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Dollar Tree has announced that its chief operating officer, Mike Creedon, will now also be responsible for merchandising and supply chain. This expansion of Creedon's role is part of the company's transformation plan. Dollar Tree's chairman and CEO, Rick Dreiling, expressed confidence in Creedon's leadership and emphasized the commitment to delivering a high-quality store experience for customers. [Extracted from the article]

Unusual winter weather in Texas has left several Trader Joe's in Colorado high and dry when it comes to inventory.According to local affiliate Fox 31, Trader Joe's locations in the Denver area were out of staples like eggs, milk, and fresh produce.Texas was slammed with snow and ice earlier in the week, which has caused supply chain issues for some Trader Joe's products in Colorado.Trader Joe's did not respond to a request for comment in time for this story.By Bill WilsonReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of the pandemic on the retail industry and the resulting pressure on retailers to meet consumer demands for speed and convenience. Supply chains have become a key focus for retailers and consumer packaged goods manufacturers, and supply chain trends and technology developments will be a major topic at the upcoming NRF 2024 Retail's Big Show. The article highlights three main supply chain trends: improved demand forecasting, better management of volatility and uncertainty, and the need for greater collaboration. SymphonyAI Retail CPG, a company specializing in demand forecasting and AI-driven solutions, will be showcasing their technology at the event. The article also mentions SymphonyAI's collaboration with Oracle to provide reliable and scalable systems for their customers. [Extracted from the article]

FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin discusses industry trends and challenges in a recent interview. Sarasin highlights labor shortages and the need for a resilient supply chain as major challenges facing the retail industry. The interview also touches on the growth of foodservice and private label brands, as well as the impact of consolidation in the grocery industry. Looking ahead to 2024, Sarasin mentions the potential impact of policy decisions and the opportunities for private brands and competition. FMI's upcoming Midwinter executive conference will focus on generative AI and health and wellbeing in the grocery industry. [Extracted from the article]

APT29, the Russian advanced persistent threat group responsible for the SolarWinds hack in 2020, is actively exploiting a critical security vulnerability in JetBrains TeamCity. This vulnerability could lead to widespread software supply chain attacks. The exploitation of the vulnerability began in September and has now become a global concern. Successful attacks could provide cyber attackers with access to valuable data and the ability to alter software compilations and deployment processes. The affected platform, TeamCity, is a software development lifecycle management tool. The agencies have linked APT29 to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and have observed the group using the initial access gained through the TeamCity vulnerability to escalate privileges and deploy additional backdoors. Patching alone will not mitigate the danger, as any backdoors are likely to persist and remain undetected. [Extracted from the article]

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), a wholesale distributor, had a slow start to its 2024 fiscal year, with a 0.3% increase in net sales and a net loss of $39 million. The CEO attributes these numbers to rising deflation and decreasing inflation. Despite this, UNFI is maintaining its projection for net sales and adjusted EBITDA for the new fiscal year. The company is implementing a turnaround plan that includes modernizing systems, improving digital offerings, and optimizing supply chain capabilities. UNFI remains focused on driving operational improvement and serving customers during the holiday season. [Extracted from the article]

Sam's Club, a division of Walmart Inc., has announced plans to open two new distribution centers in St. Louis and Minneapolis in early 2024. These new facilities are part of a larger growth plan to improve the supply chain and capabilities of Sam's Club. The St. Louis facility will be located in Edwardsville, Illinois, and will create over 100 jobs. The Minneapolis facility will be in Shakopee, Minnesota, and will employ over 80 associates. This announcement follows Sam's Club's plans to open new centers in Oklahoma City and Lithia Springs, Georgia. [Extracted from the article]

Walmart has partnered with Bamboo Rose to develop an enterprise sourcing platform (ESP) that will improve the company's business operations with its suppliers worldwide. The ESP will enhance collaboration between Walmart's sourcing associates, buyers, product development teams, and suppliers, leading to more informed purchasing decisions and potentially reducing waste in perishable goods and other sensitive product lines. The implementation of the ESP will streamline the supply chain, eliminate waste, and expand market access for products. This new global multicategory sourcing approach aligns with Walmart's commitment to everyday low cost for customers. [Extracted from the article]

Cyclyx International, a consortium-based plastic innovation company, has announced that Again Technologies has joined its consortium. Again Technologies, a supply chain partner, focuses on finding value in plastic and preventing it from ending up in landfills. The CEO of Again Technologies, Claudine Osipow, is excited about the partnership and believes it will help their mission to provide solutions for end-of-life plastic. Both Cyclyx and Again Technologies are committed to creating circular solutions for post-use plastics and recognize the importance of collaboration and leveraging different recycling outlets. [Extracted from the article]

