Author: maria.ramos

McLane Co. Inc. has promoted two senior leaders to new executive roles to help achieve and accelerate the company’s strategic operational goals.

Eric Hildenbrand has been promoted from senior vice president and general counsel to chief strategy officer. In this role, Hildenbrand will leverage his business and legal experience to advance the corporate vision and enterprise strategy, oversee strategic initiatives and lead McLane’s transformation.

Vito Maurici has been promoted from senior vice president of sales to customer experience officer. Maurici will reflect McLane’s commitment to innovation and customer service, the company said, using his sales leadership background to enhance customer experience across the enterprise. He will develop and implement strategies to scale current business, build new relationships and add value to McLane’s portfolio of products and services.

“McLane’s transformation is a tremendous collaboration with our executive team—which has been strengthened by the addition of Eric and Vito—and our teammates across the company,” said Tony Frankenberger, McLane president and CEO. “We learned invaluable lessons during the pandemic alongside our customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate. McLane has a clear and bright future ahead, and I’m proud of the leadership team that will continue our success.”

Temple, Texas-based McLane is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, the company operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private truck fleets. The company buys, sells and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the United States. McLane also provides alcoholic beverage distribution through its subsidiary, Empire Distributors Inc. McLane is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Omaha, Nebraska.

Source: Convenience Store Petroleum

Giving back through community service efforts and charitable donations is a positive force that keeps many retailers and suppliers of this industry moving ahead. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News highlights these philanthropic efforts in this special section.

Here are the latest company spotlights:

Dole Food Co.

Dole Food Co. renewed its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working to end childhood hunger in the United States.

The company’s alliance with the nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions of children were left facing hunger. Dole collaborates with No Kid Hungry on numerous programs — including nutrition education, fundraising campaigns and at-retail initiatives — to help give the 9 million American children living with food insecurity access to three healthy meals a day.

For 2023, Dole additionally became the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, an influencer-based health and wellness fundraising initiative designed to recruit the nation’s top fitness, wellness and nutrition experts to host health-related livestream classes and web-based instruction throughout January.

Active in the health and wellness blogger and influencer space since 2009, Dole recruited several of the key Get Fit for No Kid Hungry influencers participating in this year’s program, including Charm City PT, Yoga Athletica and Dr. Rachel. The company is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.

Dole also encouraged its own partner bloggers and influencers to inspire their followers to get fit and give back by donating to No Kid Hungry.

“Addressing hunger and food insecurity for children is at the core of the Dole global mission of providing the tools for a healthy, happy, balanced life for all,” said William Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications. “The sponsorship of Get Fit in particular allows us to set a healthy, active tone for 2023 while helping to support the most vulnerable throughout the year.”

Dole plc is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of fresh fruit and vegetables.

EG Group

EG Group raised $647,000 for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) following the completion of the company’s annual fundraiser, surpassing previous years in money raised.

Throughout November, guests were encouraged to donate an amount of their choosing when they visited any of EG Group’s convenience store brands, including Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N’ Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Shop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill.

On Dec. 20, members of EG America leadership presented a check to Coleman Yee, DAV’s third junior vice commander and Marine veteran, in a ceremony at EG America headquarters in Westborough, Mass. Attending from EG America were Acting President Caroline Taitelbaum, Director of Talent Acquisition and member of the EG Military Affinity Group Kieran Carr, Director of Corporate Services Dan McNally and Vice President of Operations Services Josh Bradstreet.

EG Group employs many former military personnel nationally, including McNally and Bradstreet, who served in the Air Force and Marines, respectively.

“We are very proud of the tremendous efforts of our store team members which resulted in raising a record amount of money for the DAV,” said Bradstreet. “The funds raised will make a positive impact on the critical services that the DAV offers to vets every day.”

DAV supports U.S veterans by ensuring that they and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, providing employment resources and educating the public about the needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Founded in 1920 and chartered by Congress in 1932, the organization currently represents more than 1 million members.

Founded in 2001 by the Issa Family, United Kingdom-based EG Group is a petrol forecourt retail convenience operator which has established partnerships with global brands. The company currently employs about 50,000 colleagues working in more than 6,200 sites across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the United States and Australia.

McLane Co. Inc.

Supply chain services company McLane Co. Inc. surpassed $100 million in donations to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. Since 1987, McLane has raised more than $101 million through local fundraising efforts, hospital donations, underwriting of CMN Hospitals operations and supplier campaign support.

McLane’s partnership funds critical, life-saving treatments and health care services, research and financial assistance for 170 children’s hospitals that care for 10 million children each year across the U.S. and Canada.

“At McLane, there is a sense of pride and dedication among our teammates that stems from giving back to the communities we serve. Our longstanding partnership … allows us and our partners to join forces in making a difference in the lives of children with critical needs across the country,” said Tony Frankenberger, CEO of McLane. “We’re proud to have reached this milestone and will continue our steadfast support for years to come.”

A large part of McLane’s support for CMN Hospitals comes from grassroots fundraising at more than 75 distribution centers across the country. The centers engage local communities through a variety of events and fundraise directly with employee payroll giving programs.

