Coca‑Cola Consolidated announced it reached its goal of providing 250,000 meals to local communities across its territory in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Teammates packed nearly 300,000 meals since the start of this calendar year, exceeding their goal. “Giving back to the communities where we do business is a fundamental part of who we are […]
Author Archives: Sommer Stockton
Digital Content Editor
Sommer joined The Shelby Report in January 2022 after graduating from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA, with a B.A. and M.A. in Communications and Media Studies. As Digital Content Editor, she leverages her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to enhance The Shelby Report’s online presence and engage readers.
Committed to the grocery industry, Sommer also serves on an advisory committee with the National Grocers Association (NGA), advocating for independent grocers. She enjoys exploring emerging trends and delivering actionable insights to the Shelby community.
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, News
NCA Appoints Abbott VP Of Membership, Business Development
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has appointed Carrie Abbott as VP of membership and business development. Abbott will lead the organization’s efforts to grow member company engagement, strengthen industry partnerships and expand business opportunities across the confectionery industry. Abbott brings extensive industry experience as the founder and CEO of Newfangled Confections, where she built a […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Feature, National, News
Independent Grocers Find Support in NGA Foundation’s Resources
For grocers, staying competitive requires more than selling fresh goods. It demands a commitment to workforce excellence and embracing new technology to handle federal food assistance programs. That is where the National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association (NGA), comes in, providing free specialized, hands-on guidance at no cost to grocery stores of all […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. Breaks Ground On Marketplace In Oakwood, GA
The Kroger Co.’s Atlanta Division broke ground Sept. 3 on a new Marketplace at 4050 Millside Pkwy. in Oakwood, Georgia. The store represents a $49.2 million capital investment, encompassing more than 123,000 square feet. The location is expected to open in fall 2026. The ground-breaking ceremony featured speeches from local elected officials, Kroger leaders and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. Opens Marketplace Store In Hoschton, GA
The Kroger Co. held a grand opening celebration Aug. 13 for a new Marketplace store at 175 Peachtree Exchange Blvd. in Hoschton, Georgia. The location represents a $40 million investment, encompassing more than 123,000 square feet and bringing more than 250 jobs to the area. Kroger employees and leadership joined city, county and state officials, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. Releases 2024 Impact Report
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has released its annual impact report covering fiscal year 2024. “Throughout 2024, we advanced our mission of ‘Touching Lives for the Better’ by promoting affordable food access, reducing waste and encouraging entrepreneurship,” said Jason Potter, president and CEO of Grocery Outlet. “I am excited to guide our company forward in service […]
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
IDDBA 2025 Photo Gallery
IDDBA 2025 wrapped up June 3 in New Orleans, showcasing the latest information, trends and products in the dairy, deli and bakery industries. Academy Award-winning director, producer and actor Kevin Costner headlined the General Session speaker lineup, which also included Michael Strahan, TV host, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Carla Hall, a Food Network star; and author […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Celebrates Opening Of New Supermarket In Gainesville, GA
Publix Super Markets held a grand opening celebration May 28 for a new 48,387-square-foot store at 3715 Wahoo Falls Trace in Gainesville, Georgia. The supermarket is the second the grocer has opened over an eight-month span in the Northeast Georgia city, following the Sept. 12 debut of its store at 2155 Limestone Ridge. For the […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Day 3 Photo Gallery
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across more than […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National, News
State Of Snacking Report Unwraps Industry Insights
Sally Lyons Wyatt, EVP and global advisor of CPG and foodservice for Circana, took the stage May 13 to present the 2025 State of Snacking report at the Sweet & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. Among the takeaways from the early morning show: Nearly half of U.S. consumers continue to snack more than three times per […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National, News
NCA Study: Price, Brand, Nutrition ‘Top Of Mind’ For Consumers
The Sweets & Snacks Expo held an early morning eye-opener session – the State of Treating – on May 14, led by 210 Analytics President Anne-Marie Roerink, who gave an in-depth look at the everyday and seasonal confectionery landscape. Drawing on category and channel performance from Circana and input from more than 1,500 consumers on […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Sweets & Snacks Expo Day 2 Photo Gallery
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across more than […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest, News
Mars Elevating The Category With Innovative Products
Mars Wrigley highlighted several of its new, innovative products May 12-15 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. The products include: Twix Snickerdoodle “The promise of Twix with a twist,” as Mike Gilroy, VP of trade development and sponsorship for Mars, described it. This candy bar will hit the market in July, but attendees […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Feature, Midwest, News
Popular Trends, New Flavors Highlighted At Sweets & Snacks Expo
One of the perks for attendees at the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the chance to discover trends and flavors before they hit retailers’ shelves. This year was no exception, with more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their innovations to 14,000 show-goers. Nostalgia and decadent One of the recurring trends at the 2025 expo is nostalgia. […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Expo Takes Over Downtown Indianapolis
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The annual show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Expo Day 1 Photo Gallery
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across more […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
NCA Celebrates Innovative Products During Awards Ceremony
The National Confectioners Association announced the winners and finalists of the Most Innovative New Product Awards – recognizing items in 12 categories, as well as Best in Show and Small Business Innovator – during a ceremony May 12 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. “The Most Innovative New Product Awards are a celebration of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Simply Give Hunger Relief Program Reaches Donation Milestone
Meijer’s Simply Give hunger relief program has donated $100 million to help alleviate hunger in the Midwest since the program’s inception in 2008. During that time, the Meijer Simply Give program has provided nearly 900 million meals to communities in partnership with hundreds of local food pantries across its six-state footprint. “For the last 17 years, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Groceryshop 2025 Introduces First Advisory Board
Groceryshop has established an advisory board, composed of senior executives from grocery retailers and CPG brands from around the world, to help shape the strategic direction of the upcoming conference, ensuring it addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities. Set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Groceryshop 2025 will bring together […]
Posted inSustainability News, New Seasons Market, News, West
New Seasons Market Begins Earth Month Donation Campaign
In observance of Earth Month in April, New Seasons Market has begun its “Growing Better Together: 1% for Soil Health” campaign. The grocer is collaborating with more than 50 like-minded brands to contribute 1 percent of sales to support Zero Foodprint, a nonprofit that works with farmers to implement regenerative farming practices that restore soil health, […]