Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC has revealed that a security breach occurred in December that may have involved some personal information provided by current and former employees and contractors of PBV.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures is an independent, privately-held bottler. No information owned by PepsiCo was affected.
On Jan. 10, Pepsi Bottling Ventures learned that unauthorized activity was reported on certain internal IT systems. PBV took prompt action to contain the incident and further strengthen the security of its networks. Based on its investigation, an unknown party accessed those systems on or around Dec. 23 and downloaded certain information contained in the accessed IT systems.
As of Jan. 19, PBV has detected no unauthorized activity.
The impacted information varies by individual, and may have included: first and last names (including individual and/or parents’ legal surname prior to marriage); home address; email address; financial account information (including a limited number of passwords, PIN codes or other access numbers); state and federal government issued identification numbers such as driver license numbers, ID cards, Social Security numbers and passport information; digital signatures; and information related to benefits and employment, including certain limited medical history, health and health insurance claims, and health insurance information such as policy numbers.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures promptly reported the incident to law enforcement, suspended all affected systems and investigated to understand the scope and impact of the incident. At this time, the company said it not aware of any identity theft or fraud involving an individual’s personal information.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures has secured the services of Kroll to provide identity monitoring at no cost for at least one year for those impacted. Identity monitoring services include credit monitoring, a current credit report, web watcher, public persona, Quick Cash Scan, $1 million identity fraud loss reimbursement, fraud consultation and identity theft restoration.
For those who may have been affected, the company advises promptly change username(s), password(s) and security question answer(s) for any accounts or account information maintained with Pepsi Bottling Ventures and take any other appropriate steps to protect all other online accounts that use the same username, password or security question answer.
Those seeking additional information may contact a toll-free call center at (866) 674-3149, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding major U.S. holidays.
“PBV values the security and privacy of the information entrusted to us and deeply regrets this incident,” the company said in a statement.
Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC is a privately held manufacturer, seller and distributor of some of the most recognized beverage brands in the world. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., PBV has 19 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has donated $750,000 to Folds of Honor, bolstering its support for the nonprofit by helping provide 150 educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military members.
SEG’s donation was made possible thanks to generous customers and associates who donated and rounded up their grocery bills while shopping at their local Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores during the grocer’s sixth annual community donation program. All funds raised during the four-week donation program will directly support Folds of Honor in its mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes by equipping and educating their loved ones.
Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We are immensely grateful for the dedication and generosity our customers and associates have shown our military families through their support of Folds of Honor. It is inspiring to witness our communities joining together to create meaningful change – especially during these challenging economic times. Together, we have made a lasting difference in the lives of our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our everyday freedoms. Thank you for standing with us as we build a better, brighter future for all.”
Since the beginning of its partnership in 2018, SEG has donated more than $7.5 million to Folds of Honor with the help of its customers, associates and charitable arm, SEG Gives Foundation. The funds raised through SEG’s annual community donation programs have provided more than 1,500 educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled U.S. military service members.
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, CEO and founder of Folds of Honor, said, “We can’t thank Southeastern Grocers and its communities enough for their continued support of our program. The unwavering patriotism we’ve seen over the course of our six-year partnership has made a profound impact on our mission and in the lives of our brave military families. It’s because of great American companies like Southeastern Grocers that we are able to provide educational opportunities to more and more deserving families each year.”
Scholarships awarded through Folds of Honor provide private education tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate or professional program. Folds of Honor has provided more than 44,000 educational scholarships for children, spouses and dependents of fallen and disabled military service members since its inception in 2007, and recently expanded its program to support first responder families.
SEG is also commemorating the red, white and blue by helping customers save on their Independence Day party essentials. Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores are offering great deals on steak, desserts and more, and open regular business hours on the Fourth of July for any last-minute needs; in-store pharmacies will close at 4 p.m. on the Fourth of July. For added convenience, participating Winn-Dixie stores and Harveys Supermarket locations are providing free curbside pickup and delivery options, where available, on orders of $35 or more for a limited time.
For more information on Fourth of July deals, customers are encouraged to stop in their local Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores, or visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.
For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
What’s more American than apple pie? Apple pie with cheese melted on top. This Fourth of July, Kraft Singles is partnering with Little Pie Company, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional handmade pies, to create the Kraft Singles Apple Pie. The single-serve pie combines two of the most iconic American foods: the undeniably perfect melt of Kraft Singles, with the sweet classic flavors of a traditional apple pie. With its simple irresistible taste, the iconic yellow square slice makes all foods more delicious, including a decadent dessert-like apple pie.
The pairing of cheese with apple pie has long been a tradition. In fact, apple pie has been served with a cheese topping since the 1800s as a sweet and salty treat. The pie is a one-of-a-kind pie featuring hand-cut golden delicious apples mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, light brown sugar and of course, melty Kraft Singles baked within. Each 5-inch pie is topped with a delicious Kraft Single, resulting in a dessert that is both intriguing and mouthwatering.
“Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make simple irresistible and reignite America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” said Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles at the Kraft Heinz Company. “Melting cheese on top of apple pie is a tradition we see many of our fans enjoy, so we wanted to remind people that Kraft Singles multiplies the enjoyment of whatever food you are eating and inspire new ways to enjoy our product beyond the grill.”
Cheese lovers can indulge in the Kraft Singles Apple Pie in-store at Little Pie Company in New York City and can also purchase for nationwide fresh delivery via Goldbelly, while supplies last. The Kraft Singles Apple Pie in store will be sold for $10.95 and on Goldbelly for $44.95 (before shipping), which includes a recipe card, two single 5-inch pies and two packs of Kraft Singles for melting.
“At Little Pie Company, we take pride in our pies made from scratch, and are always thinking of ways to bring new flavors and experiences to our fans,” said Arnold Wilkerson, creator of Little Pie Company. “When Kraft Singles approached us about creating a limited-edition pie featuring their iconic square, we were so excited and confident we could nail the recipe. Simply good and ready to eat, the Kraft Singles Apple Pie is sure to be a delight for all this Fourth of July.”
The campaign is the latest example of bringing the brand’s platform, “Square It” to life, reminding fans about all the wonderful ways consumers can use Kraft Singles in the kitchen.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.