Latest news with #TwoBuckChuck
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
The Friday Checkout: Kroger investigation is a reminder for grocers to button up their pricing
Consumer Reports, The Guardian and the Food & Environment Reporting Network released on Wednesday an investigation claiming Kroger has a "price tag problem" that leads to overcharging shoppers on sale items. "Kroger stores in multiple states, the investigation has revealed, show a pattern of overcharging customers by frequently listing expired sale prices on the shelves and then ringing up the regular prices at checkout," The Guardian story says. The investigation is based, in part, on the three news outlets tapping "secret shoppers" across more than a dozen states as well as union grocery workers in Colorado to document pricing discrepancies with purchases. Kroger told the news outlets that the price tag errors represented "a few dozen examples across several years out of billions of customer transactions annually." "While any error is unacceptable, the characterization of widespread pricing concerns is patently false," the grocer said in a statement, noting that it is "committed to affordable and accurate pricing" and conducts price checks regularly that review "millions of items weekly to ensure our shelf prices are accurate." The report adds to Kroger's chaos this year, from the sudden exit of top executive Rodney McMullen after an ethics investigation to the grocer's legal battles with Albertsons and C&S Wholesale Grocers over their failed merger attempt. The explosive report also comes at a time when grocers are facing ongoing scrutiny from government officials, watchdog groups and consumers (as well as Grocery Dive) over their pricing practices as shoppers continue to worry about how much they spend on groceries. A lawsuit filed earlier this year accuses Publix of overcharging shoppers for certain on-sale foods sold by weight, such as cheeses and deli items. The increased scrutiny on grocers' prices and sales serves as a reminder to supermarkets to button up their strategies and technologies so they avoid pricing errors. In case you missed it Wholesale clubs outpace Walmart in store visit growth Price-sensitive shoppers are buying in bulk these days. In the first quarter of this year, wholesale clubs outpaced superstore retailers in-store visit growth, according to Costco saw visits rise 6.1% during Q1, while BJ's Wholesale Club saw visits increase 4% and Sam's Club enjoyed a 2.7% bump in traffic. Visits to Walmart, meanwhile, declined 2.4% while store visits to Target declined 4.1%. Placer noted that year-over-year traffic growth at Walmart turned positive in April while Target's decline shrank to 3.3%, indicating consumers are stocking up ahead of expected impacts from tariffs. Grocery Outlet uncorks a $5 wine Eager to take on Trader Joe's famous Two Buck Chuck label, Grocery Outlet has come out with its own budget line of wine. According to SFGate, Grocery Outlet recently debuted Second Cheapest Wine, which includes pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and two types of chardonnay, for $4.99 per bottle. The wines are currently available at stores in five states - California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada. SpartanNash is hot for brats Frankly speaking, there's no better time than now to fire up a grilling-themed display in grocery stores. SpartanNash has heeded the call, announcing this week that it's setting up a limited-time bratwurst-themed destination inside Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market and Martin's Super Market stores. The Brat Shop, which is open through Labor Day, offers an eye-catching selection of bratwurst, including pineapple teriyaki, smoky honey barbecue, zesty cheddar taco and a local delicacy known as the Michigander that has a cherry finish. Impulse find Aldi wants shoppers to light a "Burning Cash" candle Aldi is coming out with a new line of scented candles. But they're not the kind that you light to freshen up a room or unwind at the end of the day. The discounter's new must-have counter companions smell like burning cash. Sounds refreshing, no? Ever eager to let shoppers know it has really low prices, Aldi plans to make a limited batch of candles available to shoppers via a dedicated website starting May 21. Those lucky enough to score the home decor dream glow-up that Aldi generously claims carries "soft, smokey undertones" will get not one, but two Burning Cash candles. The second candle is ostensibly to give to a friend who needs to switch to Aldi, but they also make a great gift for your least favorite coworker or as a handy way to get rid of vermin in your attic. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular Trader Joe's wine brand has bad news, making harsh choice
Business Popular Trader Joe's wine brand has bad news, making harsh choice Many businesses will tell you that nothing turned things around for them like covid did in the early 2020s. For some, the turmoil we all went through in 2020 was actually a good thing for business. Related: Struggling retail chain sounds the alarm on growing problem That tended to be the case for many health and wellness companies. Over the past few years, more people have gotten interested in taking charge of their own personal wellness. Perhaps that meant getting more active, so some companies that make personal gym equipment or workout accessories have been flying high. Consider brands like Hoka, which makes popular running sneakers, and Oura, which makes a wearable fitness ring. Some companies, however, saw covid turn things upside down for them. This included many brick and mortar businesses, which were flattened by a retreat in customers. Many mom and pop shops struggled to make it through months with little to no foot traffic. And many were gobbled