Delano, California-based Four Star Fruit, a grower and marketer of year-round table grapes, is concluding the California grape season and is transitioning to the Peruvian and Chilean import season. The California growing season this year was difficult due to the hot weather, creating problematic growing conditions and higher input costs, resulting in a strain on retail […]
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 inMarketing News, Executive News, Southwest
NuZee Promotes Franklin To SVP, Sales And Marketing
Plano, Texas-based NuZee, a producer and co-packer of single-serve coffee formats, has promoted Marie Franklin to SVP of sales and marketing. In her new role, she will be responsible for helping lead sales and marketing strategies within the company, including team management and driving revenue. NuZee carved out an expanded role to capitalize on Franklin’s expertise […]
Posted inCenter Store, Bakery News, National
Carandini, Olivieri 1882 Introduce New Seasonal Cake
Carandini is partnering with a family-owned pasticceria, Olivieri 1882, to launch a new seasonal variety: Panettone con Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI). The limited edition cake combines two Italian culinary traditions, resulting in a holiday cake featuring a balsamic cream filling made using Carandini’s Emilio Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI. Based […]
Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, Southwest
Keurig Dr Pepper Hires Rotem-Wildeman For Executive Position
Frisco, Texas-based Keurig Dr Pepper has announced the appointment of Karin Rotem-Wildeman to the position of chief research and development officer, effective Jan. 9, reporting to Bob Gamgort, chairman and CEO. In this role, Rotem-Wildeman will lead product development, packaging innovation, flavor technology and associated research and development capabilities. She succeeds David Thomas, who is retiring from KDP after […]
Posted inBig Y Foods, Corporate Store News, Northeast
Big Y Sets Records During Second Annual Big Vax Week
Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y Pharmacy reports that its vaccination numbers are increasing daily as 2022 comes to a close. Part of that effort was Big Vax Week, which spanned Big Y’s 73 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut through a combination of pharmacy locations and on-site clinics for customers, employees and families. While clinic locations offered seasonal […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast, Supply Chain News
Ryder Named As Top Software And Technology Provider
Miami, Florida-based Ryder System Inc. has been named on Food Logistics’ Top Software and Technology Providers for 2022. This marks Ryder’s ninth year on the list, which honors software and technology providers that ensure a safe, efficient and reliable global cold food and beverage supply chain. “This year’s winners are investing in and implementing emerging technologies, from mobile […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Produce Sales Remain Similar To Last Year
IRI, 210 Analytics and IFPA have shared the latest analysis of fresh produce. Fresh produce prices were up from last year, but at a low 5.3 percent level on a per-unit basis and 5.6 percent on a per-pound basis. The deceleration is driven by fruit, for which prices increased a low 3.2 percent. Additionally, vegetable inflation […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, West
Wild Tonic Debuts Wanderer Series Beverage Line
Sedona, Arizona-based Wild Tonic, a brand of Jun Kombucha made with honey instead of cane sugar, has announced a new product within its nature-inspired holistic, non-alcoholic beverage line. Launching in January, The Wanderer Series features the namesakes of traditional cocktails. The beverages come in four variations: Bees Knees, a lemony gin flavor with juniper and coriander; […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
Plant Agricultural Systems Acquires MightyVine
MightyVine, a glasshouse tomato producer in Rochelle, Illinois, is being acquired by Plant Agricultural Systems, an infrastructure service provider delivering infrastructure to support localized fresh produce demand in all regions. “Plant and MightyVine share a common goal of providing consumers with access to the highest quality produce available,” said Jim Murphy, founder of MightyVine. “Additionally, we believe […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, West
Blue Diamond Growers Appoints Bockmann As President, CEO
Sacramento, California-based Blue Diamond Growers and its board chairman, Dan Cummings, have announced that Kai Bockmann has been named as president and CEO, effective Jan. 17. The board selected Bockmann after working with executive search and leadership advisory firm, Egon Zehnder, to recruit and consider candidates from across the country. Bockmann will succeed Mark Jansen, who […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
Weis Markets To Conclude Fundraising Campaign Dec. 31
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets will soon conclude a month-long customer donation program throughout the company’s seven-state market area. Through Dec. 31, customers have the option of rounding up orders at checkout in support of children’s hospitals and pediatric cancer foundations. Beneficiaries of the round-up donation program include: The Children’s Cancer Foundation; Children’s National Hospital; Goryeb Children’s […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Snacks Brands, Southeast
Mondelēz International Opens Distribution Center In Sandston, VA
Mondelēz International recently celebrated the grand opening of its new regional distribution center in Sandston, Virginia. The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony that included local employees, company leadership, local and state elected officials and other honored guests. The new distribution site is part of the company’s $122.5 million investment in its […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Donates $400K To Food Pantries Nationwide
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash recently raised $313,000 through in-store fundraising efforts and has pledged additional money to make a donation of $400,000 to help fight food insecurity. During the fundraisers, shoppers were able to make donations at checkout or through SpartanNash’s Fast Lane program. Leadership teams at each store were invited to select a recipient community food pantry, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Natural Grocers To Host Store Grand Opening In Denver, CO
Natural Grocers will open its 44th Colorado location Jan. 7 at 3165 N. Central Park Blvd. in Denver. The store plans to host a grand opening celebration event with giveaways, discounts and a prize sweepstakes. The grocer will begin festivities with a donation presentation to the Food Bank of the Rockies, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Additional community leaders […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, West
Del Monte Foods Names Caltabiano As CFO
Walnut Creek, California-based Del Monte Foods has announced the appointment of Jim Caltabiano as CFO. Caltabiano will oversee the management of the company’s financial organization and report to Parag Sachdeva, COO. He is a finance professional with about 30 years of experience within large consumer packaged goods companies, including Ajinomoto Foods, Campbell Soup Co., Procter & Gamble and General […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
CARE, Cargill Support Women In Agriculture During Hunger Crisis
Minneapolis-based Cargill and CARE are expanding their partnership to improve the lives and economic development of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs focusing on women, with Cargill pledging $14 million over the next three years. The goal is to drive impact and build resiliency for rural agricultural communities globally as the world faces a growing hunger crisis. For more than […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast
Edible Garden Expands To Gristedes, D’Agostino Supermarkets
Edible Garden has announced an expansion of its distribution with Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarkets to sell its products in 29 of their combined locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester. “We have a longstanding relationship with Edible Garden and look forward to enhancing our partnership by adding their products into our retail locations. They have been a […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National
NCA Shares New Report On Candy Consumers
Non-chocolate candy is a consumer favorite during prosperous, inflationary and pandemic times, according to the National Confectioners Association. The second-largest selling confectionery category, non-chocolate candy represents 32 percent of all U.S. confectionery dollar sales and growth is outpacing that of all other segments, IRI reports. In an effort to explore how shifting demographics, consumption preferences […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Northeast
Hershey Shares Candy Pairing Guide For Holiday Traditions
Pennsylvania-based Hershey has released a candy pairing guide designed to match its holiday offerings with the most popular traditions found in its recent survey. The guide features seasonal favorites like Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s Trees, as well as new products like Hershey’s Holiday Bars. “Hershey knows that magical feeling of being surrounded by loved ones and cherishing […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast
MamaMancini’s Appoints Henson To Board Of Directors
East Rutherford, New Jersey-based MamaMancini’s Holdings, a marketer and manufacturer of fresh deli prepared foods, has announced the appointment of Meghan Henson to its board of directors. Henson is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience as a human resources professional, leading HR strategy and execution at global organizations. She is EVP and […]