Wayne, Pennsylvania-based TekniPlex Consumer Products has announced plans for a new manufacturing facility in Ohio. Planned to commence operations in early 2024, the 200,000-square-foot specialty molded fiber solutions facility will further expand the company’s capacity and capabilities in this sustainability-minded niche with products, such as high-performance egg cartons. This new technology allows for stronger, better-quality cartons to enhance […]
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 inAssociation News, West
Grocery Exec/Board Member Extolls Benefits Of WAFC
Mike Johnson, VP of merchandising for King Soopers and a member of the Western Association of Food Chain’s board of directors, spoke with The Shelby Report’s VP Jan Meade at the WAFC Convention about the benefits of the organization. Johnson, who also has worked for The Kroger Co.’s Fred Meyer and Kroger banners, said the […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Beverage News, Center Store, West
Large, Varied Liquor Selection Boosts Traffic With Popular Sales
Harry Cherkesyan has been with Super King Markets for 17 years. He is the director of center store, which includes liquor, dry groceries and mixed nuts. Cherkesyan worked for Jon’s Markets for 16 years before starting at Super King. He said he had decided it was time to see what else was out there. While […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Launches ‘Kids 4 Hope’ Donation Campaign
San Bernardino, California-based Stater Bros. Markets is joining forces with its charity foundation for a third year to raise funds to support pediatric cancer patients at City of Hope. Through May 21, all locations will participate in the Kids 4 Hope in-store campaign. City of Hope is a research and treatment center for cancer, treating blood […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Supply Chain News, Sustainability News
NW Natural Begins Producing RNG At Tyson Foods Facility
NW Natural, a subsidiary of NW Natural Holding Co., and BioCarbN, a developer and operator of environmental infrastructure projects, have begun production at a second renewable natural gas facility, as part of a project partnership with Tyson Foods. The facility is located in Dakota City, Nebraska, with NW Natural investing about $12 million to convert […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Foods Receives 80 Awards By NAMI For Various Programs
Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has announced the company and individual plants received 80 awards from the North American Meat Institute. The company received the NAMI’s Community Wellness Award for its leadership in fighting hunger and food insecurity through protein donations to regional food banks and community pantry partners across the nation. In fiscal year 2022, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Natural Grocers To Hold Meet And Greet In Gunnison, CO
Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers, a family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, has announced opening of a new store in Gunnison, Colorado. The store will be at 1000 N. Main St. Natural Grocers invites Gunnison residents and those from surrounding communities to attend a meet and greet 2:30-4:30 p.m. on May 17 at the Gunnison Workforce Center to learn more about the company’s […]
Posted inDollar General, C-Store News, Southeast
Dollar General Shares Recent Supply Chain Expansions
Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General has announced recent expansions in its global supply chain network, including the opening of its first ground-up, dual facility in Blair, Nebraska, and two permanent regional distribution hubs in Newnan, Georgia, and Fort Worth, Texas. The company also announced expansion plans at facilities in Jonesville, South Carolina, and Amsterdam, New York. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
SpartanNash Deploys Simbe’s Tally Across 15 Stores
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has announced plans to deploy Tally, an autonomous inventory robot, in 15 grocery stores in Michigan and Indiana. After a successful pilot in select D&W Fresh Market stores, SpartanNash is implementing Simbe’s solution in additional Family Fare and Martin’s Super Market stores. The real-time data intelligence that Tally provides helps ensure items are stocked and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
New Study Shows Americans Will Grill Out Despite Inflation
A recent Harris Poll commissioned by Omaha Steaks found while 40 percent of Americans have cut back on purchases, more than half (55 percent) are unwilling to sacrifice their summer grill-outs. The company surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults before summer to better gauge how changing food purchasing habits impact Americans’ attitudes and behaviors around […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Anniversary Issues, West
Produce Is Driver, ‘The Heart’ When It Comes To Stores
At Super King Markets, produce is king. Eddie Avila, director of produce, joined the company in 2017, with more than 30 years of industry experience. Avila, who had worked for Albertsons in Southern California for 32 years, said he didn’t realize what a produce buyer was until he got into the independent grocer arena. “When […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
Associated Food Stores, Symbotic Implement Automation System
Associated Food Stores has entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation technology in its Utah distribution center. Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores. “We appreciate the […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Seeks Vendor Partners For Company Product Line
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is seeking elevated food products from food manufacturers across the globe to expand its Frederik’s by Meijer line in its more than 260 supercenters and grocery stores across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Prospective vendors interested in partnering with Meijer to offer their retail-ready products as part of the retailer’s premium quality food line should submit their interest here. By submitting […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, West
WAFC Convention Setting Records For Attendance
The Shelby Report’s EVP Bob Reeves caught up with Joe Perez, headlite of the Illuminators, on May 7 during the Western Association of Food Chain’s Convention in Palm Desert, California. Perez said he is extremely excited, noting there is “a lot of high energy and momentum in the industry.” The convention began May 6 with […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Celebrates National Pet Month
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers Inc. is celebrating National Pet Month by raising awareness and support for about 400 animal welfare organizations in the Southeast and helping customers save on pet food and supplies all summer long. Through May 31, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can purchase a reusable community bag with a giving tag […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Midwest
Storewise Receives Majority Growth Investment From Nexa Equity
Overland Park, Kansas-based Storewise has announced a majority investment from Nexa Equity, a private equity firm. Storewise’s management team will continue to lead the business as the company further accelerates growth and expands to more customers. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The software platform enables grocery operators to streamline operations and improve store […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Grocery Store Layout, Northeast
The Giant Co. Shares Plans For New Store In Jenkintown, PA
The Giant Co. has announced plans for a new store in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. The 50,000-square-foot store will be built at the corner of Old York and Wyncote roads as part of a proposed redevelopment project. This will be the first store in Jenkintown for the company. “With a decades-long history of serving Montgomery County, we […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, West
Super King Matriarch Keeps Finances – And More – On Track
Although her official title with Super King Markets is CFO, Mary Fermanian has done a bit of everything since the company’s start. She and her husband, Peter, along with his brother, Vache, built the business from its original Anaheim location to eight stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties. She and Peter met through their […]
Posted inPackaging News, Northeast
Tastykake Releases Spider-Man Packaging On Select Products
In anticipation of Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” releasing in theaters June 2, Philadelphia-based Tastykake is promoting the movie with new product packaging. Available in select retailers nationwide, the packaging is featured on several snacks including Tastykake single-serve Mini Donuts (frosted, powdered and crunch) and multipack Mini Muffins (confetti cake, blueberry and chocolate chip), Pecan […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Executive News, Southeast
Rouses Markets Hires Industry Executives To New Roles
Earlier this year, Schriever, Louisiana-based Rouses Markets welcomed Ron Bonacci as VP of advertising and marketing and Brian Bosworth as VP of center store. Both report to CEO Donny Rouse. “We are truly excited about the knowledge and leadership both Ron and Brian bring; I am delighted to have them aboard to help us grow […]