Sandpoint, Idaho-based Litehouse Inc. is repositioning its corporate identity to Litehouse Foods as the company approaches its 63rd anniversary and marks 20 years of employee ownership. The new corporate identity unites the company’s portfolio of brands – including Litehouse, Organicville, Veggiecraft, Sky Valley and partnered licensed brands Flavortown and Zaxby’s – under a refreshed vision 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 inExecutive News, Finance News, National, News
Target Names New CMO, COO Following Leadership Change
Target Corp. named Cara Sylvester CMO and Lisa Roath COO as part of executive leadership changes under new CEO Michael Fiddelke. The appointments are designed to strengthen merchandising authority and elevate the guest experience. Target confirmed it expects to report fourth quarter 2025 sales, full-year GAAP EPS and full-year Adjusted EPS in line with prior […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Southwest
United Supermarkets, Rainier Fruit Continue Sock Donations In TX
The United Family donated 5,000 pairs of socks to six charitable organizations across Texas during February through its seventh annual Apples & Pears on a Mission partnership with Rainier Fruit. United Supermarkets donated 1,000 pairs of socks each to the Salvation Army of Lubbock (Feb. 6) and the Salvation Army of Abilene (Feb. 17). Additional […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Nonfood Items
IHA Selects 60 Finalists For 2026 Global Innovation Awards
The Rosemont, Illinois-based International Housewares Association (IHA) has selected 60 new products for the home – five for each of the 12 categories – as finalists for the 2026 IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design. The annual awards program recognizes distinction in the home and housewares industry. Finalists will be featured at The […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, News, Northeast
NJFC President, CEO Doherty To Retire
Linda M. Doherty plans to retire in January 2027 after 33 years with the New Jersey Food Council, including 23 years as president and CEO. Doherty submitted a letter to the NJFC Board of Directors on Feb. 17 announcing her intention. A facilitator has been retained to guide a search committee through the process of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, PCC, West
PCC Community Markets Launches Premium Churros Line Across 16 Stores
PCC Community Markets, the nation’s largest community-owned food cooperative, launched Alberto’s Churros premium retail line across all 16 of its stores this week. The collaboration between the Seattle-based co-op and local, minority-owned producer coincides with Alberto’s partnership with Specialty Frozen Food Distributors that will bring the frozen churros to retailers throughout western Washington. To meet […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Finance News, Foodtown, News, Northeast
ARS’ Fantozzi To Receive Visionary Award From Foundation Fighting Blindness
Joseph Fantozzi, president and COO of Allegiance Retail Services (ARS), will receive the Visionary Award from The Foundation Fighting Blindness on May 14 during the annual Night For Sight gala at Guastavino’s in New York City. The award recognizes honorees for exemplary values, visionary leadership and philanthropic impact on the community. Fantozzi will be recognized […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Finance News, News, Northeast
Utz Brands Targets $1.9B Sales In Long-Term Growth Plan
Hanover, Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands outlined long-term targets – including $1.9 billion in net sales potential and annual adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) growth of 6-8 percent with margin expansion to at least 17 percent – Feb. 18 during the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference. CEO Howard Friedman and CFO BK […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Dairy News, National, News
Challenge Butter Survey Finds Americans Rejecting Restrictive Food Rules
Nearly two-thirds of Americans said they want to eat better without restriction or aren’t changing how they eat in 2026, according to a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by Dublin, California-based Challenge Butter. The research shows Americans are prioritizing enjoyment and personal choice over rigid food rules. Three in four said flavor […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, Featured News, National, News
Grocers Prepare To Celebrate Supermarket Employee Day, Feb. 22
Grocers across the U.S. are taking time to celebrate their associates on Supermarket Employee Day. Supermarket Employee Day is part of a national effort to honor frontline grocery workers. First declared in 2021 by FMI – The Food Industry Association, Feb. 22 recognizes essential workers who support their customers and communities. With more than 40,000 […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Co. To Acquire 2 Stores In Bedford County, PA
The Giant Co. has entered into a purchase agreement with Bob and Joe Appleby to acquire Everett Foodliner and Saxton Market, two grocery stores located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The transaction includes both the real estate and related grocery and fuel business assets. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “Giant’s story began […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Center Store, Executive News, Featured News, Finance News, Home Page Slider, National, News, Suppliers
Campbell’s Taps CPG Veteran Anand To Lead Snacks Division
Camden, New Jersey-based Campbell’s announced that seasoned global executive Mohit Anand will join the company as EVP and president of its Snacks division on Feb. 23. Anand succeeds Elizabeth Duggan, who is departing the company after a nearly seven-year tenure that included leading Campbell’s Canadian business and serving as chief transformation officer. Anand steps into […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA: Consumers Prefer Naturally Protein-Rich Foods Over Fortified Options
Consumers prioritize naturally protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and dairy over heavily fortified alternatives, according to new research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based trade association found that while interest in added protein remains strong, particularly among parents, health-conscious shoppers and middle-income households, consumers consistently place greater trust in foods […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Opens Second Store In Aventura, FL
The Fresh Market has opened a second location in Aventura, Florida, featuring expanded seating and a Roasting Plant where guests can buy freshly roasted premium coffee beans to order. The specialty grocery retailer celebrated the occasion by breaking a six-foot loaf of Cuban bread. The opening also featured giveaways and sampling, along with a $2,000 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, West
Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation Launches Scholarship Programs
The Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Heritage Grocers Group, has launched expanded scholarship programs benefiting students across communities served by its companies. Every store within the the company’s portfolio – Cardenas Markets, Los Altos Ranch Markets, El Rancho Supermercado and Tony’s Fresh Market – will award one $3,000 scholarship to a local […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Selects RELEX For AI-Driven Forecasting Across 3.5K Stores
Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has selected RELEX Solutions to optimize distribution center forecasting and replenishment across its network of 3,500 member locations. AWG will implement the RELEX artificial intelligence-driven forecasting and replenishment solution to replace its legacy in-house proprietary systems and manual processes. The platform will deliver scalability and automation to improve forecasting […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast, Wakefern
Wakefern Food Corp. Selects Eagle Eye To Power Loyalty, Personalization
Wakefern Food Corp. has selected Eagle Eye to accelerate its loyalty strategy and deliver artificial intelligence-powered customer engagement initiatives across its retail network. The program is expected to go live in mid-2026. Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S., will deploy Eagle Eye’s MACH-approved loyalty and personalization platform, moving away from a POS-based […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, National, News
Penny Shortage Creates Operational Challenges for Independent Grocers Nationwide
Independent grocers across the country are navigating a growing penny shortage that is disrupting cash-handling routines and raising compliance questions at the register. Months after the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed the U.S. Mint had stopped producing new pennies for circulation in late 2025, retailers are feeling the effects of a coin supply that is thinning […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Finance News, National, News
Kraft Heinz Names Amaya President, North America
Chicago-based Kraft Heinz has named Nicolas Amaya president of North America, effective Feb. 23, overseeing strategy, operations and performance across Kraft Heinz’s largest market. Amaya most recently served as SVP and president of Kellanova North America, where he was a member of Kellanova’s executive committee. Navio steps down Pedro Navio, current president of North America, will step […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Featured News, News, Southeast
Southern Exposure 2026 To Feature Grower Panel, Product Launches
The Southeast Produce Council will hold Southern Exposure 2026 from Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors. The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing […]