Marriott Expands Luxury All-Inclusive Portfolio to Enhance the Customer Experience
Marriott International recently announced the expansion of luxury offerings within its All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. After the successful introduction of the Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, Marriott has expanded its footprint with the recent addition of the Almare and Paraiso de la Bonita resorts in Mexico, along with the upcoming W Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, set to open this spring.
The Almare resort, located on the serene Isla Mujeres in Mexico, is Marriott’s first luxury all-inclusive property in the country. The adults-only resort, which opened last October, offers 109 suites and a variety of premium amenities, including gourmet dining options and a tranquil spa. Additionally, the fully renovated Paraiso de la Bonita, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, joined the Luxury Collection in January 2025. The resort combines a boutique experience with world-class dining and wellness offerings, offering guests a peaceful retreat by the Caribbean’s turquoise waters.
W Punta Canis is poised to bring a vibrant atmosphere to the all-inclusive luxury market. The resort will feature W Hotels’ signature bold design, along with a no-reservation policy, diverse dining experiences, and dynamic wellness offerings. The brand also plans to incorporate its renowned luxury brands, JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, into its all-inclusive portfolio. This includes future resorts like the JW Marriott All-Inclusive in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, and Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to enjoy exclusive benefits, and earning points while indulging in these luxurious stays.
ALDI Shifts Strategy While Maintaining Strong Growth Plans
After announcing its acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from Southeastern Grocers (SEG) a year and a half ago, ALDI U.S. is adjusting its approach to store transformations and expansion. The retailer plans to divest approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys locations, refocusing its efforts on converting a smaller number of these stores. Despite this shift, ALDI remains committed to its growth trajectory and is intensifying its expansion plans by opening at least 225 new stores this year, including 100 conversions of Harveys Supermarkets and Winn Dixie stores along with new ALDI stores mostly centered in the Western part of the U.S. The company also projects that around 220 SEG locations will be transformed into ALDI stores by 2027.
ALDI CEO Jason Hart said, “When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth. Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service, and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter.” Hart added, “Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat.”
ALDI’s aggressive growth plans have seen 120 new stores in 2024 alone. ALDI President Dave Rinaldo pointed out that 25% of U.S. consumers shop at ALDI. The Batavia, Illinois-based grocery chain serves customers across over 2,300 stores in 38 states.
Tillamook Celebrates 116 Years of Dairy With Its “Boatload of Cheese” Giveaway
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) celebrated
National Cheddar Day on February 13, 2025, by kicking off an exciting giveaway that honors its century-long history. To mark the founding of the cooperative on February 13, 1909, Tillamook is offering a lucky winner the chance to receive a literal boatload of cheese or 1909 pounds of cheese. The giveaway marks the company’s commitment to providing quality dairy products for over 116 years. The campaign runs through February 20, 2025, allowing fans to enter for a chance to win almost a metric ton of Tillamook cheese.
TCCA Executive Vice President of Marketing Kate Boltin said, “For over a century, our farmer-owned co-operative has shared the same determination that inspired those aboard the historic Morning Star. Since the ship’s maiden voyage, we’ve continued to deliver an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients you can taste. Generations of dairy fans have fueled our passion for delivering premium cheddar, and that’s why we are going overboard this year by gifting a literal boatload of cheese.”
The campaign is a nod to Tillamook’s history with the Morning Star, a boat used by the original farmers to share their dairy products beyond the Oregon Coast. The brand’s rich legacy is highlighted through an omnichannel campaign that pays tribute to the co-op’s origins, featuring creative content that connects Tillamook’s past with its current commitment to providing exceptional dairy. As part of the campaign, Tillamook is offering a free $6.00 cheese coupon to the first 15,000 people who enter the promotion.
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