The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s work with and on behalf of the industry over the past year. CEO Cathy Burns praised the IFPA community and leadership for helping advance the priorities that matter most to the fresh produce and floral industry. “As we approached 2024, […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Health & Wellness, Northeast
ASG Expands Retail Network With NationsBenefits
NationsBenefits has shared its new partnership with Port Washington, New York-based Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), expanding access to essential health and wellness products for local communities nationwide. NationsBenefits cardholders can use their Mastercard prepaid card at more than 75 ASG supplied supermarkets, making it easier for members to purchase eligible healthy groceries, over-the-counter products and wellness essentials. […]
Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, Southwest
Farmer Brothers Names Miller VP Of Sales
Brian Miller, who has more than 25 years of experience leading teams in the consumer product industry, has been appointed VP of sales at Fort Worth, Texas-based Farmer Bros. Coffee Co. Tom Bauer, who previously served as VP and chief commercial officer, will become VP and chief field operations officer, leading the company’s DSD, logistics, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Bungee Tech, Clear Demand Merge
Clear Demand and Bungee Tech have merged to create a single artificial intelligence-powered pricing optimization and competitive intelligence platform. The merger combines Clear Demand’s price and promotion optimization solutions with Bungee Tech’s advanced competitive intelligence program. The combined company will operate under the Clear Demand name. Alex Moorhead, executive chairman of Clear Demand, is the company’s […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, UNFI, West
UNFI Highlights Top Summer Trends During Selling Show
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) recently completed its spring and summer selling show in San Diego, California, the first of the company’s 2025 exhibit season. The two-day event brought together more than 4,300 attendees, connecting 1,800 retailers with 800 supplier brands. Exhibitors showcased thousands of brands spanning natural, organic, fresh, specialty and conventional grocery products. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
New Kroger Marketplace Opens In Plano, TX
On Jan. 24, Kroger’s Dallas Division opened a new 125,000-square-foot Kroger Marketplace at 9617 Coit Road in Plano, Texas. The store, which replaces the grocer’s former location nearby, created 130 new jobs and represents an investment of $31 million in the community. It is the second new Marketplace location Kroger has built in North Texas, […]
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Names 8 Retailer Of The Year Honorees
The Independent Grocers Alliance has selected eight stores as IGA USA Retailers of the Year, the highest honor it bestows upon its members. The awards are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities. Each store was nominated by its licensed distribution center (LDC). The retailers, who will be […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest
AWG, Kellanova Donate $25K To Feeding America
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) and Kellanova recently donated $25,000 to Feeding America network food banks. The donation was made through AWG Cares, the employee-managed charitable foundation of AWG, as part of the Kellanova Better Days Promise social purpose program. “For the fourth consecutive year, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Kellanova in a […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Government Relations Committee Charts 2025 Path
The National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Government Relations Committee concluded its annual policy planning meeting Jan. 23, discussing a comprehensive plan for 2025 aimed at protecting and strengthening independent grocers and fostering their growth in a fair and competitive marketplace. “NGA’s Government Relations Committee has created a policy plan that will tackle key issues impacting independent […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Launches First Candelaria Tamale Celebration
Heritage Grocers Group has launched its first annual Candelaria Tamale Celebration at Cardenas Markets and El Rancho Supermercado. For many Hispanic families, the holiday season concludes Feb. 2 with El Día de la Candelaria. Leading up to this celebration is Three Kings Day (Jan. 6), where a “Rosca de Reyes” (traditional cake) is served. The person […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Wegmans
Wegmans Adds Grocery Delivery Through Uber Eats
Rochester, New York-based Wegmans Food Markets has begun a partnership with Uber Eats to add the grocer to its delivery platform. Wegmans locations in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C., are now available to shop on the Uber Eats and Uber apps. Stores in Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania will be added in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Balls Foods, Midwest
Hen House To Build Flagship Store In Prairie Village, KS
Hen House is developing a flagship store in the former Macy’s building at 7070 Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas, that will replace a nearby location. The project commenced Jan. 14 with a ceremonial “wall-breaking,” marking the beginning of construction on the historic 75-year-old site. The redevelopment is a collaboration with First Washington Realty, which […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Mollie Stone’s Markets Introduces Rewards Program
Mollie Stone’s Markets has launched a new loyalty program, Mollie’s Rewards, to provide customers with exclusive perks and benefits. Free to join, Mollie’s Rewards offers customers up to 3 percent back in rewards dollars based on monthly purchases (calculation resets each month). Rewards are issued as paper store certificates twice a year, in January and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Executive News, West
Grocery Outlet Names Potter As President, CEO
Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet has appointed Jason Potter as its president and CEO, effective Feb. 3. He also will join the company’s board of directors. Potter succeeds Eric J. Lindberg Jr., who has served as interim president and CEO since October. Lindberg also serves as chairman of the board and will continue in that capacity […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Topco Appoints Lagasse As EVP, COO
Topco Associates LLC has appointed Manard Lagasse as the organization’s EVP and chief operating officer. Lagasse will assume overall responsibility for several of Topco’s programs, including center store, fresh and the indirect spend programs. In addition, he will oversee Topco’s member development, commodities, supply chain and quality assurance areas. “Manard brings a wealth of experience to our […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Northeast, Weis Markets
Weis Markets Promotes Gleeson To COO
Weis Markets has promoted Bob Gleeson to chief operating officer of the company, where he will oversee its merchandising, marketing, advertising, store operations, information technology, asset protection and pharmacy departments. He also will have oversight of the supply chain departments, including distribution, transportation and manufacturing. He will continue to report to Jonathan H. Weis, chairman, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, Southeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club To Open First Kentucky Store
BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing to open its first store in Kentucky on Jan. 31 at 4807 Outer Loop, Louisville. The store, which will also mark the retailer’s 250th location in the U.S., will have a BJ’s Gas location. “Our growth is the result of delivering unbeatable value and convenience to families for more than […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Natural Grocers, Southwest
Natural Grocers Introduces Private Label Organic Coffee Pods
Natural Grocers has added four new varieties of single-use organic coffee pods to the its private label brand. Designed with quality and convenience in mind, the pods are compatible with most single-serve coffee makers. Made with plant-based mesh filters and paper lids, they are certified compostable at industrial composting facilities. The line is also packaged […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee Revives Market Grille Restaurants With New Food Offerings
Hy-Vee Inc. is transitioning all of its in-store restaurants to Hy-Vee Market Grille locations, with new menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beginning Feb. 4, all Hy-Vee restaurants will feature the new breakfast offerings. The new menus for lunch and dinner will roll out throughout February. The transition will happen in phases, after which Hy-Vee […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Dierberg’s, Midwest
Dierbergs Markets Expands Delivery Options With Uber Eats
Missouri-based Dierbergs Markets has begun a new partnership with Uber Eats, further expanding its delivery options. The collaboration makes Dierbergs’ groceries, pantry staples and ready-to-eat meals available through the Uber Eats platform. In addition to partnerships with DoorDash and Shipt, customers can browse a wide selection of Dierbergs’ offerings through the Uber Eats app or […]