole Foods Market Williamsburg will be home to a bevy of local goods, with additional special collaborations being announced throughout July.

At more than 51,000 square feet Whole Foods Market Williamsburg will offer the local community an unrivaled selection of high-quality natural and organic foods. With one-of-a-kind and exclusive items slated to hit every department, customers are bound to find a unique shopping experience within the grocer’s new Brooklyn location.

For additional information and future announcements, please visit the store’s social media channels: Facebook – facebook.com/wholefoodsbrooklyn   — Twitter and Instagram @wfmbrooklyn

Contact:

Michael Sinatra
michael.sinatra@wholefoods.com
551.574.8031 (cell)

Jessica Ventura
jv@sharpthink.com
212.829.0002 ext.104

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Whole Foods Market to open second Brooklyn location on Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Whole Foods Market to open second Brooklyn location on Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Source: Whole Foods

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Two new tools released to help retailers reduce out-of-stock levels

Arlington, VA, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Two new tools to help retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers analyze and improve On Shelf Availability (OSA) have been created by a joint industry group.

On Shelf Availability is a key issue for the consumer products industry, as out-of-stocks remains at an 8 percent average rate, according to joint research by The Trading Partner Alliance (TPA), an industry affairs leadership group formed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Food Marketing Institute (FMI).

The Best Practices Solutions to Address On Shelf Availability (OSA) Guide and On Shelf Availability Root Causes Ishikawa Diagram were developed to help companies reduce out-of-stock levels. The best practices guide addresses root causes – and potential solutions – of challenges across five retail functional domains: Store Execution, Ordering and Execution, Forecasting, Manufacturing, and Category Management and Merchandising.  It also identifies process owners to deal with these product availability issues throughout the supply chain.  The Root Causes Ishikawa diagram highlights the leading causes of failures across these areas and is tailored for use across the supply chain.

“These tools are critical to helping industry reach the goal of 98 percent On Shelf Availability,” said Daniel Triot, Senior Director of the TPA.  “All trading partners must be firmly engaged and implementing best practices most applicable to each trading partner relationship or category and measuring the impact. Our project team is seeking companies willing to implement these practices and build use cases to help get us there.”

The TPA began researching the out of stock problem in 2013 and released a joint study in 2015 that included a “One Supply Chain” Good-Better-Best maturity model with definitions and recommendations to address the identified gaps in metrics/data, process/practice, organization and technology.

The Best Practices Solutions to Address On Shelf Availability Guide can be accessed here.

The On Shelf Availability Root Causes Ishikawa Diagram can be accessed here.

Past TPA Research on On Shelf Availability can be accessed here.

For questions relating to this research or On Shelf Availability overall, please contact the TPA at osateam@gmaonline.org.

Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.

Contact:

2345 Crystal Drive
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22202
Tel: 202-452-8444
Fax: 202-429-4519

Source: FMI

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SM Investments Corporation won awards from Hong Kong-based magazine Corporate Governance Asia

Pasay City, Philippines, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM) and its subsidiaries won awards from Hong Kong-based publication Corporate Governance Asia during the 6th Asian Excellence Recognition Awards 2016 organized by the magazine.

SM and its subsidiaries SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), BDO Unibank, Inc. and China Banking Corporation (China Bank) were chosen as awardees from the Philippines.

SM, SM Prime, BDO and China Bank were awarded Best Investor Relations Companies.  BDO Unibank Chaiperson Teresita T. Sy-Coson, SM Prime President Hans T. Sy, BDO President and Chief Executive Officer Nestor V. Tan and China Bank President and CEO Ricardo R. Chua were recipients of the Asia’s Best CEO awards.

Awards for Best CFO were given to Jose T.Sio, EVP and CFO of SM; Jeffrey Lim, EVP for SM Prime; Pedro M. Florescio III, BDO  EVP and Treasurer. Cited as Best IR Professionals were Corazon P. Guidote, Senior Vice President for Investor Relations at SM; Luis S. Reyes Jr., Senior Vice President for Investor Relations and Corporate Planning; and Alexander C. Escucha, Senior Vice President and Head of Investor and Corporate Relations.

The 6th Asian Excellence Recognition Awards recognize excellence in investor communications, business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental practices and financial performance. Recognition was given based on data that was submitted by companies and investors.

The awards highlighted the outstanding achievements of Chief Executive Officers or CEOs and Chief Finance Officers or CFOs in investor relations in both publicly-listed companies and in privately-owned entities, including state-owned and government-controlled enterprises in Asia.

“On behalf of SM Investments, we would like to thank Corporate Governance Asia for this recognition. This inspires us to work harder to address the needs of retail and institutional investors aligned with global corporate governance standards and a dynamic global landscape,” SM Senior Vice President for Investor Relations Corazon P. Guidote said.

The multiple awards given were the following:

SM Investments Corporation

Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines)

Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations)
Jose T. Sio, Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer

Best CSR

Best Investor Relations Professional (Philippines)
Corazon Guidote, SVP for Investor Relations

SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines)

Asia’s Best CEO (Investor Relations)
Hans T. Sy, President

Asia’ Best CFO (Investor Relations)
Jeffrey Lim, Executive Vice President

BDO Unibank, Inc.

Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines)

Asia’s Best CEO (Investor Relations)
Teresita T. Sy-Coson, Chairperson
Nestor V. Tan, President and CEO
Best CFO (Investor Relations)
Pedro Florescio III, EVP and Treasurer

Best Environmental Responsibility

Best Investor Relations Professional (Philippines)
Luis Reyes, Jr., SVP for Investor Relations and Corporate Planning

China Banking Corporation

Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines)

Asia’s Best CEO (Investor Relations)
Ricardo R. Chua, President and CEO
Best Investor Relations Professional (Philippines)
Alexander C. Escucha, SVP for Investor and Corporate Relations

Corporate Governance Asia is now read by 14,000 of the most important companies in Asia and provides incisive editorial content with extensive coverage on the latest and current developments, legislation’s, case studies and various analyses relating to corporate governance practices in Asia.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
Senior Vice President for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
E-mail: cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
Tel. No. (632) 857-0117
www.sminvestments.com

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SM Investments Corporation won awards from Hong Kong-based magazine Corporate Governance Asia

SM Investments Corporation won awards from Hong Kong-based magazine Corporate Governance Asia

 

Source: SM

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Google Expedition Kits powered by Best Buy Education help teachers lead students on more than 200 different educational trips

MINNEAPOLIS, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — For most students, a field trip to the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica or Machu Picchu isn’t likely to happen. With virtual reality, though, the classroom can be the starting point for exploration of the world’s wonders

In addition to immersive gaming experiences, VR technology enables people to watch surgeries and scale mountains. Now, Best Buy Education, a division of Best Buy that helps schools with technology needs, and Google for Education are teaming up. They’re offering kits to make VR easy in the classroom. The goal is to ensure that students will be able to use the technology to learn about the world around them – without ever having to leave school.

The companies announced the partnership on Monday during the 2016 International Society for Technology and Education (ISTE) conference in Denver.

Google Expedition Kits, powered by Best Buy Education, help teachers lead students on more than 200 different educational trips. Students can explore cities, coral reefs, landmarks, museums — and even space. They’ll get a first-person view of culture, science and history.

