News

Economic issues in Venezuela and fruit supply constraints affected Del Monte’s consumer business for the first quarter ended July 28. The company’s pet business, however, offset volume declines and helped net sales increase 0.3% to $823.9 million from $821.1 million for the prior-year quarter.

Coppell, Texas – Alco Stores, Inc. is not accepting an acquisition proposal from Everbright Development Overseas, Ltd., Luis Chang and Mai Wong. The Alco board of directors has determined that the proposal, tendered on Sept. 6, is not a superior proposal to a roughly $47 million offer the retailer received from Argonne Capital Group LLC on July 25.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly has introduced Camo Beans, a special selection of jelly beans inspired by the art of camouflage, as part of its initiative to support military families.

Jelly Belly Camo Beans come in 3.5-oz. bags in 12-ct. cases and come with seven flavors inside each bag: chocolate pudding, green apple, licorice, juicy pear, orange sherbet, toasted marshmallow and watermelon.

New York -- The planned merger between Saks Inc. and Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) took another step forward with the expiration of the 40-day “go shop” period for Saks on Sept. 6. As previously disclosed, the merger agreement entered into on July 28, 2013 between Saks and HBC contained a 40-day “go-shop” period during which Saks was permitted to solicit alternative proposals from third parties.

MONTREAL — Dollarama has opened 93 net new stores in the past 12 months, including 22 during the second quarter ended Aug. 4, for a total of 828. This accelerated growth helped drive sales for the quarter, which increased 16% to $511.3 million from $441.0 million in the prior-year quarter.

Ankeny, Iowa -- Casey’s General Stores, Inc. reported impressive performance for its fiscal first quarter, with net income up 43% to $55.7 million, from $39 million.

Net revenue increased 10.5% to $2.1 billion, from $1.9 billion. The company credited strong sales in all categories, especially gasoline, with driving its performance.

Boston -- Restructuring and investment firm Gordon Brothers Group has acquired oil and gas appraisal company Appraisal Systems, and will use the acquisition to propel the launch of GB Energy Partners.
 
GB Energy Partners combines the energy expertise of Gordon Brothers Group, Emerald Technology Valuations and ASI into one comprehensive appraisal and disposition platform.

SPARKS, Md. — McCormick is appealing to football fans who enjoy tailgating, and identified the Top 10 Tastiest Tailgate cities in the U.S. to promote its Grill Mates seasoning.

In a joint venture with Bert Sperling, a leading "Best Places" researcher, McCormick Grill Mates analyzed 31 cities in the U.S. with professional football teams to identify the Top 10 in the country.