up by larger corporate incumbents. Other businesses that struggled operated in the food and drink industry, particularly some in the alcohol business. Many winemakers have struggled in recent years. Shutterstock The alcohol industry is fickle At the beginning of covid, when there was little else to do, drinking rates went up around the U.S. Many liquor stores either never closed or reopened quickly, identifying demand for booze from bored customers. More closings: And some restaurants quickly followed. Many began offering cocktails to go in portable pouches. Some breweries and vineyards followed suit, offering outdoor seating and limited capacities for people to drink in the great outdoors. But interest in drinking has steadily waned since the height of the pandemic. Many Americans are taking more of an interest in their health and cutting down on alcohol consumption. This is particularly true for younger generations; about 65% of Gen Z indicated they plan on drinking less, and drinking rates among young people is down by between 40-60% over the last 20 years. Popular cheap winemaker is struggling And while there will probably always be a market for wine, particularly the expensive kind that you can impress your dinner guests with, other pockets of the industry are encountering trouble. Bronco Wine Co., the maker of the popular Trader Joe's Charles Shaw brand -- and better known as Two Buck Chuck -- is one such brand. Related: Walmart makes a major change to your delivery service The California winery announced its second round of layoffs, indicating it plans to eliminate over 140 positions. The layoffs will be across several key areas, including: 21 drivers 14 cellar operators 3 territory sales representatives Many of the layoffs will take place in its Central Valley facility in Ceres, Calif. and are slotted to happen by June 16, 2025. Earlier in 2025, it eliminated over 80 positions. The company has cited operational issues and squeezed profits as a reason for the layoffs. "This decision was not made lightly … While these changes are difficult, they are also necessary. We stand at a critical juncture – not just responding to current challenges, but making bold moves to build a resilient, more focused organization for the future," Bronco CEO Dom Engels said in a statement. Earlier in 2025, the company said a "major reorganization in operations and workforce" was necessary to continue. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 6:33 AM.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Trader Joe's 'Two Buck Chuck' Winemaker Announces More Mass Layoffs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A California winery has revealed plans to eliminate nearly 150 positions, citing shifting industry trends and ongoing economic challenges as the driving factors. The Bronco Wine Company, known for its Charles Shaw brand or "Two Buck Chuck," sold exclusively at Trader Joe's, said the move was necessary due to the "evolving dynamics of the wine industry and broader economic pressures." When contacted by Newsweek, the Bronco Wine Company said it had no comment on the layoffs beyond its initial statement. Why It Matters The U.S. wine industry is facing a number of headwinds at present, including a decline in consumption, particularly among younger drinkers. Adding to this is the potential impact of the administration's trade policies, and the prospect of rising operational costs from tariffs leading to even narrower margins for American producers. What To Know The Ceres, California-based company was founded in 1973, and has since grown into one of the country's largest wine producers, according to VinePair. Bronco Wine Co. employed around 750 people in Ceres at the start of the year, CBS reported. Earlier this month, the company submitted a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to the state of California, indicating plans to lay off 146 employees at its Bystrum Road facility in Ceres. Stock image: A case with logo for Charles Shaw wine is pictured, Lafayette, California, December 8, 2021. Stock image: A case with logo for Charles Shaw wine is pictured, Lafayette, California, December 8, 2021. Gado/Getty Images In a statement quoted by the Sacramento-based outlet KCRA 3, Bronco said that the decision was necessary "due to a significant downturn in business revenues, necessitating a major reorganization in operations and workforce." This follows Bronco's February announcement that it would be laying off 81 people at its Stanislaus County winery, bringing the total workforce reduction in 2025 to nearly 230. As quoted by CBS Sacramento at the time, the company attributed the layoffs to "challenging headwinds in the wine industry," including "shifting population demographics, consumer trends and industry headwinds, and over supply of wine grapes in the marketplace." In addition to these longer-term difficulties, the U.S. wine industry is currently grappling with the impacts of the President Donald Trump administration's trade policies, including the global, 10 percent tariff announced on April 2, as well as the higher rates on certain import partners. In March, Trump threatened to impose a 200 percent tariff on wine and champagne from the European Union, though this has not come into effect. Stock image: Rolling hills with grape vines are seen in a vineyard, Camino, California, September 14, 2024. Stock image: Rolling hills with grape vines are seen in a vineyard, Camino, California, September 14, 2024. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images U.S. winemakers, who spoke to NPR earlier in April, said that tariffs on imported items such as barrels, corks and bottles could raise their operational costs substantially, which they would be forced to pass on to customers. In addition, the ongoing "buy Canadian" boycott, adopted in response to Trump's tariffs and calls to turn Canada into a 51st state, has taken aim at American-made wines and resulted in further headwinds for domestic producers. According to the Wine Institute, a California-based advocacy organization, Canada had previously accounted for 35 percent of all U.S. wine exports before this protest. What People Are Saying Dom Engels, Bronco Wine Co. president and CEO, said: "This decision was not made lightly. We deeply appreciate the valuable contributions of every employee affected, and we are committed to providing support and resources to help ease the transition. While these changes are difficult, they are also necessary. We stand at a critical juncture—not just responding to current challenges, but making bold moves to build a resilient, more focused organization for the future." Bronco Wine Co., in a statement shared with Newsweek, said: "In recent months, Bronco Wine Co. has taken a series of intentional steps to redefine the company and strengthen its position in the U.S. wine industry. Today's announcement marks a pivotal moment for Bronco Wine Co., as it now directs its attention toward growth and long-term stability." The Wine Institute, in response to Trump's April 2 tariff announcements, said: "Today's announcement of new tariffs will only make it harder for American wineries to regain access to Canada, by far our most important export market. In early March, Canada cleared its shelves of all U.S. wine and continues to block its sale. As this dispute drags on, it is creating economic instability at a time when the industry is already under significant pressure." What Happens Next The layoffs are set to go into effect on June 16, KCRA reports.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
California winery that produces "Two Buck Chuck" to cut nearly 150 more jobs
CERES – For the second time this year, Bronco Wine Company, more known for its product Charles Shaw or "Two Buck Chuck," is cutting jobs. The wine company in Ceres says it has to cut 146 employees as it adjusts to what it calls "evolving industry dynamics," and it's not the first time. The company laid off more than 80 workers earlier this year. One of the Central Valley's biggest producers has laid off more than 220 workers since the start of the year. Their reason is consumer behavior and population shifts. Some students at Stanislaus State said wine just isn't on their radar. "I think Gen Z goes towards Hard Arizona, Twisted Teas, Iced Smirnof,f things like that," a student said. Grower Stuart Spencer agrees, saying the issue isn't how much Gen Z drinks, it's what they're drinking. Hard seltzers, cocktails in a can and cheaper grab-and-go options are dominating. "One of the rising categories are these ready-to-drink, RTD type products that are competing directly with wine," Spencer said. The changing taste buds are leaving a big mark on the industry. "There's a lot that's happening right now," Spencer said. "There's a lot growers are doing it, removing vineyards and reducing supply." In Stanislaus County, the total wine grape production value is on the decline, falling 21% from 2019 to 2023. "You know, the whole industry has been struggling the last couple years as we've seen decreased demand," Spencer said. Spencer said the economy plays a role in demand and young people. At the start of the year, Bronco Wine Company stated they had 750 employees here in Ceres. They've lost over 220 employees since.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stanislaus-based winery announces 146 more layoffs. First wave was 81
Bronco Wine Co. will lay off 146 more employees on top of the 81 announced in February. The company, based south of Ceres, announced the new job losses in a notice to the California Employment Development Department. A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday, April 24. Before the first round, Bronco had employed about 750 people at four plants. Three make wine: off Keyes Road in Stanislaus County and near Escalon and Madera. A bottling plant is in Napa. The first layoffs took effect April 8, and the second round will be as of June 16. They include subsidiaries WC Ag Services, Inc., which operates vineyards, and Bivio Transport and Logistics Co. LLC. The locations were not specified for the layoffs, which will be permanent. The moves come amid a slump in the California wine industry. Experts have attributed it to changing consumer tastes and an oversupply of grapes, compounded recently by tariffs. In its first layoff notice, Bronco cited 'a significant downturn in business revenues, necessitating a major reorganization in operations and workforce.' Bronco was founded in 1973 by three grandsons of Teresa and Guisepe Franzia, who built their namesake winery in northeast Ripon in 1906. Bronco does not own the Franzia boxed wine line, which is part of The Wine Group, based in Livermore. Bronco sought from the start to make wine affordable to more people, mostly famously Two Buck Chuck. That was the nickname of the Charles Shaw label, initially selling for $1.99 at Trader Joe's. Fred Franzia was the most prominent leader following the launch with his brother, Joseph, and their cousin John Franzia. Fred died in 2022 and John in 2024. Bronco has extensive vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley, as well as premium coastal regions. The company remains under family ownership and does not disclose financial details. Stanislaus County also faces job cuts in its poultry industry. Foster Farms announced in January that 519 raw turkey workers in Turlock would be let go as of May 9. The cooked-turkey portion of the operation will continue. Turkey workers could seek openings in the company's Valley chicken plants. Displaced people in all types of business can get help on retraining and other services at Stanislaus County Workforce Development.
