May / June 2014

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF) continues to strive to be the leaders in food safety along the supply chain. Recent changes to our program include a mandatory, unannounced audit protocol, the addition of a broker module and clarification to code elements and terms used in the SQF Code.

All age groups reported a sunnier outlook, but millennials (aged 18-34) showed the greatest uptick in confidence, even though they've arguably suffered the most as a consumer segment since the recession began in 2008.

Members of Congress are inundated with information – written pieces, conference calls and "one-on-one" or "group-on-one" constituent meetings. On average, they hear pitches on 20 different issues per day.

Some 84 percent of retailers have some sort of formal "onboarding" program for new hires, according to an exclusive Retail Leader survey.

We wish it was as easy when introducing a new product in the retail industry. Even the best of products, based on the traditional attribute of quality, generally stand only a 25 percent chance of succeeding.

CEO Chris Sherrell is pictured with his wife (inset). The grand opening of the first Fresh Thyme store, in Morton Grove, Ill., was bustling with activity.

A Letter from the President and CEO With the rapid spread of locations in which food is sold, consumers have greatly expanded their shopping repertoire.

Trade promotions are like families: You can't do without them, but sometimes you don't know what to do with them.

FMI Connect is designed to directly address challenges in the retail food business, such as growing basket size, increasing customer trips, improving margins, expanding market share and developing leadership among staff.