Get Adobe Flash player

Walmart Commits $2M to Support Direct Relief in Gaza, Israel

Walmart, Inc. and the Walmart Foundation have continued to look for ways to support people impacted by the devastating violence in Israel and Gaza that has unfolded over the past month following the terrorist attacks by Hamas. With the pause in fighting, the Walmart Foundation is committing $1 million to support Direct Relief, a nonprofit organization that will help provide emergency medical aid to civilians in Gaza as conditions permit.

This donation builds on the Walmart Foundation’s $1 million investment made earlier in Magen David Adom’s emergency services work in Israel.

“Our hearts remain with our associates, customers and members who have been personally impacted, as well as all those suffering as a result of this situation,” the company said in a statement. “Collectively, let’s focus on demonstrating compassion and kindness to one another. At Walmart and Sam’s Club we are working to ensure everyone feels they belong.”

Walmart Inc.  is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2023 revenue of $611 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide.

Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart/.

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 19 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people.

Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on X (formerly known as Twitter) @Walmartorg.

For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Raybern’s Rebrands Packaging, Revamping Deli Sandwich Line

Raybern’s, a brand known for offering authentic deli-style Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, kicks off a rebrand not only in package design, but in terms of quality, quantity and variety of sandwich ingredients. Beginning Q1, 2024, Raybern’s will introduce a revamp of its entire line, offering unique flavors and formats that are designed and created to thrill discerning sandwich lovers everywhere.

Five delicious Raybern’s varieties will be available in 2-ct packs to consumers at an SRP of $5.79, and sold in freezer cases everywhere. 

Raybern’s introduces new and innovative recipes to their full line of mouthwateringly savory sandwiches. Notably, the Roast Beef & Cheddar sandwich is now complemented with a soft, poppy seed roll. In addition, Raybern’s is relaunching their Ham & Cheese sandwich, enhanced by a sweet deli roll. 

The rest of the line has been upgraded with delectable meats, cheeses and sauces, including the Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Bacon Ranch and Barbecue Pulled Pork. In this complete brand overhaul, Raybern’s is ensuring that frozen food consumers don’t have to compromise when they walk down the freezer aisle.

“Our new sandwich line up is a totally delicious innovation on sandwiches of the past,” shares Doug Hall, director of marketing at Raybern’s. “We have the bakery-soft bun covered, but we’ve completely amped up the meats, cheeses and sauces on our favorite frozen deli-style sandwiches! My personal favorite is the Roast Beef & Cheddar now on a fresh poppy seed roll.” 

When it comes to sandwiches, Raybern’s has proven to be a brand that knows how to bring amazing flavor from the freezer to the microwave. Over 30 years ago, the founders Ray and Bernie envisioned sharing their love of New York-style deli sandwiches with the world. It took years to fully develop the Raybern’s bread recipe that cooks up “Bakery Soft” right from the microwave – as well as their signature Philly Cheesesteak recipe.

Today, Raybern’s is proud to make millions of sandwiches each year, including the best-selling Philly Cheesesteak in America, according to 2023 Nielsen Scan Data. Now, the brand introduces bigger and better sandwiches to continue giving consumers what they crave.

Raybern’s believes that the New York-style deli sandwich reigns supreme. Since 1978, they have been crafting incredibly delicious sandwiches with bakery-soft bread, slow-roasted meats and chef-created sauces. Now, consumers can enjoy authentic deli goodness at home or while on-the-go. It is Raybern’s mission to share its love of great sandwiches with as many people as possible and ensure that sandwich lovers don’t need to compromise in the freezer aisle.

For more new products in the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Circle K Opens 100th Location in Sweden, Adds EV Charging Points

Circle K has achieved a significant milestone in Sweden with the opening of its 100th location in the country. As part of its commitment to sustainability, one-third of these locations now provide charging facilities for electric vehicles.

In the past year alone, Circle K has added 160 new charging points for public use, bringing the total number of charging points in its nationwide network to over 465. This expansion allows more EV owners to conveniently charge their vehicles, promoting the adoption of cleaner transportation alternatives.

The growing demand for EV charging infrastructure has prompted Circle K to further invest in expanding its network. An additional 112 charging points are completely ready – but waiting to be connected to the power grid.

“In parallel with the high pace of the rollout, we also put a lot of focus on everything else related to charging – such as making the charging experience really smooth,” said Jenni Alterling, senior manager of e-mobility at Circle K.

In addition to the 112 charging points that are ready for grid connection, another seven stations are being built, which will host 42 more charging points.

“Of course, it is frustrating that we build quickly, but then have to wait for a grid connection. We’ve pointed this out for many years, but we’re building at triple the rate anyway, and we’ll continue to do so. With this rate of expansion, we will reach 1000 charging points in 2026,” Alterling concludes.

With the opening of its 100th location and the continuous expansion of its EV charging network, Circle K is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices and providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

For more news of interest to the convenience store industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.