The McLane supplier community has also joined in fundraising efforts. Additionally, company-wide events like the McLane Charity Golf Classic raised $800,000 this past year.

“For 35 years, McLane has shown an unwavering commitment to change kids’ health to change the future. We’re immensely grateful to their leadership, team members, suppliers and customers for decades of generosity,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of CMN Hospitals.

Temple, Texas-based McLane Co. Inc. provides grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, it operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private truck fleets. The company is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Murphy USA Inc.

The board of directors of Murphy USA Inc. approved a $25 million donation to the Murphy USA Charitable Foundation, which will fund the organization’s work supporting positive changes in local communities throughout the southern Arkansas region, including the El Dorado area, where the company is headquartered.

“Murphy USA and its board of directors are firmly committed to the communities where we live and work,” said Andrew Clyde, Murphy USA president and CEO. “By making this donation to our foundation, we will continue to look for ways to make a positive impact with all of our key stakeholders.”

The foundation funds the company’s matching gifts, including its annual United Way campaign, in addition to other charities Murphy employees choose to support with their personal donations. The gift will also allow the foundation to maintain its three key priorities of funding programs that support education and workforce development, infrastructure revitalization, and community health and well-being.

Recent examples of support include the Murphy USA Student Athlete Academic Success Center at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and the capital campaign for the South Arkansas Arts Center. Additionally, the foundation also annually sponsors the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout as part of the Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. The Shootout raises funds for the foundation and has recently prioritized women’s healthcare initiatives for its giving.

Murphy USA operates more than 1,700 stores in 27 states located primarily in the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast U.S. The company also markets gasoline and other products at standalone stores with the Murphy Express and QuickChek brands.

OnCue

OnCue recently made two large contributions to the cause of children’s health care. First, the company raised $324,000 during its annual St. Jude Halloween Promotion to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, then gifted $1 million to Stillwater, Okla.-based Stillwater Medical to support and name a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The St. Jude promotion recruited participating restaurants and retail locations to ask customers to donate at the register to support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. In exchange for contributing $1 or more, patrons received a Halloween-themed pinup displaying a St. Jude patient. The c-store retailer also sold limited-edition reusable cups benefiting St. Jude’s and hosted a charitable golf tournament with the support of their retail partners.

The gift to Stillwater Medical Foundation helps the hospital in its mission to raise funds to create a Level II NICU. The 10-bed unit will serve all central and northcentral Oklahoma.

Premature babies must often be sent out of state because there are not enough NICU beds to keep Oklahoma families together. The current 98-bed Level IV NICU at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital (OCH) frequently operates at maximum capacity, according to Trent E. Tipple, chief of neonatology at OCH. While Level IV NICUs offer the most comprehensive care to the most seriously ill newborns needing complex medical and surgical care, the hospital receives many patients from Stillwater Medical and surrounding hospitals who require Level II care, underscoring the need for a more localized NICU.

“The addition of a newborn intensive care unit at Stillwater Medical means that families can stay together. And we know that this increases positive outcomes for babies and mothers. Bonding, breast feeding rates and healing all improve when families can be together,” explained Denise Webber, Stillwater Medical CEO.

Understanding the large amount of funds required to make the NICU a reality, OnCue’s donation is the largest single gift ever received at Stillwater Medical.

“Our stores have been serving the Stillwater area for 55 years, and I am beyond grateful that we can make this investment to save lives in our community,” said OnCue President Laura Aufleger.

The opening of the OnCue Neonatal ICU is scheduled for the spring of 2024.

Founded in 1966, Stillwater-based OnCue operates in more than 75 locations. The company has raised more than $3.2 million for St. Jude throughout their 16-year partnership, making the company the largest regional partner for the research hospital.

The Spinx Co.

The Spinx Co. commemorated its 50th anniversary by donating more than 2,000 meals to multiple nonprofit organizations in upstate South Carolina.

Spanning the year leading up to its golden anniversary on Dec. 1, 2022, Spinx selected one organization per month to receive free meals from the Cluk Truk, which was launched in 2020 to serve the retailer’s fried chicken in a new way for surrounding communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spinx provided a total of 2,304 meals to the following local organizations (in the order they were served): United Ministries (125 meals), Highland Square Apartments (300 meals), Safe Harbor (49 meals), March of Dimes (845 meals), FAVOR (101 meals), Miracle Hill (140 meals), Greenville County Police (85 meals), the Boys and Girls Club of Greenville (113 meals), Greenville Fire Departments (83 meals), Soteria CDC (61 meals), Project Host (240 meals) and A Child’s Haven (162 meals).

“We are sincerely grateful to our community partners for their continued support over the last 50 years,” said Stewart Spinks, Spinx founder and chairman. “Without these organizations, the Upstate would not be the place it is today. We celebrated a big anniversary this past year, and it just made sense to share the celebration with our neighbors and partners.”

Founded in 1972 in Greenville, S.C., Spinx operates 82 convenience stores throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

Talking Rain Beverage Co.

Talking Rain Beverage Co., makers of sparkling water brand Sparkling Ice, launched a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Flavorful Giving.

