The Southeast Produce Council has announced its lineup of speakers for the upcoming Southern Exposure: Produce – The Final Frontier. Taking place March 3-5 at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida, this year’s conference will encompass SEPC Chairman Tim Graas’ platform, “Inspiring innovation today for a sustainable tomorrow.” “We are extremely proud and […]
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 inCorporate Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Begins Partnership With St. Louis CITY SC
Schnuck Markets and St. Louis CITY SC have announced that the new soccer club has picked Schnucks as its “Proud Grocery Partner” for the upcoming season. “As St. Louis’ hometown grocer, Schnucks is excited to welcome St. Louis CITY SC to our great sports city and proud to be a part of their inaugural season,” […]
Posted inBeverage News, Amazon Fresh, Southwest, Whole Foods
Poppi Raises $25M From CAVU Consumer Partners
Austin, Texas-based Poppi has announced $25 million in new financing led by CAVU Consumer Partners. Poppi combines real fruit, apple cider vinegar, and less than 5 grams of sugar and 25 calories to create a prebiotic soda that improves gut health. It comes in nine different flavors and is available for $29.99/12-pack. The funding comes after a year of growth for […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
B&G Foods Sells Back To Nature Brand To Barilla America
Parsippany, New Jersey-based B&G Foods has entered into an agreement to sell the Back to Nature brand to Barilla America. “Our decision to sell Back to Nature is part of a broader effort at B&G Foods to focus our portfolio on businesses that are core to our long-term strategy as we transition to a business unit structure,” said […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National
NCA Releases Statement On Chocolate, Cocoa Study
In response to the Consumer Reports’ study on chocolate and cocoa released Dec. 15, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement: “Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment guidelines cited in the Consumer Reports study […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
Giant Pharmacy Offers On-Site Flu, Strep Throat Testing
Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food has announced that 14 pharmacy locations throughout Maryland and Virginia are offering on-site testing for flu A and B strains and strep throat for people 3 years of age and older. Giant’s flu and strep throat testing joins its other medical services, including COVID-19 antibody testing and immunizations including updated COVID-19 bivalent boosters, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Walmart Introduces Grocery Drone Delivery In Arizona
Walmart, in partnership with DroneUp, is introducing drone delivery service for customers in the Phoenix, Arizona, area and will be fulfilled from four stores. This marks the first time customers in the state can take advantage of Walmart’s drone delivery, following the retailer’s earlier announcement of plans to expand its DroneUp network to reach four million […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Online Grocery Technology, Southwest
H-E-B’s Favor Launches Holiday Hunger Relief Campaign
Austin, Texas-based Favor, the on-demand delivery service that was acquired by H-E-B in 2018, has announced a partnership with Feeding Texas for the holiday season. Through the end of the year, customers can give any amount to Feeding Texas after every order via the app or online at favordelivery.com/donate/FeedingTexas. Favor will match customer contributions up to $25,000 total. “We are grateful to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS To Host Ignite 2023 Retail Conference In Charlotte, NC
ECRS will host the Ignite 2023 Retail Success Conference Aug. 7-9 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event will be the ninth Ignite, where retail and technology executives come together with industry thought leaders from across the country. Guests will able to share insight and ideas and explore innovative solutions to optimize retail performance. Attendees will […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
Hormel Foods Announces Minority Investment In Garudafood
Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corp. has acquired a minority stake in PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk, a food and beverage company in Indonesia. “This strategic investment enhances our partnership with Garudafood, which has been instrumental in helping us expand our business into Indonesia and Southeast Asia,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and CEO at Hormel Foods. […]
Posted inCenter Store, Northeast
Designer Greetings Acquires Card Distributor QPS
Edison, New Jersey-based Designer Greetings Inc. has acquired Oklahoma City-based master greeting card distributor QPS and its sub distributors; United Wholesale, Cards N Such, Intermountain Greetings, Cards Plus, Northwest Cardco, MDS, Maida and Kibby. This is the largest acquisition of a greeting card distributor in North America’s history and marks the 17th acquisition for Designer […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Executive News, Northeast
Maine Crisp Names Goldstein As CEO
Winslow, Maine-based Maine Crisp has announced that former board member Lewis Goldstein is joining the company as CEO. His marketing and leadership expertise in the natural and organic food sector will help accelerate the company’s national expansion. Throughout a career spanning major brands including Sam Adams, Snapple, Kiss My Face and Organic Valley, Goldstein has […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Island Pacific Supermarket Earns Great Place To Work Certification
City of Industry, California-based Island Pacific Supermarket has been certified by Great Place to Work. This award is based on anonymous employee surveys of what current employees say about their experience working at Island Pacific. Great Place to Work Certification is a “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is recognized worldwide by employees and employers […]
Posted inBeverage News, West
Sparkling Ice Awards $150K During Annual Holiday Initiative
Seattle-based Talking Rain Beverage Company and its brand, Sparkling Ice, has announced the three winning charities of its second annual holiday give-back initiative, Cheers to Giving, a campaign created to celebrate nonprofits making a difference in their communities. The brand called on consumers to nominate a nonprofit for a chance for them to be selected as one […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, National
Hormel Foods Collaborates With Crisp, Google Data
New York-based Crisp has announced a new partnership with Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods, a global branded food company, to expand its data capabilities. Using the Crisp platform, Hormel Foods is able to share and leverage historical and real-time data insights in Google Cloud from leading retailers, helping to further improve business performance for its retail customers. […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Hungry Jack Introduces Refreshed Packaging, New Website
Chicago-based Hungry Jack has introduced refreshed packaging, a renovated website and pancake mixes made with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives to celebrate for National Maple Syrup Day on Dec. 17. Hungry Jack will debut the new packaging across all products, including dry mixes, frozen pancakes and microwaveable syrup bottles featuring a bolder, modern design. The packaging […]
Posted inInnovator of the Year, Food Industry Hall of Fame, West
Cardenas Markets Welcomed To Banning, California
The Shelby Report of the West was on hand Sept. 28 as Cardenas Markets held a grand opening celebration for its 20,000-square-foot store at 3317 W. Ramsey St. in Banning, California. The location, which previously operated under the Rio Ranch Market banner, marks the company’s expanded footprint and is the first to serve the San […]
Posted inProduce News, Amazon Fresh, Southwest, Whole Foods
MountainKing Begins Merchandising Sales Contest
Houston, Texas-based MountainKing is beginning the new year with a sales contest offering produce managers the chance to win cash prizes for the merchandising and sales of the company’s top-selling Baby Golds in 24 oz., No. 3 and bulk offerings. MountainKing’s “Go For The Gold, Baby!” sales contest will award a $500 Visa gift card […]
Posted inProduce News, Southwest
Jabaley Named As TIPA’s Viva Fresh Expo Keynote Speaker
The Texas International Produce Association has announced that the 2023 Viva Fresh Expo keynote speaker will be Charlie Jabaley. The expo will be held March 30-April 1 at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Jabaley has achieved viral success on social media, gaining more than 8 million followers as the “dabbing Santa sweater guy.” “We […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Foundation Announces Recipients Of 2022 Gold Plate Awards
The FMI Foundation announced the 2022 Gold Plate Awards recipients Dec. 14 during a celebration, hosted by FMI Foundation Executive Director David Fikes and FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. The Gold Plate Awards highlight outstanding family meal programs implemented by the food industry and community organizations. “Our partner organizations make the Family Meals Movement possible,” Fikes said. “This year we […]