These custom-built virtual reality kits have out-of-the-box-ready devices, including tablets and virtual reality Mattel View-Masters, that bring Expeditions experiences to life. Expeditions can already be used with smartphones through Google Cardboard or tablets in 2D full-screen mode. But now, Best Buy Education will make these kits available to schools for bulk purchase and assisting the technology set-up process with Geek Squad services support.

This is the kind of work we’ve been bringing to schools for years. Best Buy Education helps connect schools with the latest hardware and software technologies and support to ensure that students are enhancing their digital literacy, while preparing themselves for higher education or career opportunities.

For more information, visit Best Buy Education.

You can stay on top of the latest and greatest technology by visiting our Top New Tech page on BestBuy.com.

Media Contact:
612.231.5146
press@bestbuy.com

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Google Expedition Kits powered by Best Buy Education help teachers lead students on more than 200 different educational trips

Google Expedition Kits powered by Best Buy Education help teachers lead students on more than 200 different educational trips

Source: Best Buy

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Major Marine Tours to use NCR Silver, the tablet point-of-sale (POS) system from NCR Small Business

Alaska tour company uses mobile POS system in two offices and on seven vessels

DULUTH, Ga., 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Guests on Major Marine Tours’ wildlife cruises now have an easy way to pay for onboard snacks and drinks thanks to NCR Silver, the tablet point-of-sale (POS) system from NCR Small Business.

Each day, employees of the Alaska-based company use NCR Silver to efficiently process hundreds of concession sales during its glacier and wildlife tours.

Operating in remote areas like Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula, the Major Marine Tour team stays up and running using NCR Silver, processing payments even when offline. Before adopting NCR Silver, the company manually processed payments using credit card slides, which caused long lines at check out and ultimately decreased sales.

Additionally, NCR Silver’s 24/7 US-based customer care team provides the company’s operators, in the offices and on the boats, with peace of mind.

“I’m really thankful for the availability of customer support,” said Adam Gottschalk, office manager at Major Marine Tours. “Operating a business in the Alaska time zone can be tricky, and it’s great knowing we can receive help whenever we need it.”

The solution is ideal for small businesses that don’t always have a reliable internet connection.

“NCR Silver makes businesses run better, even in the most isolated locations,” said Chris Poelma, president and general manager, NCR Small Business. “Through our functional, easy-to-use platform, we support organizations of varying sizes, from mom and pop locations to multi-unit franchises.”

To learn more about NCR Silver’s features, visit www.ncrsilver.com, or call 1-877-630-9711. NCR Small Business provides live, 24/7 U.S.-based customer support for NCR Silver users. NCR Silver mobile POS runs in the cloud, uses consumer-friendly technology, works on Apple® devices running the latest iOS, and offers a POS solution catered to franchises as well.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is the global leader in consumer transaction technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 550 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier.

NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Website: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation

Apple, Apple Pay, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

News Media Contacts:

Jackie Parker
Arketi Group
404.929.0091, ext. 220
jparker@arketi.com

Tim Henschel
NCR Public Relations
770 299 5100
tim.henschel@ncr.com

Source: NCR

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Barnes & Noble announces the return of Get Pop-Cultured campaign

New York, NY, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the nation’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today announced that Get Pop-Cultured with Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com/getpop-cultured), a month-long celebration of pop culture with special events customers won’t want to miss, is back by popular demand for the third consecutive year. Running from July 6 through August 7, this year’s Get Pop-Cultured campaign continues the popular tradition with unique special events, author appearances, exclusive content, special offers and giveaways that the whole family can enjoy.

Barnes & Noble first launched the Get Pop-Cultured campaign back in 2014 to bring to life customers’ favorite books, characters, movies, artists, illustrators and pop-culture icons. It was such a hit with fans of all ages and interests that Barnes & Noble established the month-long celebration of pop culture as an annual tradition.This year’s lineup features some of the biggest media properties and names in pop culture today, including Finding Dory, Star Wars, Pokémon, tokidoki, Manga, DC Comics, Marvel, Comic Convention Collectibles and Harry Potter. In addition, throughout the Get Pop-Cultured campaign, Barnes & Noble stores across the country will welcome customers’ favorite authors, illustrators and celebrities including Michael Ian Black, Shane Dawson, Chris Colfer, Pen Jillette, Oli White and Issa Rae, plus more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Get Pop-Cultured with Barnes & Noble Lineup:
Below are the highlights from this year’s lineup, with more details to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Finding Dory: Friday, July 8, at 7PM
Barnes & Noble invites customers to dive into the excitement as stores nationwide celebrate family and all things Dory. Children will have the opportunity to participate in a swimmingly fun scavenger hunt, as well as other activities and giveaways.

Star Wars: Friday, July 15, at 7PM
Barnes & Noble is calling fans of all ages who love Wookiees, Storm Troopers and Jedi Knights to participate in special offers, trivia, bingo, giveaways, cosplay and a special learn-to-play Star Wars X-Wing™ Game event.

Pokémon: Saturday, July 16, at 4PM
Customers can visit their local Barnes & Noble store at 4PM to learn how to become a Pokémon Champion, take a photo with a Pikachu and Charizard standee, enjoy a special offer, and more as we celebrate 20 years of Pokémon at stores nationwide.

Introducing tokidoki Back-To-School and Stationery Product Lines, Available Exclusively at Barnes & Noble Starting July 16
On July 16, Barnes & Noble will launch the never-before-seen tokidoki back-to-school and stationery product lines, which will be sold exclusively at all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide through Summer 2016. An innovative line of apparel, tokidoki has built a worldwide following with its larger-than-life characters and designs. All Barnes & Noble stores will feature a table with tokidoki stationery, coloring products and back-to-school items, including a backpack, messenger bag, duffle bag, keyring, coloring book, sketchbook, notebook, pencil case, and much more. To celebrate the arrival of tokidoki, Barnes & Noble will be giving away free limited edition character trading cards and buttons in stores nationwide on July 16, while supplies last.

Manga: Saturday, July 16, at 7PM
Fans of Manga can come to Barnes & Noble and enjoy drawing and coloring activities from renowned Manga artist Camilla d’Errico, in addition to other activities, cosplay and giveaways. Plus, they can receive a special offer on all Manga from July 6 through July 19, with the exciting details to be announced during Get Pop-Cultured.

Comic Convention Collectibles: Available Starting July 21
The massively popular Comic Convention Collectibles will be on sale exclusively at Barnes & Noble from July 21 through July 24, while supplies last, with a limit of two per customer. The assortment will feature Funko and Diamond Collectibles.

DC Comics: Saturday, July 23, at 7PM
Barnes & Noble customers can be the first to get a free Suicide Squad Special Edition #1comic and enjoy giveaways, activities and cosplay. Plus, customers can receive a special offer on all DC Comics Graphic Novels from July 20 through July 24, with the exciting details to be announced during Get Pop-Cultured.

Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party: Saturday, July 30, at 8PM
Harry Potter fans are invited to Countdown to Midnight and the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two, a special rehearsal edition script book, which goes on sale July 31 at midnight. They are also invited to share their favorite memories of Harry Potter on Barnes & Noble’s special Muggle Wall, as well as participate in other activities and giveaways. Plus, fans can enter for a chance to win a set of 7 Harry PotterLimited Edition Cover Prints, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble. They can ask a bookseller for complete details and official rules.

On July 31, fans are invited back to their local Barnes & Noble store to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two all day with special events and activities, and to share perspectives on the new book.