Throughout each month in 2023, Sparkling Ice will partner with a different charitable organization focusing on a range of topics including youth development, veteran care, wellness and education. It will support the work of each partner through an activation or financial contribution.

Flavorful Giving is also part of the brand’s overarching Live in Full Flavor campaign and marks the most inclusive CSR effort in the brand’s history, as the company aims to reach more communities than ever before.

“We are committed to not only bringing flavor to our consumers’ lives but also giving back to the communities in which we serve,” said Nina Morrison, senior vice president of community experience at Talking Rain. “We hope our Sparkling Ice consumers will follow along each month as we introduce new partners that are making a difference.”

For the month of January, Sparkling Ice partnered with Good Sports, an organization dedicated to making sports and physical activity accessible to all children, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. To further those efforts, on Jan. 27, Sparkling Ice and Good Sports provided sporting goods to Seattle-based Bailey Gatzert Elementary.

The Sparkling Ice brand has previously supported communities through CSR initiatives, including town beautification projects, home builds for veterans and support for foster children. In 2022, Talking Rain hit a new donation milestone, having raised a total of $1 million to date in support of nonprofits benefiting veterans and veteran families.

Source: Convenience Store News

McLane Co. Inc. has surpassed $100 million in donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Since 1987, McLane has helped raise more than $101 million through local fundraising efforts, hospital donations, underwriting of CMN Hospitals operations and supplier campaign support.

McLane’s partnership serves to fund critical, life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research and financial assistance for 170 children’s hospitals dedicated to advancing the health of 10 million children each year across the U.S. and Canada.

“At McLane, there is a sense of pride and dedication among our teammates that stems from giving back to the communities we serve. Our longstanding partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals allows us and our supplier and customer partners to join forces in making a difference in the lives of children with critical needs across the country,” said Tony Frankenberger, CEO of McLane. “We’re proud to have reached this milestone and will continue our steadfast support for years to come.”

A large part of McLane’s support for CMN Hospitals comes from grassroots fundraising at more than 75 distribution centers across the country. Distribution centers engage local communities in supporting local hospitals through a variety of events and fundraising directly with employee payroll-giving programs. Distribution centers efforts demonstrate McLane teammates’ deeply held commitment to CMN Hospitals, and its impact is evident:

• McLane Phoenix recently supported the 21^st Annual Duel in the Desert Golf Tournament, raising more than $30,000 benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital, while Charles Pray, McLane Phoenix division general manager, serves as a Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation corporate executive board member.
• McLane Suneast’s annual golf tournament, employee giving and other initiatives have raised more than $2 million for CMN Hospitals in Central Florida since 1997.
• McLane Northeast and McLane Southwest have each raised over $1 million for local member hospitals of CMN Hospitals in their respective communities.

McLane also provides support for CMN Hospitals’ corporate events, including the Program Director of the Year Award, presented to a local member hospital program director who exhibits selfless service, commitment and dedication. The award winner receives a $10,000 donation from McLane to their local member children’s hospital.

Additionally, the McLane supplier community has generously joined in fundraising efforts and company-wide events like fishing and clay shoot tournaments, as well as the McLane Charity Golf Classic, which raised $800,000 this year while helping to foster successful partnerships for CMN Hospitals.

“For 35 years, McLane has shown an unwavering commitment to change kids’ health to change the future. We’re immensely grateful to their leadership, team members, suppliers and customers for decades of generosity,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We’re delighted to celebrate over $100 million raised and the support provided to help local member children’s hospitals fulfill their most urgent needs.”

McLane Co. Inc. is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the U.S., providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private truck fleets. The company buys, sells and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the U.S.

Source: Convenience Store Decisions

McLane Company has surpassed $100 million in donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Since 1987, McLane has helped raise more than $101 million through local fundraising efforts, hospital donations, underwriting of CMN Hospitals operations and supplier campaign support.

“At McLane, there is a sense of pride and dedication among our teammates that stems from giving back to the communities we serve. Our longstanding partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals allows us and our supplier and customer partners to join forces in making a difference in the lives of children with critical needs across the country,” said Tony Frankenberger, CEO of McLane. “We’re proud to have reached this milestone and will continue our steadfast support for years to come.”

A large part of McLane’s support for CMN Hospitals comes from grassroots fundraising at more than 75 distribution centers across the country. Distribution centers engage their local communities in supporting local hospitals through a variety of events and fundraise directly with employee payroll giving programs. Their efforts demonstrate McLane teammates’ deeply held commitment to CMN Hospitals, and their impact is evident:

• McLane Phoenix recently supported the 21^st Annual Duel in the Desert Golf Tournament raising more than $30,000 benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital while Charles Pray, McLane Phoenix division general manager, serves as a Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation corporate executive board member.
• McLane Suneast’s annual golf tournament, employee giving and other initiatives have raised more than $2 million for CMN Hospitals in Central Florida since 1997.
• McLane Northeast and McLane Southwest have each raised over $1 million for local member hospitals of CMN Hospitals in their respective communities.

McLane also provides support for CMN Hospitals’ corporate events including the Program Director of the Year Award, presented to a local member hospital program director who exhibits selfless service, commitment and dedication. The award winner receives a $10,000 donation from McLane to their local member children’s hospital.

