San Bernardino, California-based Stater Bros. Markets has announced that Phil Smith will retire as board chairman for Stater Bros. Holdings, effective immediately. CEO Pete Van Helden has been appointed chairman, and Sean Varner, managing partner of Varner & Brandt, has been appointed vice chairman. Smith will remain on the board. Smith’s career at Stater Bros. has spanned more than three […]
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 inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Study Shows Retailers Not Prepared To Manage Digital Operations
Incisiv, an industry insights firm that helps retailers and brands navigate digital disruption, has released the findings of an executive survey, titled “Digital Complexity: Thriving in Unpredictable Times.” Conducted in partnership with Fluent Commerce, commercetools and Contentstack, the survey found that retailers expect major increases in operational requirements around fulfillment and digital-related functions in 2023. With the pace and complexity […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Northeast, Online Grocery Technology
BJ’s Wholesale Club Accepts Online SNAP EBT Payments
Marlborough, Massachusetts-based BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced that SNAP EBT payments will be accepted across all of its clubs when members use their cards at checkout online or through the BJ’s mobile app. “Over the course of the last few months, we’ve been actively working to expand our online SNAP EBT payment options for our members across […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Foods Plans To Merge Corporate Locations As OneTyson
Tyson Foods has announced plans to bring together all employees from the Chicago, Downers Grove, Illinois, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, area corporate locations to its world headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. The move will foster closer collaboration, enhance team member agility and enable faster decision making. Employees will begin the phased relocation in 2023. “Tyson’s […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Supports World Central Kitchen With Fundraiser
In support of the communities devastated by Hurricane Ian, Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market has launched a fundraiser to benefit the work of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals to people impacted by humanitarian, natural and community crises. The Fresh Market began a three-week register roundup fundraiser on Oct. 5 and will […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
UNFI Expands Northeast Distribution Center Network
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods has opened a 125,000-square-foot refrigerated distribution center in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The facility will expand the company’s overall capacity and ability to deliver a selection of products to support customer growth across the northeast. The addition of the Londonderry facility will help UNFI expand its refrigerated capacity, relieving pressure at […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southeast
Goya Foods Distributes Food To Hurricane Victims In Florida
Goya Foods is helping first responders and volunteers to deliver much needed aid to the victims of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. “Giving back to the communities we serve has always been a top priority for La Gran Familia Goya,” said Bob Unanue, CEO. The company has sent more than 80,000 pounds of non-perishable food to be […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Foods Donates 1M Pounds Of Protein For Florida Relief
Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods is donating four million meals and deploying other disaster relief efforts to support those impacted by the recent flooding and severe weather from Hurricane Ian in Florida. The company is partnering with Walmart to help distribute more than one million pounds of protein to feed those in need in Fort Myers, […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest, Nonfood Items
Meijer Offers Accessible, Adaptive Children’s Halloween Costumes
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is adding accessible, adaptive children’s costumes to its selection of Halloween costumes. “We aim for our stores to be a welcoming and supportive environment where every customer sees themselves reflected in our team and their needs are met in our products,” said Ryan Yarnell, seasonal décor buyer for Meijer. “So, when our customers […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Celebrates National Seafood Month With Relaunch
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies is diving into National Seafood Month with the relaunch of Waterfront Bistro. Waterfront Bistro, which can be found at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Tom Thumb, features the “Responsible Choice” logo indicating that 100 percent of its seafood items meet Albertsons Cos.’ Responsible Seafood Policy. Waterfront Bistro seafood is third-party audited […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ShopOne Acquires Lake Ridge Commons In Woodbridge, VA
Together with its joint venture partners Pantheon and a leading global institutional investor, New York-based ShopOne Centers REIT announced it has acquired Lake Ridge Commons, a 74,367-square-foot Giant Food-anchored shopping center in Woodbridge, Virginia. Situated in a densely populated suburban community about 20 miles southwest of Washington D.C., Lake Ridge Commons features a 52,706 square-foot Giant […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Grocers, Inc., Southeast
Associated Grocers Hosts Food Show With Donation, Scholarships
Associated Grocers held its Fall Food Show for member retailers Sept. 21 at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana. Themed “Harvest Festival of Savings,” the event drew more than 1,000 vendors, manufacturers, retail members and store representatives. The event featured new items, merchandising ideas and current services available. The night prior, the company hosted […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Center Store, Midwest, Snacks Brands
Kroger Shares America’s Favorites Candies Ahead Of Holiday
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. has shared America’s favorite candies heading into the Halloween season. The grocer, who sells millions of pounds of candy each year, revealed that it expects shoppers will again reach for Hershey’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to fill their baskets more than any other candy this Halloween. “We expect our shoppers will […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Bashas', Executive News, West
Bashas’ Enhances Leadership Team With Three Promotions
Chandler, Arizona-based Bashas’ Family of Stores is bolstering talent among the leadership teams at two of its brands, AJ’s Fine Foods and Food City. Each of these shifts play a key role in plans for future growth and reaffirms the commitment of The Raley’s Companies to maintain and support the integrity each store brand. After nearly 30 years […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Tyson Celebrates Halloween With Limited-Edition Nugget Shapes
For the Halloween season, Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson brand is introducing spooky nuggets. The limited-edition nuggets come in three shapes: pumpkins, bats and ghosts. Made with 100 percent white meat chicken raised with no antibiotics, Spooky Nuggets are available through a giveaway on the brand’s Instagram page. “Our Fun Nuggets are a fan favorite, and we want to […]
Posted inPackaging News, National, Snacks Brands
Mars Releases M&M’s Caramel Cold Brew Candies
M&M’s, a brand of Newark, New Jersey-based Mars, has released its latest product, M&M’s Caramel Cold Brew. The product features a combination of coffee and caramel, covered in milk chocolate and wrapped in a colorful candy shell. “More and more coffee drinkers are exploring new flavor combinations, with cold brew ranking as one of Gen Z’s […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, West
Casa Azul Launches Recyclable Metal Packaging Cans
Two beverage entrepreneurs have partnered to launch Los Angeles, California-based Casa Azul featuring a recyclable metal packaging can. Building a brand is not new for Lance Collins and Mike Repole. Collins started Fuze and NOS Energy, while Repole launched Smart Water and Vitamin Water. Together, the two creators have crafted the Casa Azul Tequila Soda. Packaged in […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast, Snacks Brands
Utz Brands Announces CEO Succession Plan
Hanover, Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands, a U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, has announced some upcoming leadership changes. After 27 years with the company, CEO Dylan Lissette will be appointed executive chairman of the board, effective Dec. 15. At that time, Howard Friedman, currently COO of Post Holdings, will join the company as CEO and serve as […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Heinz Releases ‘Tomato Blood Ketchup’ Bottle For Halloween
Chicago-based Heinz has announced the return of Heinz Tomato Blood Ketchup, a limited edition bottle for Halloween. The brand enlisted the help of Toby, a vegetarian vampire influencer. Through an informational PSA, Toby hopes to convert his fellow vampires to enjoy tomato blood and spare the necks of humans. “Being a vegetarian vampire and only […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Southern Recipe Small Batch Launches Two Pork Rind Products
Dallas, Texas-based Southern Recipe Small Batch has announced two additions to its portfolio of pork rinds, New Buttery Garlic and Italian Herb Krutones. The products are scheduled in launch in spring. The experience of popping pork rinds is one that consumers have continued to request. It’s also a dining experience that has found success at various restaurants nationwide. Additionally, […]