Albertsons Toasts New Private Label Bee Lightly Wines
Albertsons Companies, Inc. has launched Bee Lightly , the newest addition to the company’s Own Brands wine portfolio, distinguished by its unique flat bottle design crafted from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate. This innovative approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, underscoring a commitment to recycled packaging solutions without compromising on the quality and flavor of wine that customers expect. With 91-point ratings from The Tasting Panel *, both the 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé were developed with shoppers in mind, offering acclaimed French wines that are affordable and create a delightful experience with every sip.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” said Curtis Mann, Master of Wines at Albertsons Cos. “By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we are offering shoppers quality, affordable wines from France while also redefining wine packaging standards.”
Bee Lightly is available at select Albertsons Cos. stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and ACME, and for delivery soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The new wines feature carefully selected chardonnay and rosé varietals sourced from the up-and-coming Hérault and Limoux regions.
- Bee Lightly Chardonnay : Harvested at night from a collective of vineyards and fermented in thermoregulated tanks to ensure an optimal environment, the chardonnay offers a unique palate with bright and intense aromas of melons and pears, with a hint of fresh butter and subtle honey and oak balance.
- Bee Lightly Rosé : Capturing the essence of Southern France with its pale salmon color, the rosé presents a perfect pairing for light meals with its compelling flavor profile of fresh red fruit, hibiscus and dried rose petals.
Bringing the wines wines to Albertsons Cos. stores was a collaborative effort focused on customers. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, along with Mann, partnered with WX Brands , known for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama , a climate tech packaging company committed to promoting a lower carbon future in the beverage industry, to develop Bee Lightly.
This new line of wines is distinguished by Packamama’s signature flat bottle design , made from recycled PET, a material that is 87% lighter than the material used for traditional glass bottles, and is recyclable. Packamama’s innovative flat packaging design has a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional wine bottle shapes by reducing transportation related emissions, and the unique flat-pack shape also enhances logistic efficiency, enabling the transportation of nearly twice as many products on a single pallet. Bee Lightly in this Packamama bottle used 44% fewer pallets for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.
“The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship,” said Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos. “Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognize the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavor at an affordable price.”
Bee Lightly joins Own Brands’ growing wine portfolio that includes Vinaforé , O Organics , Nadia , Quail Oak and Creamery wines.
To learn more, please click here.
* Using a 100-point scale, a wine rated 90 points or higher by The Tasting Panel is deemed to be outstanding or excellent.
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NRF Foundation Presents Customer Conflict De-Escalation Training
The NRF Foundation has launched a Customer Conflict De-escalation training program for front-line retail employees. The latest offering is part of the RISE Up educational training program and focuses on fostering a safe and positive environment for both retail employees and the millions of customers they serve.
“As the nation’s largest private-sector employer, retailers help millions of customers find the items they want and need on a daily basis,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “The Customer Conflict De-escalation program provides customer-facing employees with the knowledge and training to identify situations of potential conflict, and, most importantly, abate them successfully and ensure an enjoyable shopping experience for all.”
The NRF Foundation partnered with the Crisis Prevention Institute to create a 30-minute online de-escalation training program. Developed specifically for front-line, customer-facing and distribution center employees, the course teaches associates how to identify and manage customer conflict within a retail environment.
“At CPI, we understand that retail employees face unique challenges on the front lines every day. Our partnership with the NRF Foundation to develop the Customer Conflict De-escalation training ensures that these vital skills are accessible to those who need them most, fostering safer and more positive environments for both employees and customers,” said Susan Driscoll, president of Crisis Prevention Institute.
“At CPI, we understand that retail employees face unique challenges on the front lines every day. Our partnership with the NRF Foundation to develop the Customer Conflict De-escalation training ensures that these vital skills are accessible to those who need them most, fostering safer and more positive environments for both employees and customers,” said Susan Driscoll, president of Crisis Prevention Institute.
More than 58,000 RISE Up training credentials were earned in 2023 from the NRF Foundation. For more information visit here.
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Harris Teeter Launches Private Label RTE Entrees, Sides
Harris Teeter has launched HT Traders Ready Made Meals line of entrees and sides. Now available at all stores in the Fresh Foods section, shoppers can purchase a variety of different dishes at their neighborhood Harris Teeter, simply heat the preprepared meal at home in the microwave or oven and enjoy with their families.
“Our customers lead busy lives, and we at Harris Teeter understand the importance of convenience in the grocery shopping experience,” said Danna Robinson, director of corporate affairs at Harris Teeter. “Our new line of ready-made meals makes it easier than ever for our customers to indulge in a delicious meal made of the fresh, high-quality ingredients Harris Teeter is known for.”
The HT Traders Ready Made Meals line includes individual and family-sized entrees as well as side dishes, all crafted with care. The prepared meals and sides include:
- Chicken Alfredo, spaghetti, Italian sausage, macaroni and cheese and other pasta dishes.
- Homestyle cooking such as Sunday pot roast, meatloaf with redskin potatoes and Yukon mashed potatoes.
- Southwestern cuisine including blackened chicken strips, enchiladas and fajita chicken with yellow rice.
These meals are available across all locations and can be found in the deli section. Prices range from $6.99 for smaller side dishes, to $19.99 for larger family-sized entrees, with most individual meals priced at $9.99.
To keep up with the latest Ready Made Meals deals and promotions, visit harristeeter.com and stay connected on Instagram and Facebook.
