Gas prices play a significant role in how consumers feel about the economy overall, according to the results from the new 2013 NACS Consumer Fuels Report. Nearly 9 of 10 consumers (88%) surveyed in a national poll of gasoline purchasers said that the price at the pump has an impact in how they feel about…
DetailsIt’s been a hot summer, but the market for ice cream in America has got it licked. According to recent Mintel research, in 2011, the ice cream and frozen novelty market emerged from two years of struggling sales and posted a 4.1% increase from the previous year (retail sales of $10.7 billion) and is poised…
DetailsDistilled spirits made market share gains in 2012 and now account for more than a third of all alcohol sales, a report from the Washington-based Distilled Spirits Council says. The distilled spirits industry market share edged upward in 2012, gaining share from both beer and wine, as companies innovated with new sophisticated line extensions, and…
DetailsSuper-premiums beers (those costing more than about $22 per case) are beating crafts and import beers in supermarket sales, SymphonyIRI Group said in its recent 2012 Mid-Year Beer Category & Craft Segment Review webinar, says Supermarket News. Sales in the categories are up $93.1 million, $67.2 million and $32.2 million, respectively. Super-premium brands include Bud…
DetailsVisa has announced new liability shift dates for EMV transactions that will affect third-party acquirers of ATM transactions, Mobile Payments Today reports. The liability shift places responsibility for paying out losses to consumers due to fraudulent transactions on machines that are not EMV-compatible to merchants and ATM deployers, rather than card issuers. The new deadlines…
DetailsHard cider sales have been increasing, with new styles and flavors that have stimulated consumer interest, the Indianapolis Star reports. “It’s the most exciting beverage category in the market,” said Jeffrey House, founder of the California Cider Co., which produces ACE Premium Hard Ciders. While hard cider’s sales figures fall far short of those for…
DetailsStarting this fall, Dasani, Coca-Cola’s water brand, has rolled out Dasani Drops, a zero-calorie liquid beverage enhancer that allows people to add a burst of flavor to their water. Its four flavors include Strawberry Kiwi, Pink Lemonade, Pineapple Coconut and Mixed Berry. By flipping the cap and squeezing the bottle, water drinkers can customize their…
DetailsDetails revealed in court following the apprehension of two hackers who hit point-of-sale devices at 100 shops and retailers expose POS security vulnerabilities, Bank Info Security reports. The attacks pose an increasing concern to all of those involved in the payments industry. The attacks compromised Internet-connected POS devices and systems operated by Subway and other…
DetailsThe Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council has released best practices guidance for mobile payment acceptance security, Mobile Payments Today reports. The guidelines are intended to offer guidance to mobile app developers and handset device manufacturers on security controls. The best practices are outlined in the Council’s PCI Mobile Payment Acceptance Security Guidelines and separate…
DetailsConsulting firm A.T. Kearney has released a consumer study, “Buying into the Local Food Movement,” that assesses how shoppers make decisions about buying local versus non-local food. The study found that local food is a trend consumers have embraced. Among the findings, the report suggests that shoppers will switch stores for a better local food…
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