Corporate commitments to climate and sustainability are growing in number and scope, but increased consumer action is needed to reach collective sustainable goals, according to a new report released Nov. 4 by Boston Consulting Group. Consumers care about climate and sustainability and want to do their part, yet 20 percent said they believe they can personally […]
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, Southeast
The Fresh Market Prepares For Thanksgiving, Black Friday
Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market is preparing for the Thanksgiving and Black Friday with new food options and coupons. The food retailer is offering recipes and several heat-and-eat meals for Thanksgiving. The meals will come in free reusable thermal boxes and can be ordered in advance in the retailer’s stores for pickup through Nov. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
IRI Inflation Tracker Reports Increased Prices, Expectations
IRI has released a new report, October Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation, with insights regarding food inflation and its impact on consumer shopping behavior. The report leverages point-of-sale data for October and includes data across U.S. food channels, including grocery, drug, mass market, military commissaries, select club and dollar stores, as well as e-commerce. […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southwest
BuzzBallz Introduces Holiday Eggnog Cocktails, Chillers
After a 2021 launch, Carrollton, Texas-based BuzzBallz Eggnog is returning for the 2022 holiday season with wine and spirit-based variations. The spirit-based cocktails and wine-based chillers have an eggnog taste with vanilla flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Both cocktails and chillers will be available nationally in major grocery chains for the upcoming holiday […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Perdue Foundation’s $20K Grant Helps Fund Leadership Program
Perdue Farms is supporting La Plaza Delaware and its Latino leadership program with a $20,000 grant funded through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. La Plaza Delaware is a nonprofit created to increase opportunities and prosperity for Latino and minority-owned businesses. The donation is part of the company’s “Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors” outreach focused on improving quality […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Winn-Dixie Donates $366K To American Cancer Society Campaign
Jacksonville, Florida-based Winn-Dixie has donated $366,000 to the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” campaign to raise funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. This donation was possible through contributions from customers and employees during the grocer’s community donation program held in stores throughout Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Executive News, Midwest, Whole Foods
Homeland Grocery Stores Names Criscione As President, CEO
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based HAC Inc., parent company of Homeland Grocery Stores, has announced David Criscione as its president and CEO after the board conducted a nationwide search assisted by Bryant Park Search Partners. “We were focused on finding an individual whose values align with our employee owners’ values, has deep grocery industry experience, and has […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
Schnucks Employee Wins National Watermelon Display Contest
St. Louis, Missouri-based Schnucks is celebrating an employee who was named the winner of the National Watermelon Promotion Board’s contest. Aaron Carroll, produce manager at the Schnucks store in Richmond, Missouri, with the support from his produce team and other store employees, won the grand prize of $5,000 for the store’s “Back-To-School” themed display. Each […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Cos. Issues Statement On Merger Restraint
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies has announced that the attorney general of Washington has been granted a temporary restraining order by a commissioner assistant to the judge. The TRO restrains the company from paying the previously announced $6.85 per common share special dividend, scheduled to be paid on Nov. 7. The order enables the court to consider […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Big Y Named Forbes’ Best In State For Fourth Year
For the fourth year in a row, Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y has been named a Forbes’ “Best-In-State Employer” for 2022. Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State companies have been identified across all industries based upon an independent, anonymous survey of workers who recommend their employers for the award. According to Forbes, employees are asked to rate their willingness […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Calavo Names Padilla As Senior Director Of International Sales
Santa Paula, California-based Calavo Growers has announced the addition of Tommy Padilla as senior director of international sales. “With Tommy’s help, we are well positioned to support our international customers and expand our ‘Family of Fresh’ products and services in the Asian and European markets. Tommy is a great addition to our team and we are excited to […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Opens Stores In Milton, Cutler Bay, FL
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix recently opened two new stores in Florida. The grocer opened a location in the Merganser Commons at Dogwood Estates in Milton, Florida. The 46,811 square-foot store offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy. “We are excited to bring Publix […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Kicks Off Campaign To Address Food Insecurity
California-based Stater Bros. Charities is partnering with all 171 Stater Bros. locations in its Harvesting Hope Campaign to address food insecurity in the communities it serves. During the campaign, which runs through Dec. 31, shoppers will have an opportunity to donate their change into Harvesting Hope coin collection canisters or to purchase $5 donation cards […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA, ReposiTrak Offer Free Setup For Food Traceability Network
ReposiTrak and the National Grocers Association are waiving the $2,000 setup fee for food suppliers connecting to the ReposiTrak Traceability Network. The network, which is the focus of the recently announced partnership with the NGA, is the easiest way for suppliers and their wholesaler and retailer customers to share traceability data that will be required by […]
Posted inDairy News, Amazon Fresh, Northeast, Whole Foods
Schuman Cheese Begins Holiday With Delve Mascarpone Truffles
Fairfield, New Jersey-based Schuman Cheese has launched Delve Mascarpone bites into the truffle category. The truffles are a refrigerated confection, crafted with award-winning, Italian-style, Mascarpone cheese and wrapped in 100 percent pure, sustainably sourced chocolate. The four varieties are: Sea-Salted Caramel Crème 8-count box is made up of sea-salted caramel, dark chocolate and mascarpone. A raspberry 8-count box […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southwest
North Texas Food Bank Announces Holiday Food Distributions
The North Texas Food Bank has announced that together with its redistribution partners, Crossroads Community Services and Sharing Life, its feeding network will host more than 50 holiday food distributions during November within its 13-county service territory. “The holiday season can be especially difficult for those who are already struggling to make ends meet each month and with inflated food, gas and […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Catalina Study Assesses Impact On Shopper Behavior, Sales
With self-checkout lanes becoming more prevalent at grocery and drug stores across the U.S., Catalina has issued a study that dispels generalizations about shoppers not liking the SCO option overall and not using coupons when they do use it. Catalina initiated its study, assessing data from 4.5 billion UPC-level transactions by 245 million consumers accounting […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Gorton’s Seafood Launches Southern Style Shrimp
Gloucester, Massachusetts-based Gorton’s Seafood is adding a new option to its shrimp portfolio with the introduction of Southern Style Shrimp. Gorton’s Southern Style Shrimp is made with a combination of buttermilk, pepper and southern-inspired herbs and spices. The product launches at select retailers this fall, expanding to national distribution in 2023. It will be available in a 9.2-ounce […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
AWG Brands Releases New Branding, Packaging For Best Choice
Kansas City, Kansas-based AWG Brands, the private brands family owned by Associated Wholesale Grocers, is introducing new branding and package designs for its brand, Best Choice. The updated branding will help AWG member retailers build private brand loyalty. “This is a very exciting time for AWG as we embark on updates to our Best Choice brand,” […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southeast
AJ’s Rocking L Specialty Meats Market Arrives In Destin, FL
Alan Laird, owner of four of AJ’s restaurants along Florida’s Gulf Coast, has opened an AJ’s Rocking L – Specialty Meats and Gourmet Market in Destin, Florida. Privately-owned, the store is at 872 Highway 98 E in Unit No. 19 at the Shoreline Village Mall. It has 2,500 square feet of space and provides custom cut meats such […]