Marvel: Saturday, August 6, at 7PM
Customers can come to Barnes & Noble and explore the Marvel Universe plus get exclusive samplers, including the first storyline for Mosaic. They can also enjoy trivia, coloring, cosplay, special offers and more. Plus, customers can receive a special offer on all Marvel Graphic Novels from July 25 through August 7, with the exciting details to be announced during Get Pop-Cultured.

Customers should stay tuned for upcoming Get Pop-Cultured announcements and visit their local Barnes & Noble store or go online at www.bn.com/getpop-cultured for more information.  They are encouraged to post pictures of themselves having fun at Get Pop-Cultured events to their social media channels using the hashtag, #GetPopCultured.

*Two (2) Winners from each store will be chosen at random on or about July 31 at 12:00AM to receive a set of seven (7) Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Prints (ARV $140.00).  No Purchase necessary to enter or win.  Must be 13 years of age or older and a resident of the U.S. to enter.  Void where prohibited by law.  See a Bookseller for complete details and Official Rules.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is a Fortune 500 company, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products.  The Company operates 640 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com).  The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com), plus periodicals and comics, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Barnes & Noble®, Barnes & Noble Booksellers®, Barnes & Noble.com® and Discover Great New Writers® are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK® and the NOOK logos are trademarks of Nook Digital, LLC or its affiliates.

For more information on Barnes & Noble, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, and like us on Facebook. For more information on NOOK, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

CONTACTS:

Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Alan McNamara
Director
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3379
amcnamara@bn.com

Source: Barnes & Noble

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Dunkin’ Donuts: The new Cold Brew coffee now available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Metro New York and Los Angeles markets

Cold Brew coffee is now on the menu at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Metro New York and Los Angeles; available nationwide later this summer

The ultra-smooth, full-bodied Cold Brew coffee will be brewed daily in small batches

CANTON, MA 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Donuts is expanding its menu by crafting an exciting new choice for those who prefer their coffee cold, today announcing that Cold Brew coffee is now available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Metro New York and Los Angeles markets. The rich, ultra-smooth, full-bodied Cold Brew coffee, crafted by hand in Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in small batches and served each day while supplies last, will be available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations throughout the country later this summer.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Cold Brew coffee is prepared by steeping a special blend of coffee in cold water over an extended period of time to extract a uniquely distinctive flavor from the beans. Cold Brew coffee’s ultra-smooth and naturally sweet flavor profile lends itself to being enjoyed black, but is customizable based on guest preference. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Cold Brew coffee is available in small, medium and large cup sizes.

According to The NPD Group / CREST®, Dunkin’ Donuts is the number one retailer in the iced coffee category in the United States. “As the country’s leader in cold coffee, we are constantly exploring new options, inspired by market trends and guest and crew feedback, in order to provide our busy, on-the-go guests with even more options any time of day,” said Chris Fuqua, Senior Vice President, Dunkin’ Donuts Brand Marketing, Global Consumer Insights & Product Innovation. “Our new Cold Brew coffee is made daily in small batches and the longer brewing process extracts the flavors differently than our famous iced coffee, providing our guests a rich, smooth coffee with an inherently sweeter flavor reminiscent of dark chocolate.”

The introduction of Cold Brew coffee is the latest in a series of extensions to the brand’s coffee offerings. Last fall, Dunkin’ Donuts introduced the Macchiato to its line of espresso-based beverages. In May, the brand also added new Heath and Almond Joy iced coffees for a limited time, giving guests the chance to enjoy the flavors of their favorite candy bars in their iced coffee throughout summer.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts), Instagram (www.instagram.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 years running. The company has more than 11,800 restaurants in 44 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies.

For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lindsay Cronin
Phone: 781-737-5200
Email: lindsay.cronin@dunkinbrands.com

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Dunkin’ Donuts: The new Cold Brew coffee now available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Metro New York and Los Angeles markets

Dunkin’ Donuts: The new Cold Brew coffee now available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Metro New York and Los Angeles markets

 

Source: Dunkin Donuts

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USDA’s FSIS: take extra food safety precautions when planning your menu on the Fourth of July

WASHINGTON, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — No matter where you find yourself on the Fourth of July, you will probably see lots of food, beverages and grass-stained sneakers. Whether you’re enjoying a barbecue in the great outdoors, traveling to see family or friends, or spending time at home, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging everyone to take extra food safety precautions when planning their menu.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 6 Americans (that’s 48 million people) suffer from foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

“Because foodborne bacteria thrive and multiply more quickly in warmer temperatures, foodborne illness can spike during summer,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Al Almanza. “This is likely because people are spending more time outside – away from the sink and equipment in the kitchen that help consumers keep food safe.”

The Danger Zone is the temperature range between 40 °F and 140 °F in which foodborne bacteria can grow rapidly to dangerous levels that can cause illness. Leaving perishables out too long in the Danger Zone is one of the most common mistakes people make, especially during warmer months.

Keep Food Out of the Danger Zone

The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline, staffed by USDA food safety experts, routinely gets calls from consumers with questions about the perishable foods left out too long. Below are their recommendations on how to steer clear of the Danger Zone this Fourth of July:

  • Without refrigeration or a heat source, perishables should not be left out more than two hours if the temperature is at or below 90 ⁰F, and only one hour if the temperature is at or above 90 ⁰F. Since the weather will likely be very hot on July 4th, food should be returned to the cooler within an hour. If you are not sure how long food has been sitting out, throw it out immediately.
  • Always keep cold food COLD, at or below 40 °F, in coolers or in containers with a cold source such as ice or frozen gel packs. Keep hot food HOT, at or above 140 °F, on the grill or in insulated containers, heated chafing dishes, warming trays and/or slow cookers. If food needs to be reheated, reheat it to 165 °F.
  • Pack an appliance thermometer in your cooler to ensure food stays at or below 40 °F. Divide large amounts of food into shallow containers for fast chilling and easier use.
  • Packing drinks in a separate cooler is strongly recommended, so the food cooler isn’t opened frequently.  Keep the cooler in the shade, and try to cover it with a blanket or tarp to keep it cool. Replenish the ice if it melts.
  • Use the food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat, poultry and seafood. Use our Is It Done Yet? guide to learn where to place the thermometer in each item. You absolutely cannot tell whether the meat is safely cooked by just looking.
  • If you plan to marinate meat and/or poultry for several hours or overnight prior to the event, make sure to marinate them in the refrigerator – not on the counter. If you plan to reuse the marinade from raw meat or poultry, make sure to boil it first to destroy any harmful bacteria.
  • To ensure safety, leftovers must be put in shallow containers for quick cooling and refrigerated to 40 ⁰F or below within two hours.

If you have food storage questions, download our FoodKeeper application. This app offers guidance on the safe storage or more than 400 food and beverage items. It’ll give you a peace of mind knowing you served your dish safely.

As always, FSIS would like everyone to remember the four easy food safety steps of Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill and have a food safe Fourth of July!

If you have questions about the Danger Zone, or any other food safety topics, call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-888MPHotline or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov. These services are available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, in English and Spanish.

Contact:

Food Safety Education Staff
Press Inquiries (202) 720-9113
Consumer Inquiries (888) 674-6854

Source: USDA

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Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods recalls 2,444 pounds of poultry products due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens – USDA’s FSIS

WASHINGTON, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods, Inc., a Vallejo, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,444 pounds of poultry products due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, wheat, and fish (anchovies), known allergens which are not declared on the product label. Additionally, the Caesar Salad products usually have the statement “May Contain Traces of Shellfish.” This statement is missing on the recalled products.

