U.S. online grocery sales are forecast to grow at a compound average growth rate of 11.7 percent over the next five years, increasing online’s share of overall grocery spending from 11.2 percent in 2022 to 13.6 percent in 2027, according to the 2023 Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Five-Year Grocery Sales Forecast. Persistent price inflation, ongoing concerns about illnesses […]
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, National
FMI Welcomes Introduction Of Senate PBM Reform Legislation
FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023 by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which addresses many of the anticompetitive practices used by drug middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers. The bill would also provide the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southeast
Rouses Markets Announces Plans For Store In Biloxi, MS
Schriever, Louisiana-based Rouses Markets has announced plans to open its first store in Biloxi, Mississippi. Donny Rouse, CEO, said that the company has agreed to lease space at 2348 Pass Road at the corner of Popps Ferry Road. The 60,000 square feet of space will undergo a comprehensive remodel, both interior and façade. “I know […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Storewise, TRUNO Partner For Enhanced Operational Control
Overland Park, Kansas-based Storewise has announced a partnership with Lubbock, Texas-based TRUNO to provide heightened visibility and operational control, including integration with a range of retail tools and services. “Storewise gives our retailers the tools, insights and customer experience they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” said John Poore, chief technology officer at TRUNO. “Their ability […]
Posted inBeverage News, Northeast
Swoon Partners With Big Geyser To Expand Retailer Network
Swoon, a beverage brand putting a healthy twist on drinks, has announced its partnership with Big Geyser, a New York-based distributor of non-alcoholic beverages. The brand was founded by two friends with the same need: Jennifer Ross, a Type-1 diabetic and Cristina Ros Blankfein. Both were looking for healthy beverage options and realized how widespread […]
Posted inCenter Store, Southwest
Michael Angelo’s Launches Jarred Tomato Sauces
Austin, Texas-based Michael Angelo’s is entering the sauce aisle with the launch of its pasta sauce, available in four varieties. At a time when consumers continue to prioritize value to combat food inflation while also seeking clean label items, Michael Angelo’s sauces are made with fewer than 10 ingredients, unlike many other jarred sauces, do not contain tomato paste […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest
Nestle Purina Petcare Takes Category Management Into Metaverse
St. Louis-based Nestlé Purina Petcare has implemented Blue Yonder’s category management solution integrated with 3DVR Solutions’ 3D virtual reality technology to assist its retail partners with better merchandizing of their store shelfs. Purina is the No. 1 pet care company in the U.S. and offers more than 20 brands, feeding 65 million dogs and 51 million cats annually. Purina provides […]
Posted inPackaging News, Northeast
Harpak-ULMA Introduces Automated Gravity Case Packer
Taunton, Massachusetts-based Harpak-ULMA has announced the North American availability of its Gravity Case Packer, an end-of-line automation solution. The Gravity Case Packer can be tailored to the needs of vertical bagging operations from meat and cheese to bakery operations. Its mechanical design allows producers to switch between traditional tote loading of fresh goods or the corrugated […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southwest
Grocery TV Acquires Mediaworks Advertising Solutions
Austin, Texas-based Grocery TV has acquired Mediaworks Advertising Solutions, a digital out-of-home network with sanitizer dispensers located in supermarkets across the U.S., including Schnucks, Cub and Lunds & Byerlys. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mediaworks’ sanitizer stations, which include a wipe dispensing base with a 32-inch digital display on top, will become part of Grocery TV’s entrance product line. They […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Tops Invests $1.4M For Store Renovation In Avon, NY
Tops Friendly Markets will hold a grand reopening Jan. 31 of its store at 600 Dream Valley Blvd. in Avon, New York. This store serves a cross population of the community and allows for convenient access for those attending Geneseo College or enjoying nearby attractions. This renovation marks the 29th location updated with a new […]
Posted inH-E-B, Innovator of the Year, Southwest
Community Involvement Stamped In H-E-B’s DNA
Community is of great importance to H-E-B. In fact, it’s in the company DNA to “give back and to make our communities better,” according to Winell Herron, group VP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs. “As passionate, committed and excited as we are about what we offer inside the four walls of our stores […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Sam’s Club Announces New Clubs, Supply Chain Enhancements
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc., has announced plans to open more than 30 new stores over the next several years. The first location, which is planned in Florida, is slated to open in 2024. In addition, the company has a multiple-year plan to invest and modernize its supply chain through new distribution […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI Expands Wild Harvest Line With 40 New Products
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has expanded its Wild Harvest private label organic produce line to include more than 40 new offerings. Since its launch, the Wild Harvest line has experienced significant growth. Its expanded organic offerings consist of items such as bagged apples, russet and sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, limes, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Foods Appoints Morris As Group President Of Poultry
Wes Morris has been named president of Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods’ poultry business, effective Jan. 27. He takes the position from David Bray, who is departing as group president of poultry, a position he held since 2021. Morris has more than 35 years of experience working in poultry and consumer sales. Morris joined Tyson Foods […]
Posted inExecutive News, Albertsons, Northeast
Bertram Joins As Founding Member Of Divert’s Advisory Board
West Concord, Massachusetts-based Divert Inc. has appointed Nicholas Bertram as the founding member of its advisory board. Bertram brings more than 20 years of experience in the retail industry, most recently as the president of The Giant Company, a subsidiary of Royal Ahold Delhaize N.V. “Nick is widely respected for his vision and leadership in the […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Opens Two New Grocery Concept Stores In Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer opened its first two Meijer Grocery stores Jan. 26 in Lake Orion and Macomb Townships. “As a company, we’ve opened more than 500 supercenters, neighborhood markets and Meijer Express locations, and that feeling of excitement and anticipation as you welcome customers in for the first time never gets old,” said Hank Meijer, executive chairman. “But opening the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Hires New VP, Merchandising Food Service
Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market has hired Nathan Baldwin as VP of merchandising food service. In this new role, his responsibilities include overseeing a team and leading all the aspects of The Fresh Market’s new “kitchens” inclusive of design, workflow, operations, product selection, merchandising, profit and loss accountability. He will report directly to Dan Portnoy, CMO. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Drive-Up Grocer Addie’s Opens First Concept Store
Addie’s, the drive-up grocer redefining the grocery shopping experience, officially opened its first concept store in Norwood, Massachusetts. The store gained $10.1 million in seed funding led by the Disruptive Innovation Fund, the venture capital arm of Clay Christensen’s Rose Park Advisors. Addie’s is a pick-up only store designed for stocking, storing and bagging groceries without the need for […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion, Novant Health Launch Food Pharmacy Pilot Program
Food Lion is launching a food pharmacy pilot program at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. The program provides qualified participants access to food and encourages them to make healthy lifestyle choices to achieve sustained health. Throughout the two-year pilot program, Food Lion will distribute about 3,000 boxes that contain […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Foods Opens Entries For K-12 Hunger Hero Contest
Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods is honoring K-12 foodservice operators nationwide with the return of its third-annual Tyson K-12 Hunger Hero program. Five recipients will be announced in April to win a $5,000 grant and prizes to be used for their district’s foodservice program. Winners are selected by the Tyson Foods K-12 team, recognizing individuals working in a school […]