Bravo Supermarkets Expands in Naples with Third Location<

 Bravo Supermarkets continues its steady expansion across Southwest Florida with the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot store at 55 Everglades Blvd. in Naples. The store marks the third Bravo location in the city — and the fourth overall under Cazola Grocers Group, which also operates a store in North Fort Myers.
 “The Hispanic market in this area has grown tremendously, primarily relocating from Miami,” said Ramiro Cazola, president of Cazola Grocers Group. “While it’s strongly Cuban, we have many Argentinians, Colombians, Venezuelans and also from Central America.”
 The new store features a full grocery assortment designed to appeal to a wide range of international shoppers, including a fresh produce section, meat counter, bakery, and specialty items tailored to Hispanic and Caribbean cuisines. Cazola said early traffic has been strong, reflecting growing demand for culturally focused food retailers in the region.
 Each Cazola-operated Bravo location also includes a Bravo Café, where customers can order freshly prepared meals — or bring over meat they’ve just purchased from the in-store butcher shop to have it cooked and served on the spot.
 “We have tables, and they can sit to eat it right there,” Cazola said. “It creates a difference from other places.”
 Next up for the group is Bravo Liquors, a new concept that will open adjacent to each Bravo store, starting with the Collier Boulevard location later this year.
 Responding to the region’s growing Hispanic population, Cazola Grocers Group is expanding its neighborhood-driven format, integrating grocery, foodservice, and beverage retail into a single, connected shopping experience.

Aldi Rebrands Private Labels Under One Name as U.S. Expansion Accelerates

 Aldi is reshaping how shoppers see its private labels — and itself. As the grocer undertakes the largest U.S. expansion in its nearly 50-year history, it’s also rolling out a sweeping packaging refresh that puts the Aldi name front and center on nearly every product it sells.
 More than 90 percent of Aldi’s assortment is private label, a cornerstone of its value strategy that has long distinguished the retailer from competitors. Scott Patton, Aldi’s chief commercial officer, said the move was inspired by shoppers who already view store brands as part of the Aldi identity.
 “Our customers already call our private labels ‘Aldi brands,’ and we’re excited to officially recognize them with a name they can see and trust,” he said. “Our research shows customers associate Aldi with affordability, value, quality and convenience. Now, they can feel confident knowing our trusted name is behind every exclusive product in their cart.”
 Until now, most items carried independent brand names like Baker’s Corner or Dakota’s Pride, with little connection to Aldi branding. Moving forward, the company is consolidating those names from roughly 90 to just over two dozen. Many products will now appear under the Aldi name or bear the tagline “An Aldi Original,” while fan-favorite lines such as Clancy’s snacks, Simply Nature organics and Specially Selected premium products will retain their brand identities with refreshed packaging tied more visibly to the Aldi portfolio.
 The rebrand is rolling out gradually and will continue over the next few years. The timing aligns with Aldi’s plan to open more than 225 new U.S. stores by the end of 2025 — reinforcing a broader strategy to elevate its brand presence while keeping its promise of affordability and simplicity.
 CEO Atty McGrath, who took the helm in September, called the redesign a major step in modernizing the shopping experience. “The new look and feel make it easier than ever for shoppers to instantly spot the value and quality only Aldi can deliver,” she said.

Real American Beer Unveils Limited-Edition Hulk Brew

 This fall, Hulkamania Forever hits store shelves — a 16-ounce light beer created by Real American Beer in collaboration with WWE to honor the legacy of Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. The limited-edition release features cans decked out in Hogan’s iconic red and yellow design and the WWE logo, making it an instant collectible for fans.
 The beer made its debut at WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis with a live toast and fan zone celebration, kicking off a nationwide campaign running through fall 2025.
 “We’re proud to partner with WWE to create a true tribute to the legendary Hulk Hogan,” said Chad Bronstein, co-founder of Real American Beer. “This campaign brings together two iconic American brands, a collector-tier release and a national megaphone.”
 Hulkamania Forever marks the brand’s second release, blending nostalgia, entertainment and the all-American spirit it was built on.
 Since launching in June 2024, Real American Beer has grown into one of the top 10 fastest-rising beer brands in the U.S., now available in 28 states and at major retailers including Walmart.