The chicken Caesar Salad items were produced on June 22, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]

  • 9-OZ. Plastic clamshell with clear lid containers of “TRADER GIOTTO’S CAESAR SALAD WITH CHICKEN BREAST” bearing plant number P-17156 and “USE BY 06/28” on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-17156” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington state.

The company notified FSIS of the mislabeling on June 25, 2016, after the company received notice of the issue from a customer. The salads have the correct label on the top of the package, but exhibit an incorrect back label for “Trader Joe’s Chicken & Roast Beet Salad.” [See labels.]

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Mike Ghiringhelli, Jr., General Manager, at (707) 561-7670 ext. 105.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

Contact:

Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell
(202) 720-9113

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Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods recalls 2,444 pounds of poultry products due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens - USDA's FSIS

Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods recalls 2,444 pounds of poultry products due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens – USDA’s FSIS

 

Source: USDA

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BURGER KING, CHEETOS® brand to introduce new Mac n’ Cheetos™

New Mac n’ Cheetos™ Mashup Features CHEETOS® Crispiness Outside, Creamy Mac n’ Cheese Inside

MIAMI , 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — BURGER KING® restaurants and the CHEETOS® brand have collaborated for the first time to introduce new Mac n’ Cheetos™, making for a very cheesy summer. The new snack mashup is a portable combination of creamy mac n’ cheese covered with crispy CHEETOS® flavor. Mac n’ Cheetos™ are a tasty reimagination of classic mac n’ cheese that the CHEETOS® brand and BURGER KING® restaurants boldly dare to offer, starting June 27 for a limited time at participating restaurants.

For anyone who ever wished they could eat warm mac n’ cheese like they do a bag of chips, Mac n’ Cheetos™ make the previously unthinkable a reality. Now with this cheesy treat, everyone can snack on-the-go whether en route to the beach or during a summer road trip.

“Mac n’ Cheetos™ are a doubly cheesy combination of warm mac n’ cheese covered with that crispy CHEETOS® flavor everyone loves,” said Axel Schwan, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, for the BURGER KING® brand. “No one understands snacking better than CHEETOS®, and our expertise at BURGER KING® restaurants’ is serving guests on the go, so it just made sense that we come together to reinvent this favorite food like it’s never been done before.”

“Mac n’ Cheetos™ is a Dangerously Cheesy re-imagination of mac n’ cheese,” said Roberto Rios, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Foodservice. “The BURGER KING® brand was the perfect partner to bring this delicious and portable snack to life for lovers of cheese all around and our fans.”

Mac n’ Cheetos™ come in an order of five pieces at the recommended price of $2.49 and will be available for a limited time at participating BURGER KING® restaurants.

About the BURGER KING® Brand
Founded in 1954, the BURGER KING® brand is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, the BURGER KING® system operates more than 14,000 locations in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Almost 100 percent of BURGER KING® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. The BURGER KING® brand is owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX,NYSE:QSR), one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $23 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants. To learn more about the BURGER KING® brand, please visit the BURGER KING® brand website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Cheetos
CHEETOS® is one of many Frito-Lay brands in North America – the $14 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate website, http://www.fritolay.com, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fritolay. Learn more about Cheetos by visitingwww.facebook.com/Cheetos.

CONTACT:

Brooke Scher Mogan
212-230-1800
brooke@alisonbrodpr.com

ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS
bk@alisonbrodpr.com

Kimberly Scott
972-334-5098
kimberly.scott@pepsico.com

PEPSICO, INC., FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA
New Mac n’ Cheetos™ Mashup Features CHEETOS® Crispiness Outside, Creamy Mac n’ Cheese Inside

Source: Burger King

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Walmart Canada: Lee Tappenden appointed President and CEO; Bob Hakeem as COO

Mississauga, ON, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walmart Canada today announced the appointment of Lee Tappenden, Chief Operations Officer, Walmart Canada to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart Canada, effective August 15. Tappenden joined Walmart in 1996 and has held a number of global leadership roles with the company, including Chief Merchandising Officer with Walmart Japan and Vice President of Merchandising for the International Division.

After joining the Walmart Canada leadership team in 2010 as Senior Vice President, Merchandise Operations, Tappenden also served as Chief Merchandising Officer. He sits on the Board of Governors for Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children at 170 hospitals across North America. Tappenden will report to David Cheesewright, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart International.

“Lee is extremely well poised to lead Walmart Canada and continue the momentum of growth we are seeing in this market,” said David Cheesewright, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart International. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with Walmart internationally in both merchandising and operations, but he also brings to the role a real passion and heart for our associates and customers. Lee is the kind of person who genuinely cares about the well-being of the people who work in and shop at our stores every day – and that’s one of the things that make him an incredibly special leader,” he said.

“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the team at Walmart Canada over the past six years,” said Tappenden. “Together, we have seen significant growth of our business, including a focus on fresh food and investments in eCommerce. I look forward to leading the team as we embark on an exciting time for our business and for our customers,” he said.

With today’s announcement, Bob Hakeem, Chief Administrative Officer, Walmart Canada will assume the role of Chief Operations Officer. After joining Walmart Canada in 2008 as Senior Vice President for the Walmart Canada People Division, Hakeem was named Executive Vice President, Human Resources in 2012. He has played an important role in developing talent and bench strength in the organization, while also helping guide the business through the introduction of Supercentres and other major changes in the market. Hakeem brings to the role more than 25 years of business experience and is an executive board member for the Retail Council of Canada.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 95,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart is committed to generating zero waste, being supplied by 100 per cent renewable energy and offering customers products that are produced responsibly. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $250 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 260 million customers and members visit our 11,527 stores under 63 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2016 revenue of $482 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Media Contact:

Anika Malik,
anika.malik@walmart.com,
416.562.8193
Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada

Source: Walmart Canada

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Sobeys Inc. announces the appointment of Lyne Castonguay as Chief Merchandising Officer

STELLARTON, NS, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ms. Castonguay will oversee all aspects of Sobeys go-to-market strategy, with responsibility for category management, marketing, data insights, research, procurement, private label and merchandising as well as the company’s digital strategy.

For the past 14 years Ms. Castonguay has held progressively senior positions with The Home Depot both in Canada and, for the past 12 years, the United States, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Home Services. Prior to The Home Depot Ms. Castonguay worked for General Electric in Canada where she held numerous roles including General Manager for the Canadian lighting business. She has experience in both retailing and manufacturing in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

“Lyne is a passionate and successful retailer who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record for growing the businesses she has led,” said Marc Poulin, President & CEO, Sobeys Inc. “I am delighted she is returning to Canada to take on this extremely important role for our organization.”

“Lyne is a passionate and successful retailer who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record for growing the businesses she has led,” said Marc Poulin, President & CEO, Sobeys Inc. “I am delighted she is returning to Canada to take on this extremely important role for our organization.”

Ms. Castonguay will be based at Sobeys office in Mississauga, ON.

About Sobeys Inc.
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians since 1907. A whollyowned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys, its franchisees and affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company’s purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Walker
Senior Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs
Sobeys Inc.
(905) 238-7124 ext. 6711

Source: Sobeys

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Ingles Markets, Incorporated declares cash dividend on both Class A and Class B Common Stock

ASHEVILLE, N.C., 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.165 (sixteen and one-half cents) per share on all its Class A Common Stock and $0.15 (fifteen cents) per share on all its Class B Common Stock. This is an annual rate of $0.66 and $0.60 per share, respectively. Dividends on both the Class A and Class B Common Stock are payable July 14, 2016, to all shareholders of record on July 7, 2016.

