Kehe to buy Tree of Life

Kehe Food Distributors in Romeoville, Ill., had made an offer to buy its competitor specialty food distributor Tree of Life. Tree of Life sent out a press release this morning announcing the deal.
The deal, which includes Tree of Life's U.S. and Canadian operations, is expected to close early next year. Terms were not disclosed.
As I reported earlier this year in Gourmet News, Royal Wessanen NV announced its plans to sell its Tree of Life division. The Dutch conglomerate purchased Tree of Life in December of 1985 as their entry into the rapidly growing natural and organic food business in the United States.
Your thoughts?

Anna Wolfe, editor of Gourmet News
check out my gourmet news twitter feed: twitter.com/annawolfe

Friday afternoons

Ever notice how big announcements come about on Friday afternoons?
Two months after the International Housewares Association and the George Little Management teamed up to survey the industry on whether there was a need for one or two gourmet housewares show, the two parties in a joint statement Dec. 11 said they have concluded their discussions “without being able to reach an agreement to work together.”
Ten minutes later, I received an email from the GLM saying the Gourmet Housewares Show was moving once again to the New York International Gift Fair in January 2011. Dates for the winter NYIGF are Jan. 29 – Feb. 3, 2011.
A quick email to NYIGF’s Cathy Steel confirmed there won’t be a 2010 Gourmet Housewares Show.
In recent years, the Gourmet Housewares Show has moved from San Francisco to Las Vegas to Orlando, Fla., back to Vegas and then back to San Francisco. Its dates too have jumped to August from May. As much as I like a gourmet-centric show, this makes me wonder—has this show moved too many times? I’m curious to hear your thoughts. The collocation benefits buyers and exhibitors at the Winter NYIGF – but there’s also the AmericasMart in Atlanta that’s been receiving solid reviews for its new space from buyers and attendees alike.

See related story in Gourmet News’ archives:
Two shows? IHA, GLM team up to survey housewares industry on tradeshow need 11.2009
http://www.gourmetnews.com/index.php?p=article&id=gn200911ZnryYI
Check out the Gourmet News digital edition at http://gourmetnews.epubxpress.com

Anna Wolfe
editor of Gourmet News
Check out my gourmet news twitter feed at www.twitter.com/annawolfe0

Moving in the right direction…

Numbers out earlier today show that the economy is on the up and up.
According to the National Retail Federation, November retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) rose 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from October.
According to numbers released today by the U.S. Commerce Department, November retail sales (they throw in sales for autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) moved ahead 1.3 percent vs. October and increased 1.8 percent vs. last year.

Anna Wolfe
editor of Gourmet News
check out my gourmet news twitter feed: annawolfe

YouTube to the rescue

Finally, I can say with a straight face that YouTube has contributed to my productivity.
Last week, I was trying to tune into the NASFT’s Trend Spotter web cast. And as my luck would have it, the ol’ internet connection kept flaking out. And to make matters worse, we at Gourmet News had planned to run this story in the January issue.
Lucky for me and for you, the Trend Spotter Web Cast is on You Tube in five segments…and best of all, its free.


Anna Wolfe
Editor of Gourmet News
Check out my gourmet news twitter feed: annawolfe

Here's to the holidays...

I hope your holiday shopping season is off to a solid start. Black Friday data is starting to trickle in....and according to the National Retail Federation, the number of shoppers out and about on Friday were up, but total sales were down.

Shoppers were out in force but looking for deals. And perhaps a short checkout line. My sister dragged me to one of those big box stores in the wee hours Friday morning, and before we even found a parking space, I was struck by the number of shoppers coming out -- without any purchases. We managed to find a parking spot, and upon entering the store, noticed the lines were wrapped around the store. We left and drove across town to another location where there were parking spaces and merchandise aplenty.

I'm curious to hear what you've noticed? Drop me a line.

Anna Wolfe
editor of Gourmet News
skype anna.wolfe
520.777.1402

Hit up by bloggers?

What's your opinion on bloggers? Do you "need" to send them free swag? Are you pursuing this marketing channel? I'd like to hear from you on this subject.

This is an interesting article on the topic from the LA Times.

Effective Dec. 1, bloggers are required by the FTC to state whether they have paid for a review. Learn more here.

Anna Wolfe
editor of Gourmet News
520.777.1402
Check out my gourmet news twitter feed at www.twitter.com/annawolfe

Black Friday Magic

What are you doing to create a little of that black friday magic at your stores? Our friends at Target will be offering $3, yes that's three dollars, small electrics, according to CNN Money.
You might not be able to give coffeemakers and toasters away, but maybe you can afford TV or radio ads, or newspaper ads? Or better yet, if you're in a business district, maybe you can share the cost of advertising with some of nearby neighbors.
In this digital age, don't underestimate the power of email to drive traffic to your stores. Use email send out store specials, holiday hours, and maybe even an e-coupon for an item or two in your store.
It's not too late to create your own holiday magic.

Anna Wolfe
editor of Gourmet News
skype: anna.wolfe
520.777.1402