Retail & FoodService

According to research firm Mintel, high quality beverages such as super-nutritional juices and smoothies are driving beverage sales. As customers look for healthier menu options, smoothies are piquing interest for their convenience, dietary benefits and customization opportunities. Knouse Foods highlights ways chefs and operators can tap into this trend utilizing apple sauce to create real fruit smoothies that are flavorful and nutritious. …

Twenty Five Lusk, Hog Island Oyster Co., Fog Harbor Fish House, and Pier 23 Cafe are among the first local restaurants to participate in the America’s Cup Healthy Ocean Project awareness campaign to promote ocean-friendly seafood among Bay-Area diners. …

Loblaw Companies Limited and Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation announced a definitive agreement under which Loblaw will acquire all of the outstanding Shoppers Drug Mart common shares for $33.18 in cash plus 0.5965 Loblaw common shares per each Shoppers Drug Mart common share, on a fully pro rated basis. Using the Loblaw closing common share price on July 12, 2013, this amounts to $61.54 per Shoppers Drug Mart common share. This price represents a 29.4% premium to the 20-day VWAP of Shoppers Drug Mart common shares as of July 12, 2013. …

Locations of the former Sam's Food City won't stay vacant long. Dollar General grocery stores will be moving into the three sites in Modesto, Turlock and Livingston where the nearly 60-year-old family-owned chain closed in February.

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Fifty-one high school students are learning how the supermarket industry works, thanks to a unique Summer Youth Employment Program sponsored by Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States. …