Gourmet News

NRF Foundation Presents Customer Conflict De-Escalation Training

Published September 23, 2024

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.

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

Published September 18, 2024

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.

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KIND Snacks Appoints Industry Veteran Calderoni as CEO

Published September 17, 2024

Daniel Calderoni

KIND Snacks has appointed Daniel Calderoni as chief executive officer of KIND North America. Calderoni brings more than 20 years of global experience leading beloved consumer brands to KIND and will report to Blas Maquivar, global president of health and wellness, Mars Snacking.

We’re extremely pleased to welcome Daniel to KIND and the Mars Health & Wellness Leadership Team,” said Maquivar. “Daniel is highly regarded as a purpose and people-first leader, and we are excited that he brings a tremendous track record of growth to the KIND business.”

As CEO, Calderoni will lead KIND North America’s efforts to continue advancing the brand’s mission of crafting snacks that taste good, feel good and do good and building on the long-standing legacy of creating a kinder and healthier world.

“I believe an organization’s purpose should be its true differentiator,” said Calderoni. “That’s why I’m thrilled to join the leadership team at KIND Snacks, a brand whose products bring all KINDs of good to the world. KIND sparked the growth of an entirely new healthy snacking category back in 2004, and I’m eager to take part in leading the brand into its next chapter as we shape the future of snacking.”

Most recently, Calderoni served as the general manager for Mars Pet Nutrition in Canada, where he led the team since November 2022 out of the Mars Canada headquarters. Calderoni was responsible for overseeing the Canadian market for Pet Nutrition, managing a portfolio of brands such as PEDIGREE, and IAMS, while leading a passionate team of associates and serving over 9 million pet-owning households across Canada.

Prior to joining Mars Pet Nutrition in Canada, Calderoni served as vice president of emerging markets for pet nutrition in support of their global growth strategy. Calderoni has also served as General Manager of Pet Nutrition in the Southern Cone, which included Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. Before joining Mars, Calderoni held various roles in marketing at Unilever across Brazil, South Africa and China.

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