Katie’s Pizza Lands Nationwide Distribution at Target

 Katie’s Pizza, the chef-led artisanal frozen pizza brand, has secured a $20 million retail deal with Target, marking a major milestone for the independent, female-founded company. Four of Katie’s signature frozen pizzas are now available in all 1,800 Target stores nationwide, with additional retail expansion already planned.
 The partnership includes prominent endcap placement in Target’s frozen aisle and Tier One launch status — the retailer’s highest level of marketing and merchandising support. The rollout features four varieties: Burrata Margherita, Pepperoni Stracciatella, Meatball, and Black Garlic Burrata.
  “This is real food for the soul, handcrafted with the best ingredients,” said founder Katie Lee. “There’s nothing else like it, and we’re proud to stand behind that.”
 Each Katie’s Pizza is handmade by chefs, not machines, beginning with 48-hour naturally leavened dough that’s hand-stretched and wood-fired at 800°F. Toppings feature house-made sauces and premium ingredients, many sourced locally or imported from Italy, resulting in a restaurant-quality pizza straight from the freezer.
 Katie’s Pizza gained national attention during the pandemic, when Lee pivoted her St. Louis restaurant business to meet growing demand for high-quality at-home dining. What began as a local success story quickly evolved into regional and national distribution, leading to permanent shelf space in grocery chains — and now, a nationwide launch at Target that cements the brand’s place in the premium frozen food category.

• Katie’s Burrata Margherita Frozen Pizza - house-made sauce, Burrata, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt
• Katie’s Pepperoni Stracciatella Frozen Pizza - cup-and-char pepperoni, Stracciatella and Fontina cheeses, wildflower honey and extra virgin olive oil
• Katie’s Meatball Frozen Pizza - hand-rolled meatballs made from ground beef and Italian sausage, Fontina, Parmesan and house-made sauce
• Katie’s Black Garlic Burrata Frozen Pizza - black garlic impasto, Burrata, Pecorino Romano and dried chives

Smithfield and Mike’s Hot Honey Bring the Heat to Bacon

 Smithfield and Mike’s Hot Honey Bring the Heat to Bacon
 Two powerhouse brands are joining forces to give a breakfast staple a fiery twist. Smithfield has partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to debut the first-ever hot honey–flavored bacon available nationwide, blending smoky hickory-cured slices with the signature sweet heat that’s made Mike’s Hot Honey a household name.
 The collaboration taps into the fast-growing “swicy” (sweet and spicy) flavor trend, already showing up in sandwiches and chicken dishes across restaurant menus. When cooked, the honey caramelizes on the bacon’s surface, creating a crispy glaze that balances sweetness, salt, smoke, and spice.
 “At Mike’s Hot Honey, we’re all about giving the classics a twist, and bacon is one of my personal favorites,” said Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey. “Partnering with Smithfield has been an incredible way to share that sweet heat and smoky flavor in a combination that’s simple, fun, and really tasty.”
 For Smithfield, the collaboration represents a way to meet growing consumer demand for bold, flavor-forward innovations in the refrigerated aisle. “The partnership brings a flavor experience that feels both authentic and distinctive,” said Marianne Radley, managing director of marketing for Smithfield Foods. “It’s the best of tradition and trend on one plate.”
 Smithfield Mike’s Hot Honey Bacon hits shelves this month at Kroger, Publix, Meijer, ShopRite, and other major retailers — bringing a breakfast favorite into the “swicy” era.

Southeastern Grocers Rebrands as The Winn-Dixie Company, Refocusing on Florida Roots

 Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, is entering a new era — and returning to its roots. Beginning in early 2026, the Jacksonville-based grocer will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company, uniting its operations under one name while sharpening its focus on its home state of Florida.
 The move celebrates Winn-Dixie’s century-long legacy while signaling a forward-looking strategy centered on modernization and regional strength. The transformation includes new investments in store remodels, digital capabilities, private-label innovation, and an expanded liquor store network.
 “For a century, Winn-Dixie has proudly called Florida home,” Anthony Hucker, CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “As we enter our next century as The Winn-Dixie Company — a brand-new 100-year-old company — we’re accelerating growth where our roots run deepest while staying true to our purpose of feeding and enriching the communities, families, and neighbors who have supported us for generations.”
 As part of its Florida-first strategy, the company has reached an agreement to acquire three Hitchcock’s Markets in Alachua, Keystone Heights and Williston, all slated to reopen under the Winn-Dixie name. SEG also plans dozens of remodels and new-store projects across the state, designed to create more modern, community-centered spaces with updated layouts, expanded fresh departments, and improved technology. The company will reintroduce its Lip Lickin’ Chicken product line, expand Winn-Dixie Liquor locations and test new customer conveniences such as third-party delivery and in-store return kiosks.
 The rebrand comes as Florida’s grocery market grows increasingly competitive, driven by population growth, tourism, and new entrants. By concentrating on its strongest region, Winn-Dixie aims to modernize operations while reinforcing its position as Florida’s hometown grocer.
 To streamline its footprint, SEG will transfer ownership of most stores outside Florida, including 32 Winn-Dixie and eight Harveys Supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. The company will maintain a limited presence in southern Georgia, serving communities in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island and Valdosta.
 Once those transitions are complete, The Winn-Dixie Company will operate about 130 grocery stores and 140 liquor stores across Florida and southern Georgia.
 Hucker emphasized that the restructuring marks a refocus — not a retreat. “We’re profoundly thankful to our associates and customers across all our markets for their loyalty,” he said. “As we move forward as Winn-Dixie, we’ll do everything we can to ensure these transitions reflect the gratitude and respect our people deserve.”
 The shift follows years of reinvention for SEG, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2018 and sold 400 stores to Aldi in 2023 before being acquired by private investors in 2025. Now, the company is leveraging that stability to double down on its Florida and revitalizing one of America’s most enduring grocery names.

Kraft Heinz to Split Into Two Companies, Unwinding 2015 Merger

 Ten years after merging in one of the food industry’s biggest transactions, Kraft Heinz Co. plans to split into two standalone businesses, unwinding a $46 billion deal that created one of the world’s largest packaged-food companies.
 Under the plan, one company will focus globally on sauces, spreads, and seasonings — what executives describe as “taste elevation” — anchored by powerhouse brands such as Heinz ketchup, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other will sell grocery staples in North America, including Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, Capri Sun, Cool Whip, and Lunchables.
 CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who will lead the $10 billion North American grocery entity, said the decision reflects the need for sharper focus. “Scale by itself is not enough,” he told analysts. “Focus and scale together create opportunities.”
 The global business, which generates about $15 billion in annual sales, will be run by a separate leadership team, with a new CEO yet to be named.
 Miguel Patricio, Kraft Heinz’s chairman and former CEO, said the separation is a way to reduce complexity and unlock growth. “The complexity of our current structure makes it challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas,” he said. “By separating into two companies, we can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand.”
 The split represents a reversal of years of dealmaking in the food sector, where scale was often seen as the ultimate advantage. Kraft Heinz was created in 2015 through a merger orchestrated by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and private-equity firm 3G Capital. That combination has long been criticized for underwhelming results, cost-cutting, and declining brand relevance.
 Buffett, Kraft Heinz’s largest shareholder with a stake worth more than $9 billion, voiced skepticism this week. He told The Wall Street Journal the breakup would be costly and disruptive. “It doesn’t create value, and it involves lots of expenses,” Buffett said. “It does not do a thing, you know, for what the ketchup tastes like.”
 Kraft Heinz has struggled in recent years as consumer tastes shift away from processed foods. Demand for pantry staples such as mayonnaise, boxed macaroni and cheese, and Capri Sun has weakened, while the company has taken impairment charges and watched its stock price fall 27% over the past year — worse than peers in packaged foods and far below the S&P 500’s 14% gain. In July, Kraft Heinz posted a $9.3 billion noncash impairment charge tied to its declining valuation.
 The separation mirrors moves by other large food companies. Kellogg split in 2023 into Kellanova, focused on snacks, and WK Kellogg, a cereal company. Keurig Dr Pepper is also unwinding parts of its 2018 combination. Analysts argue that companies with narrower portfolios are better positioned to grow in today’s marketplace. “Food companies have found that their breadth of influence in the grocery store does not necessarily yield the advantages they expected,” said TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow.
 For Kraft Heinz, management says the split will free up each business to focus on its most promising categories. The grocery staples unit is expected to generate steady cash flow and pursue growth in underdeveloped channels such as convenience stores. The global “taste elevation” business will focus on international expansion and innovation in sauces and spreads. Both companies will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh and Chicago, and the split will occur through a tax-free spinoff, expected in the second half of 2026.
 The move won’t be simple. Analysts note Kraft Heinz has spent years creating an integrated operating model, consolidating plants and distribution centers, and building partnerships with tech firms such as Microsoft and Google. Untangling those systems could prove costly and time-consuming.
 Still, executives say the separation gives each side a clearer mandate. “We can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand to drive better performance,” Patricio said.
 Whether investors will be patient remains to be seen. As Jefferies analyst Scott Marks noted, “Questions remain around the true growth and margin potential for both new companies” given long-term softness in demand for processed food.
 For retailers and suppliers, the coming changes could bring sharper category focus, but also more disruption as Kraft Heinz unwinds one of the sector’s most visible mergers.

