SpartanNash showcased its supplier partnerships July 26-27 during its annual Food Solutions Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company honored its top 10 suppliers through its first Impact Awards program, recognizing their exceptional performance and commitment to SpartanNash’s independent grocery retailers and store guests. The Impact Awards recognized suppliers that have played a pivotal role […]
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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Equipment, Midwest
Mackenthun’s Boosts Digital Offering With eGrowcery
Waconia, Minnesota-based Mackenthun’s Fine Foods is upgrading its e-commerce experience for shoppers through eGrowcery, a developer of a retail food industry platform for grocers. Mackenthun’s looks to benefit from the system’s customized search functions, integrated prepared food and catering, fulfillment approach, integrated loyalty experience and eGrowcery’s client support. “We were looking to dramatically upgrade our […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI, Crisp Platform Providing Retail Insights To CPGs
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has launched UNFI Insights, an open data platform developed with Crisp for the consumer goods industry. The platform is designed to provide suppliers with comprehensive and cohesive sales, inventory and deduction data across natural and conventional channels. Building on the companies’ relationship formed in summer 2021, it provides […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
22 Students To Receive NGA Foundation Scholarships
As part of its effort to promote careers in the grocery industry, the National Grocers Association Foundation is awarding scholarships, provided by donors and affiliate groups, to 22 students for the 2023-24 academic year. “We are impressed by the dedication of these students to the food industry. The career plans many of them shared with […]
Posted inExecutive News, West
With Molloy’s Pending Retirement, Sprouts Seeking CFO
Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market has announced that CFO Lawrence “Chip” P. Molloy will retire at the end of 2023. The company will conduct an internal and external search for a successor. “On behalf of the entire Sprouts community, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Chip for his many years of leadership and dedication […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Shoppers Focused On Produce Deals, Buying Less In June
After several months of flat and lower prices, fresh produce experienced a jump in year-on-year inflation in June, according to Circana, 210 Analytics and the International Fresh Produce Association. Fresh fruit prices increased 6.8 percent in comparison to June 2022. Vegetable inflation averaged 2.7 percent in June, which was down from the 52-week levels that […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Lunchables To Feature Fresh Fruit Offerings
Lunchables, in partnership with Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., has debuted its first fresh fruit offering, featuring pineapple, clementines, grapes and apples. Part of the brand’s effort to offer more better-for-you options, the company hopes the new product line will get kids accustomed to eating fruit by appearing in a product they already enjoy. After […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Allegiance Retail Services Welcomes Brigido’s Fresh Markets To Fold
Iselin, New Jersey-based Allegiance Retail Services, a retailer-owned grocery co-op, has announced that three Brigido’s Fresh Markets in Rhode Island have joined its roster of independently-owned supermarkets. The stores were acquired by independent grocers Mike and Melissa Fernandez, who are Allegiance Retail Service members and operate stores under the Foodtown banner. Established by Augusto Brigido […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Northeast
Zallie Family Markets Promotes Two Execs, Makes Key Addition
Zallie Family Markets has announced the promotions of Anthony Massoni to president and George Veit to VP of operations and merchandising at the family-owned and -operated company in New Jersey. In addition, the grocer has named Anika T. Parker as its director of human resources. The personnel moves come as the company celebrates its 50th […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
New Lazy Acres Natural Market Serving ‘Really Unique Neighborhood’
Lazy Acres Natural Market, which features organic and locally-sourced offerings, opened July 29 at 1841 N. Western Ave in Los Feliz, California. The store has a made-to-order juice, smoothie and coffee bar and food venues that serve Mediterranean cuisine, California barbecue and fish tacos. Also available are expanded Lazy Acres staples, such as hot and […]
Posted inBakery News, Ask The Experts
Why Brands Can Build Consumer Trust To Drive A Category Forward
Sponsored content The bakery category is booming in America, as demonstrated by the incredible return to pre-pandemic attendance figures at this year’s IDDBA in Anaheim, California. Leading brioche brand, St Pierre also returned, bringing along a stunning “corner of Paris,” sampling quality products and demonstrating why it is branded propositions that are driving bakery forward. […]
Posted inIndustry Leaders Speak, National
Harnessing Perpetual Inventory For Independent Grocers
Sponsored content In the fast-paced and competitive grocery industry, independent grocers must continuously seek innovative strategies to thrive. One such method, although a familiar strategy, is the implementation of perpetual inventory. This process provides real-time visibility into product levels, enabling grocers to optimize their inventory management processes and enhance operational efficiency. This article will help […]
Posted inPackaging News, National, Sustainability News
Kraft Heinz Shares New Goals To Reduce Virgin Plastic Use
The Kraft Heinz Co. has announced a new goal to reduce the use of virgin plastic in its global packaging portfolio by 20 percent by 2030. This is a step in decreasing its use of fossil fuels and finding more sustainable product packaging options. The change is estimated to reduce the use of about 100 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Promotes Matzen To Foundation’s VP
The National Grocers Association has promoted Chelsea Matzen to VP of the NGA Foundation, as she continues to lead the nonprofit arm of the trade association. “In her three-plus years at the NGA Foundation, Chelsea has embraced numerous challenges and opportunities, including taking over leadership of the foundation a year ago,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Upgrades 47 Stores In North Carolina
With a $77 million capital investment, Food Lion has upgraded several stores across North Carolina. On Aug. 2, the Salisbury, North Carolina-based retailer will hold ribbon-cutting events at 47 stores in the Greenville, Jacksonville and New Bern area. Afterward, the first 100 customers in line will receive a mystery gift card valued up to $250, a […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Albertsons, Association News, Beverage News, Gelson's, National
Retailers Uncork Big Sales With Private Label Wine
Dollar sales of private label wine in all U.S. outlets jumped 9.1 percent to $52.2 million for the 52 weeks ending June 18, versus the same period in 2022, according to new data from Circana. Unit sales grew 8 percent for the same period. Store brand spirits are another strong segment, with dollar sales up […]
Posted inPackaging News, West
Harpak-ULMA Opens Customer Experience Center
Harpak-ULMA has opened a new customer experience center in Costa Mesa, California. The center is accessible from the western U.S., located 10 minutes from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. The new facility will enhance Harpak-ULMA’s presence in the West, offering a variety of customer-focused experiences and services available at the company’s flagship customer experience center […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Fresh Express Launches New Salad Kit Flavors
Orlando, Florida-based Fresh Express has launched its newest salad kit, French Blue Cheese, and three new offerings in its line of chopped salad kits: French Bistro, Smokehouse and Twisted Caesar Enchilada. With international flavors continuing to trend, and growing consumer demand for convenience in the kitchen, the new Fresh Express products make it easier for […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Foodland Launches CitrusAd-Powered Retail Media Network
Foodland, Hawaii’s largest and oldest grocery chain, is launching its first retail media network utilizing technology from CitrusAd. The retail media network will combine Foodland’s privacy-protected first-party data and CitrusAd’s relevancy algorithm to match brand compatibility and shopper history with the most suitable audiences. Both large and local brands can engage with Foodland shoppers and […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Bakery News, West
Campbell Expands Goldfish Production With Facility Investment
Campbell Soup Co. is investing about $160 million in its Richmond, Utah, manufacturing facility to expand production of Goldfish crackers to help meet increased consumer demand. The new line will increase the bakery’s output of Goldfish by 50 percent and produce more than five million Goldfish per hour or 1,500 Goldfish every second. The expansion […]