Convenience Store News In Brief…
According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), The Coca-Cola Co. has decided to sell its U.S. distribution operations within a year to focus on its concentrate-making business. Coke believes having smaller U.S. partners will help with distribution. “The marriage of national with local is the best of both worlds,’’ said Sandy Douglas, North American CEO for Coke. The company will give back the reigns to long-term bottling colleagues Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United and Swire Pacific Ltd. Right now, Coke has agreements with about 10 companies representing nearly 50 percent of its distribution area and more than a dozen soft drink manufacturing facilities. Plans call for the in-house distribution to be gone by the end of 2017…
The 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo, set for May 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, has started a wait list since the show floor is sold out. The expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, is expected to set an all-time record in volume of confectionery and snack products with more than 720 companies showcasing nearly four acres of product innovation. The show floor expanded into a second hall, the new Skyline Hall, to accommodate the growing exhibitor base; it plans to welcome more than 16,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries…
Mountain Dew has reached back into its vaults to revive another flavor. Mountain Dew Pitch Black grape-flavored soda will only be available as a fountain drink at Speedway convenience stores in June. In addition, some Speedway stores also will have the flavor as a Speedy Freeze drink.