Additionally, the McLane supplier community has generously joined in fundraising efforts and company-wide events like fishing and clay shoot tournaments as well as the McLane Charity Golf Classic, which raised $800,000 this year while helping to foster successful partnerships for CMN Hospitals.

“For 35 years, McLane has shown an unwavering commitment to change kids’ health to change the future. We’re immensely grateful to their leadership, team members, suppliers and customers for decades of generosity,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We’re delighted to celebrate over $100 million raised and the support provided to help local member children’s hospitals fulfill their most urgent needs.”

Source: NACS Online

McLane Co Inc. was designated as a Military Friendly Employer by VIQTORY, which links the military community and the companies that want to hire them, for the third straight year in recognition of the success of McLane’s military-friendly programs.

The annual Military Friendly Employer designation is presented on Veterans Day and is part of VIQTORY’s mission to connect the military community to opportunities in civilian employment, education and entrepreneurship. VIQTORY recognized McLane for creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community through programs that help veterans succeed in the workplace.

“McLane has seen incredible success with our programs for veterans transitioning out of the military, and we are so proud to be recognized again as a Military Friendly Employer,” said Paula Hubbard, chief human resources officer at McLane. “We’ve seen growth in the number of veterans on our team and continuously benefit from the unique knowledge and skill set they have gained from serving our nation. McLane has long been a supporter of our country’s veteran workforce, and we will continue to find new opportunities to support our veteran teammates while strengthening our existing military-friendly programs.”

McLane’s programs include Warriors to Wheels, which is part of McLane’s Registered Driver Apprenticeship Program that creates a pathway for veterans to start careers in transportation by providing training that utilizes military experience. It also partners with the Department of Army/Ft. Hood to offer a nine-week training experience on fundamentals of warehouse operations at its distribution center in Temple.

“Companies earning the Military Friendly Employer designation create and elevate the standard for military programs across the globe. They have invested in substantive programs to recruit, retain and advance the veterans and service members within their organizations,” said Kayla Lopez, director of military partnerships, Military Friendly at VIQTORY. “To them, hiring veterans and servicemembers is more than just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.”

Temple-based McLane is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets. The company buys, sells and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the U.S.

McLane additionally provides alcoholic beverage distribution through its subsidiary, Empire Distributors Inc. McLane is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Source: Convenience Store News

At Nouria Energy Stores in New England, sales of a product line introduced just four years ago are already outpacing center-store branded items. According to Kristine Modugno, director of category management at the 170-unit convenience store chain, year-over-year sales of the company’s private-label My Nouria line are growing at a double-digit rate, driven by new flavors, enhanced packaging and customer demand for quality items at a value price. While My Nouria offerings cross a variety of categories, snack items like the All-Dressed rippled potato chips, blueberry-covered pretzels and chocolate bars are among the products which customers particularly crave.

In Texas, meanwhile, sales of TXB-branded products reached more than $1 million last year, Benjamin Hoffmeyer, vice president, marketing and merchandising, TXB, reported. And with new private-label items scheduled to launch this year, sales could double in 2022, he said. “Many of our products are growing at a 50% to 60% rate thanks to their value proposition,” he noted. “Their quality is equal or better to that of national brands, while the price per ounce to the consumer is better than national labels.” And for TXB, with about 50 stores in Texas and Oklahoma, penny profits on its own-label products are improved versus that of leading brands.

TXB and Nouria are among a small but growing number of c-stores committed to advancing offerings and overall sales of private-label products. While largely the signature of grocery, drug and big-box stores, exclusive labels are emerging in the c-store channel despite some of the unique hurdles they bring to small footprint and fragmented operations. Convenience retailers already marketing private-label brands, along with vendors and channel advisers, see continued potential for the products, as well as the opportunity for the exclusive labels to help build c-stores’ reputation for fair prices.

Private-label sales in c-stores; however, are dramatically underdeveloped compared to other outlets. According to Jason Zelinski, client director, convenience and growth accounts at NielsenIQ, private-label products make up only 2.4% of total sales in c-stores. But the good news is that sales in the convenience channel are growing at a fast clip—up 19% last year, Zelinski said—easily outpacing trends in other channels. Todd Maute, partner at CBX, which helps retailers develop private-label portfolios and counts Wawa among its clients, explained that the fragmented nature of c-stores is a big reason that the channel lags others when it comes to store brands. “With more than half of all c-stores independently owned, it’s difficult for those stores to meet the minimum volume requirement from manufacturers for private-label products,” he said. The absence of private labels at so many c-stores is unfortunate, Maute continued. “They’ve become expected in high-volume categories and help drive loyalty to stores.”

The pandemic, supply chain pressures and rising inflation have all helped increase demand for private-label merchandise. But they’ve also increased constraints on the manufacturing and distribution of store brands. Most recently, “the manufacturing community has been limiting the amount of private labels they’re producing,” Maute noted. “Some aren’t doing private labels at all.” Indeed, both Modugno and Hoffmeyer reported that their stores experienced shortages from private-label vendors earlier this year, but those constraints have eased in recent months.

