CStoreBiz

Spot On Energy Nets 4,000 Circle K Locations

Dallas, September 1, 2010 -- Spot On Energy has announced an agreement to be placed in 4,000 Circle K convenience stores by the end of 2010.

Spot On Energy Patches "combine superior energy ingredients" -- B vitamins, green tea extract, caffeine and taurine -- with the innovative delivery method of a patch. After applying two patches, the heat from the user's skin will activate the ingredients to provide quick, sustainable energy.

Spot On Energy Patches completely bypass the digestive tract, preventing stomach discomfort and jitters and greatly limiting the loss of nutrients.

CITGO Unveils Innovative Retail Design

Houston, Texas, September 1, 2010 -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation unveiled its contemporary new retail street image design to its branded light oils and lubricants marketers from across the country.

The central element of the new modern look features a predominately red triform design on the retail canopy, pump and Quick Lube building.

"A symbol of brand innovation, the new design is sure to grab attention and attract more consumers to CITGO- branded locations," the company said.

The design was developed in conjunction with CITGO Marketers across the network. It has been tested at beta sites in Katy, Texas; Miami, Fla.; Greensboro, N.C.; Bristol, Conn.; Park City, Ill. and Fuquay Varina, N.C. to ensure that it will stand up to various weather conditions and can be easily installed.

The new design became available to all new-to-CITGO locations beginning September 1, 2010, and re-branding across the CITGO network of locally owned retail sites will begin January 1, 2011.

CITGO aims to have the new street image installed in the next few years at each of the nearly 6,500 locally owned CITGO-branded gasoline stations and nearly 200 CITGO Fast Lube stations across the country.

New Health Canada and FDA Studies Support BPA Safety

Washington, D.C., September 1, 2010 -- As part of its research commitment on bisphenol A (BPA), Health Canada has released the results of a new survey regarding BPA exposure levels in a variety of soft drink and beer products.

"The results from this latest government survey provide confirmation that foods and beverages packaged in BPA epoxy resin-coated metal cans do not pose a health risk," Health Canada noted.

The survey results clearly indicate that exposure to BPA from the tested beverage products would be extremely low. In the report, Health Canada officials confirmed their previous conclusion "that current dietary exposure to BPA through food packaging uses is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population."

This same finding has been reaffirmed by other international food regulatory agencies in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia-New Zealand.

As part of its ongoing research program, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists recently published results from two pharmacokinetic studies. The data from those studies show that BPA is effectively and efficiently metabolized and excreted out of the body. The study's authors stated that no age-related effects were seen in the ability to metabolize BPA and that previous studies on postnatal rats would likely over-predict any possible effects.

"Health Canada has again confirmed that BPA-based liners in use with food and beverages are safe for use and migrate exceedingly low levels of BPA into their products. Coupled with FDA's new studies that show that primates, like humans, can quickly metabolize these trace levels and remove them from the body is compelling evidence of BPA's safety," stated Dr. John Rost, Chairman of NAMPA.

Canadian government researchers determined that all levels of BPA found in the 38 beer and beverage samples tested were either undetectable or exceedingly low, all below 1 part per billion. NAMPA welcomes the latest Health Canada study, noting that these findings confirm industry's own research that shows BPA levels in metal-packaged foods are negligible.

The use of BPA in epoxy coatings in metal packaging provides real, important, and measurable health benefits. The coatings allow for heat sterilization of the food, and reduce the potential for the serious and often deadly effects from food-borne illnesses. Despite reports to the contrary, the simple fact is there is no readily available, suitable alternative to BPA-based can coatings that meets the essential safety and performance requirements for the broadest spectrum of foods now packaged in metal containers.
About NAMPA

The North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. and its members support sound science and trust the scientific review process that has protected our food supply for decades.

For further information, visit www.metal-pack.org.

Gilbarco Bringing POS Training, Live Help Desk to NACS

Greensboro, N.C., August 27, 2010 -- Gilbarco Veeder-Root will be hosting free Passport point-of-sale system training -- and also demonstrating remote diagnostics and a help desk at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores Show, October 6-8 in Atlanta.

