Dakota Style Kettle Chips Downsizing

Dakota Style will be downsizing their current 2.4oz Kettle Chips to 2.25oz size. The conversion will be on a flavor by flavor basis and you should start seeing the new size the end of August.

Dakota Style Chip Downsize.pdf | 1MB

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Tobacco Compliance & Retailer Compliance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information pertaining to the steps retailers can take to ensure compliance in implementing the new federal tobacco law regarding distribution, sale and advertising of tobacco products.

ATF: Counterfeit cigarettes on the rise

The average consumer won’t recognize a pack of counterfeit cigarettes, but they might recognize the taste is different.

Marlboro Snus national expansion expected in March

Philip Morris USA and Altria Sales & Distribution have announced the introduction of Marlboro Snus for distribution to retail stores nationally.

Infograph: Who makes up the energy drink market?

Energy drinks are a $1 billion industry. Even celebrities like Lil’ John has his own brand. But who exactly is consuming these drinks? An infograph from website topculture.com has the break down.

DeVere H1N1 Cleaning Guide

DeVere Company, the makers of our popular selling industrial cleaning products, has released a helpful H1N1 cleaning guide with a list of products which help fight the spread of H1N1.

Devere H1N1 Cleaning Guide.pdf | 767KB

Product Guide: Winter Defense

As with any winter, those of us who think we’re “seasoned” to the cold can still be caught off guard by quick changes in weather. Read more to see which items should be a part of every retailer’s winter defense kit.

Road Runner MSDS.pdf | 14KB

Diesel Treat MSDS.pdf | 2MB

Price Increase: Cigarettes Up Across the Board

Cigarette prices will see an increase October 28th from Commonwealth, Philip Morris and Lorillard.

Famous-Brand Ice Cream on a Budget

Have a few boxes of seasonal Snicker, Reese, Butterfinger, or other candy bar taking up space after the holiday has passed? Don’t worry, there are ways to use up these yummy treats before their expiration date… one tasty way is to make a flavored ice cream treat!

Smokeless Sales Stay Strong

An interesting article from Convenience Store Decisions magazine about smokeless tobacco sales. CSD Magazine says while taxes haven’t impacted sales as much as some had predicted, it’s up to retailers to continue aggressively marketing the category.

Outcome of Oct. 6 Smoking Ban Hearing

The Smoking Ban hearing offered the opportunity for Judge Trandahl to determine several pending issues, which included a summary brief to review 26 categories of rejected petitions and/or signatures and a summary brief to allow the American Cancer Society to intervene in the lawsuit.

General Mills Redesigns Chex Mix Packaging

General Mills announces a Chex Mix packaging redesign to begin in September of 2009. New packaging will capitalize on and drive the strong business momentum General Mills says Chex Mix is currently experiencing. Read More

RECALL: Children's & Infants' TYLENOL® Liquid

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the makers of TYLENOL®, are voluntarily recalling certain lots of Children’s and Infants’ TYLENOL® liquid products that were manufactured between April, 2008 and June, 2008.

UPDATE 2: FDA Tobacco Regulation Dominates Summit

AWMA — Convenience distributors and retailers, as of September 22, will be unable to sell any cigarette or cigarette paper that contains an artificial or natural flavor other than tobacco or menthol.

Swisher FDA Ban 092309.pdf | 1MB

Manufacturer's Price Increase on CAPRI Cigarettes

Effective August 24, 2009 and thereafter, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company will be increasing the manufacturer’s list price on all styles of CAPRI cigarettes. The list prices for all other RJRT products remain unchanged.

Capri Price Increase August 2009.pdf | 49KB

Viking Vending to take over QC Vending accounts

Beginning August 1, Queen City Vending will transfer custodial care of all vending accounts to Sioux Falls based, Viking Vending. We would like to thank all our vending customers for allowing us to provide your business with our vending services – most for more than a decade.