LOYALTY DRIVER

One of the biggest benefits of private-label products for c-stores is the customer loyalty they help develop. “When a c-store converts a customer to its private label, it forms an exclusive impression on the customer that the only place to get the item is their store, which can result in repeat trips and larger basket rings,” Zelinski said. Maute agreed, pointing to the reputation Wawa has earned for its exclusive coffee, which has made the retailer a destination for many consumers. Moreover, he sees “significant opportunity for c-stores to own categories like salty snacks if their private labels are sourced properly and quality exceeds expectations. Those types of products provide the opportunity to drive loyalty.”

Enhanced margins are another asset for retailers. “Private-label brands eliminate layers of cost that national brands build into their price model for marketing and other expenses,” noted Teresa Voelter, private label director at McLane Co., whose Consumer Value Products subsidiary offers numerous nonexclusive CVP-branded private-label products to retailers. So not only do they provide savings for consumers, but “they offer a way for retailers to increase their profits and secure consumer loyalty,” she said. Hoffmeyer added that store brands can aid retailers in inventory control, particularly when out-of-stocks impact national brands, and also “help build your brand awareness and strengthen the connection with your consumers.”

Despite the advantages, private-label programs come with a host of challenges for c-stores. Minimum volume requirements from suppliers can make the offerings untenable for some retailers. “For small retailers, it can be difficult to hit the minimum order when working under a large contract,” said Mike Fogarty, founder and CEO of Choice Markets, an upscale c-store concept with three locations in Denver and another three on the way. “Sourcing and design can be difficult, too,” said the retailer, whose stores offer a full line of Choice-branded prepared foods and snacks. “They may not know how to find a manufacturer.” McLane’s Voelter noted that for c-stores not large enough to create their own brand, the CVP products can fill in. “They give retailers a strong offering that increases profit margins,” she said. Maute recommended that small c-store chains form co-ops for better buying power or work with local manufacturers on private-label products.

Space constraints are another hurdle. “Space in a c-store is the tightest of any channel, so each spot must be justified,” noted Zelinski. Nouria’s Modugno concurred. “With c-stores’ limited SKU environment and the important role that the national brands play, you need to have a solid strategy with your total assortment and the role of private brands in each category,” she said. With no national marketing support to rely on, Hoffmeyer added that c-stores need to ensure they can fund marketing efforts for their own brands.

Nouria and TXB are looking to leverage those opportunities, as the New England chain recently expanded the My Nouria portfolio into packaged baked goods, while the Texas operator could add chips in the next year or two, Hoffmeyer said. TXB-branded packaged beverages, meanwhile, have been profitable for the company, he reported.

“We have better control upstream on cost of goods,” as compared to national brands, “and since TXB products are made in Texas, we save a ton on freight, which is key with heavy beverage cases,” the retailer noted. Mineral water, sports drinks and iced coffee drinks are also on the chain’s radar, he added.

At Choice Markets, prepared foods are produced at a commissary kitchen to the company’s specifications, while private-label nuts come from national suppliers, Fogarty said.

Deli salads and prepared meals are among the Choice brand’s most popular items, the retailer said, as “our customers trust our brand. They know it for its quality and that there’s thought behind the sourcing.” Fogarty added that more Choice-branded products are in the works and could include pastas, dressings, chips and dips.

PERCEPTION SHIFT

The increased availability of quality private-label merchandise can only help to build the reputation of c-stores for offering fair prices. “Private label adds a low-priced option to convenience store shelves,” remarked Zelinski. “This plays a role in shifting consumer perception, as shoppers often believe they’re paying a higher price for convenience.” Special promotions and features on private-label merchandise propel the shift even more, Modugno said. “When guests are in our store, we’re their frame of reference for pricing, so promotions are key,” she remarked.

Research and planning are also core components of a successful private-label program. “Be sure to do your research to offer high quality products in great packaging, with attributes that appeal to your consumer,” Voelter advised. “Private label isn’t just a value product at a cheap price anymore. The goal is to source and offer products that meet or exceed consumers’ expectations, tell a story and even make them proud to purchase.”

C-store operators already active with private labels have no plans to look back. “Private label not only provides our channel a means to give consumers a better value proposition but also a means to further strengthen our brands’ connections with consumers,” said Hoffmeyer. “It also allows our channel to offer differentiated products to our customers and an opportunity to drive new traffic. Private label will be a necessity for c-stores to compete with other channels who have had a head start on the private-label journey.”  

MARKETING MATTERS  

Like any other in-store merchandise, private-label products require marketing and merchandising support. Due to their high-margin opportunity, that support is critical.

“It’s a different retail environment than in the past,” said Todd Maute, partner at CBX. “Don’t put them on the bottom shelf.”

At Choice Markets, own-brand items are merchandised just inside the front door on “prominent fixtures,” to maximize exposure, said Mike Fogarty, founder and CEO of Choice Markets. At Nouria Energy stores, “we dedicate primary and endcap space in our stores for the Nouria brand,” Kristine Modugno, director of category management, reported, “and we run monthly promotions, as well as every day twofer deals to drive trial.”

