Trading Company Stores President Paul Matejovsky had no intention of being in the grocery business. He grew up in Montana, spending “half my time on a saddle horse and the other half on a tractor. I was going to be a cowboy, baby.” He told those gathered for the ROFDA Spring Conference in Coeur d’Alene, […]
Author Archives: Lorrie Griffith
Lorrie began covering the supermarket and foodservice industries at Shelby Publishing in 1988, an English major fresh out of the University of Georgia. She started as an editorial assistant and proofreader—and, in spite of herself, she still proofreads everything, everywhere. Over more than three decades with Shelby, she held a variety of editorial roles. After a detour into business development, she rejoined Shelby in June 2024. “It’s good to be back covering the greatest industry in the world,” she says.
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Kroger Achieves 50th Quarter In A Row Of ID Sales Growth
For the first quarter of fiscal 2016, The Kroger Co.’s identical (ID) supermarket sales growth, without fuel, of 2.4 percent. That marks Kroger’s 50th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel. Kroger also reported reported net earnings of $680 million, or $0.70 per diluted share vs. $619 million, or $0.62 per diluted […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Industry News, National, Private Label Brands, Suppliers, Supply Chain News
Western Family’s Oregon HQ To Close With Topco Deal
On June 13, Western Family Foods Inc. and Topco Associates LLC reached an agreement that authorizes Topco to source three of Western Family’s brands that are sold through independent grocery retailers across the U.S. The brands are Western Family, Shurfine and Natural Directions. According to a statement from Western Family, “Under this arrangement, Topco will […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, West
Powdered Alcohol Ban In California Awaits Governor’s Signature
Alcohol Justice and the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA) are reporting that the Senate Governmental Organization Committee unanimously passed AB 155 on June 14. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), and coauthored by Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), previously had passed unopposed through the Assembly. It will prohibit the possession, purchase, sale, […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Organic Natural, Produce News, Southeast, Suppliers
Southeastern Grocers Commits To Southeast Produce Growers
Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Bi-Lo, Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores, on June 14 announced a new local sourcing policy, committing to only source produce from local farms and orchards in the Southeast whenever possible. Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers says this policy should help grow Southeastern agriculture as well as provide customers with the freshest local […]
Posted in, Center Store, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Snacks Brands, Suppliers
Wrigley Adds Skittles Line, Jobs To Factory In Illinois
On June 14, Wrigley’s Mars Inc. subsidiary opened a state-of-the-art addition to its Yorkville, Illinois, factory. The Yorkville expansion is the result of a $50 million investment by Mars that adds 145,000 s.f., a new Skittles line and 75 new jobs—a 25 percent increase in the workforce at the facility. “Mars has a long-standing history […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, West
Gelson’s Markets Holding June Fundraiser For CF Foundation
Starting June 6 and through the rest of the month, Gelson’s is holding a fundraiser to benefit those who live with cystic fibrosis (CF). Gelson’s operates 25 upscale grocery markets throughout Southern California, and with its shoppers, the grocer hopes to raise funds to help find a cure for this inherited disease that targets the […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Organic Natural, Southwest
Natural Grocers To Open 20th Texas Store
Natural Grocers will open a store in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, June 14. The company, which already has 19 stores in the state of Texas, will employ 28 people at this location. The store will open at 8 a.m. and is located at 13310 NW Military Highway. In celebration of the grand opening, Natural […]
Posted in, Dairy News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Perishables, Store News, Suppliers, Sustainability News, West
Grocery Outlet Sets Cage-Free Egg Goal
Extreme-value grocery retailer Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is working with suppliers to source 100 percent cage-free eggs for all of its locations by 2025, based on available supply. “Many Grocery Outlet stores serve underserved populations who regularly experience food insecurity. Our first obligation is to these customers, and we are committed to providing them wholesome, quality […]
Posted in, Center Store, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, National, New Products, Suppliers
General Mills Launches First All-New Cereal Brand In 15 Years
For the first time in more than 15 years, General Mills is introducing an all-new cereal brand—Tiny Toast—that arrives on store shelves across America this week. Available in strawberry and blueberry flavors, whole grain is the first ingredient in Tiny Toast, which also has no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources and no high […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Equipment & Technology, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
Walmart Annual Meeting: McMillon Says Company Will ‘Reimagine Retail’
On Friday, June 3, at Walmart’s 46th annual shareholders meeting, President and CEO Doug McMillon urged the company’s 2.3 million associates to get behind the company’s vision, saying, “We have the opportunity to reimagine retail again.” As part of this “reimagining,” McMillon announced that Walmart is now working with Uber and other partners to test […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Home Page Latest News, National, Suppliers
Former PepsiCo Chief Enrico Dies At 71
Roger Enrico, who spent 30 years with PepsiCo before retiring in 2003, died June 1. He was 71. According to the Dallas Morning News, Enrico was snorkeling near his home in the Cayman Islands when he died. A major part of Enrico’s legacy is his leadership at Pepsi during the “Cola Wars” of the 1980s, […]
Posted in, Bakery News, Deli News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Perishables
Survey: How Much Would You Invest In Your Deli/Bakery Department Manager?