Afresh Technologies and Albertsons Companies have announced the deployment of the Afresh platform in over 2,200 Albertsons Cos. banner stores, including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Vons, and ACME. The platform uses AI to improve decision-making in the fresh food supply chain, reducing food waste and increasing in-stock rates. The rollout follows a successful pilot in the meat and seafood departments and will enable department managers to place profit-maximizing orders. Albertsons aims to have zero waste going to landfill by 2030 and sees the Afresh platform as a way to help achieve this goal. [Extracted from the article]

A report published by FMI states that 47% of seafood consumers consider a store's commitment to sustainable seafood as an important factor when deciding where to purchase seafood. However, many consumers are confused about what sustainability actually means, so retailers must educate shoppers on what makes their seafood sustainable. Different businesses use the term in different ways, with some referring to locally caught selections and others focusing on ethical sourcing or organic criteria. Retailers can use labeling systems and online platforms to provide clear information and certifications to help consumers make informed choices. Employee training programs can also help communicate the importance of sustainability to customers. However, a lack of transparency in seafood supply chains makes it challenging for retailers to track the origins and environmental sustainability of seafood products. Despite these challenges, retailers can serve as a valuable resource for shoppers in navigating the complexities of sustainable seafood. [Extracted from the article]

Natalia Duane, a 23-year-old CRM and loyalty marketing specialist at Giant Food, has had a unique upbringing, living in 10 countries due to her mother's diplomatic career. Duane's global perspective and values, including a strong interest in health and sustainability, have influenced her work at Giant Food. She manages email communications and contributes to loyalty program strategies, with aspirations to become a manager and oversee people. Duane is passionate about diversity and inclusion and aims to provide customers with the best shopping experience. However, she acknowledges the challenges of not being able to control all aspects of operations and the supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has partnered with Redwood Materials to establish a recycling agreement for automotive batteries. This collaboration aims to create sustainable pathways for the end-of-life management of batteries and contribute to the production of new automotive batteries for Toyota's future electric vehicles. As Toyota's fleet of electrified vehicles reaches the end of their lifecycle, the demand for battery recycling is expected to increase. Redwood's recycling facility in Nevada will support Toyota's North American supply chain and enhance sustainability. This partnership aligns with Toyota's goal of achieving carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and carbon neutrality for its vehicles by 2050. [Extracted from the article]

Aurubis, a German metals supplier, is investing nearly $700 million in a new secondary smelter for complex recycling materials in Richmond County, Georgia. This facility, the first of its kind in North America, is expected to be operational in the second half of 2024. Aurubis aims to establish a reliable and sustainable supply chain for recyclable materials and is also investing over $200,000 in scholarships and job training programs for young workers in the community. The company believes that this state-of-the-art recycling plant will create long-term, secure jobs and contribute to the electric vehicle ecosystem. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports the changes in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier relations. The supply chain evolution in airline company Boeing is highlighted, where it has shifted from 787 to post-tier 1 strategy. The implications of the shift in the supply chain concept are highlighted, which include increase in aircraft OEM margins, financial pressure to be faced by suppliers and origination of new opportunities for suppliers.

The article focuses on the efforts of supermarkets in providing cleaning supplies and paper goods during COVID-19 pandemic. It reports an increase in demand for bath tissue, paper towel, disinfecting wipes and hand soap during the pandemic. It presents views of Norman Weiss, purchasing manager at retail industry Weavers Way, on the impact of stockpiling of cleaning products on supply chain.

The article focuses on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on executive compensation, as of February 2021. It presents views of Jose Tamez, managing general partner of executive research firm Austin-Michael, on payments and compensations for executives. It also reports on an increased demand for skillsets in supply chain and technology.

Eastern Iowa truck drivers are helping combat food insecurity through an Iowa City volunteer program, Table to Table. Volunteers like Steve Smith, a retired food transport industry professional, collect surplus food from donors and redistribute it to partners and people who can use it. [Extracted from the article]

This agreement between IperionX and ELG will use scrap titanium feedstocks from manufacturing waste and end-of-life titanium metal products, to re-shore advanced low-carbon titanium metal production and create a more sustainable, 100% recycled U.S. titanium supply chain. To ensure a more affordable and sustainable domestic manufacturing sector, the U.S. needs to re-shore low carbon titanium production, unlock new sources of titanium materials and close the loop of the supply chain by recycling more titanium metal. ELG will supply clean titanium scrap metal and IperionX will use its patented titanium processing technologies to produce low-carbon titanium metal for a more sustainable and fully circular supply chain. [Extracted from the article]

Flexible films are the most prevalent plastic packaging material in the U.S. - double that of the widely used resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - over 12 billion pounds of film flow into the market a year. One such project involves consulting firm Resource Recycling Systems (RRS); a group of brands (P&G, Nestle Purina, PepsiCo to name a few); and a Berks County, Pennsylvania materials recovery facility (MRF). [Extracted from the article]

