Andy Nelson

1 week ago | supermarketperimeter.com | Andy Nelson

The charcuterie craze, still going strong, is among the many reasons cross-merchandising cheese with other grocery store items — including many found in fresh perimeter departments — is more popular than ever. One of the biggest trends in cross-marketing cheese with other grocery foods is emphasizing how a product is used, said Chris Eastwood, business development manager — US retail, for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB).

1 week ago | supermarketperimeter.com | Andy Nelson

The grocery industry has made great progress in adopting traceability solutions, bringing renewed urgency to modernize data capture and recordkeeping processes, said Jeff Cowan, senior director of customer success for GS1 US. Many grocers and suppliers, for instance, are using traceability software to track critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) required by FSMA Rule 204.

1 week ago | supermarketperimeter.com | Andy Nelson

Astra Inc. has made two major improvements to its lineup of fruit peelers, said Ryo Takeshita, sales manager. The first is a color display, which Takeshita said makes the operation of Astra equipment simpler and easier. In addition, the previous display had only numbers on its screens — the new one can hold much more detailed information. The second improvement is the option of a de-coring attachment on Astra peelers. “The recent model was only about peeling the pineapple,” Takeshita said.

2 weeks ago | meatpoultry.com | Andy Nelson

KANSAS CITY, MO. — Kirstyn Lipson, senior director of marketing for Verde Farms, which offers organic, 100% grass-fed and 100% pasture-raised beef, has seen a strong consumer demand for clean, better-for-you proteins, with organic being a top attribute that’s driving growth for the retail grocery beef category. “Compared to previous years, we’re noticing a shift away from conventional, mass-market proteins toward more ethically and regeneratively farmed meats,” she said.

2 weeks ago | dairyprocessing.com | Andy Nelson

SAN PEDRO, MEXICO — Consumer demand for cheeses from Mexico and other Latin American countries continues to surge, driven not just by those in the United States with familial roots abroad, but by adventurous diners in general. The two Mexican cheese-focused brands that Sigma markets in the US are both enjoying strong growth, said Melanie Carrasquillo, the company’s director of Hispanic brands. The Fud brand is primarily focused on enhancing Mexican recipes and traditions, Carrasquillo said.