Industry News

Prepared food powers the 22nd consecutive record year of in-store sales at U.S. convenience stores. Foodservice in U.S. convenience stores continues to set brands apart by offering diverse and exciting menu options. It also drove in-store sales to record levels in 2024, according to newly released data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Foodservice sales, which includes prepared food; commissary; and hot, cold, and frozen dispensed beverages, accounted for 28.7% of in-store sales and 39.6% of in-store gross margin dollars at convenience stores in 2024. Most foodservice sales are from prepared food, and that share has grown over the last five years. In 2024, prepared food accounted for 68.4% of foodservice sales. Foodservice sales have seen remarkable growth over the past 20 years. In 2004, 11.9% of in-store sales came from foodservice. Food-forward strategies at convenience stores are driving trips and enhancing customer experience. Despite sluggish convenience store sales…

Plans for Australia’s first large-scale advanced soft plastics recycling facility are a step closer, after Cleanaway and Viva Energy successfully completed their pre-feasibility study for the project. The collaboration will see the conversion of soft plastics into food-grade recycled plastics using Cleanaway’s collection infrastructure and Viva Energy’s refining and polymerisation capabilities. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 3 April 2025, which will see the project move to a full feasibility study – the next key step in delivery of the project. The partners will be undertaking a 12-month feasibility and engineering study for both the sorting of the plastic and its transformation into pyrolysis oil. This will involve engaging with technology providers and engineering support to develop an integrated concept design and provide greater clarity around the capital and delivery costs. The front-end engineering and design phase is expected to start in 2026, once details of the…

UCB celebrated its trade partners during a Gala Dinner at its annual 2025 UCB National Member Conference at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Following three days of insightful business sessions, a trade show, and numerous networking opportunities, attendees were treated to a Disney themed gala dinner, during which UCB recognised its trade partners that have gone above and beyond to provide excellent service. Winners are chosen based on feedback from UCB members, making the recognition all the more valuable. UCB 2025 Trade Partner Award Winners

In a world that’s evolving faster than ever – driven by technology, shifting consumer behaviours, and changing workforce expectations – there’s one constant we can’t afford to overlook: the power of great people. It’s our people that make the real difference. The convenience industry is, at its heart, a people business. Yes, we talk about innovation, automation, data and AI – and all of those are important. But none of it matters if the people driving the experience aren’t empowered, connected and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes. Leadership today is less about titles and more about influence. It’s about showing up with clarity, authenticity, and empathy. And more importantly, it’s about creating environments where individuals can do their best work – and feel proud doing it. The shift to hybrid work has fundamentally changed the way we operate. Flexibility isn’t a perk anymore – it’s an expectation. But while flexibility…

Shell said that once it owns the program, it will have the ability to work directly with participating brands. Shell Oil Products U.S. (“Shell”) has signed an agreement to acquire the Fuel Rewards loyalty program from PDI Technologies and Excentus Corporation, according to a press release. Fuel Rewards is a rewards program offered at over 12,000 participating Shell locations where members can save cents-per-gallon off on fuel. The program also includes stackable bonus offers from participating restaurants and retailers in addition to access to VIP experiences, gift cards and more. Barbara Stoyko, senior vice president, Shell mobility & convenience Americas said: “Customer loyalty is a key driver of growth to our business and our wholesalers’ businesses across the Shell network, and the signing of this agreement demonstrates our long-term commitment to our mutual success. After the transaction is completed, we will continue developing the Fuel Rewards program to meet the…