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 201 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, visit Ingles’ website www.ingles-markets.com.

Source: Ingles

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CBRE announces the appointment of Chandra Dhandapani as its Chief Digital & Technology Officer

Longtime Capital One Financial Corporation Executive to Lead CBRE’s Technology and Digital Enablement

Los Angeles, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. today announced that Chandra Dhandapani has been named the company’s Chief Digital & Technology Officer.  Ms. Dhandapani, a longtime technology executive at Capital One Financial Corporation, will join CBRE in mid-July, and will be the company’s most senior technology leader, with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s technology and digital enablement activities, including those serving clients and CBRE professionals.

“We are excited to add an executive of Chandra’s experience and capability to our senior leadership team,” said Chris Kirk, CBRE’s Chief Administrative Officer.  “She has a proven record of developing and executing enterprise-level digital strategies that support business objectives, improve client outcomes and drive growth.  We are looking forward to her contributions to CBRE.”

Ms. Dhandapani has been a senior technology executive at Capital One Financial for 17 years.  Most recently, she served as Digital Transformation Leader and Chief Information Officer of the bank’s Financial Services division, comprised of Capital One’s Auto Finance, Mortgage, Home Equity and Home Loans Servicing businesses. In this capacity, she implemented industry-leading technology solutions that provided desktop, online and mobile capabilities to customers and internal staff.

Ms. Dhandapani earned a BS in mathematics and an MBA in marketing and finance, from IRMA in India, and an MBA in information systems from the University of Texas at Arlington.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2015 revenue). The Company has more than 70,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 400 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
Senior Director, Global Media Relations
+1 212 9848267

Source: CBRE

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Topaz recognised as one of the Best Large Workplaces in Europe for the fourth time

One of only three Irish companies to be recognised
DUBLIN, IRELAND, 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Topaz, the country’s largest fuel and convenience retailer has been recognised as one of the Best Large Workplaces in Europe for the fourth time.

The company emerged in 9th position when the Best Large Workplaces in Europe were announced at a black tie event attended by over 400 people in the RDS in Dublin. It’s the first time Topaz, which was acquired by the Couche-Tarde Group late last year, has made it into the top ten. Topaz was one of only three Irish companies to be recognised in the Large Workplace category.

In February the company was recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland for the 11th time and presented with a Laureate in recognition of ten years consistent ranking in Ireland’s annual Best Workplaces list.

Ruth Mellett Director of Human Resources at Topaz said it was a fantastic achievement for Topaz to be recognised on the European stage.

“Achieving a top ten position is huge for us especially following on from the award in February. The quality of the companies we were up against in sectors like financial services, information technology, telecommunications as well as retail was of an extremely high standard. Just as in Ireland, we are the only fuel and convenience retailer on this European wide list, so that makes it hugely satisfying and reinforces our position as an industry leader” she said.

“This is a very exciting time for the company, following on from our acquisition of Esso’s Irish business and then becoming part of the Couche-Tard family. Our aim at all times is to enhance the customer experience and our success in that regard is due to the professionalism and dedication of our employees. We would like to thank each and every one of them – all 2,000 – for helping to make Topaz such a great place to work” Mellett concluded.

Best Workplaces sets out to recognise the finest employers and therefore the most satisfied workforces in Europe. It is the largest employment survey of its type.

Contact:

Topaz Energy Group Limited,
Topaz House,
Beech Hill,
Clonskeagh,
Dublin 4.

Topaz Head Office Tel: +353 (0)1 202 8888
Topaz Home Heat: Tel: 1850 250 650
Topaz Fax: +353 (0) 1 282 8320

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Topaz recognised as one of the Best Large Workplaces in Europe for the fourth time
Topaz recognised as one of the Best Large Workplaces in Europe for the fourth time

Source: Topaz

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LuLu Group strengthens its retail presence in the Far East with the opening of its first hypermarket in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , 2016-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kuala Lumpur: LuLu Group further consolidate its retail presence in the Far East by opening the first LuLu Mall with hypermarket in Malaysia. The 250,000 sq. ft. hypermarket was inaugurated by the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak in the presence of Dato Sri Dr. Ahmed Zahid Hamidi, Dy. Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture, Govt. officials, Ambassadors of UAE and the High Commission of India, and other dignitaries.

The group had recently announced its plans to invest US$ 300 million RM 1.3 billion as part of its expansion and intends to set up 10 hypermarkets in the next 5 years in the country.

The new hypermarket is ideally located in the CapSqaure, Jalan Munshi area of Kuala Lumpur, and is expected to be one of its kind in the country and will attract a large segment of population from all walks of life with its attractive product offers and range. The new hypermarket is spread in 3 levels and combines everything from grocery and supermarkets products to fashion, household and latest electronics and gadgets. Hot food from around the world, fresh seafood and locally grown produce are some of the key highlights in the supermarket area.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Najeeb Razak said “We are very pleased to welcome LuLu brand to Malaysia as this will pave way for more international brands to come and invest in Malaysia. I am also hopeful that LuLu will surely open many more hypermarkets and malls not only in Kuala Lumpur, but also in other parts of Malaysia.”

“With an initial investment of $300 million in the first phase, we plan to open 10 hypermarkets by end of 2021 and a central logistics and warehousing facility in Malaysia. These projects are likely to generate more than 5,000 job opportunities for Malaysians,” said Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman, LuLu Group, while commenting about the first LuLu Hypermarket in the country. “We also plan to set up contract farming to ensure continuous supply of high quality products and to support the Malaysian agriculture sector,” he added.

“Today the whole world knows about Malaysia’s economic stability, investor friendly approach, liberalized policies and world-class infrastructure and we are confident about our success here and our hypermarkets encompass both supermarket and department store formats and we intend to bring a whole new world of shopping to the residents of Malaysia.” He added that other hypermarkets would be opening in Kota Baru Kelantan, Shah Alam Selangor, Johar Baru, Bangi, Ipoh Perak, Malacca, Penang and Kuala Terengganu.

Apart from the 10 hypermarkets which are already planned, Yusuff Ali also announced the group’s plan to invest another US$ 500 million in setting up the largest shopping mall in Malaysia.

During his official visit to UAE in 2014, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najeeb Razak had visited LuLu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi and expressed keen desire to have LuLu in Malaysia. He was especially impressed by the high standards of operations, quality of products & service, and also the wide variety of products available in LuLu.

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LuLu Group strengthens its retail presence in the Far East with the opening of its first hypermarket in Malaysia

LuLu Group strengthens its retail presence in the Far East with the opening of its first hypermarket in Malaysia

 

Source: Lulu Group

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Nordstrom launches Tesla Gallery at its The Grove store in Los Angeles, Calif

SEATTLE, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom, Inc. announced the launch of a Tesla Gallery at its store at The Grove in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Tesla Gallery, featuring the revolutionary Tesla Model X, opened to the public on Saturday, June 18 and is scheduled to run through the remainder of 2016.

Located in the Men’s Department on level one, the first-ever Tesla Gallery at Nordstrom will showcase the Model X SUV – the safest, fastest and most capable SUV available. The boutique-style space is a new take on Tesla’s existing retail experience, but at a smaller scale with just under 400 square feet of floor space.

