Business Environment

Datassential Announces Groundbreaking Global Sales Intelligence Platform for Food & Beverage industry

Datassential is debuting its enhanced Global Sales Intelligence platform, an all-in-one prospecting solution designed to arm sales teams to more effectively navigate the dynamic foodservice landscape around the world. The Global Sales Intelligence platform uncovers new sales opportunities and provides unit-level insights for sales teams to sell more with less effort. It also offers robust analytics capabilities to inform winning global sales strategies. With data from over 9 million operators across 60+ countries and tracking more than 70 key attributes, clients are armed with valuable data wherever they want to expand. Plus, a globally unified segment and cuisine guide spanning all foodservice operators allows for a consistent view of the world across countries, coupled with flexible data delivery and data integration capabilities, all in a modern, easy-to-use interface. "Our new Global Sales Intelligence platform is revolutionary for sales teams in the food and beverage industry. This platform is not just a step forward; it's a leap in modernizing how sales strategies are crafted and executed," said Dana Konwiser, Datassential's President and Chief Operating Officer. By vastly improving search effectiveness, clients get the right prospects that have a higher potential of becoming high-value customers - all in less time. Clients using the platform can expect increased sales productivity, higher win rates, and a significant return on investment. With the ability to integrate with tools including Snowflake and Salesforce.com for seamless data transfers, the platform ensures sales teams can leverage real-time insights for a targeted and highly efficient approach. As the platform evolves, Datassential is thrilled to support clients' growth strategies at home and abroad. The platform's adaptability allows it to meet clients where they are, while offering tailored sales intelligence solutions for the future.

Fitlife Foods Launches Corporate Meal Solutions as a New Employee Benefit

Fitlife Foods, the Southeast's leading omni-channel prepared meals brand, announces the launch of Corporate Meal Solutions as a new employee benefit. Corporate Meal Solutions integrates weekly meals as a nutritious and delicious benefit into workplaces supporting talent recruitment, engagement, and retention. Fitlife's Corporate Meal Solutions program focuses on the transformation of a workplace by providing a daily wellness benefit focused on nutrition to fuel physical and mental health. "Prior to COVID, we offered discounted Fitlife Foods meals to our staff. Upon return to the office, we provide free Fitlife meals as part of our commitment to employee wellness," said Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman. "The feedback from our staff about our partnership with Fitlife Foods has been overwhelmingly positive." "With our Corporate Meal Solutions program, we empower employees to save time, eat healthier and avoid energy crashes. Companies can now do more than just talk about employee wellness, but demonstrate it by investing in it," said David Osterweil, Fitlife Foods Founder & CEO. According to Osterweil, nutrition-fueled employees are "motivated and focused with added energy and time to maximize their productivity at work and home." "We created Corporate Meal Solutions because of the unprecedented shift in workplaces to support employees' health and wellbeing. This new workforce is looking beyond the standard benefits of healthcare and 401K," said Fitlife Foods Investor and Board Chairman Shilen Patel. "It takes a holistic approach to their well-being to attract and retain top-tier talent in 2024."

Chipotle introduces new benefits to help attract and support its growing gen z workforce

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it will be providing additional financial wellness and mental well-being support for more than 110,000 employees through a new Employee Assistance Program and enhanced benefits. The company will hire additional employees over the next couple of months to prepare for its busiest period of the year from March to May, which has been famously coined "burrito season." Chipotle's new benefits will enable eligible employees to: Pay off student debt while saving for retirement: Utilizing SoFi's Student Loan Verification (SLV) service, once an employee becomes eligible for Chipotle's 401(k) plan match, the company will match up to 4% of an employee's salary through contributions to their 401(k) if they make eligible student loan payments. The benefit solution, launched in response to Congress' approval of the Securing a Strong Retirement Act (SECURE 2.0), allows employees who qualify to no longer have to choose between paying off student debt or saving for retirement – they can do both. Build credit through high-tech banking: Chipotle employees will have access to a premium banking experience from Cred.ai featuring a high-tech Visa card that offers security features, faster access to paychecks, and Cred.ai's "Credit Optimizer," which helps build and boost credit scores automatically, even for employees who already have good credit. Manage their financial wellness: Chipotle's partnership with SoFi will also give employees access to the SoFi at Work Dashboard, a leading financial well-being education platform, which includes an assessment of current financial outlook, followed by suggestions and tools to improve. Access mental health resources: Chipotle's New Employee Assistance Program (EAP), SupportLinc, powered by CuraLinc Healthcare, focuses on mental and emotional well-being. It includes six free sessions with a licensed counselor or mental health coach, as well as access to tools, resources, and community support for legal, financial, and family matters. More than 73% of Chipotle's restaurant employees are Gen Z, and these new benefits cater to the challenges they are facing. It has been widely cited that those born in the late 90s through the early 2000s are experiencing notable financial challenges, including racking up credit card debt faster than previous generations* and being nearly twice as likely as the general population to not feel confident managing their money**. "Empowering our talent is embedded in our company's culture," said Ilene Eskenazi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chipotle. "As we push toward our long-term goal of operating 7,000 restaurants in North America, it's crucial that we listen to and adapt to the needs of our team members, so they can grow with us." Career Mobility at ChipotleCrew members at Chipotle can advance to a Restaurateur in as little as three and a half years, with a total potential compensation package of approximately $100,000 while leading a multi-million-dollar business. Nearly 90 percent of current restaurant leadership started as crew members and progressed to management positions. In 2023, Chipotle promoted over 26,000 employees.

