Cigna completes Express Scripts deal
Cigna Corp. has successfully completed its combination with Express Scripts Holding Company effective December 20, 2018.
Business
Southern U.S. continues to top this week’s Walgreens Flu Index
The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranks those states and markets experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country.
PepsiCo announces leadership appointments
PepsiCo announced today that Albert Carey, chief executive officer, PepsiCo North America, will retire at the end of March 2019 after nearly four decades at PepsiCo.
U.S. Farm Bill signed into law
President Trump has signed the Farm Bill, which had bipartisan support in Congress, into law. The signing of the $867 billion Farm Bill removes industrial hemp from a list of federally controlled substances.
Packaged Facts reports Walmart gaining ground in groceries
Walmart is the in-store grocery leader. Some 27% of in-store grocery purchasers say Walmart is the in-store retailer they get groceries from most, more than twice as many as Kroger, the next most chosen retailer, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the report U.S.
Walgreens earnings beat Wall Street projections
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) on Thursday reported first quarter double-digit earnings growth for fiscal 2019 that beat analysts’ expectations, while revenue fell short of forecasts. The retailer’s revenue was $33.79 billion.
Rite Aid reports fiscal 2019 third quarter results
Rite Aid Corp. today reported operating results for its third fiscal quarter ended December 1. For the third quarter, the company reported net loss from continuing operations of $17.3 million, or $0.02 per share, Adjusted net income from continuing operations of $14.7 million, or $0.
Rite Aid, McKesson continue partnership
CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid Corp. and McKesson Corp. announced an agreement to key terms that will continue the companies’ pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution partnership for an additional 10 years.
GSK, Pfizer create O-T-C giant
GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Pfizer Inc. have struck a deal that will create the largest over-the-counter drug company in the world. GSK paved the way for a split into two companies, agreeing to create the consumer-health joint venture with Pfizer.
Fred’s announces Q3 results
Fred’s, Inc. today reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2018. The retailer also announced it will complete the transfer of prescription files from 179 of its pharmacies to Walgreens Boots Alliance early next year.
The Senate and House pass U.S. Farm Bill; waiting on Trump’s signature
The House on Wednesday passed a $867 billion U.S. Farm Bill. The bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday by a vote of 87-13, now heads to the president’s desk for signature.
Acosta reveals top 10 CPG industry predictions for 2019
The consumer packaged goods industry is rapidly evolving, and a New Year will usher in even more changes.
Kroger buying part of Shopko’s pharmacy business
According to various published reports, Kroger Co. has acquired a portion of Shopko’s pharmacy business, according to a spokesperson for Kroger-owned Roundy’s stores. The transaction impacts 42 Shopko pharmacy locations. Twenty-five of those Shopko pharmacies are located in Wisconsin.
U.S. Farm Bill expected to be voted on as early as next week
The final 2018 U.S. Farm Bill could be voted on next week. The bill would legalize hemp cultivation and could be a catalyst for explosive growth in a emerging industry that some analysts forecast could top $20 billion by 2022.
CBDfx ramps up CBD gummy line with hemp legalization pending
CBD industry leader CBDfx has sped up production of their CBD products this week, including popular new Turmeric & Spirulina Gummies, on the heels of what they expect to be explosive demand.
Small businesses accelerate growth with RangeMe Services
RangeMe has launched an innovative opportunity for consumer packaged goods (CPG) suppliers to get their products ready for retail faster and more efficiently. RangeMe Services will help suppliers ensure their products are shelf-ready and optimized for buyer discovery.