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McLane Launches New Chicken Program at McLane Engage

via Business Wire

Annual three-day event brings industry leaders together for networking, educational sessions and more

Today, McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America and an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant brands, unveiled HiBird, its new premium chicken program designed for convenience stores. The announcement was made at McLane Engage, the company’s annual trade show, which began July 22 and runs through July 24 in New Orleans.

HiBird, part of the McLane Fresh family of brands, brings a craveable lineup of fresh food offerings tailored for convenience stores including chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, potato wedges and white cheddar mac and cheese. The program takes flight with HiBird’s bold new signature sauce, a standout take on comeback sauce that's creamy, tangy, savory and mildly spicy.

HiBird provides comprehensive support—from implementation and training to merchandising and equipment—enabling convenience stores to serve premium-quality chicken and sides that rival quick service restaurants. Designed for operational efficiency and ease of execution, the program meets rising consumer demand for high-quality foodservice in convenience retail while requiring only basic training for effective execution. With a long shelf life and the flexibility to be prepared in either a fryer or rapid cook oven, HiBird products offer versatile solutions that adapt seamlessly to various store formats.

“We’re proud to introduce our latest innovative program, HiBird, designed to help retailers meet growing consumer desire for chicken and demand for high-quality foodservice items,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane. “Attendees at Engage will be the first to sample our new offerings, which we’ve developed for rapid implementation and operational efficiency—making it easier for retailers to bring these new products to market quickly and seamlessly. Alongside this exciting launch, we have a schedule packed with educational and learning sessions. We look forward to connecting our customer and supplier partners for deals, networking and entertainment.”

This year's event features nearly 200 exhibitors, including title sponsors Hershey and Altria, showcasing a diverse range of brands representing the latest products for convenience stores. Emerging Brands, McLane’s new product discovering marketplace launched in 2024, will feature 12 exhibitors from its roster of over 330 brands and 3,900 products, with recent marketplace expansions in Health/Beauty/Wellness and General Merchandise. Attendees can also anticipate products and samplings from Kohana, a new ready-to-drink coffee energy beverage.

McLane’s private label subsidiary, Consumer Value Products Inc., will display newly refreshed items to sample, including:

  • YUMBEES – Various hard, gummy and chewy candies
  • Divinely Sweet – Mini cookies packed in a convenient cup for an on-the-go treat
  • Beau Dacious – Premium upcycled dog treats and pet toys

In addition to the latest and greatest in fresh and packaged food and beverage items, McLane will also feature new, data-driven technology solutions for suppliers and retailers, giving them instant access to data and insights empowering each to make faster and more meaningful business decisions.

“This year’s McLane Engage highlights how we partner with operators of all sizes to shape the future of retail,” said Chris Smith, president of McLane Retail. “Whether it’s innovative products or smarter, more cost-efficient solutions, everything we showcase reflects our commitment to meeting our customers where they are and helping them grow. We’re proud to be a strategic partner focused on innovation and driving real results in a rapidly evolving industry.”

The three-day event commenced yesterday with educational and networking sessions, EDU + BREW: Sip, Learn and Network. The first session, "Retail Reinvented: Innovation and Disruption Across Fresh Foods, Beverage and Private Label,” featured industry leaders discussing how innovation in fresh foods, beverages and private label is reshaping how c-store partners collaborate, compete and create value. Part two of the session, “Navigating the Regulatory Landscape,” provided insight into the current regulatory environment and legislative changes impacting the convenience store industry, along with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Today will feature a general session, starting with Vito Maurici and Murat Genc, McLane’s chief information technology and digital officer, sharing an update on company growth and new innovations underscoring its commitment to world-class customer and supplier experience. This year’s keynote speaker, Seth Mattison, author, futurist and expert on workforce trends, will lead the session, sharing insights on workforce trends, the impacts of AI and leadership. Wednesday will also feature pop-up learnings with valuable insights and actionable strategies from key industry experts. The day's events will conclude with a party at Mardi Gras World featuring the renowned New Orleans band, Galactic. The trade show will conclude Thursday with a networking breakfast and final day for the expo.

To learn more about McLane and its retail, restaurant and e-commerce solutions, visit mclaneco.com.

About McLane

Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers, and serves the world’s most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates, and delivers to nearly every zip code in the US. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

“We’re proud to introduce our latest innovative program, HiBird, designed to help retailers meet growing consumer desire for chicken and demand for high-quality foodservice items,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane.

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