Dennis Gibson, president of the Fred Meyer Division of Kroger, has announced his plans to retire Oct. 1. In an exclusive interview with The Shelby Report of the West, Gibson reflected on his 38 years of leadership and service in the industry, as well as his plans for retirement. Gibson’s professional career began in 1976, […]
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, Bashas', West
Bashas’ Reveals Winner Of $50K Donation In Charity Challenge
Culminating its weeks-long Community Choice Charity Challenge, Bashas’ named C4 Foundation the grand prize winner of a $50,000 donation during a special event Sept. 23 at a Bashas’ supermarket in Tempe, Arizona. The challenge, part of the grocer’s 90th anniversary celebration, invited people to vote their favorite charities forward for a chance to win a […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest
Funeral Services For ‘Rich’ Niemann Sr. Planned Oct. 6
Niemann Foods Chairman Emeritus Richard Henry “Rich” Niemann Sr., 91, of Quincy, Illinois, died on Sept. 25, 2022, at his home. There will be a Catholic funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Church of St. Peter, 2600 Maine St. in Quincy, followed by private graveside services at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
Giant Food Begins New Promotion On Rewards Loyalty Program
Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food has announced a new promotion through its flexible rewards loyalty program, allowing customers to redeem rewards points for store brand products at reduced point requirements. The new promotion comes as Giant celebrates the milestone of serving one million Flexible Rewards program members, as well as the program winning Best-In-Class at the 2022 Loyalty360 […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
SEG Extends Donation Program For Disaster Relief In Florida
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has announced the extension of its community donation program to benefit the American Red Cross and plans for additional relief activations in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. The grocer is assessing storm damage throughout all Florida Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Hy-Vee Awards $50K In Grants During Kansas City Showcase
Hy-Vee awarded $50,000 to local minority- and women-owned businesses during the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. During the pitch competition component of the event, 15 companies from around the Midwest presented to a panel of judges and more than 400 attendees. Company leaders were able […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Dunnhumby Reports Food Inflation Higher Than Anticipated
According to the latest dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker, Americans believe that food-at-home inflation has hit 22.8 percent, 9.7 points higher than the 13.1 percent annual rate reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The perceived rate of food inflation is 5.1 percent higher than the dunnhumby Consumer Pulse report from February, just after Ukraine was invaded. The […]
Posted inDairy News, Executive News, Southeast
Cal-Maine Foods Names Miller As President, CEO
Ridgeland, Mississippi-based Cal-Maine Foods has named Sherman L. Miller as president and CEO, effective immediately. He will succeed Dolph Baker as CEO. Baker will retain his role as chairman of the board and as an executive officer of the company, and will remain involved in managing the company, with a focus on strategy, capital allocation, advising […]
Posted inPackaging News, Produce News, Southwest
AFM Supports Breast Cancer Month With Pink Avocado Packaging
Dallas-based Avocados From Mexico is partnering with Susan G. Komen to feature limited-edition pink packaging for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Avocados From Mexico partnered with Walmart and Kroger’s network of banners to make it convenient for shoppers to support the “Good Fats. Good Cause” with pink packaging. The bags feature a QR code that drives shoppers to […]
Posted inPackaging News, Plant-Based News, Snacks Brands, West
Good Planet Foods Expands Portfolio With Snack Packs
Bellevue, Washington-based Good Planet Foods has announced its latest innovation, plant-based Snack Packs. The packs are individually packaged and are made for on-the-go convenience. Good Planet Foods Snack Packs are available in two flavors, Smoked Gouda with Dried Cranberries and Almonds and Cheddar with Dried Cranberries and Cashews. They will retail for SRP $1.99 and will be […]
Posted inPackaging News, International Foods, Northeast
Manzanita Sol Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos With Packaging
Purchase, New York-based Manzanita Sol is beginning Día de los Muertos celebrations with the launch of its Celebrar y Recordar campaign – an ode to remembering and honoring loved ones – featuring limited-edition packaging and $25,000 in grocery giveaways. As consumers prepare traditional recipes and ofrendas for Día de los Muertos, Manzanita Sol wants to help fans with $100 gift cards […]
Posted inDairy News, National
NFRA Announces 2022 Golden Penguin Recipients
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association has announced the winners of the Golden Penguin Awards for its June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotions. NFRA promotions help the industry drive traffic in the frozen food and dairy aisles and increase sales for many categories and brands. In recognition of those […]
Posted inDairy News, Northeast
Schuman Cheese Wins 26 Awards Across Five Contests
Fairfield, New Jersey-based Schuman Cheese is celebrating 26 awards across five cheese industry competitions in 2022. The company received recognition at the World Championship Cheese Contest, World Dairy Expo, American Cheese Society Competition, Wisconsin State Fair and International Cheese Awards. For 75 years, Schuman Cheese has been recognized at the most prestigious global cheese competitions. Most […]
Posted inPackaging News, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Quinn Snacks Achieves ‘HowGood Climate Friendly’ Label
Boulder, Colorado-based Quinn Snacks has achieved the Climate Friendly product attribute from its partner HowGood, an independent research company with the largest ingredient sustainability database. Quinn will begin to roll out the first on-pack “Climate Friendly” label on its snack products in 2023. Products that receive the Climate Friendly attribute have greenhouse gas emissions that are lower […]
Posted inDairy News, Northeast
Weis Markets Launches Ice Cream Flavor For Cancer Coalition
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets has launched a limited-edition flavor of its Weis Quality Ice Cream, Pink Peppermint Patty, to benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Weis Markets will donate $10,000 from the proceeds to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition to support its mission to help find a cure for breast cancer. Pink Peppermint Patty is available […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Introduces Flexforce Employment Options
Beginning Oct. 3, select St. Louis-based Schnucks stores will offer employees a flex assignment option, allowing people to optimize their work schedules by selecting shifts and store locations that best fit their personal schedules. “At Schnucks, a primary goal is to position our employees for success, and we are excited to offer this new opportunity […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Marks Anniversary Of Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Plan
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. celebrated the five-year anniversary of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan. Launched in 2017, the program remains the centerpiece of the company’s environmental, social and governance strategy. It is widely recognized as an industry-leading platform for collective action and systems change. “As America’s largest grocer, Kroger […]
Posted inExecutive News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Golden State Foods Promotes Blanchette To Group VP
Irvine, California-based Golden State Foods has promoted Shane Blanchette to group VP, continuous improvement, quality custom distribution. Blanchette will now oversee QCD’s strategic continuous improvement initiatives, including warehouse and transportation operations, new facility builds, optimization projects and quality standards to support strategic customer initiatives and overall growth. “Shane brings a fresh, energetic approach to continuous improvement with his […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
Misfits Markets Launches The Upcycling Challenge
Pennsauken, New Jersey-based Misfits Market and the Upcycled Food Association announced they are launching The Upcycling Challenge, a contest for food entrepreneurs to create sustainable food products that repurpose excess food or waste. Finalists will pitch new products to a panel of judges in March at EXPO West in Anaheim, California. Challenge winners will receive a one-year slot placement on […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Northeast
UNFI Acquires Three Former Locations, Reinvests In Remodels
United Natural Foods has announced it is reacquiring three former store locations which had previously been sold and will remodel two current store locations. These remodels and store acquisitions will improve the shopping experience for customers in the Baltimore and Prince George’s County communities who have relied on Shoppers’ stores for more than 70 years. […]