SpartanNash Recognized by Newsweek as One of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024

Food solutions company SpartanNash is proud to announce its recognition as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). The Company received the award based on quantitative data from an Associate survey as well as other qualitative scoring methods. "Creating an environment where every Associate belongs and feels empowered to do their best work is a fundamental part of our People First culture," said SpartanNash Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Nicole Zube. "Valuing differences is a core competency we expect as we actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company, encouraging a sense of belonging." Advancing DEIB at all levels of the Company is a key part of SpartanNash's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Over the past two years, SpartanNash has revitalized its Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) sponsored by executive leadership, expanded the internship program beyond 100 participants annually, and launched new learning and development programs. Additionally, the Company has expanded its Total Rewards offerings to appeal to a broader base of Associates. By attracting and developing diverse Associates representing different backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives, the Company can better connect with and serve its store guests and customers. "Diversity is a widely discussed topic – and it remains a crucial factor as people look for an employer or a business partner. Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024,' highlighting companies that are committed to offering a diverse and inclusive work environment," said Newsweek's Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper. The scoring process for this award involved a thorough examination of publicly available data, interviews with human resource professionals, and an anonymous online survey in which Associates shared insights into the Company's culture and work environment.

Puck empowers female entrepreneurs with launch of 'Selfless Shelves' initiative

Puck, a global brand with purpose, belonging to Arla Foods multinational dairy company, announced the launch of "Selfless Shelves," an initiative aiming to empower five entrepreneurial women from five distinct villages in Lebanon, by granting them shelf space in Carrefour stores to sell their handcrafted and locally sourced produce known as "mouneh," packed in repurposed Puck glass jars. These jars highlight each woman's heart-warming story and aim to support their families with earned income. The artisanal products these five women will be selling include culinary delights such as makdous eggplant, zaatar, dried orange bitter peels, sumac, and pumpkin jam and are now available on shelves at select Carrefour branches in Lebanon starting from January 22, 2024. Puck is launching the initiative in light of the economic crisis in Lebanon, which has left a staggering 63% of women unemployed – as stated in a report by UN Women. This is particularly prevalent in the remote regions of Lebanon where job opportunities have reached an all-time low. As a result, women across Lebanon's villages have resorted to selling "mouneh" to their communities as a means of earning a basic income. Puck noticed the initiative these women were taking towards supporting their families and decided to encourage them to continue pursuing homegrown forms of income by providing jars and shelf space for their products. Yahia Adel Z AlSharif, Head of Category at Arla Foods, expressed enthusiasm for this campaign, stating: "Puck's proactive efforts towards community-wide sustainable consumer behaviour aim to generate positive change on a socioeconomic and environmental level. It is inspiring to see Puck take steps through ongoing campaigns to encourage mindful habits by reusing its glass jars whilst also supporting and empowering Lebanon's women-led local artisanal businesses." And this is just the beginning. Puck understands the importance of female empowerment in society and has announced that the "Selfless Shelves" initiative is a pilot for more programs that the brand intends to roll out in the future, to continue taking conscious steps towards the improvement of women's wellbeing by providing them with healthier products, a variety of offerings and inspirational recipes.