“Tesla is a company we admire and during our conversations with them, we both recognized that this partnership made a lot of sense for our customers,” said Jamie Nordstrom, President of Nordstrom Stores. “We are investing in lots of ways to make our stores even more compelling and we hope customers want to visit Nordstrom to experience something new. The Tesla Gallery brings an element of innovation to our stores that we hope our customers enjoy.”

Unlike traditional automotive dealerships, the gallery will invite Nordstrom customers to learn about Tesla’s all-electric SUV in an engaging and low pressure environment, complete with enticing visuals, interactive displays, and knowledgeable product specialists. The space features a Tesla Design Studio where customers can explore interior and trim options, and experience Model X first hand by going out for demonstration drives with Tesla employees.

Tesla Model X features the performance of a sports car, the style of a luxury vehicle, and the utility of an SUV. It’s elegant and functional design – including stunning falcon wing doors and a panoramic windshield – offers effortless access to the cabin and an expansive view overhead. Tesla’s Autopilot technology makes commuting stress-free with automatic steering, speed control, lane change, parallel parking and more. Its all-electric drive train will propel you from zero-to-60 in just 3.2 seconds, without hesitation and without a drop of gas.

About Nordstrom

Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 329 stores in 39 states, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 200 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and one clearance store. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its five clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

Media Contact:

Chelsey Allodi
Corporate PR
Chelsey.allodi@nordstrom.com
206.303.3017

Source: Nordstrom

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Starbucks and Tata Sons Limited expand existing partnership

Starbucks Reserve Tata Nullore Estates is the first single-origin coffee from India available to customers in the U.S., joint-venture extends the reach of Starbucks coffee and expands coffee roasting capabilities

Partnership also unveils joint investment in the Tata STRIVE skills development program

MUMBAI and SEATTLE, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a meeting at the iconic Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle, Washington, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX), Howard Schultz, and chairman, Tata Sons Limited, Cyrus Mistry, announced multiple new joint initiatives last week which expand the existing Tata and Starbucks relationship and strengthen the companies’ commitment to developing the Tata-Starbucks brand and building a different kind of company in India.

For the first time, Starbucks will offer a single-origin coffee from India in the U.S., giving customers from outside the country a unique opportunity to experience a rare, small-lot coffee from the Tata Nullore Estates located in the beautiful Coorg coffee growing area of India. Starbucks Reserve® Tata Nullore Estates will be the first coffee from India to be roasted at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room and will only be available at this Seattle location later this year.

“These announcements build upon the incredible success and shared values between Starbucks and Tata in our partnership in India,” said Schultz. “We are humbled by the way in which customers in India have embraced Starbucks elevated coffeehouse experience, which now spans to more than 80 stores across six cities. As we continue on our journey with Tata, we are delighted to introduce the finest coffee from India to a new audience. Starbucks Reserve® Tata Nullore Estates, the first ever Starbucks Reserve® coffee sourced exclusively from India, highlights the deep coffee heritage and expertise of both companies to source, roast and distribute the finest-quality arabica coffees and elevates the story of India coffee for our customers.”

Starbucks also announced plans to increase its coffee roasting capacity for supplying its stores in India. Since Tata Coffee Limited opened its doors to a roasting and packaging plant in Kushalnagar in Coorg, Karnataka, in 2013, this facility has steadily increased its roasting capabilities. Today, it roasts Starbucks® India Estates Blend and Espresso Roast coffees and will soon expand to include both Kenyan and Sumatran coffees for Starbucks stores throughout India. This builds upon Tata and Starbucks commitment to cultivate a future supply of high-quality, sustainable green coffee from existing and potential new sources in India through world-class agronomy practices.

“We are proud to work with Starbucks, a company which shares our commitment to both the coffee growing regions and the coffee farmers to ensure we meet the global demand for high-quality coffee over the long-term,” said Mistry. “Our journey with Starbucks since 2012 has been gratifying and we are pleased to build on the strong relationship between Starbucks and the Tata group as we continue to further advance Indian coffee around the globe. We are honored to be sourcing the finest Indian coffee and introducing Starbucks customers outside India to its quality for the first time.”

Starbucks Soars to New Heights

Starbucks also announced it will soon take flight on Vistara, India’s fastest growing full service airline, later this year. Starbucks fresh brewed coffee service will be exclusively available on all Vistara flights. A joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, Vistara operates more than 457 flights weekly to 17 destinations across India and, in June, celebrated the milestone of flying two million travelers.

A New Tea Experience

Building on the sustained success of the tea category in Starbucks U.S. retail stores, Starbucks will extend its Teavana specialty tea brand to India this December with unique bold and customized flavor combinations. Like its industry-leading green coffee sourcing practices, Starbucks and Tata are committed to promoting sustainable tea practices and are collaborating on the development of a signature Indian tea blend that will be available across all Starbucks stores in India.

Expansion of Himalayan Water Program

Starbucks also plans to expand the availability of Himalayan Mineral Water, bottled by Tata Global Beverages, beyond Starbucks stores in India to Singapore later this year, as the companies explore opportunities to introduce the bottled water brand to stores across Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region. Himalayan Mineral Water is bottled at the source from a pure and pristine underground moving stream aquifer at the foothills of the Shivalik range in the Himalayas. This aquifer is one of the largest and purest sources in the world, providing a perennial source of natural mineral water.

Creating New Pathways to Opportunities

A core value for both Starbucks and Tata is using their scale to change lives for the better. Today, Howard Schultz and Cyrus Mistry committed to come together to provide young people in India with valuable skills training over the next five years through Tata STRIVE, an initiative which empowers India’s youth with skills for employment, entrepreneurship and community enterprise. Since launching in 2014, Tata STRIVE has supported approximately 43,000 youth to-date. The joint partnership combines Tata STRIVE’s expertise in providing job skills training and Starbucks expertise in retail operations, which is expected to impact 3,000 disadvantaged youth in India.

“Today, we are proud to extend Starbucks partnership with Tata to enrich the lives of Indian youth and enable them to enter and thrive in the 21st century workforce,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands. “Our collaboration with Tata underscores our collective commitment to lifelong learning and relevant career skills development. We will continue to make investments to provide pathways to opportunities for young people to realize their personal aspirations and dreams.

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.com

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Starbucks and Tata Sons Limited expand existing partnership

Starbucks and Tata Sons Limited expand existing partnership

 

Source: Starbucks

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The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room launches Affogato line-up of beverages to its cold coffee menu

Seattle, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room has always been about immersing customers in the craft of coffee. From roasting to brewing, some of the rarest, limited-availability coffees in the world take center stage there. Starting today, these coffees will do a bit of immersing in the form of a new Affogato line-up of beverages as part of the Roastery’s cold coffee menu.

Translated from Italian as “drowning,” the new Affogato-style experiences take locally-crafted Mora ice cream and then drown with Starbucks Reserve espresso. The simplicity of pouring hot espresso over cold ice cream not only offers a rich creaminess at first taste, but exposes the nuanced flavors unique to each espresso.

“Our Reserve coffees bring endless inspiration for us to continue to showcase each unique coffee in unexpected ways. What better way to continue to do that than with Affogato,” said Amy Dilger from Starbucks beverage development team.

In addition to the featured Affogato line-up, the expanded cold bar menu also offers a Reserve Cold Brew Float and a Malted Milkshake.