TXB pulls out all the stops when it comes to promoting its own brands. In addition to digital support, such as coupons, loyalty and app tie-ins, the Texas chain leverages floor displays and beverage vault merchandising, Benjamin Hoffmeyer, vice president, marketing and merchandising, TXB, noted. “We also offer everyday multibuys to boost trial of different flavors and to build volume, which helps reduce production costs,” he said. Looking ahead, TXB plans to take support of its private-label brands full circle by partnering them with national brands, Hoffmeyer revealed, such as TXB water with Snickers and Red Bull promotions. 

CATERING TO TRUCKERS

While consumable products are among the most common private-label offerings in c-stores, Love’s Travel Stops makes a targeted effort to provide its own line of products for its large pool of professional drivers.

“We like to say that ‘Love’s Mobile to Go’ zone is like the Apple Store or Best Buy of the highway, and it shows by how popular those items are among all customers,” said Casey Creegan, manager of merchandising at the 600-location travel stop network. Merchandise ranges from items that appeal to casual drivers, such as phone chargers and headphones, to those of interest to truck drivers, like GPS devices and headsets. Additional products offered as part of the “Mobile to Go” set include the Portage line of travel bags and clothing and the Love’s-branded auto fluids line.

Love’s-branded snacks and drinks—such as bottled water, beef jerky and candy—are also popular with guests, noted Creegan, and products like sweet and salty snacks and juices show potential. But she added, “We see a lot of opportunity on the nonconsumable side for items that help get professional drivers and four-wheel customers back on the road quickly and safely.”

Source: NACS Online

McLane company, one of the nation’s largest private fleets, will incorporate three Volvo VNR electric trucks into its operations. The battery-electric Class 8s will deliver goods to grocery stores in the Los Angeles metro area. By FleetOwner Staff

Volvo Trucks North America customer McLane Company is taking delivery of three Volvo VNR Electric trucks to provide zero-tailpipe emission deliveries in Southern California. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks are the first Class 8 electric tractors that will be on the road for McLane and will operate on the highways and city streets of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, transporting products to customers, including convenience and grocery stores. McLane is No. 58 on FleetOwner’s 500 Top Private Fleets.

“McLane is a dedicated environmental partner supporting its customers in their sustainability goals and aligning well with Volvo Trucks’ own commitment to quieter cities, cleaner air, and efficient, sustainable transport,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The adoption of battery-electric trucks continues to expand in Southern California and our dealer partner TEC Equipment has been invaluable in providing support to customers as they begin their electromobility journey.”

See also: FleetOwner 500: Top Private Fleets of 2022 at https://www.fleetowner.com/research/document/21239648/fleetowner-500-top-private-fleets-of-2022

Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets. The company buys, sells, and delivers more than 50,000 different consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the nation. As part of its Green Advantage initiative, McLane has made operational changes to reduce its environmental impact and increase efficiency.

The three VNR Electric trucks McLane is integrating into its fleet feature Volvo Trucks’ adaptive-loading system, which is designed to improve energy efficiency. The adaptive-loading system switches automatically between 6×2 and 4×2 drive-axle configurations using a forward axle that lifts tires off the ground when a trailer is empty, nearly empty, or carrying a light load.

McLane’s Volvo VNR Electric trucks have an operational range of up to 275 miles and were designed as sustainable transportation for fleet operators looking to decarbonize their distribution, supporting local and regional pickup and delivery, and food and beverage distribution. To support its new battery-electric trucks, McLane has installed a 62.5 kW charging infrastructure that includes two ChargePoint Express 250 Stations.

See also: Volvo Trucks to build charging corridor in California for electric vehicles at https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/21246660/volvo-trucks-california-electrified-charging-corridor-project-electric-vehicle-infrastructure

“We are excited to add these new battery-electric tractors to our fleet,” said Tony Frankenberger, CEO, McLane Company. “McLane is committed to improving the communities we serve and to exemplify the innovation and leadership needed to help our customers meet sustainability goals with the adoption of zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric vehicles.”

Volvo Trucks national accounts electromobility team consulted with McLane to determine ideal routes for the Volvo VNR Electric, based on vehicle range, ideal charging opportunities, and duty cycle. TEC Equipment’s Fontana location will be the servicing dealer.

The three trucks are part of the SWITCH-ON project, a grant to Volvo Trucks to deploy battery-electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Targeted Air Shed Grant Program is providing the funding, supplemented by the South Coast AQMD for charging infrastructure, to improve air quality in the region.

Source: FleetOwner

Eight months into his tenure as president of McLane Grocery at the largest grocery distributor to the convenience-store industry—and three years into the pandemic—Chris Smith is pleased with the focus of the company.

“Things are headed in a good direction,” he told CSP Daily News in an exclusive interview at the McLane Co. National Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., noting improvements in staffing, driver retention, customer experience and out-of-stocks. “It’s not back to pre-pandemic levels, but it’s much improved.”

It was precisely these issues that opened Smith to the idea of leaving his position in retailing—He previously was chief supply chain officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance—to bring his experience in grocery wholesale to the convenience channel.

