Market Trends

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) yesterday appointed Todd A. Turner to the position of VP of industry affairs, in which role he will lead the day-to-day operations of the industry affairs department and efforts in the sales and supply chain and technology practices.

Shoppers will mark the upcoming Easter holiday by spending a little more this year, with the average consumer poised to part with $118.60, up from $116.59 in 2009, according to the National Retail Foundation’s 2010 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by consumer market intelligence firm BIGresearch. Based on a total extrapolation of the U.S. population 18 years old and older, total spending is expected to hit $13.03 billion.

Hispanic independent grocer Mi Pueblo Food Center opens its 15th full-service grocery store today in San Rafael, Calif.

Natural and organic foods retailer Sprouts Farmers Market has deployed a space optimization solution to create customized planograms, helping improve inventory management, drive sales and profits, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Food and Drug Administration has released a new Consumer Update video offering information about “safe supermarket” food-handling practices.

A recent survey by Oakbrook, Ill.-based food and nutrition company FoodMinds has found that a majority of Americans back the government’s efforts to revise food content and labeling, as they realize such measures will assist them in their goals of becoming healthier and losing weight.

Participating Southern California and Las Vegas Albertsons stores and Henderson, Nev.-based Ex Drinks, LLC have rolled out an in-store promotion offering customers free lift tickets to Big Bear Mountain Resorts.

Battered by the nation’s troubled economy, consumers are tightening their spending habits when it comes to many food purchases, and while shoppers are seeking the best value and are more disciplined in their buying decisions, snack food products continue to do well.