Yum China Certified Top Employer China for Sixth Consecutive Year

Yum China Holdings, Inc.has been named by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer China for the sixth consecutive year. Ranked fourth overall among more than 150 companies included in the list, Yum China again placed first in the restaurant industry. This accolade highlights the Company's outstanding performance in key areas such as People Strategy, Digital HR, Working Environment and Career Development. It also reflects Yum China's "People First" philosophy and commitment to providing an excellent working environment and experience for its employees. "To be named a Top Employer China for six consecutive years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our people," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "At the heart of our success lies our 'Fair, Care, and Pride' principle, which includes nurturing a vibrant and inclusive culture that supports our team members' growth and our company's progress." Jerry Ding, Chief People Officer of Yum China, said, "With a diverse team of over 400,000 people, our employees are the cornerstone of the company's growth and resilience. Our talent strategy, centered on a vision of healthy and sustainable growth, is significantly enhanced by our embrace of technological innovation. This strategy deepens our dedication to employee care, reinforcing Yum China's position as a leader in the restaurant industry." Yum China is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory working environment, enabling its people to unleash their potential regardless of their gender or background. By end of 2023, female employees represented more than 50% of the Company's total workforce. The Company also prides itself on being at the forefront of the industry in ensuring fair and competitive compensation and benefits. This includes providing an equity incentive plan for Restaurant General Managers (RGMs), allowing them to share in the company's growth and success. Since its inception in 2016, the program has awarded Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to over 13,000 RGMs. In addition, the Company's comprehensive "YUMC Care" benefit plan offers tailored benefits according to life stage and individual needs. Yum China's suite of learning and development programs actively support the career development and growth of employees. Key initiatives include structured career advancement opportunities for restaurant operations team members and specialized training for marketing and supply chain management trainees. In 2023, the Company launched its "Yum China Bytes & Bites Program" to offer working opportunities to approximately 80 students from leading Chinese universities at Yum China's Digital Research Centers, integrating cutting-edge technology with practical industry experience. Yum China also provides a supportive and inclusive environment for employees with special needs through its "Angel Restaurants" initiative. As of the end of June 2023, KFC China has 46 "Angel Restaurants" in 42 cities, employing over 200 individuals with special needs. Embracing new technologies remains a key factor underpinning Yum China's recognition as a Top Employer China. As a pioneer in digital transformation, the Company has leveraged AI to optimize demand forecasting, inventory management, crew scheduling, and production to empower frontline managers, while helping to promote more sustainable business growth.

Kroger Recognizes as One of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

The Kroger Co. announced it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity" for 2024. Kroger received this honor for its commitment to uplifting diversity by fostering a culture that empowers everyone to be their true selves, inspires collaboration and feeds the human spirit. "As an equal opportunity employer, retailer and community partner, we are driven to bring people from all walks of life together, representing Our Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit," said Tim Massa, senior vice president and chief people officer. "We appreciate this recognition for our ongoing efforts. Everyday our associates serve their communities and make Kroger an outstanding place to work." Through Kroger's Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the company is committed to standing together and mobilizing its people, passion, scale and resources to transform Kroger's culture and the communities it serves. This ongoing commitment includes: Creating a more inclusive culture Developing diverse talent Advancing diverse partnerships Advancing equitable communities Deeply listening and reporting progress "Kroger is honored to earn this recognition as it reaffirms the valuable work and lasting impact we are creating throughout the retail industry and in our communities," said Reshamar Short, Kroger's senior director, diversity and inclusion. "Diverse workplaces are a journey and not a destination, and we will continue to work toward creating meaningful progress for all associates." In cooperation with Plant-A Insights Group, Newsweek interviewed more than 223,000 employees across the United States about their companies' diversity policies and efforts. Respondents shared insights about corporate culture, working environment, and other subjects at both their own companies and others with which they were familiar. The survey yielded more than 1.5 million company reviews.

UK's new chocolate factory holds golden ticket for careers in STEM

A new chocolate factory is set to open its doors in Barnsley to inspire and educate the next generation of UK manufacturing engineers. The ‘JJA Snack’ facility is an initiative by JJA Pack - a global supplier of industrial chocolate-handling equipment to the likes of Mondelez and Premier Foods, based in South Yorkshire. It’s teamed up with long-term partner Siemens to create the advanced, commercially viable chocolate manufacturing line, which will give young people hands-on experience with the pioneering technologies used to manufacture chocolate bars. Thousands of school kids will have the opportunity to learn about where chocolate comes from and how its harvested, with pupils able to design a bar and create it on the JJA Snack production line. A group from Outwood Academy Shafton will be among the first to visit the site in Barnsley. Meanwhile, engineering students will be able to learn about data capture, streamlining manufacturing processes, and energy efficiency. The Sheffield Steelers and Leeds Knights ice hockey teams are among JJA Snack’s first customers for branded bars, with the facility also set to manufacture chocolate under its own name. The factory is set to open as Timothée Chalamet and Hugh Grant star in Christmas blockbuster release Wonka, which tells the story of how the beloved Roald Dahl character Willy Wonka become a world-famous chocolate maker. Jamie Ashpole, director at JJA Snack, said: “It’s so important that we inspire more young people to pursue careers in manufacturing to enable the sector’s future success. Creating an opportunity for students of all ages to get a taste for modern, industrial chocolate-making, is our way of helping to address the UK’s current STEM skills gap. “It’s exciting to bring this project forward in collaboration with Siemens, which provides a window for young talent to see how industries are advancing with the help of digital technologies.” Andy Lane, business development manager at Siemens, said: “The modern chocolate factory may look worlds apart from any Roald Dahl creation. But they’re equally exciting – enabled by groundbreaking technologies, including data insight powered by artificial intelligence. “Chocolate can be an extremely difficult substance to handle due to its inclination to set and become solid. This can damage equipment and bring down-time to production lines, causing big brands millions-of-pounds in losses a week. “This is just one of the engineering challenges that budding Wonkas at JJA Snack will learn about - alongside how manufacturers are using smart digital technologies to spot and remedy problems before they occur.”

Food & Beverages