New Poultry Brand Targets Convenience and Flavor

 Easy Street, a new line of street-food inspired fresh chicken, is rolling out to grocery stores across the East Coast and Midwest. Designed for speed, flavor and value, the antibiotic-free products are ready in seven minutes or less, giving shoppers a fast, reliable meal starter.
 The brand is the first consumer launch from Zach Fine, CEO of One Fine Family and Holly Poultry, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest poultry producers. Fine said the team spent 18 months studying the category closely with the goal of creating a product that makes dinner effortless — full of flavor, priced right, and practical.
 “After decades in foodservice, I’ve seen marinated chicken brands come and go—something new every six months that doesn’t stick,” Fine told Today’s Grocer. “Instead of wet marinades loaded with 20 percent salt, we went with a dry marinade. It’s healthier, cooks faster, and lets shoppers go in all kinds of directions with it.”
 Each package comes pre-trimmed, pre-diced and dry-seasoned, offering a protein that goes straight from package to pan to plate. The chicken cooks evenly for use in tacos, bowls or other quick meals, with debut flavors including Street Taco, Korean BBQ and Rotisserie. By eliminating prep time and cleanup, the brand is targeting busy families, young professionals and value-driven consumers who want fresh, versatile options in the poultry case.
 Fine noted that the approach is designed to bring a foodservice sensibility into the retail poultry set, combining efficiency with evolving flavor trends to meet shopper expectations.
 “The inspiration really came from street food. Easy Street was designed to be super quick, super easy — something the whole family can enjoy,” Fine added. “We even built a traveling food truck that will head to Columbus, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York activating at concerts, sporting events and Oktoberfest between September 8 and November 1.”
 Easy Street is already on shelves at Aldi, Giant Eagle, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Market Basket, Weis and ShopRite, with distribution across 10 states and Washington, D.C. Conversations are underway with Publix, which Fine said may launch later this year or in early 2026.
 Looking ahead, the company plans to rotate in seasonal flavors such as French Onion, Spicy Garlic and Chicken Parmesan, along with six limited-time offers tied to trending profiles. “The idea is to drive consumers back into the grocery store to try what’s new,” Fine said.
 Beyond retail, One Fine Family and its brands donate more than 350,000 pounds of chicken annually to local organizations and disaster relief programs, underscoring a broader commitment to community support.

Beef Prices Hit Records Amid Tight Supply and Global Pressures

 Beef prices continued their climb in July, showing the most significant increase among all food categories. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), beef and veal prices rose 2.5 percent from June to July — the seventh consecutive monthly gain — and are now 11.3 percent higher than a year ago.
 The average price of ground beef hit a record $6.32 per pound last month, up more than 13 percent from a year earlier and nearly 60 percent higher than at the start of 2021, according to the CPI’s average price data.
 Years of drought have damaged grazing lands, forcing ranchers to send cattle to slaughter earlier to avoid costly feed, reducing the size of U.S. herds faster than they can be rebuilt.
 The USDA reported 94.2 million head of cattle and calves as of July 1, the lowest inventory since 1951 and down nearly 3 million head from 2020. Experts describe the situation as “a perfect storm of a bunch of different things coming together at the exact same time,” with supply unlikely to stabilize quickly. Analysts estimate it could take at least two to three years before inventories recover enough to moderate prices.
 Imports, which typically help fill supply gaps, are also tightening. The USDA expects beef imports to fall 6.1 percent to 4.95 billion pounds over the next year, pressured by tariffs — including a 50 percent duty on Brazilian beef — and halted live cattle shipments from Mexico.
 Despite sticker shock at the checkout line, consumer demand remains resilient. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reported fresh beef sales at retail rose 9.7 percent in 2024, with pounds sold up 4.5 percent, underscoring beef’s enduring role in U.S. diets even amid record costs. To meet that demand, the U.S. imported a record 4.6 billion pounds of beef in 2024.

