Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to highlight the benefits of organic produce and how it plays a crucial role in sustainability. With growing consumer interest in environmentally friendly choices, organic produce presents a great opportunity to meet demand while also supporting sustainable agriculture. Why organic matters Organic farming works hand in hand […]
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.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hannaford Supermarkets, News, Northeast
Hannaford Names Darling Store Manager Of The Year
Hannaford Supermarkets’ Store Manager of the Year is Diana Darling from its store on Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine. Darling, who joined Hannaford in 1987, was selected from 189 store managers throughout New England and New York. Prior to her current role, she served as a deli manager at the same location and later became […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Prepares For Grand Opening In Hemet, CA
View Photos from the March 26th Grand Opening here! The grand opening for Vallarta Supermarkets’ first new store of 2025 is set for March 26 at 2825 W. Florida Ave. in Hemet, California. The 53,140-square-foot location will offer fresh produce, everyday goods and several additional departments. It also will be the grocer’s second location to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Instacart Adds AI-Powered Smart Shop Technology
Among the new features Instacart has recently introduced to its platform is Smart Shop, which leverages generative AI and machine learning to create a more personalized grocery shopping experience. With Smart Shop, Instacart analyzes customer habits and dietary preferences to find the most relevant products faster. In addition, Instacart unveiled new AI-powered Health Tags, which […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
EPA Rollback of HFC Regulations Eases Compliance Costs for Independent Grocers
In a win for independent grocers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rolled back regulations targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration systems, a move the National Grocers Association (NGA) calls “a critical step toward leveling the playing field” for community-focused supermarkets. The decision, announced March 12, eliminates costly compliance mandates that burden small and independent grocery […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
February Online Grocery Sales Jump 31%: How Subscriptions Reshape Retail
Record monthly sales driven by membership discounts, demographic shifts and retailer innovation The U.S. grocery industry’s digital transformation hit a new milestone in February, with online grocery sales surging 31 percent year-over-year to $10.3 billion, according to the latest Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey. This marks the ninth consecutive month of positive growth, underscoring […]
Posted inDairy News, Grocery News, News, West
California Milk Advisory Board Announces Leadership Transition
Dairy industry leader John Talbot retires after a decade of innovation and growth, paving the way for Bob Carroll to steer the future of California dairy. Tracy, Calif. – March 10, 2025 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), a key player in the dairy industry, has announced a significant leadership transition. CEO John Talbot, who […]
Posted inFeature, Southwest
Harnessing Power Of Latino Market In Southwest
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this diverse […]
Posted inFeature, Guest Contributors, Southeast
Florida Leads In Navigating Southeast Latino Grocery Landscape
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. In this article, we focus on the Southeast. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the […]
Posted in, Guest Contributors, National, Online Grocery Technology
Unlocking Power Of Retail Media Networks For Independent Retailers
by Mark Baum, chief collaboration officer, SVP, industry affairs, FMI – The Food Industry Association Independent retailers have long enjoyed the loyalty of their customers, offering personalized service and a unique shopping experience. This deep-rooted consumer trust is their greatest asset – and now, retail media networks present an opportunity to transform that loyalty into […]
Posted inFeature, Midwest
Unlocking The Midwest: Retail Strategies For Engaging Latino Consumers
by Diana Leza Sheehan In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this diverse demographic group has reached more than […]
Posted inFeature, Midwest, Produce News
Building A Bigger Basket: The Power Of Cross-merchandising In Produce
One of the most exciting opportunities in grocery retail is helping customers build a bigger basket – not just by increasing produce sales but by bringing the entire store into the equation. When departments work together, they create meal solutions that make shopping easier for customers while driving sales across multiple categories. Why cross-merchandising works […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Executive News, Southwest
Tyson Foods Promotes Cole, Stewart As Part of Development, Succession Planning Process
Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted Devin Cole and Brady Stewart as part of its development and succession planning process. The company said Cole’s and Stewart’s leadership has been instrumental in helping fortify its foundation, build brands and grow globally, strategic pillars they will continue to focus on in their new roles. Cole has been named […]
Posted inAssociation News, Marketing News, Merchandising News, National
NGA Salutes Creative Choice Awards Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA), along with sponsoring partners Kellanova and Unilever, celebrated the winners of the annual NGA Creative Choice Awards contest Feb. 25 during the 2025 NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recipients of the awards, which honor the best marketing and merchandising programs in the independent […]
Posted inCenter Store, Feature, Northeast
‘One Quality-One Team’ Approach Has Catania Oils Poised For 2025, Future Growth
The Griffin Report caught up with Mark Coleman, SVP of global sales for Ayer, Massachusetts-based Catania Oils, following the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s 2024 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago. A processor and packager of plant-based oils, Catania’s products are used in the bulk ingredient, foodservice, retail and private label markets in New England and […]
Expert Article
Winning The Big Game In Produce Department With Crazy Fresh
The excitement of the Big Game brings a golden opportunity for the produce department to shine. Game-day gatherings are all about good food and great company and, as grocery professionals, we have the chance to help consumers create memorable moments. With thoughtful displays, smart merchandising and convenient solutions, you can turn game-day excitement into big […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Feature, Northeast
Trion’s Extensive Investments Have Boosted Production Efficiencies
Among the many participants at the 2024 NACS Show in Las Vegas was Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania-based Trion Industries, which manufactures merchandising solutions for retail displays and shelf management. Craig Weiskerger, director of sales and marketing, took time after the show to field some questions from The Griffin Report. What is new with Trion? Trion has […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
New Year, Fresh Start – ‘Hope’ As Positive Attitude Can Help Guide Leaders
by Steve Black A new year always brings a fresh start and renewed motivation and hope. Hope for many areas of our lives to get better. Hope that most of the impacts from COVID-19 are behind us. Hope that the employment situation will calm and turn in the right direction. Hope for our businesses to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, West
Bungee Tech’s Platform Offers Actionable Insights, View Of Competitive Landscape
The Shelby Report caught up with Caitlin Orosz, senior director of marketing for Redmond, Washington-based Bungee Tech after Groceryshop 2024 in Las Vegas. The software company aims to revolutionize retail operations through efficient automation and improve the ability of customers to compete and win in the market. Retail pricing solutions such as its Retailscape by […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Northeast
Upside’s Offers Now Reaching About 35M Consumers Across U.S.
Tyler Renaghan, VP of grocery at Upside, visited with The Griffin Report following Groceryshop 2024 in Las Vegas. The app from the Washington, D.C.-based technology company rewards cash back to users through partnerships with retailers. The scope of its services includes all aspects of retail, but the grocery industry in particular has used it to […]