Deli / Prepared Foods

According to the 2010 results of EquiTrend, an annual brand equity study from global market research firm Harris Interactive, Hershey’s Kisses rated the highest of over 1,000 brands across 42 categories.

A New Brand Trial survey conducted by Market Force Information, Inc. among its network of 300,000 independent mystery shoppers and merchandisers found that Starbucks coffee was the No. 1 brand tried by consumers in the coffee/tea category in January, earning twice as many mentions as the No. 2 item, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, or third-ranked Celestial Seasonings tea.

Food Lion is slashing prices across its stores on thousands of items shoppers purchase most often.

Walgreen Co. is taking center stage as the top drug chain in the New York City metropolitan area with this week’s agreement to acquire Duane Reade for $1.075 billion.

In a bid to help make it easier for consumers on a gluten-free diet to find appropriate foods, Michigan gourmet grocer Westborn Market recently debuted a “Gluten-Free Shopping Guide” in an easy-to-download and -print format in the Grocery section of the operator’s Web site.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that pioneering nutrition navigation system “Guiding Stars” had a positive influence on food-purchasing decisions following implementation of program, and that these changes continue to be significant in making more nutritious food choices in the supermarket.

Following recent research that last year showed higher coupon usage for the first time in over a decade and a half, digital coupon provider Coupons.com has issued annual data finding growth in printed savings of over 170 percent last year.

Ten-store urban independent The Fresh Grocer joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to commemorate the first week of the “Recycling Rewards” partner program between the city of Philadelphia, the Streets Department and RecycleBank.