Walmart will open a new case-ready beef facility in Kansas, building upon its strategy to create an end-to-end angus beef supply chain. Walmart first entered the angus beef business and announced its ambition to create an end-to-end supply chain in 2019, with the goal of providing more options for customers looking for transparency and higher-quality meat. [Extracted from the article]

b B Buchar: b Orbex is the world's first global marketplace for authenticated recycled commodities, connecting buyers and sellers of sought-after recycled commodities. Orbex's supporting technology incorporates a secure, authenticated recycled commodities registry, block-chain-enabled material traceability function, and a digital commodities transaction marketplace. [Extracted from the article]

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 2367) would authorize funding for the creation of thousands of new truck parking spaces, and the Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-Takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act (LICENSE) (H.R. 3013) would modernize and streamline the commercial driver's license process. H.R. 3372 would allow trucks weighing as much as 91,000 pounds on six axles to travel on federal interstates. The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently passed three bills that could help the supply chain and grocers across the country. [Extracted from the article]

Hy-Vee just got kudos for its transparency within this supply chain... Coffee Chocolate Tuna (that's the one!) B BONUS question: b Kroger's now ending weekly paper ad mailers for all its brands. Here are the results of this week's SN News Quiz!. [Extracted from the article]

Dollar General announced recent expansions in its global supply chain network including the opening of its first ground-up, dual facility in Blair, Neb., and two permanent regional distribution hubs in Newnan, Ga., and Fort Worth, Texas. Dollar General, headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tenn., recently opened its Blair distribution center, which is expected to create approximately 400 new careers at full capacity and represents an approximate $140 million investment in Washington County, Neb. [Extracted from the article]

B About Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. b Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. is a U.S. corporation that develops, manufactures, and assembles complete fuel cell systems as well as supplying customers with critical components for fuel cells in the renewable energy sector. ISELIN, N.J. & BOSTON -BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions, a global leader in precious metals and catalysis, and Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADN), an innovation-driven leader in the fuel cell and hydrogen technology sectors, have concluded the terms of a new agreement to join efforts in building a full loop component supply chain for fuel cells and enter discussions to extend the partnership into the field of water electrolysis. [Extracted from the article]

West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee, which placed fourth on the second edition of Greenpeace USA's retailer report, committed to releasing its supplying vessel list in 2021 after consultation with Greenpeace USA and in partnership with FishWise. It remains the only company that has made this commitment, even as the retailer ranking report highlights the immediate need for improvement and transparency in global tuna supply chains. [Extracted from the article]

Dollar Tree, Inc., announced a key executive leadership addition, with Mike Kindy joining the organization as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Kindy has more than 34 years of management experience in retail logistics and operating distribution centers. [Extracted from the article]

The US Congress has introduced several bills in recent months that would impact the rollout and implementation of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. According to Rosenworcel, the FCC and its partner CostQuest have improved the broadband map both by processing millions of location challenges, and through CostQuest's acquisition of better location data. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a growing demand for new helicopters in 2008. It states that the global appetite for commercial rotorcraft shows no signs of weakening as airframe manufacturers expand capacity and carefully manage supply chains to keep production lines rolling. According to Stephen Estill, vice president and chief marketing officer for Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., the chief challenge that lies ahead is carefully monitoring the supply chain and partnering with suppliers.

The article focuses on Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) that is taking off to new heights in the United States. The F-35 is the Defense Department's bold attempt to fully integrate PBL into a massive weapons system acquisition. PBL involves supporting and sustaining a weapon system based on exceptional performance throughout its operational life. PBL will lead suppliers to assume a greater responsibility in providing more long-term, ongoing improvements to their products that will keep the supply chain fully engaged in the system from cradle to grave.

The article focuses on the frustrations expressed by airline CEOs, such as airBaltic's CEO Martin Gauss and Spirit Airlines' CEO Ted Christie, regarding the prolonged repair times and the impact on their fleet operations. It mentions the challenges faced by the aviation industry in meeting emission reduction targets within the prescribed timeline and the potential hindrance caused by engine reliability issues, with Pratt & Whitney's PW10006-powered narrowbodies.

Lower maximum residue level limits and food labeling rules are among the top concerns facing U.S. almond producers, according to Sara Garcia Figuera, a technical consultant with Prospero & Partners. Shipping and supply chain woes are not the only headwinds facing U.S. agricultural goods. [Extracted from the article]

The Consumer Brands Association said it supported the passage of some of the supply chain provisions in last month's 2023 government spending package. This includes initiatives such as the recently launched Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW), a program allows the DOT to leverage data sharing at key nodes in the supply chain. [Extracted from the article]