For the first time in a decade, M&M’S, a brand of Newark, New Jersey-based Mars, is expanding its character crew with the introduction of a new purple candy. Designed to represent acceptance and inclusivity, the newest character, Purple, is known for her self-expression. She joins the cast of M&M’S characters, who recently were given a […]
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 inKeHE Distributors, Southwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE To Open Largest Distribution Center In Dallas, TX
KeHE Distributors will unveil its new distribution center on Oct. 5 in Dallas, Texas. The space will total nearly one million square feet, KeHE’s largest facility to date. This distribution center will provide job and growth opportunities for the greater Dallas area and for KeHE. Additionally, the new distribution center allows more dedicated support for the […]
Posted inExecutive News, National
Ahold Delhaize Proposes To Reappoint CEO Muller
Ahold Delhaize has announced that its supervisory board intends to propose the reappointment of Frans Muller as president and CEO and member of the management board at its annual general meeting of shareholders on April 12. “We are delighted that Frans will continue as president and CEO of Ahold Delhaize, subject to shareholder approval,” said […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
Dematic, Upshop Partner To Provide Grocers Independence
Atlanta-based Dematic has announced a partnership with Upshop to supply integrated fulfillment solutions that scale with grocery business. The partnership will empower grocers looking to grow their fulfillment operations with solutions that allow them to retain and manage their own customer data. This announcement builds on Upshop’s total store operations platform launch in August, which includes […]
Posted inMeijer, Grocery Store Layout, Midwest, Sustainability News
Meijer Unveils Rain Gardens To Improve Water Quality At Store
In an effort to improve the water quality in Ox Creek and support pollinators that are critical for local agriculture, Meijer partnered with the Berrien County Drain Commission and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to install four rain gardens throughout its Benton Harbor store parking lot. The project is comprised of three small rain gardens in […]
Posted inFood Service News, Grocery Store Layout, Southeast
Gordon Food Service To Open Memphis Location Sept. 29
Gordon Food Service Store will open a new 27,000-square-foot store Sept. 29 at 1460 Union Ave. in Memphis, Tennessee. Designed for home shoppers, restaurant owners and foodservice professionals of all types, the decor is modern with an easy-to-navigate layout for quick shopping. The store’s product assortment features restaurant-quality items along with hand-selected local favorites. The store […]
Posted inProduce News, Sustainability News, West
Taylor Farms Publishes Social Responsibility, Sustainability Report
Salinas, California-based Taylor Farms has published its 2022 Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report, featuring advancements and investments in education, health, wellness and environmental stewardship. “Despite the challenges brought on by a global pandemic, we are extremely proud of the work that is highlighted in this report” said Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms. “We continue […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Announces Intention To Acquire Fricks Market Stores
St. Louis, Missouri-based Schnuck Markets has announced its intent to acquire two Fricks Market stores, located at 401 Central Ave. in Union, Missouri, and 45 North Clark St. in Sullivan, Missouri. The Union store will remain open as Fricks Market through Oct. 23, when it will close for three days before reopening on Oct. 27 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Releases Industry Commitments Regarding Food Insecurity
The National Grocers Association has released new industry commitments it has made in connection with the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Heath to address food insecurity in the nation. Over the next two years, NGA will assist with improving access to grocery stores by working to increase the number of retailers authorized for […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southwest
Ball Corporation Provides Refillable Bottled Water Solutions
Westminster, Colorado-based Ball Corporation and Boomerang Water have announced an alliance to bring consumers a sustainable way to stay hydrated. At resorts, cruise ships, campuses and elsewhere, Ball will provide its aluminum bottles for the Boomerang Bottling System, a technology company that offers the convenience of bottled water in a sustainable package while limiting the environmental impact. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Stater Bros. To Accept EBT SNAP Payments With Instacart
San Bernardino, California-based Stater Bros. Markets will now accept SNAP EBT payments for orders made through Instacart. The purpose of SNAP, also known as CalFresh in California, is to provide monthly food benefits to low-income people, allowing them to afford more nutritious foods. EBT SNAP can be used for purchases made at Stater Bros. through the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
Big Y’s Online Ordering Celebrates First Anniversary
This fall marks the one-year anniversary for Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y’s myPicks Online Ordering, the grocer’s e-commerce platform. In recent years, Big Y has seen an explosion of online ordering and an increased customer demand. These factors led Big Y to enter the e-commerce realm by launching the platform. “We understand just how busy people are […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest
AdAdapted, WeStock Partner To Help Brands Grow Sales
Ann Arbor, Michigan-based AdAdapted and WeStock have joined forces to help emerging brands grow distribution and ensure they stay on shelves by increasing sales. In today’s competitive environment, small and emerging brands must find ways to drive purchase intent and build awareness. According to Nielsen, 15 percent of new consumer packaged goods products are still around in […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Expands To Go Services At 24 Additional Stores
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion has expanded its Food Lion To Go grocery pick up service to 24 more stores in North Carolina and Kentucky. The grocer is offering shoppers the first pickup for free. Customers can confirm availability and place orders through the Food Lion To Go website or the Food Lion To Go app. Shoppers can also […]
Posted inExecutive News, West
Associated Food Stores Names Rice As President, CEO
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores has named David Rice as president and CEO of the 82-year-old company. The move comes following the passing of Robert Obray, who served as president and CEO when he passed away from a rare, fast-moving neurological disease in August. “Bob was an incredible leader and worked closely with the […]
Posted inWoman Executive of the Year, Southwest
Brookshire Grocery Co. Recognized For Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Brookshire Grocery Co. was a recipient of Shelby Publishing’s inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in 2021 and has been honored again in 2022. Two BGC leaders, Latasha Woodard, district VP – District 5, and Rubi Gonzalez, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, were also featured as 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Award winners in the June […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Frieda’s Awarded Four Picks In The Kitchn Essentials
Los Alamitos, California-based Frieda’s Branded Produce has picked up four honors in the 2022 Kitchn Essentials, grocery edition. Each year, Kitchn names essential grocery items that have gained fanfare and become staples in consumers’ grocery carts. “Being recognized with four awards is the proof point that our new branding is breaking through and speaking to consumers,” said Cindy Sherman, senior […]
Posted inSustainability News, National
EPA’s GreenChill Program Celebrates 15th Anniversary
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s issued a report marking the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership’s 15th anniversary that highlights partner achievements in supermarket refrigerant management. The EPA also presented the annual GreenChill awards for achievements made during the 2021 program year at FMI – The Food Industry Association’s Energy and Store Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. […]
Posted inC-Store News, Executive News, Northeast
NECSEMA Names Brennan As Executive Director
Stoughton, Massachusetts-based NECASEMA has named Peter Brennan, a former attorney for the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association, as its new executive director. Brennan, who formerly worked for Massachusetts Sens. Michael Morrissey and Robert Hedlund, succeeds longtime NECSEMA director Jon Shaer, who recently accepted a position with ChargePoint. Brennan takes the reins of the trade organization, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
SpartanNash Hires Zube As SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has announced Nicole Zube as its new SVP, chief human resources officer, effective immediately. Zube joins SpartanNash from Kellogg Company, where she most recently served as head of human resources – U.S. commercial. “Nicole is an accomplished people leader with invaluable experience managing a large-scale, global workforce within the food industry,” said Tony Sarsam, […]