“McLane was one of our partners at Walgreens, … and I saw the supply-chain disruptions caused by the pandemic firsthand,” he said. “I understood all of the factors that, frankly, were out of the distributor hands. I mean, it was a manpower issue, but manufacturers had those issues, as well. They also had problems getting ingredients, parts, packaging. … It went all the way up the supply chain, and it still does today.”

The concern was echoed on the trade-show floor, where several exhibitors said they’ve used the past couple of years to focus on core products rather than invest in research and development.

“Since the pandemic hit, we’ve really focused on distribution,” said Steve Dutton, national accounts manager for Johnsonville. “Luckily, we have had zero issues through the entire pandemic.”

McLane expected to showcase more than 170 exhibitors and host 1000 attendees during this year’s event, its first in-person trade show since 2019.

“This is positive for the industry. It’s exciting to see vendors back in here and promoting their products,” Smith said on day two of the trade show, “and the sales I’ve seen [here] have been encouraging.”

For its part, McLane unveiled new customer technology and a new foodservice offer, and, for the first time, brought together all of it’s foodservice programs in a single setting to demonstrate the full extent of its offer.

Tech Investment

In technology, McLane highlighted updates to the company’s Virtual Trade Show (VTS) mobile ordering application. Brad Lyons, McLane’s vice president of application development customer technology, said the app features a new look and feel with enhanced functionality.

“We launched the app this year,” he told CSP Daily News. “It’s built around the user experience to give the customer what they need now.”

McLane partnered with one of its strategic supplier partners to create the ability to set up staggered bundles on VTS, which allows users the flexibility to place orders for multiple stores with varied ship dates at one time.

McLane also highlighted its enhanced Delivery Tracker app, which now features multi-carrier SIM cards in devices to strengthen and broaden coverage and a new geolocation capability that, when merged with existing fleet management technology, provides more accurate tracking and delivery data to retailers, the company said.

While previous editions of the app reported when deliveries were made, the new version allows the customer to follow the entire fulfillment process: order received, order being picked, truck on the road, estimated time of arrival, truck on lot and so on.

“Now, customers are getting information directly from the driver,” Lyons said.

“We’re really doubling down on technology,” he added. “We’re growing our [technology] team. And manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of technology in accessing data.

Food Frenzy

Meanwhile, McLane Kitchen featured its Central Eats foodservice platform for the first time, as well as its other turnkey food programs.

Central Eats “provides high-quality, prepackaged breakfast, lunch and dinner items available for sale as a refrigerated or heated and ready-to-eat offering,” the company said. Also, Central Eats products can be branded with a retailer’s custom label or retain the Central Eats brand.

Also featured:

• Choice Chicken, which includes a full fried-chicken program, along with a selection of sides.
• Javaperks, McLane’s proprietary coffee and tea program, which features coffee, cappuccino, tea, iced coffee, cold brew and hot chocolate. New this year: a bakery program through supplier Prairie City Bakery, Vernon Hills, Ill.
• Fly Guys Pizza, part of McLane’s private-label Customer Value Products (CVP) line, is available to sell frozen or cooked and served as part of a foodservice program.

The overriding goal, however, was to demonstrate how all the offers could fit together into a single foodservice program.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to sample Javaperks, Central Eats and Choice Chicken all in one setting,” said Cassandra Matos, senior director merchandising. “Customers can order the equipment, the signage and the food, all through McLane. We can help them create a branded foodservice look without the expense of bringing in all the things individual programs require.”

Temple, Texas-based McLane Co. is one of the largest supply-chain services companies in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants.

Source: Convenience Store Petroleum

Technology and foodservice took center stage as McLane Co. Inc. kicked off its annual National Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., the convenience, grocery and foodservice supply chain services company’s first in-person NTS since before the pandemic in 2019.

NTS runs from Aug. 17 to Aug. 18 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.

“The McLane team is thrilled to be back in person for the first time in three years,” said Chris Smith, president of McLane Grocery. “We’ve been looking forward to bringing together our customers and suppliers to hear firsthand about their businesses and challenges, and to present our latest innovative products and services.”

Each year at NTS, McLane introduces retailers to the latest in new technology and foodservice for more efficient inventory and ordering. Industry manufacturers use NTS as a national launching pad for new product lines and extensions. This year, the event is showcasing more than 170 exhibitors and host 1,000 attendees. The keynote speaker, Nik Modi, managing director of RBC Capital Markets, Toronto, will open the event’s general session; Brad Lyons, McLane’s vice president of application development customer technology, will also make a presentation.

Technology

NTS attendees who visit the McLane booth can learn about updates to the company’s Mobile VTS trade show ordering app, which will feature a new look and feel with enhanced functionality. Customers will see an improved user experience with enhanced ordering capabilities making multi-store ordering easier. Suppliers will find several new features including image variety functionality, engagement features such as the ability to add comments, notes and recipes and improved search throughout the site.

McLane also has partnered with one of its strategic supplier partners to create the ability to set up staggered bundles on VTS, which allows users the flexibility to place orders for multiple stores with varied ship dates at one time.

McLane will also highlight its enhanced Delivery Tracker app, which now features multi-carrier SIM cards in devices to strengthen and broaden coverage and a new geolocation capability that, when merged with existing fleet management technology, provides more accurate tracking and delivery data to retailers.

