In order to reduce plastic waste, Dole Food Co. is expanding its commercial use of Oxifilm, a macro-perforated, 100-percent recyclable stretch film, across its banana and pineapple operations in Latin America. The expansion – set for late April – will further replace use of corner boards, straps and clamps from the palletization process, eliminating about […]
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 inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News
PLMA Inducts Private Label Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025
The Private Label Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place during the PLMA 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The class consists of nine men and women who were honored in one of three categories: Private Brand Champion Thomas Becker, who most recently served as director of proprietary brands, Circle K; John […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NFRA Convention To Spotlight Innovation, Leadership, Industry Growth
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for this year’s NFRA Convention, taking place Oct. 18-21 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. More than 1,700 anticipated attendees will conduct more than 6,500 business meetings over the course of three days. Of particular interest: Registration now open: The NFRA Convention […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Snacks Report Reveals How Health, Flavor Trends Are Redefining Cravings
Circana has shared its latest research, “Snack Unwrap: The Insatiable Craving for Growth,” offering insights into emerging trends shaping U.S. consumers’ snacking habits. The research reveals how evolving consumer priorities, a growing focus on health-conscious choices and broader macroeconomic factors are transforming snacking behaviors. The report also emphasizes the role of innovation in fostering growth […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, Wakefern
Price Rite Marketplace Kicks Off Annual Feeding Minds, Bodies Campaign
Price Rite Marketplace and Feed the Children kicked off their annual Feeding Minds & Bodies campaign with a hunger-fighting event in Rhode Island that helped hundreds of families. The gathering, the first of eight similar events planned this year, took place at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the start of GoProvidence’s Providence Culinary Collective, a […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Co. Celebrates Employees During Annual Business Meeting
The Giant Co. celebrated the achievements of employees March 26 during its annual business meeting, presenting 28 awards recognizing commitment to outstanding performance and leadership while embodying the company’s purpose, values and team and customer promises. “Each team member and store team recognized this year illustrates their dedication every day to exceeding our customers’ expectations […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Heritage Grocers Group, Olive Crest Partner To Prevent Child Abuse, Neglect
Heritage Grocers Group has partnered with Olive Crest and the Child Abuse Stops Here Network to begin an in-store fundraising campaign at Cardenas Markets, Los Altos Ranch Markets, El Rancho Supermercado and Tony’s Fresh Market banner stores. One of the largest Hispanic and ethnic food retailers in the country, Heritage Grocers Group is raising money to […]
Posted inBakery News, Northeast
Sara Lee Bread Introduces New Half Loaf Line
Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Sara Lee Bread has introduced a half loaf product line in three varieties –White, Honey Butter and Nine Grain. “At Sara Lee Bread, we understand that many customers in smaller households want to enjoy fresh, delicious bread without worrying about the waste,” said Nick Pitone, senior brand manager at Sara Lee Bread. “With […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southwest
Woods Supermarket Expands To Johnstown, CO
Woods Supermarket held a ribbon cutting and grand-opening celebration March 19 for a store at 4330 Ledge Rock Drive in Johnstown, Colorado – the first out-of-state expansion for the 75-year-old family-owned Missouri business. “We are thrilled with the community support we have found in the vibrant Johnstown area and honored to be a part of the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, ShopRite
ShopRite Promotes ‘We Are Here’ Marketing Campaign
Keasbey, New Jersey-based ShopRite has launched an integrated marketing campaign, “We Are Here,” spotlighting the family-operated businesses at the heart of the brand and their deep community ties. Rolling out across a variety of media channels, the campaign showcases a montage of images and stories. Viewers will see familiar faces – including the families who […]
Posted inDairy News, National, News
Marquez Brothers Acquires YoGusto Brand, Hato Potero Farms
Marquez Brothers International Inc., a San Jose, California-based family-owned company that produces and distributes authentic quality branded Hispanic foods, has reached an agreement to acquire Hato Potero Farms, owner of YoGusto brand, a drinkable yogurt brand based in the southeastern United States. The move marks a milestone in Marquez Brothers International’s mission to expand its […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, News, West
Albertsons Cos. Introduces Lemon-Inspired Own Brand Products
Albertsons Cos. has introduced a limited edition collection of lemon-inspired Own Brands products to celebrate the arrival of spring. Available through May 9, customers will find lemon-flavored candy, cookies, pretzels, chips, popcorn and sparkling water from the grocer’s private label brands – Signature Select, Overjoyed and Soleil. Presented in unified packaging across brands, the spring products […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
T&T Supermarket Expanding To San Francisco
T&T Supermarket will continue its U.S. expansion with a new store at 2675 Geary Blvd. in the San Francisco City Center, scheduled to open winter 2026. The news comes on the heel of the company’s first U.S. store in Bellevue, Washington, which opened in December, and the recent announcement of a location in San Jose, California. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National
Sprouts Farmers Market Adds NIL Deals Across Women’s Sports
Sprouts Farmers Market has added eight new individual Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals with college athletes in women’s sports as a deeper commitment to its PowHERed by Sprouts program. “Sprouts is on a mission to power women both on and off the field, fueling performance through nutrition and partnering with athletes who are changing […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Harris Teeter, Southeast
Harris Teeter Named Premier Sponsor For Cooper River Bridge Run
Harris Teeter will return as the sole presenting sponsor for the 48th annual Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, South Carolina. “Harris Teeter has served the Charleston community for nearly half a century,” said Danna Robinson, director of corporate affairs for Harris Teeter. “We’re thrilled to return to the Cooper River Bridge Run as the […]
Posted inBakery News, Southeast
Firehook Introduces Limited Edition Cracker Flavors
As artisanal foods and unexpected brand collaborations continue to gain momentum, Firehook Crackers has introduced two new flavors in partnership with Graza Olive Oil and Fly By Jing. Chantilly, Virginia-based Firehook worked with Graza to create a light cracker with its premium extra virgin olive oil, lemon and chives for an herb flavor. The Fly […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Upshop Promotes Kennedy, Weber To Drive Strategic Growth
Upshop, a provider of retail technology solutions, has made two strategic promotions within its executive leadership team. Lauren Kennedy has been named SVP of strategic accounts, while Mike Weber has been appointed to the newly created position of chief growth officer. These leadership changes reflect Upshop’s commitment to strengthening its market position and accelerating growth […]
Posted inMarketing News, Merchandising News, National
The Price Optimization Edge Independent Grocers Need
Sponsored content You’re up against some big challenges. Grocery pricing is tough. Rising costs are squeezing margins, competition is heating up, and shoppers are expecting great value and an exciting assortment. How can you stay on top? The answer’s simpler than you might think. Price optimization powered by competitive intelligence. It’s your secret weapon to […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, National
Report Reveals Opportunities For Private Label, Branded Product Growth
NielsenIQ has released “Finding Harmony on the Shelf: 2025 Global Outlook on Private Label & Branded Products,” a new report that offers an analysis of shifting global consumer attitudes around private label and branded products, catalysts driving these trends and insights for retailers to reach consumers within a fast-moving macroeconomic environment. According to NIQ’s report, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Instacart Introduces Store View, Second Store Check Options
Instacart has added two additional technology features to its platform, Store View and Second Store Check, which are made possible due to integrations with retailers’ inventory systems and millions of weekly orders placed across more than 100,000 locations. “Keeping track of inventory is one of the biggest challenges in grocery. A single store carries more […]