Current Passport users can take advantage of free Passport point-of-sale training "How to operate Passport in a PA-DSS compliant world" from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 5 at the Omni Hotel CNN Center (next to the Georgia World Congress Center). Seats are available on a first come, first served basis to those who pre-register at: PassportSessions@gilbarco.com or with their Gilbarco Veeder-Root distributor.

Scott Oakes, a 20-year engineer, marketer, and trainer at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, will lead the session.

Passport's unique PA-DSS architecture provides new benefits to retailers, including complete segregation of all PA-DSS software modules into a single device, the Enhanced Dispenser Hub. This mitigates the impact of future PCI changes and simplifies development of future value-added POS features.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is the leading global supplier of integrated fuel control, site management, and support services for petroleum marketers and commercial fueling enterprises. Products include dispensers, payment systems, tank gauges, submersible pumps, point of sale systems, and remote monitoring of site functionality.

Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores Acquires Additional Portfolio of Exxon Sites

Richmond, Va., August 27, 2010 -- Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores (MACS), an investment platform backed by Catterton Partners, has acquired 58 convenience stores/fuel stations, located in Northern Virginia and Maryland, from the Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MACS is a leading convenience store operator in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the largest ExxonMobil- branded wholesalers in the U.S.

MACS was formed by Catterton Partners to acquire convenience stores. In June 2010, MACS acquired a majority interest in Uppy's Convenience Stores, Inc. and 170 convenience stores/fuel stations from ExxonMobil in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

With the addition of the sites announced today, MACS now has nearly 300 convenience store operations across the Mid-Atlantic.

R&M Offers Report on U.S. Convenience Stores

Dublin, Ireland, August 27, 2010 -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Convenience Stores" report to their offerings.

EXCERPTS FROM THE REPORT
"The U.S. convenience store (c-store) industry includes about 120,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $350 billion. Major companies include 7-Eleven (the North American subsidiary of Seven-Eleven Japan); Circle K (a division of Canada-based Couche-Tard); and The Pantry. The industry is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for about 35 percent of industry sales.

"The industry generally includes establishments that are gas station/c-store combinations, as well as c-stores that don't sell fuel. Gas stations that don't include c-stores are covered in a separate industry profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
"Consumer and commercial driving trends drive demand. The profitability of individual stores depends on competitive pricing, effective merchandising, and the ability to secure high-traffic locations. Large companies have advantages in purchasing and finance. Small companies can compete effectively by acquiring superior locations or offering specialized merchandise or services. Average annual revenue per worker is about $440,000 for a gas station/c-store combination and $145,000 for c-stores without gas.

"Because c-stores sell gas, food, and other types of merchandise, companies compete with a wide range of retailers, including gas stations, grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and warehouse clubs. C-stores that sell prepared meals also compete with restaurants.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
"Major products sold include fuel (about 70 percent of sales); groceries and cigarettes (about 10 percent each); and beer (5 percent). Fuel includes regular, mid-grade, and premium unleaded gas; and diesel fuel."

KEY TOPICS COVERED
-- Industry Overview

-- Quarterly Industry Update

-- Business Challenges

-- Trends AND Opportunities

-- Call Preparation Questions

-- Financial Information

-- Industry Forecast

-- Website and Media Links

-- Glossary of Acronyms

For more information, visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/b423b1/convenience_stores

SunChips' Environment-Friendly Packaging Getting Crunched by Facebook Critics

Plano, Texas, August 23, 2010 -- Its creators claim it is "the world's first 100-percent biodegradable chip packet." But the packaging designed by Frito-Lay for its SunChips brand has drawn complaints from more than 30,000 Facebook members who say it is "too loud," according to a report by FoodNavigator-USA.com and other sources.

A Facebook group named "SORRY BUT I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THIS SUNCHIPS BAG" has attracted approximately 32,000 fans, with most posting gripes that the new bags produce an intolerable volume of sound.

The package, created with plant-based polylactic acid, was launched in April after four years of development. It is designed to biodegrade in "as little as 14 weeks."

