Food

By John G.

As Couche-Tard marks a milestone birthday, president and CEO Brian Hannasch discusses the Quebec-based company’s ascent to one of the biggest convenience store players on the planet  Alimentation Couche-Tard wouldn’t be the retail powerhouse it is today—growing from a single store in 1980 to more than 9,400 convenience stores in North America and 2,700 in Europe (most under the Circle K banner)—without innovation as a trajectory for growth.

A Halloween night that falls on both a Saturday and a full moon would normally be ideal for spooky festivities, driving up sales of candy, costumes and decorations.But with cases of COVID-19 on the rise, experts expect retailers to see soft demand for Halloween supplies as plans are scaled back and trick-or-treating is questioned altogether.They add that sales related to the spooky celebration may also serve as an indicator for what retailers can expect this Christmas, the largest shopping season of the year.Farla Efros, president of HRC Retail Advisory, says Halloween is a significant portion of business for many retailers and candy makers.She says the lack of gatherings, office parties and trick-or-treating could lead to soft sales for retailers from grocers to specialty Halloween pop-up stores.Retail analyst Bruce Winder says families and friends might plan their own ``bubble Halloween'' like a backyard celebration or scary movie night.He says while people will still buy some candy, decorations and costumes, it likely won't be as profitable a season as usual for retailers and candy manufacturers.

Convenience Store News Canada is thrilled to announce the Leadership Panel for the Star Women in Convenience Virtual Awards Celebration on November 4th.

Mondelēz International.

Convenience Store News Canada is thrilled to announced that Cara Keating, president, PepsiCo Foods Canada, will deliver the keynote address at the Star Women in Convenience Virtual Celebration on November 4, 2020.Keating will speak about "Leading through change and adversity: lessons of leadership and resilience."As president of PepsiCo Foods Canada, she leads the Canadian businesses of Frito-Lay North America and Quaker Foods North America.A 15-year PepsiCo veteran, Keating has a wealth of experiences in various geographies, as well as in account management, customer insights, field and customer leadership roles.Since joining PepsiCo in 2004, Keating has climbed the ranks, consistently delivering results and taking on progressively senior roles in customer development and field leadership across Canada.

Online grocery delivery service Inabuggy is continuing its aggressive product rollout with the addition of a “hyperlocal” offering called Inabuggy-Mart.

Vincent R.