General Merchandise/HBC

Mary Ruiz of Alltown Fresh C-Store Chain Talks New Products, Trends in Center Store

'It's never a dull moment,' category manager tells CSP

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Mary Ruiz, center store category manager at Global Partners, Waltham, Massachusetts, which owns the Alltown Fresh convenience-store chain.

Ruiz talks about excitement in the category with the influx of new items—and, in this role for just seven months, discusses what has surprised her so far.

Ruiz also touches on trends she’s watching. 

“I see in a lot of global cuisines, people going after new flavors, frozen foods,” she said of the grocery category, adding that she wants to bring more innovation to the category.

There’s also more awareness around healthier and less-processed foods, she said.

“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

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