Supermarket/Grocery

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday announced that it plans to file a registration statement in the United States for a potential initial public offering of a minority ownership stake in Blackhawk Network Holdings, a leading prepaid payments network.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. announced on Wednesday that it plans to take its Blackhawk Network Holdings Inc. gift card and payment services unit public. Blackhawk sells gift cards at supermarkets and through other stores, including drug stores and convenience stores.

Safeway said it plans to file a registration statement for a potential initial public offering of a minority stake in Blackhawk and hopes to complete the IPO sometime in the first half of 2013, depending on market conditions.

STILLWATER, Minn. — Supervalu banner Cub Foods, KSTP-TV, MOM Brands, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Dean Foods on Tuesday announced a partnership to sponsor the Hunger Action Month food drive under the banner "Give a Little, Feed a Lot" during September at all Cub Foods stores in Minnesota.

Norwalk, Conn. -- GE Capital, Corporate Retail Finance announced it is co-collateral agent on a $1.65 billion asset-based credit facility for Supervalu Inc.

The loan will be used for working capital needs and to refinance existing debt. GE Capital Markets served as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner.

“This financing will provide Supervalu with more financial flexibility as we execute our business turnaround.” said Sherry Smith, executive VP and CFO of Supervalu.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said Friday that it has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the  recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

The new cards – one made of paper and the other of responsibly harvested wood— are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and have a lower carbon footprint, are reusable, recyclable, compostable and require less energy to be produced.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers said Friday it is asking Baltimore residents to suggest stores and restaurants they want to open at their local Parkville Shopping Center through an online crowdsourcing platform called Popularise. 

The leasing recommendations will be considered as part of the grocery-anchored center’s renovation, which has begun construction. 

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu has launched a new, single-size version of its Java Delight brand of premium coffee.

MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets has appointed a new chief human resources officer and chief legal officer, as well as a new CFO.

In the newly-created role of CHRO/CLO at Save Mart, Eric Nadworny is responsible for leading the human resources, labor relations, risk management, compliance and legal functions for the Modesto, Calif.-based grocer. Nadworny has worked at such companies as Ross Stores, BJ's Wholesale Club and Shaw's Supermarkets.