by Lorrie Griffith/editor At what level in your company’s hierarchy do you feel comfortable spending money for team members to go to conferences, conventions and workshops to enhance their job performance? While a lot of companies don’t hesitate to send upper- and mid-level executives to these kinds of events, there can be hesitation when it […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Southeast
2016 North Fla. Market Profile: SNAP Changes, Fierce Competition
by Kristen Cloud/staff writer The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, in Florida has seen two big changes this year—one proving a positive for retailers; another impacting their bottom line, and not for the good. In January, the work requirements for food assistance for an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) […]
Posted in, Center Store, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, National, Suppliers, Women In The News
Wisconsin Grandmother Wins Chicken Of The Sea Contest
Chicken of the Sea has awarded a 75-year-old grandmother of five in Appleton, Wisconsin, for taking up Tae Kwon Do after receiving a black belt in mixed martial arts. Barb Estabrook was honored for “making a commitment to live a more adventurous, happier and healthier life” as part of the seafood company’s “Sea the Possibilities” […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Equipment & Technology, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Online Grocery Technology, Southwest
Kroger Introduces Online Grocery Shopping In Greater Houston
Select Kroger Houston division customers are now able to try ClickList, the chain’s exclusive online grocery ordering service. Stores testing the service include Baytown (6315 Garth Road), Cypress (9703 Barker Cypress Road), Galveston (5730 Seawall Boulevard) and Tomball (24350 Kuykendahl Road). As an introductory offer, Kroger will waive the $4.95 service charge for a customer’s […]
Posted in, Center Store, Executive News, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, National, Suppliers
Buck Promoted To EVP/COO At The Hershey Co.
Michele Buck, who formerly led Hershey’s U.S. and Canadian businesses as president-North America, has been promoted to EVP and COO, effective June 2. Buck, 54, will continue to report to John P. Bilbrey, chairman of the board, president and CEO of The Hershey Co. in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Buck has more than 25 years of consumer […]
Posted in, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Perishables
Doc’s Food Stores Promotes ‘The Blend’ In Three Departments
Doc’s Food Stores, which operates as Country Mart, JB’s Market and Apple Market in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, has launched the Mushroom Council’s “Blend” in its deli, meat and produce departments at all of its stores. “The Blend” is mixing finely diced mushrooms into proteins such as beef, turkey, lamb or pork to make hamburgers, […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Meijer Opens Supercenter In Its Home State
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer opened a new 192,000-s.f. supercenter June 2 in the southern Michigan town of Sturgis. “Opening this store has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled the day is finally here,” CEO Hank Meijer said. “Sturgis has never had a one-stop shopping destination like Meijer, so we’re proud to be the […]
Posted in, Northeast
IN PHOTOS: Connecticut Food Association Hall Of Fame Event
Earth Day was celebrated on April 22 and, in keeping with that spirit, the Connecticut Food Association’s (CFA) April Hall of Fame Dinner spotlighted the benefits of food waste solutions, recycling and environmental stewardship. This year’s theme was “Reducing Our Carbon Footprint.” The CFA honoree was Ralph Crowley, CEO of Polar Beverages of Worcester, Massachusetts. […]