Foodservice

Attendees will be able to experience McLane’s interactive booth highlighting its foodservice-at-retail solution, McLane Kitchen, which offers turnkey solutions as well as custom options. This year, McLane is focusing on two hot foods programs: Central Eats and Choice Chicken.

Central Eats provides pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner items available for sale as a refrigerated or heated and ready-to-eat offering. Products can be branded with the retailer’s custom label, or a retailer can use the Central Eats brand developed specifically for this program.

Choice Chicken features products from some of the top names in foodservice and retail, along with delicious sides, the company said.

At the McLane booth, attendees will also find Javaperks baristas serving up lattes and other coffee beverages. McLane’s proprietary coffee and tea program, Javaperks features coffee, cappuccino, tea, iced coffee, cold brew and hot chocolate, and it allows retailers to access custom graphics for their coffee bar, countertop units or walls to promote the brand within the store.

“NTS will be two days filled with a technology summit, sessions hosted by industry leaders and a trade show featuring the hottest new products, deals and trends,” said Vito Maurici, McLane’s senior vice president of sales. “It also gives our customers access to fellow customers, suppliers, brokers and McLane teammates for a best-in-class experience designed to help them buy better, sell smarter and profit more.”

Temple, Texas-based McLane is one of the largest supply chain services companies in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets. The company buys, sells and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the United States. Additionally, McLane provides alcoholic beverage distribution through its subsidiary, Empire Distributors Inc. McLane is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Omaha.

Source: Convenience Store Petroleum

McLane Co. Inc. kicked off its annual National Trade Show (NTS) at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

This is McLane first in-person trade show since before the pandemic in 2019.

Each year at NTS, McLane highlights the latest in new technology and foodservice for more efficient inventory and ordering. This year’s event is being held from Wednesday, Aug. 17 to Thursday, Aug. 18.

“The McLane team is thrilled to be back in person for the first time in three years,” said Chris Smith, president of McLane Grocery. “We’ve been looking forward to bringing together our customers and suppliers to hear firsthand about their businesses and challenges, and to present our latest innovative products and services.”

At this year’s event, McLane is showcasing updates to its Mobile VTS trade show ordering app, which will feature a new look and feel with enhanced functionality.

Launched at the NTS Trade Show in 2018, Mobile VTS lets retailers scroll through products and review detailed listings; provides easy-to-order summaries; and adds new items that are part of the best deals offered to the retail community on a weekly basis.

According to McLane, customers will see an improved user experience with enhanced ordering capabilities making multistore ordering easier than ever. Suppliers will find several new features including image variety functionality, engagement features such as the ability to add comments, notes and recipes, and improved search throughout the site.

In addition, McLane partnered with one of its strategic supplier partners to create the ability to set up staggered bundles on VTS, which allows users the flexibility to place orders for multiple stores with varied ship dates at one time.

McLane is also demonstrating its enhanced Delivery Tracker app. Upgrades include multicarrier SIM cards in devices to strengthen and broaden coverage and a new geolocation capability that, when merged with existing fleet management technology, provides more accurate tracking and delivery data to retailers.

Foodservice Solutions

In addition, McLane is highlighting its foodservice-at-retail solution, McLane Kitchen. Generating optimum sales and profits for retailers, McLane Kitchen offers turnkey solutions as well as custom options.

This year, the company is focusing on two hot foods programs: Central Eats and Choice Chicken. According to McLane,

• Central Eats provides high-quality, pre-packaged breakfast, lunch, and dinner items available for sale as a refrigerated or heated and ready-to-eat offering. Additionally, Central Eats products can be branded with the retailer’s custom label, or they can utilize the Central Eats brand developed specifically for this program. 
• Choice Chicken features quality products from some of the top names in foodservice and retail, along with sides.

The McLane Booth will also feature JAVAPERKS baristas, serving up lattes and coffee beverages. JAVAPERKS, McLane’s proprietary coffee and tea program, features coffee, cappuccino, tea, iced coffee, cold brew, and hot chocolate, and allows retailers to access custom graphics for their coffee bar, countertop units, or walls to promote the brand within the store.

“NTS will be two days filled with a technology summit, sessions hosted by industry leaders, and a trade show featuring the hottest new products, deals, and trends,” said Vito Maurici, senior vice president of sales. “It also gives our customers access to fellow customers, suppliers, brokers and McLane teammates for a best-in-class experience designed to help them buy better, sell smarter, and profit more.”

Maurici was the 2021 supplier inductee into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame. 

Temple, Texas-based McLane. is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the United States, providing grocery and foodservice solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores, and chain restaurants. Through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers and one of the nation’s largest private fleets. The company buys, sells, and delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations across the U.S.

Additionally, McLane provides alcoholic beverage distribution through its subsidiary, Empire Distributors Inc. McLane is a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Source: Convenience Store News

Sponsored content from our partner McLane Company, Inc.

07/07/2022 – — Click here to view the full report.

This post is sponsored by McLane Company, Inc.

Source: Convenience Store Petroleum