Retail & FoodService

Real disposable income is forecast to grow, inflation will remain moderate, and unemployment will continue to inch downward in the year ahead. While consumers’ mindset for cautious, controlled spending is expected to remain in place for some time, our forecast of traffic and dollar growth for 2014 shows improved performance compared to 2013. …

Knouse Foods, an established grower-owned fruit cooperative that sells its products under the Musselman's® and Lucky Leaf® brands, in partnership with Marriner Marketing Communications, announces the successful re-launch of its foodservice website: www.knousefoodservice.com. Designed with culinary professionals in mind, the updated site provides a variety of relevant and helpful information—from recipes and product information to apple facts and training videos. …

According to trend guru Andrew Freeman*, customers will see “haute homey” dishes–highbrow versions of classic comfort foods–on menus across the country this year. It’s a prediction the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) can support wholeheartedly, since signature potato soups are a popular standby on winter menus. If the soup is served with a side of hearty potato bread, so much the better! …

Yogurt is a food celebrity and not only has the dairy delicacy conquered increasing real estate at retail, in refrigerators and lunch bags, it’s now a double-digit growth category for many foodservice operations, including colleges/universities, hospitals/healthcare, recreation, and eating and drinking establishments, reports The NPD Group, a leading global information company. …

Dominicks has sold 11 stores to Marianos supermarkets in a $36 million deal, the companies announced Monday. …