The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) has announced the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute, selecting 19 people from across the country to participate in the yearlong leadership development program. This year’s class includes: Idaho: Rick Roper Iowa: Ryan Bartachek and Macie Reeb Illinois: Emmalee Haege and […]
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, Featured News, Natural Grocers, News, Southwest
Natural Grocers To Open New Store In Ruidoso, NM
The store Natural Grocers plans to open March 18 at 25992 U.S. 70 No. 1 in Ruidoso, New Mexico, will be its seventh in the state. The good4u Crew will kick off festivities at 8:15 a.m. with a $2,500 donation presentation to the Lincoln County Food Bank, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Ruidoso […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Featured News, National, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Expands Private Selection Brand With Ready-To-Eat Meals
The Kroger Co. has expanded its Private Selection brand with more than 20 prepared meals designed to deliver quick meal options. The meals are available across Kroger’s family of stores and include globally inspired options spanning frozen entrées, refrigerated deli meals and fresh-roasted chicken. “The new Private Selection line brings high quality and convenience without […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
FMI Research: Generational Shifts Redefine Shoppers’ Produce Purchases
Fresh produce remains a critical growth driver for food retail, with $97 billion in sales and a 2 percent increase in unit sales, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s The Power of Produce 2026 report, which debuted at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2026. The category’s future is increasingly shaped by generational […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Ahold Delhaize, National, News
Guiding Stars, PHA Expand Collaboration To Advance Nutrition Standard
Guiding Stars and Partnership for a Healthier America has expanded their collaboration that establishes Guiding Stars as a core nutrition standard supporting PHA’s work to advance healthier food choices nationwide. The collaboration strengthens shared efforts to advance a more nutritious and transparent food landscape, while supporting both organizations’ commitments to better-for-you choices and improved well-being for […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Partners With SHI International For Technology Solutions
Meijer has partnered with SHI International, a technology solutions provider, to support the retailer’s behind-the-scenes technology needs, including Microsoft-related services. The partnership is led by Patrick Grow, who manages key Michigan accounts for SHI and has a personal connection to Meijer that spans decades. Grow grew up in western Michigan, just a few miles from […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Brookshire Grocery Co., Executive News, Featured News, News, Southwest
Brookshire Grocery Co. Chairman, CEO To Retire
Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) has shared that Chairman and CEO Brad Brookshire is retiring, concluding a career defined by servant leadership, community commitment and long-term growth of the family-owned company. Jerry LeClair will assume the role of interim CEO. Brookshire, the grandson of company founder W.T. Brookshire, has served the company for 49 years, including […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Featured News, IGA, Independent Store News, National, News
IGA, National Pork Board Partner To Drive Pork Category Growth At Retail
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has begun a Red Oval Partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB), reinforcing IGA’s commitment to sharing resources with independent grocers to help them better serve shoppers. Through the partnership, the National Pork Board will collaborate with IGA member stores on in-store promotions, shopper marketing initiatives and educational resources featuring […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Meat Sales Hit Record $112B In 2025, Driven By Millennials, Gen Z
Meat sales reached a record high of $112 billion in 2025, with pound volume increasing 2 percent, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released March 2 during the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association. Millennials and Gen Z were a driving force behind the growth, according […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Meat Institute, FMI Announce 2026 Leaders Of Tomorrow
The Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association have announced the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, a group of 10 rising professionals whose work reflects the strength and future of the industry. “This Leaders of Tomorrow class represents the depth of talent and leadership growing our industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Dairy News, Midwest, News
Busch’s Fresh Food Market Launches 2026 Spring Milk Drive
Busch’s Fresh Food Market will hold its annual Spring Milk Drive March 9-22, with a goal of collecting 53,000 gallons for local food banks. For more than a decade, Busch’s has helped provide fresh milk to families facing food insecurity across southeast Michigan. Since the program launched in 2015 in partnership with United Dairy Industry […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, National, News
IDDBA Unveils Brand Refresh, Debuts New Tagline
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) underwent a brand refresh and is debuting its new tagline, “Thinking Outside the Aisle.” The refreshed brand reflects IDDBA’s evolution as the essential resource for dairy, deli and bakery professionals – honoring the strength of its perimeter-focused categories while embracing forward-looking leadership and innovation. IDDBA’s mission remains its […]
Expert Article
Innovation: The Key To Longevity For Natural And Specialty Brands?
What role does innovation play in helping natural and specialty brands achieve long-term relevance and growth? Natural and specialty brands face increasing pressure to innovate not just to stand out, but to survive. Innovation has become critical for two main reasons: consumers demand better-for-you products with attributes that don’t currently exist in the category, and […]
Posted inCenter Store, News, Southeast
Louisiana Fish Fry Expands Seafood Boil Lineup With Two New Seasonings
Louisiana Fish Fry launched two additions to its seafood boil lineup – Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Reserve Boil Seasoning and Louisiana Fish Fry Slammin’ Spice Boil Booster. Together, the new seasonings give home cooks more ways to customize their boils with Louisiana flavor. Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Reserve Seafood Boil Seasoning is a premium citrus-herb […]
Expert Article
From Luck To Legacy: How Independent Grocers Are Finding Gold In Data
For the independent grocer, success is measured in generations. You aren’t just selling groceries; you are building a legacy. But in a landscape dominated by corporate giants, passing down a thriving business requires more than a well-stocked shelf. It requires trading “luck” for the leverage of actionable shopper data. Mapping the modern shopper journey The […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, News, West
WAFC Adds Leal As Senior Director Of Educational Programs
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has appointed Jaime Leal as senior director of educational programs. Leal has spent 34 years in the food industry, joining Costco Wholesale in 1989 at its location in City of Industry, California. In 1993, after the merger between Costco and Price Club, Leal left the warehouse to begin […]
Posted inExecutive News, Albertsons, Featured News, News, West
Albertsons Cos. Appoints Rice To Board Of Directors
Albertsons Cos. appointed Brian Rice to its board of directors effective Feb. 25, expanding the panel to 11 members. Rice is a seasoned global technology executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale digital transformation, technology modernization and operational excellence across recognized consumer brands. He currently serves as EVP and global CIO at […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, H-E-B, News, Southwest
H-E-B Undertakes Store Remodel, Expansion In Harlingen, TX
H-E-B has begun a major remodel and expansion of its 83 and Lincoln store in Harlingen, Texas, bringing significant upgrades that will modernize, refresh and expand services for customers. The project represents a substantial investment in the community and reaffirms the grocer’s commitment to the Rio Grande Valley. Located at 613 S. Expressway 83, the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Coborn's, Featured News, Midwest, News
Coborn’s Market & Table To Open New Store In Plymouth, MN
Coborn’s Inc. will open its flagship Coborn’s Market & Table store March 12 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Serving as an anchor of The Boulevard development at Interstate 494 and Bass Lake Road, the store offers an elevated approach to grocery shopping. “At the heart of Market & Table is a simple idea – we love food, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Finance News, Natural Grocers, News, Southwest
Natural Grocers To Host Annual Celebrate Colorado Event March 3-5
Natural Grocers will hold its seventh annual Celebrate Colorado event March 3-5, offering exclusive savings, giveaways and sweepstakes at all 45 Colorado stores. Natural Grocers has served Coloradoans with natural and organic options since 1955. What began with co-founders Margaret and Philip Isely going door to door in Golden, Colorado, to share their vision of […]