Thousands of grocery retail professionals will gather Feb. 26-28 at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas for the 2023 NGA Show. With a focus on contemporary challenges and hot topics as grocery retailers navigate changes and innovation, the conference program will include more than 30 sessions focused on digital commerce, marketing, merchandising, operations, procurement, […]
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 inPublix Super Markets, Produce News, Southeast
Green Life Farms Expands Distribution To 280 Publix Locations
Lake Worth, Florida-based Green Life Farms has expanded distribution to more than 280 Publix stores in the Tampa and Fort Myers area. Green Life Farms serves 270 Publix locations in South Florida. With 13 farms planned in the Southeast U.S., the company will continue to expand its sales territory with a variety of retailers as it grows. […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of Simple Truth Brand
Cincinnati-based Kroger Co.’s Simple Truth brand is marking its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of offering customers foods made with simple ingredients. “A decade ago, Simple Truth was born when we identified that our customers wanted a simpler way to shop for free-from and organic products,” said Juan De Paoli, VP of Our Brands. “The mission we […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Students Explore Industry Through Seaboard Foods’ Winternship
Twenty-three students from 16 colleges participated last week in Guymon, Oklahoma-based Seaboard Foods’ annual Winternship program. The week-long Winternship provides an opportunity for students to explore the operations of a connected pork production company, network with experts, better define career paths and gain knowledge about how pork is produced. “Studies have shown there are misconceptions and a […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest
Hometown Food Company Acquires Birch Benders
Chicago-based Hometown Food Co. has completed the acquisition of Birch Benders from Sovos Brands. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2011, Colorado-based Birch Benders’ offers a portfolio of keto, paleo and organic options that are sold at grocery and mass retailers, as well as through e-commerce channels. It products include pancake and waffle mixes, toaster […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Northeast
Tops Committed To ‘Neighbor Helping Neighbors’
It’s all about local at Tops Markets. From partnering with local suppliers and working with neighborhood community groups to customizing displays and products to a particular store, Tops continues to localize the shopping experience for its customers. “Our mission statement is to be the neighborhood store, and we take that to heart,” said Jeff Cady, […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
G&R Farms Invests In Packing Line With Upgraded Equipment
Glennville, Georgia-based G&R Farms has installed a new grading and packing line. The project has been in the works for eight years and is expected to be in full operation in March. The new grading equipment is more precise, maximizing packing efficiency and product quality almost 80 percent faster. It optimizes accuracy in sizing and provides processing, […]
Posted inCenter Store, Association News, National
IHA Reports Consumers Will Plan More In-Home Events In 2023
As economic concerns begin to dominate the news cycle, consumers are feeling the pinch of inflation, bringing more experiential activities back into their homes. IHA’s 2023 At-Home Entertaining Survey found that 82 percent of consumers expect to entertain in their homes at the same or increased frequency in the next year; 35 percent expect to […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Beverage News, Southwest
Natural Grocers Provides Free Filtered Water In Midland, TX
Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers is offering free filtered water to those affected by a boil-water notice in Midland, Texas. Free water is available to Midland residents and nearby communities until the notice is lifted. Due to the recent water main break in the supply line from ground source water and issues at the city’s water plant, the city is not able […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southwest
SymphonyAI Retail Names Tempo Award Recipients
Dallas, Texas-based SymphonyAI Retail CPG has announced PepsiCo Northern Europe and Foodstuffs North Island as the winners of the inaugural Tempo Awards. The Tempo Awards program recognizes leaders setting the pace through innovation in AI-based retail and CPG technology. PepsiCo Northern Europe, a European division of PepsiCo, and Foodstuffs North Island, a New Zealand-owned and -operated […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Calavo Growers Announces New ESG Strategy, Commitments
Santa Paula, California-based Calavo Growers has announced its new sustainability strategy and 2030 goals. The company’s strategy is designed to focus its efforts on the environmental, social and governance issues that matter most, such as climate action, social responsibility, sustainable agriculture and sound governance. “ESG is a top priority for our customers, employees and our investors,” said […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southeast
Flavorman Predicts 2023 Beverage Trends
Louisville, Kentucky-based Flavorman is predicting what the beverage industry can expect to see in 2023. Flavorman experts expect more beverages in 2023 to include pineapple, mango and grapefruit, with elderflower and lavender providing a balanced blend of flavors. Last year, Flavorman predicted beverage market trends like the return of classic flavors, such as cherry, watermelon and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
Wakefern’s Own Brands Summit To Focus On Diversity
Keasbey, New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp. has announced its 2023 Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit. The event is an open call to diverse private label manufacturers to source new and trending food and beverage products for potential addition to Wakefern’s award-winning Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry store brands portfolio. To be considered for the Own Brands […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
Cantaloupe Acquires Three Square Market
Malvern, Pennsylvania-based Cantaloupe, a digital payments and software company, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Three Square Market (32M) for $41 million. 32M is a provider of software and self-service kiosk-based point of sale and payment solutions. The acquisition delivers full service capabilities to Cantaloupe’s presence in the micro market industry while also expanding Cantaloupe’s […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Local Bounti, Sam’s Club Partner To Deliver Produce In New Regions
Hamilton, Montana-based Local Bounti Corporation has announced an offtake agreement with Sam’s Club for its leafy greens production, beginning at its advanced greenhouse facility in Byron, Georgia. “This exciting commercial development represents a powerful endorsement of our dedicated team that works to deliver the highest quality locally grown produce to our customers,” said Brian Cook, president. “We will […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, West
Procurant Expands Executive Leadership Team With New Hire
Watsonville, California-based Procurant has named 30-year industry solutions veteran Ian Grow to the senior leadership team as VP of strategic accounts. “When you combine the best technology and the best people, you can really accelerate the benefits your customers receive,” said Eric Peters, CEO. “That’s exactly what we try to do here at Procurant, and I […]
Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, Midwest
Muscato Named CEO Of Country Pure Foods
Akron, Ohio-based Country Pure Foods, a manufacturer of juice, plant-based beverages and frozen novelty products, has announced the appointment of Tony Muscato as its CEO, succeeding Ray Lee. Lee is retiring after more than three decades but will remain an advisor to the company. Muscato’s career spans more than 30 years within the food industry. He […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Ingles Markets, Midwest
Hy-Vee Pharmacies Offer Low-Cost Insulin, Free Shingles Vaccine
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee has announced that Medicare Part D beneficiaries are able to access reduced-cost monthly insulin supplies and free Shingrix vaccines at pharmacy locations, as outlined in the recent Inflation Reduction Act, which went into effect Jan. 1. Insulin out-of-pocket cap Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D beneficiaries who take insulin will […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Health Introduces New Brand Campaign
Cincinnati-based Kroger Health has unveiled its new brand campaign, “A World of Care is In-Store.” The campaign focuses on the ways customers can take advantage of the wide variety of expert and credible health services conveniently available to them in their hometown grocery store. “‘A World of Care Is In-Store’ speaks to [our mission],” said […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Northeast
From Stores To Corporate, ‘Greatest Advantage Is Our People’
Maintaining a people-first culture is a priority for Tops Markets. The company is known for its people-centered approach and cooperative management style. “Our greatest advantage is our people, from the stores to the corporate office. A culture built over years of service makes a difference,” said Frank Curci, CEO of Northeast Grocery, the parent company […]