Vendors Spotlight Innovation, Community at NSA Florida Show

 Hundreds of exhibitors and buyers converged in South Florida this year, turning the Taste of the Americas Buying Show into a marketplace under one roof for the food and beverage industry. The floor featured categories spanning meat and seafood, produce, grocery, beverages and floral, underscoring the show’s growing role as a hub for suppliers and retailers across the hemisphere.
 Francis Rodriguez, president of the National Supermarket Association’s Florida Chapter, described the event as “building a supermarket inside a trade show,” noting its expansion from 60 vendors at its debut to 300 this year. He emphasized the importance of bringing customers, markets and vendors together, particularly as inflation, shifting demographics and economic pressures challenge communities.
 “It’s very exciting to see the growth and success over the years,” he said, stressing the need to deliver the right selection at the right price.
  Exhibitors used the platform to spotlight both established and emerging brands. Guillermo Quirch IV, manager at Quirch Foods, praised NSA as “fantastic partners,” citing the show’s role in connecting vendors and key customers. Quirch highlighted two private labels—High River Angus and Panamei Seafood—alongside Kikiriquirch poultry, Mambo Foods, Certified Angus Beef and exclusive distribution of Chiquita frozen tropical fruits. “We’re seeing double-digit growth monthly,” he added.
 In the floral space, Ecuagarden sales manager Paola Vanegas showcased roses from the company’s 30-hectare plantation in Tabacundo, Ecuador. With four decades of production and 15 years of U.S. distribution, the brand supplies retailers such as Key Food, Presidente Supermarkets and El Bodegon. Ecuagarden also provides in-store services, from refreshing displays to holiday decorations.
 “We become the garden for the supermarket,” Vanegas said, noting that shows like NSA are essential for aligning with buyer needs.
 JMA Import & Export featured Malta Bucanero and its Guamá brand, launched in 2022, alongside evaporated and condensed milk, oils and seasonings. Founded by Marta Santana and Juan Ramos, the South Florida–based company distributes through Walmart, Fresco y Mas, Sedano’s, Navarro and Key Food. “We started with one van and a 1,000-square-foot warehouse—today we operate 10 vans,” Ramos said, crediting the show with helping expand visibility.
 Morales Beverage Group, part of Mexcor International, highlighted liquor, wine and CBD-infused beverages. “At NSA, the impact doubles—you don’t see five clients in a day, you see 2,500,” said Pablo Perez, vice president of sales, adding that the show enables exclusive one-day specials.
 The program closed with Badia Spices being named Company of the Year. “Because of the independent supermarkets we’re nationwide—Publix and Winn-Dixie brought us on board. It all began with the heart and soul of that show,” said Scott DeNight, national sales director.
 Founded in 1967 by Joseph “Pepe” Badia, the family-owned company has grown into a leading name in the spice and seasoning category, distributed across chains and independents nationwide. As DeNight summed up, “We grew organically, one bottle at a time.”

Emma Navarro Serves Up Cool with Talenti Partnership

 Talenti has partnered with rising tennis star Emma Navarro in a new campaign showing what it means to stay cool under pressure, both on and off the court.
 The collaboration debuts with a 30-second digital spot, “High Pressure Presser,” following Navarro from match point to a post-match press conference. When asked how she keeps her composure, she reveals her indulgence of choice: Talenti gelato and sorbetto, crafted with simple, real ingredients and a slow batch-cooking process for maximum flavor.
 “Tennis has taught me the importance of composure, resilience and finding moments of joy even in the toughest matches,” Navarro said. “You can taste that same passion and dedication in a spoonful of Talenti.”
 Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Navarro is known for her precision and drive on the court, while off it she brings a lighter, more humorous side to fans.
 “Emma Navarro is one of the most exciting rising stars in tennis,” said Nicole Towner, associate director at Talenti. “Her cool confidence mirrors the elevated indulgence that Talenti brings to the ice cream aisle.”
 Following a breakout 2024 season that included a US Open semifinal run and two WTA titles, Navarro now joins Talenti as a Talenti Tastemaker, a group of individuals recognized for mastery in their craft.
 To celebrate, Navarro is sharing her go-to summer refreshment: the Talenti Raspberry Smash, made with club soda, mint, lemon, fresh raspberries and her favorite flavor, Talenti Roman Raspberry Sorbetto.