Mora Iced Creamery

Just a ferry ride away from the Roastery in Seattle, Mora Iced Creamery was created by husband and wife co-owners Ana Orselli and Jerry Perez in 2005. They make small batches of ice cream using fresh milk, eggs and cane sugar. Shortly after opening their first ice cream shop, the company quickly grew to a footprint of three stores as well as an online business.

Although this is Mora’s first collaboration with Starbucks, their connection with the company goes back more than a decade.

“When we first moved here from Buenos Aires with our daughters in 2002, we were given a copy of Howard Schultz’s book, ‘Pour Your Heart Into It.’ We were inspired by his story and vision to bring people together with an experience,” Orselli said.

Fast forward to 2016, when Starbucks called.

“When I saw Starbucks had called on the caller ID, my first feeling is that I forgot something at my neighborhood Starbucks store,” said Perez. “But when I learned they wanted to work with us, it was very emotional. For us to come to this country as immigrants and now get a call from Starbucks, all I could think was ‘Wow.’”

Mora is known for its impeccably-crafted, small-batch ice creams – the perfect partner for Starbucks Reserve coffees.

New on the Roastery Menu

Affogato: A trio of beverages celebrating the classic Italian dessert. The Classic Affogato is made with two shots of Starbucks Reserve espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream, resulting in the drowning creaminess of the ice cream in rich espresso. The House Affogato adds a touch of demerera syrup and a dusting of cinnamon, while the Shakerato Affogato is made with Reserve espresso shots shaken to an icy froth, poured over ice cream, lightly finished with vanilla syrup and a mint sprig.

Cold Brew Float: Starbucks Roastery’s small-lot Cold Brew poured over ice cream. This is also available with Nitro Cold Brew. The Float menu will also include a seasonal specialty, the Vesuvius, which combines Cold Brew shaken with orange peel, orange-piloncillo syrup and ice. Named after Mount Vesuvius in Italy, when the Cold Brew is strained over the ice cream, it’s reminiscent of a subtle volcanic eruption, then finished off with a dusting of mocha powder and an orange twist.

Cold Brew Malted Shake: A nostalgic nod to the corner malt shop, Starbucks Roastery’s Cold Brew is spindle-blended with ice cream, malt, and bourbon barrel-aged bitters.

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.com

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The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room launches Affogato line-up of beverages to its cold coffee menu

The Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room launches Affogato line-up of beverages to its cold coffee menu

 

Source: Starbucks

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Tesco stores in Wimbledon to offer strawberry and cream tastings as it gears up for a fortnight of tennis

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco stores in Wimbledon are gearing up for a fortnight of tennis as 500,000 visitors are expected to visit Wimbledon over the next two weeks.

Tesco will be offering strawberry and cream tastings in their Wimbledon Metro store as the fruit has become intrinsically associated with the tournament. Tesco expect to sell 1,500 tonnes of strawberries over the fortnight meaning that nearly 250 punnets are sold every minute.

Tesco will also be handing out queuing survival bags to those camping to get into the venue during the second week of the tournament. The bags will contain essential items such as bottles of water, ponchos, sun cream, and of course a packet of Murray mints.

The stores will also have exclusive offers on popular items such as Evian 500ml bottled water at 2 for 90p and Pimms 1L for £12.  Last year, Tesco sold 2.8 million litres of water and 21 bottles of Pimms were sold every minute during the Championship.

David Genower, Store Manager of Wimbledon Metro, said:

“We’ve gone all out for the two weeks of tennis in our store from serving up strawberry and cream samples to handing out essential products to those visiting the tournament. We’ve also got great offers on key summer products so that our customers have everything they need to enjoy the Championship.”

Tesco’s Wimbledon Metro has one again also changed the ‘O’ on their store sign into a tennis ball and has created their very own centre court at the front of the store.

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on

01707 918 701

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Tesco Metro - Wimbledon - Strawberries and Cream Sampling for the Tennis Crowd - 2/7/15
Tesco stores in Wimbledon to offer strawberry and cream tastings as it gears up for a fortnight of tennis

https://youtu.be/bf-vhe26gQY

Source: Tesco

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Carrefour Belgium outlines its environmental growth prospects

Belgium, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In early June, Carrefour Belgium invited the suppliers of its own-brand products to the traditional presentation of its annual quality and sustainability performance results. This presentation was an opportunity for Carrefour Belgium to outline the growth prospects that it has set itself in the more or less short term.

•    Reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% between now and 2025
•    Increase the numbers of own-brand health products and organic products that it sells

Carrefour Belgium’s suppliers were also invited to take part in an anti-waste competition specifically designed for them.

There are a number of different considerations involved in improving Carrefour products:

Health
Ever mindful of its customers’ health, Carrefour has already reduced the salt content and additives in its products. And for 2016, it wants to reduce their sugar content.

Preserving biodiversity
More than ever, Carrefour is encouraging the development of products that are MSC, ASC, FSC certified, or eco-labelled, etc. Furthermore, it has banned GMOs in all of its own-brand products. In 2016, new Bio Food products will start appearing in stores.

Ethics
Fair Trade products enjoyed a sharp increase in popularity in 2015. At the same time, the Group is being extremely vigilant when it comes to any purchases made from countries outside Europe. This vigilance involves several thousand audits being monitored out in the field, carried out alongside the relevant international associations.

Reduction and improvement in packaging
The options available for reducing the amount of packaging used are looked into for each and every Belgian product. Three priorities are taken into consideration: food safety, functionality and durability (carbon and water).

Regarding the environment
Carrefour’s anti-waste policy has underpinned everything it does for several years now. Within this framework, a competition designed to encourage suppliers to manufacture their products in an environmentally friendly way is organised every year in the countries in which Carrefour operates, as well as at international level. Permanently reducing energy consumption and developing solutions that are more environmentally friendly have enabled Carrefour Belgium to commit to the following: reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% between now and 2025.

Local roots
Let’s all go Belgetarian
Carrefour Belgium supports Belgian producers and works alongside 711 of them in order to produce 10,000 of the products it sells in its stores.

Food donations
Carrefour is one of the partners of the “bourse aux dons” scheme, designed to more effectively manage donations. It has been deployed across three of the country’s regions for all donors and donees. Carrefour supplies products to 5 welfare groceries. Every year, Carrefour organises a campaign to collect vital provisions and supplies from its customers.

Anti-wastage competition
A competition is held designed to encourage suppliers to factor in environmental considerations into their manufacturing processes.
In 2015, the Carrefour group tackled companies’ carbon footprints within the framework of its international competition. Carrefour Belgium invites its producers to submit an existing initiative or an idea designed to reduce food wastage in the company (a manufacturing process, a personnel awareness-raising campaign, a new piece of equipment, for example). With the help of a panel of experts, Carrefour Belgium will short-list the ideas it receives to decide which one will represent Belgium in the international competition.

Press Contact:

By phone:
Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00
For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

Source: Carrefour

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Delhaize announces sale of pet specialist shop Tom&Co to PetSerCo

Brussels , 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize announces today the sale of its retail formula Tom&Co, the pet specialist shop for pet feed and pet care. An investment group led by Lionel Desclée, current member of the management of Delhaize Belgium, will take over Tom&Co. He will leave Delhaize. The brand Tom&Co will continue to exist. Nothing changes for the employees and the existing network of Tom&Co stores in Belgium, Luxembourg and France.

