People are eating more protein, with 61 percent of Americans increasing their intake in 2024, compared to 48 percent who did so in 2019. This is among the findings from Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, an annual trends report that looks at trends in protein consumption for the year ahead. The report also found that animal […]
Author Archives: Shelby Report Staff

The Shelby Report newsroom covers the grocery industry for retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. Staff reports include store openings, executive appointments, company announcements and industry event coverage. Since 1967, The Shelby Report has covered supermarkets, grocery chains and independent grocers through five regional editions.
Fareway Breaks Ground On First Store In Kansas
Fareway Stores Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony April 1 for its first store in Kansas – a 21,000-square-foot Fareway Meat & Grocery at 15790 State Ave. in Basehor. First announced in February 2024, the store will feature a built-in smoker to provide freshly smoked items typically only offered at Fareway Meat Market locations. “The Basehor […]
Mariano’s Diverts 1M Pounds Of Food Waste Into Renewable Energy, Compost
Green Era Campus and Mariano’s are celebrating 1 million pounds of food waste recycled into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost. The partnership began in 2023 at the Mariano’s location in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and eventually expanded to the Oak Lawn location. The chain plans to include eight additional stores in the program (Bridgeport, Edgewater, Lakeshore East, […]
Flat Produce Sales Driving You Bananas?
Sponsored content If flat sales in the produce department are dragging down your bottom line, don’t worry, says Gary Campisi, former senior director of quality control for produce, floral, meat and seafood at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Small changes are often all you need to get sales growing again. As one of the industry’s foremost […]
Trion’s Shelf Solutions Maximize Retail Profit
Sponsored content Retailers continually face the challenge of boosting shelf space and displaying more SKUs. Though several businesses supply solutions, they do not all deliver the same level of quality, dependability, and client support. A recent discussion with Craig Weiskerger, director of sales, and Rich Wildrick, director of engineering at Trion, shed light on […]
Unlocking Retail Growth: Why Owning Your Data And Promotions Creates Unforgettable Shopper Experiences
Sponsored content Why is it crucial for retailers to own their data? When retailers own their shopper data, they’re not just collecting information; they’re unlocking the keys to incredible growth. Imagine your data as your most trusted advisor, who understands your shoppers better than anyone else. It tells you exactly what your customers want when […]
Churchill, Schlueter Among AWG Annual Excellence Award Winners
As part of its 2025 Innovation Showcase and Annual Shareholders Meeting, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) presented its Lou Fox Community Service Award and Store Manager of the Year Award, among other honors. Walt Churchill of Walt Churchill’s Market in Ohio received the Lou Fox Community Service Award winner, while Store Manager of the Year went […]
Zucker’s Introduces New Par Baked Frozen Bagels
New York City-based Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish is launching its first retail product – Par Baked Frozen Bagels – this month at online retailers Fresh Direct and Goldbelly, as well as at Butterfield Market, Westside Market and select ShopRite stores in New Jersey. Zucker’s baking process begins with the shop’s bagel recipe. Using unbromated, unbleached […]
NCSA Names 2025 Candy Hall Of Fame Inductees
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has introduced its 11-member Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The class will be formally inducted during the association’s annual event Oct. 23-26 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Candy Hall of Fame inductees are: John Brooks Jr., Adams & Brooks Inc.; Jim Dodge, Mars […]
Smucker Introduces Hostess ‘We Speak Snackie’ Campaign
The J.M. Smucker Co. is continuing its work to re-energize the iconic Hostess brand by introducing a new marketing campaign. Created in partnership with PSOne, Publicis’ Power of One solution for The J.M. Smucker Co., creatively led by BBH USA, “We Speakie Snackie” is designed to bring a fun, playful new voice to the snacking […]
In Remembrance: Designer Greetings Co-Founder
Funeral services were held March 19 at Congregation B’nai Jeshuran in West Brighton, New York, for Bernice “Vickie” Gimbelman, co-founder of Designer Greetings. Mrs. Gimbelman, 91, died March 15 at her home in the Manor Heights neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. A native of the Bronx, New York, Mrs. Gimbelman entered the work force […]
The Giant Co. Names Allison As VP, Center Store Merchandising
The Giant Co. has named Steve Allison VP of center store merchandising, effective immediately. Allison will report to Rebecca Lupfer, SVP and chief merchant for The Giant Co. “With his years of merchandising experience, Steve brings a proven track record of building both strategic and mutually beneficial supplier relationships to best serve our customers’ needs,” […]
PepsiCo’s Watershed Projects Aim To Replenish Millions Of Gallons Of Water
PepsiCo’s more than $1.8 million investment in four watershed replenishment programs in the U.S. last year aims to provide multi-pronged benefits to land and communities in high water-risk areas. Replenishing water in high water-risk areas is integral to PepsiCo’s broader pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambition of becoming Net Water Positive by 2030. The projects take specialized approaches […]
Natural Grocers Celebrates Annual Ladybug Love Campaign
In honor of Earth Month, Natural Grocers is partnering with Rodale Institute for its annual Ladybug Love campaign, encouraging communities to pledge to protect beneficial insects and further the organization’s mission to help farmers adopt regenerative organic agricultural methods. For more than 77 years, Rodale Institute has advanced organic agriculture through science, proving that “healthy […]
Unlock Your Grocery Team’s Full Potential: How Inventory Management Software Changes the Game
If you’re aiming to unlock your grocery team’s full potential, inventory management software is the key. This powerful tool can automate manual processes, reduces errors, and optimizes stock handling. In this article, you will learn how it transforms your operations, how inventory management software changes the game, reduce employee burnout and enhance customer satisfaction. Key […]
Meijer Prepares To Open Independence Market In Clarkston, MI
Independence Market, a new neighborhood concept by Meijer, will open April 30 at 5820 Waldon Road in Clarkston, Michigan. The 50,000-square-foot store will provide a grocery destination for customers from Clarkston and Independence Township, including the new Waldon Village development. “Independence Market is committed to serving our new neighbors with value and convenience that makes […]
AWG Reports Record Results, Other Milestones
Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) reported net sales for the cooperative of $11.5 billion, up 2.41 percent, and consolidated company sales of $12.1 billion. AWG distributed a record $286.2 million of year-end patronage immediately following its annual shareholders meeting March 25. The total distribution of cooperative benefits returned to shareholders – including […]
Southeastern Grocers Uses Forage To Accept SNAP EBT Payments
Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has begun a partnership with payments company Forage to allow SNAP EBT recipients to use their benefits to buy groceries in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. The partnership offers convenience and flexibility for SNAP recipients, while also enhancing accessibility for those with […]
Kroger Files Legal Response, Levels Counterclaims Against Albertsons
The Kroger Co. has filed an answer and counterclaims to the complaint brought by Albertsons in the Delaware Court of Chancery, in connection with the previous merger agreement between the two companies, which was terminated in December. The court filing that Kroger issued stated that while “[it] was working diligently to seek regulatory approval and […]
Colombian Avocados On Track For Record 2025 Season
Colombia is set to deliver 130 million pounds of avocados during the 2025 spring-summer traviesa season. Maturing orchards, strategic investments in region-specific rootstock and a growing shift toward East Coast ports are driving Colombia’s role as a year-round supply partner for the expanding U.S. market. Year-round harvest Main season (September-February): Recently concluded with a 50 […]
