While his overall approval ratings may be inching downward, President Obama’s job approval ratings on the economy are holding steady. But “steady” means three in 10 Americans (30 percent) giving the president positive ratings for his handling of the economy; 70 percent still give him negative marks, which is unchanged from last month. These are […]
Author Archives: Kristen Cloud
Kristen was Editor at The Shelby Report.
Posted in, Industry News, National
Food Channel Unveils Top 10 Food Trends For 2014
The Food Channel has released its “Top 10 Food Trends for 2014.” Based on research conducted by The Food Channel in conjunction with CultureWaves, the list identifies the significant food movements consumers, foodservice professionals and manufacturers should watch for in the coming year. “This year it’s all about global flavors and customs. There is also […]
Posted in, National
Coldest Holiday In 20 Years Helped Put Seasonal Items In Customer Baskets
Business estimates from the Black Friday weekend are emerging, and they are indicating a solid start to the holiday shopping season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), there were more than 141 million unique shoppers who visited stores and websites over the long weekend, representing a 1.4 percent increase over last year. This includes […]
Posted in, National
How Transportation Costs Affect Fresh Fruit And Vegetable Prices
Fuel prices, understood to be a major driver of food prices in the U.S., can have significant impacts on food price levels and volatility, according to a recently released report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service. Since consumer demand for fruits and vegetables has been proven to be price sensitive, fuel price surges could significantly […]
Posted in, National
Winter Fancy Food Show To Feature Extensive Seminar Program
The Specialty Food Association has a full menu of seminars and workshops for its Winter Fancy Food Show designed for all levels of expertise, from emerging food entrepreneur to seasoned industry veteran. The show takes place Jan. 19-21 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. It is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, Southeast
State Of The Southeast: Region Sees Shakeup In 2013
A number of big stories came out of the southeastern states in 2013. Many of them involved companies having to regroup and/or sell off their holdings, but there were a couple of bright spots as well, including mergers and strong performance. Below are 10 of the most noteworthy stories as reported by The Shelby Report […]
Posted in, National
Frieda’s Introduces Flavor Essentials Program
Much like the “pantry essentials” list of ingredients every kitchen should have, Frieda’s Flavor Essentials are fresh specialty produce items produce departments should always have on hand in high volume to help shoppers elevate their everyday menu, according to Frieda’s. The five Flavor Essentials are Shallots, Ginger, Jicama, Fingerling Potatoes and Heirloom Tomatoes. These items […]
Posted in, Midwest, Store News
Target Donates $50K For Midwest Tornado Relief
Target Corp. has donated $50,000 in monetary support and product to assist with tornado relief efforts in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. The donation includes a $45,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross and $5,000 in gift cards to local nonprofits to provide items they need to help the community recover. “Our hearts […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Southwest
Argenta Market Launches Buy Local Campaign For Holiday Open House
Argenta Market, a full-service food store emphasizing Arkansas-grown and -made products, is keeping with its Arkansas theme for a holiday open house, to be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at 521 Main St. in North Little Rock. For the open house, the store has teamed up with local vendors to provide food […]
Posted in, National, Store News
FMI Initiates 2013 Community Outreach Award Program
To recognize and honor the food retail industry’s role as neighborhood partners in service initiatives, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Community Outreach Awards. These awards highlight the many contributions food retailers make to their community and serve the industry as a source of creative inspiration for service programs. Nominations […]
Posted in, Southwest, Store News
Natural Grocers Reports Positive Results For 4Q, FY 2013
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage posted positive results for its fiscal 2013 fourth quarter and for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30. Fourth quarter net sales increased $25.2 million, or 28.1 percent over the same period in 2012, to $115.2 million due to a $15.7 million increase in sales from new stores and a $9.5 […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Top 8 Ways Grocers Can Survive Plastic Bag Bans
by Pete Grande, CEO, Command Packaging For The Shelby Report All over the country, plastic shopping bags are being outlawed in grocery stores and other retail outlets. Fees are being imposed on all shoppers who do not bring their own bags. Plastic is no longer an available option at the checkout counter except at stores […]
Posted in, Albertsons, National, West
State Of The West: Region Marked By Shakeup In 2013
A number of big stories came out of the western states in 2013. Many of them involved companies having to regroup and/or sell off their holdings, but there were a couple of bright spots as well, including new banners and strong performance. Below are the top 10 most noteworthy as reported by The Shelby Report […]
Posted in, Southwest, Suppliers
Cargill Gives 1K Turkeys For Tornado Victims
Thousands of Oklahomans impacted by the Moore tornado are still working to recover and rebuild their lives. Thanks to Cargill, 1,000 families in Moore will receive a turkey to help make their Thanksgiving complete. The 1,000 donated turkeys will be available at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s partner agencies that are serving Moore tornado […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Outer Spice Debuts Low-Salt And No-Salt Seasonings
Outer Spice is delivering four healthy new seasoning solutions to stores—and spice racks—everywhere. The new no-salt and low-salt seasonings, made by Austin, Texas-based Black River Trading Co., are all-natural, gluten-free spice blends that add depth to any meal. Outer Spice is the only spice blend created to serve as both an ingredient in every dish […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Southeast
LeBlanc’s Opens Eighth Store As It Introduces Frais Marche Concept
LeBlanc’s Food Stores opened its eighth south Louisiana location earlier this month, introducing local shoppers to its new Frais Marche concept—that’s French for “Fresh Market.” The new store is at the corner of Airline Highway and Duplessis Road and is the fourth Ascension Parish location for the local supermarket family. The 55,000-s.f. location is the […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Genevieve Dierberg Dies At Age 107
Mrs. Genevieve Dierberg, whose husband’s father founded the St. Louis-area grocery store chain that bears the family’s name, died Nov. 19 at age 107. Her husband, the late William F. Dierberg, was a second-generation grocer who, with his brother, took over the business from their father in 1929. Their son, Bob Dierberg, is the current […]
Posted in, Executive News, National
Foulkes Appointed President Of CVS/Pharmacy
CVS Caremark has named Helena B. Foulkes as president of CVS/pharmacy, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Foulkes, 49, most recently served as the company’s chief health care strategy and marketing officer responsible for corporate strategy and enterprise marketing, government relations and communications. Throughout her more than 20-year tenure with the company, Foulkes has held numerous leadership […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Southeast
Meat- And Produce-Focused Freshfields Farm Opens In Jacksonville
Freshfields Farm, which converted a former Southside furniture store into a meat and produce market, opened in Jacksonville, Fla., last week. The Jax Daily Record reports that the former Liberty Furniture store at Interstate 95 and University Boulevard underwent a partial demolition and reconstruction into a barn-looking building that will house fresh produce and meats, […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Danfoss Names Winn-Dixie Its Fourth EnVisioneer Of The Year
Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems, has recognized supermarket chain Winn-Dixie as the winner of its fourth annual EnVisioneer of the Year award. Winn-Dixie, a subsidiary of Bi-Lo Holdings, the ninth-largest conventional supermarket chain in the U.S. based on net sales, […]