This morning Delhaize has internally communicated its decision to sell the pet specialist shop. Delhaize has the ambition to become the favorite supermarket of the Belgians again and wishes to focus more than ever on the sale of healthy and high quality food. The management and further development of a pet specialist shop is therefore no longer considered a priority. Nevertheless Tom&Co remains an ambitious and financially sound business with a lot of potential.

The buyer of Tom&Co is PetSerCo, an investment group of which Lionel Desclée is the principal shareholder. He is the current Senior Vice president of Delhaize Belgium and responsible for the independent stores and retail activities. Lionel has the ultimate responsibility for Tom&Co within the management of Delhaize and, in the past, was a member of the operational management of Tom&Co himself. With this acquisition PetSerCo acquires 100 % of the shares in Tom&Co. Following this transaction, Lionel Desclée will leave Delhaize. The acquisition takes effect as of the third quarter of this year.

Tom&Co was founded in 1991 and was since part of the store network of Delhaize Belgium and Luxembourg. Today the chain counts 144 stores in Belgium, Luxembourg and France of which 136 franchised stores and 8 own stores. Tom&Co is specialised in pets, pet care and feed. Aniserco nv* currently employs 58 people : 38 people at the headquarter of Tom&Co in Zellik and its 5 own stores in Belgium, 20 people in its stores in France under the company Serdelco sa**. There will be no consequences for the store network and the associates of Tom&Co. All existing employment agreements will be respected.

On Lionel Desclée’s departure, his responsibilities within the management committee of Delhaize Belgium will be shared by 2 people: Françoise Burlet and Kris Van Strydonck who consequently also becomes a member of the management committee of Delhaize Belgium as Senior Vice President.

Delhaize Belgium Early March 2016 the network of Delhaize Belgium & Luxembourg counted over 880 stores in different formula (supermarkets Delhaize, AD Delhaize, Proxy Delhaize, Shop&Go, Tom&Co and Red Market) offering a unique shopping experience and high quality service. Delhaize offers a wide assortment of over 20,000 high quality products at affordable prices. Thanks to its 6 own labels (365, Delhaize, taste of Inspirations, Bio, Eco, Care) Delhaize can match all of its customers’ needs. Its customers can also shop online through www.delhaize.be and www.delhaizewineworld.com for wine, or have these delivered at home by Caddy Home. Delhaize Belgium, which generated a turnover of EUR 5.0 billion in 2015 and had a market share of 24.0%* in Belgium, counts over 14,000 associates. Delhaize Belgium is part of Delhaize Group, which is active in 7 countries and on 3 continents, and employs approximately 150,000 people. At the end of September 2015 the network of Delhaize Group counted 3,465 stores.

Press information:
Roel Dekelver
External Communications Manager Delhaize Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0)2 412 84 51
E-mail : rdekelver@delhaize.be

*Aniserco is the legal entity holding the activities of Tom&Co in Belgium
**Serdelco is the legal entity holding the activities of Tom&Co in France

Source: AC Nielsen

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Co-op Community Spaces commits $1.5 million to protect, beautify and enhance spaces in communities across Western Canada

Nipawin, Canada, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — A $1.5 million commitment from Co-op will protect, beautify and enhance spaces in communities across Western Canada.

The funding is provided by Co-op Community Spaces, a program supporting community-based recreation, conservation and urban agriculture projects. This year’s 21 recipients span all four western Canadian provinces and include local organizations and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in their community and deliver important local services.

“Co-op Community Spaces is already making a positive impact throughout Western Canada and our latest recipients will keep that momentum rolling,” said Leah Andrew, Associate Vice-President Marketing and Communications with Federated Co-operatives Limited, which administers the program on behalf of the more than 200 independent retail co-operatives that form the Co-operative Retailing System. “Co-op is proud to assist local organizations and will continue to support initiatives that make our communities stronger.”

Making a difference

Since launching in 2015, Co-op Community Spaces has provided almost $2.5 million to 37 local projects that benefit communities throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

This year’s Co-op Community Spaces projects include an aquatic centre in Vanderhoof, B.C., an educational kitchen in Calgary, a community greenhouse in Regina and a new arts and cultural centre in Winkler, Man.

Contest winners announced

In May, western Canadians were asked to nominate the public spaces they love in their community as part of this year’s Co-op Community Spaces contest. From thousands of entries, Co-op selected four winners — one in every western Canadian province — who each received $1,000 because of their nomination. The four nominated spaces will share $25,000 to support their local initiatives.

For more details about this year’s Co-op Community Spaces recipients — as well as profiles of last year’s projects — see  www.communityspaces.ca.

Contact:

Home Office
Box 1050, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3M9
401 – 22nd Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 0H2
PHONE: 306.244.3311
FAX: 306.244.3403
GENERAL INQUIRIES: inquiries@fcl.ca
GENERAL CAREER INQUIRIES: careers@fcl.ca

Source: Co-op Community space

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Wegmans Food Markets customers support Food Bank’s BackPack Program to provide children in need with weekend bags of food

BUFFALO, NY, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In Western New York, thousands of elementary school children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches may not have enough nutritious food to eat at home over the weekend. That’s why 11 Wegmans Food Markets in the Buffalo area have partnered with customers, the Food Bank of Western New York, and WIVB-TV to support the Food Bank’s BackPack Program, through which children in need are provided with weekend bags of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food. This year, customers bought food for kids that totaled 150,570 pounds of food — enough for 30,114 backpacks! The 2016 campaign topped last year’s total by more than 20,000 pounds.

“Within the Food Bank’s four-county service area, nearly one in four children do not have consistent access to nutritious food.” says Stephanie Lawson, youth and outreach programs supervisor for the Food Bank of Western New York. “This is why we are so grateful for this partnership. With the support of Wegmans, WIVB-TV, and the Western New York community, we can work to ensure that no child goes hungry.”

The bags distributed through the BackPack Program are loaded with kid-friendly foods that don’t need refrigeration, and that are perfect for a healthy snack or meal.  Examples? Canned corn, apple sauce cups, crunchy peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and tomato soup. The pre-packed bags come in three different assortments, giving customers the option to buy a $3, $5, or $10 bag.

“Each year, our customers show enormous generosity with their purchases of food for children in need,” says Michele Mehaffy, Buffalo Consumer Affairs manager for Wegmans. The campaign will provide backpacks of food to children at 30 schools in Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara counties every Friday throughout the school year. The Food Bank of Western New York works with schools to identify the children who should take home a backpack on Fridays.
After a customer buys one of the pre-packed bags, store employees take it to a pickup area for the Food Bank.  In July and August, Food Bank employees and volunteers sort the donated foods so they’ll be ready for backpacks in the fall months.

About The Food Bank of WNY:
The Food Bank of WNY is the primary hunger-relief organization in Western New York, obtaining and distributing food to 329 member agencies including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, youth programs, and senior centers in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties. Through these agencies, the Food Bank of WNY serves as many as 129,322 individuals in any given month, including more than 44,000 families, 45,000 children, and nearly 17,000 seniors. For more information, visit www.foodbankwny.org.

About Wegmans Food Markets:
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 89-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.

Contact Information:  

Catherine Shick
Food Bank of Western New York public and community relations coordinator
716-935-6692,
cshick@foodbankwny.org

Michele Mehaffy
Wegmans Buffalo Consumer Affairs manager
716-685-8170
Michele.mehaffy@wegmans.com

Source: Wegmans