Frito-Lay has responded to the critical din with on-shelf signage that reads: "Yes, the bag is loud. That's what change sounds like."

The package was honored by market research organization Mintel at July's IFT food expo in Chicago as one of the most innovative new products of the past year. According to Mintel, 43 percent of consumers they polled claim they would buy the SunChips snack because of its ecologically conscious positioning.

Canada Dry Brings New, Low-Calorie Relaxation Beverage to Michigan

Memphis, Tenn., August 23, 2010 -- Frontier Beverage Co. has announced that it has entered a distribution agreement with Canada Dry Bottling Co. of Lansing, Michigan, to bring the company's new low-calorie "ultimate relaxation aid," Unwind, to nine counties throughout the state.

Now offered in three lightly-carbonated flavors -- Goji Grape, Pom Berry, and Citrus Orange -- in sleek 12-ounce cans containing a mere 40 calories and only 10 grams of sugar, Unwind can soon be found in select stores throughout Clinton, Ingham, Jackson, Eaton, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties.

"We are very excited to partner with Frontier Beverage and launch Unwind in the state of Michigan," said Randy Shanker, owner of Canada Dry Bottling Co. of Lansing. "We look forward to bringing the relaxation category to the mainstream consumer. With the product's new 12-ounce cans, three amazing flavors and unique packaging, Unwind seems to be poised to become the leader in the relaxation category."

For those who are "Tired of Being Wired," Unwind offers a way to settle down at the end of a hard day with a relaxation blend to suit every lifestyle. Melatonin, valerian root, rose hips and passion flower -- which can all be found in local nutrition or vitamin stores and have been used by herbalists for years to cope with anxiety and insomnia -- provide Unwind with its calming properties. To enhance the functional benefits, Unwind also features Goji and Acai berry extracts to provide an antioxidant boost.

For more information, visit www.unwindbeverage.com or call 1-877-233-RELX (7359).

PepsiCo to Invest $250 Million in Vietnam over Next Three Years

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, August 23, 2010 -- PepsiCo has announced that it plans to invest $250 million in Vietnam over the next three years. The investment is in addition to PepsiCo's investment over the past two years in two new manufacturing facilities, a new foods plant in Binh Duong and a new beverages plant in Can Tho.

"Vietnam represents one of PepsiCo's most exciting growth opportunities, and this investment is a reflection of our confidence in this dynamic country and the talented people who live and work here," said Saad Abdul-Latif, chief executive officer of PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa, during a meeting here.

The new investment will be allocated to a variety of projects, including increasing manufacturing capacity, adding marketplace equipment like coolers, further strengthening existing brands and broadening the company's product portfolio via innovation.

Abdul-Latif also highlighted PepsiCo's commitment in Vietnam to the company's Performance with Purpose agenda of achieving business success while making a positive imprint on society. He cited the company's move to provide more eating and drinking options for Vietnamese consumers.

In addition to carbonated soft drinks, the company offers Tropicana Twister juice drinks, Aquafina water, Lipton ready-to-drink tea, and two new isotonic drinks, 7-Up Revive and Sting Pro. And the company's Poca brand snacks line includes a range of nut-based snacks.

He also hailed the work of local employees in the community, where PepsiCo is a large contributor to social causes such as health care and education.

"I am most proud of the corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by our team here," Abdul-Latif said. "While we are focused on developing our business and our people, we are equally committed to being an exemplary corporate citizen of Vietnam."

Smucker Announces Coffee Price Increases

Orrville, Ohio, August 17, 2010 -- The J. M. Smucker Company announced that it will increase the list price for the majority of its Folgers, Dunkin' Donuts, Millstone, and Folgers Gourmet Selections coffee products sold in its U.S. retail coffee market effective immediately.

Prices will increase an average of nine percent on impacted items.

The increase in price is driven by sustained increases in green coffee costs.

"The Company is currently in its quarter-end quiet period and, therefore, will answer investor-related, followup questions during its August 20, 2010, first quarter earnings conference call," Smucker noted in a press release.