By day, Marium “Mario” Bryant is known as the “singing produce manager” at Stater Bros. in Southern California. But in the evening, he is pursuing an entertainment career – and doing so with the full support of his employer. In fact, Bryant won a National Anthem singing contest sponsored by the grocer. Bryant began his […]
Author Archives: Jack R. Jordan
Jack is a former Content Creator at The Shelby Report.
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Amazon Fresh, West, Whole Foods
Whole Foods CEO Hails Company’s ‘Higher Purpose, Core Values’
LAS VEGAS – Among the highlights of opening day at Groceryshop 2022 was a keynote conversation with Jason Buechel, the new CEO of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market. Making his first public appearance since taking the helm, Buechel was interviewed Monday by Joe Laszlo, VP of content for Groceryshop, on the main stage at Mandalay […]
Posted inWoman Executive of the Year, Southwest
Six Years In, Jones’ Impact Has Been Immediate, Far Reaching
Rosemary Jones, The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2022 Woman Executive of the Year, has a long history of connecting with the local community. She finds it to be some of the most important work she has done throughout her three decades in Tyler, Texas. In that same vein, Brookshire Grocery Co. also prides itself […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
‘Leading CPG And Grocery Event’ Opens In Las Vegas
Groceryshop has returned. The popular convention got underway Monday at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to the convention’s website, “Across four days, our jam-packed agenda will feature informative, unrivaled talks on the changing grocery landscape from 200-plus industry leaders, as well as opportunities to connect and network with peers and potential […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Naifeh’s Cash Saver Only Independent Grocer Left In Town
In the small western Tennessee town of Covington sits a landmark that has been part of the community for 112 years – the independent grocery store, Naifeh’s Cash Saver. Owner Judson William Oney Naifeh, is a fourth-generation grocer. His great-grandfather immigrated from Beirut, Lebanon, before starting a trading business under a different name. His grandfather […]
Posted inCenter Store, New Products, West
New Seasonings From Laura Scudder’s Target Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got better as Newport Beach, California-based Laura Scudder’s has introduced two new seasonings – Taco Green Onion and Taco Toasted Onion. “We are so pleased with these new additions to our product line. The flavors are bold and unique and the quality of our ingredient mix is second to none,” said Michael […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
MGA’s Shaul Hopes Industry Learns From Supply Chain Reaction
Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, and his members are dealing with many of the same issues that consistently trouble the industry nationwide, with supply chain challenges and labor shortages atop the list. These issues have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are just symptoms of each other, according to […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest
RGA Trumpets Toppling Of Food Sales Tax In Kansas
The Retail Grocers Association of Greater Kansas City is celebrating a victory in the Kansas Legislature – the reduction and eventual elimination of the state’s food sales tax. Since 1960, the state has had one of the highest rates in the country. It currently sits at 6.5 percent, according to Jon McCormick, president and CEO […]
Posted inPackaging News, Market Profile, West
New Law Requires Retailers To Reduce Single-Use Plastics
The California Grocers Association is keeping its eye on two laws that could change the way retailers conduct business and how businesses outside of the state work with the retailers. Senate Bill 54, or the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, is the first of the measures. It took effect June 30 and requires retailers to decrease […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Setback Leaves TGCSA Feeling ‘Liberated To Pursue Other Ideas’
“Whenever we’d proposed any changes…they said, ‘No, we had a deal and this would break the deal.’ Well, now they came along and broke the deal,” said Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association. Ikard’s remarks were in reference to recent political maneuvering that has eliminated case discounts on […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Remains True To Its Roots
From its humble beginnings as a roadside produce stand in Warwick to 10 grocery store locations across several cities, Dave’s Fresh Marketplace has been serving Rhode Island since 1969. The state’s largest locally owned and operated independent grocery, the company is pleased with the recent reopening of its Dave’s West Shore location in Warwick, near […]
Posted inPackaging News, Association News, Market Profile, Northeast
Rhode Island Retailers Readying For Reusable Bag Requirement
Retailers in Rhode Island are preparing for a major change in disposable plastics in the state. On May 27, Gov. Daniel McKee signed the Plastic Waste Reduction Act, according to a post on the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association’s website. The act will take effect one year after the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issues […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Market Profile, Southeast
Ricky Joy Company Serves Up Drinks, Candies And Jellies
Colombian entrepreneur Julio Bayona wanted to create a product for kids of all ages and ethnicities. Coming from a background of focusing on Latino-centered retailed ventures, he founded Alpharetta, Georgia-based the Ricky Joy Company with that in mind. “We had a dream to be mainstream,” Bayona said in a recent interview with The Shelby Report […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
At Leppinks Food Centers, Each Store A ‘True Neighborhood Market’
Leppinks Food Centers is a fourth-generation, family-operated company headquartered in Belding, Michigan. The seven Leppink stores are owned and run by John Leppink, his brother-in-law, Rich Cole, and John’s cousin, Ransom Leppink. John Leppink, the majority owner, has four of the Leppinks locations but also six Save A Lot Food Stores and a True Value […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI: Hybrid Grocery Shopping Is Transforming Food Retail
FMI, the Food Industry Association recently presented its “Navigating A Hybrid World” as part of its U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 series. The third edition of the series, the June 9 presentation focused on how retailers and consumers are adapting and utilizing both in-store and online shopping techniques in the post-pandemic market. “This year’s trends […]
Posted inDairy News, Bakery News, Deli News, Southeast
IDDBA Expo Showcases The Industry’s Biggest Trends
As the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association expo kicked into its second day, visitors and exhibitors from around the world are showcasing their products. The show is being attended by more than 10,000 visitors with over 800 exhibits. Like many longstanding events, the IDDBA had taken a pandemic induced hiatus and many people are excited […]
Posted inDairy News, Southeast
IDDBA Returns For First In-Person Gathering In Two Years
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association kicked off its annual expo June 6 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. After being canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IDDBA expo returned to bring suppliers and wholesalers face to face. The IDDBA aims to bring “today’s leaders with tomorrow’s […]