Florida Food Products has announced that Anuhya Bhaskara, director of research and development, has completed training and earned Tea Sommelier Certification from the World Tea Academy. Bhaskara has spent the last 10 years working in research and development in and around the tea industry. Her efforts support customers who want to create RTD beverages, as […]
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, Northeast
Michaud Joins Birdzi’s Board Of Directors
Iselin, New Jersey-based Birdzi has announced that Todd P. Michaud has joined its board of directors as an independent member. With a track record for driving growth and building enduring software businesses, Michaud will advise on Birdzi’s product and scaling its customer base. “At Birdzi, we never want to stay stagnant – our team is constantly evolving our solutions […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Releases Power Of Health, Well-Being In Food Industry Report
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released the “2022 Power of Health and Well-Being in the Food Industry” report, which offers consumer perspectives on health and well-being in the grocery store and an update on industry progress in those areas. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted Americans’ eating habits, with 50 percent of consumers reporting that […]
Posted inCoborn's, Grocery Store Layout, Independent Store News, Midwest
Coborn’s To Reopen Cash Wise In Williston, ND
Coborn’s will hold a grand reopening of Cash Wise Foods Sept. 21 at 300 11th St. West in Williston, North Dakota. The company recently completed updates in the grocery store and has several other Cash Wise locations undergoing similar remodels. The Williston Cash Wise location marks the latest update in the company’s growth and expansion. “We […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B To Host First Texas Reading Day Sept. 30
San Antonio-based H-E-B will host the Read 3 Big Texas Read-in to promote literacy and mark the largest reading event in the state. For more than 11 years, the grocer has held literacy initiatives including its Read 3 program, which encourages caretakers to read to children at least three times per week. As part of this year’s Read3 Read In […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, National
Plant Based World Expo Concludes Convention In New York
The third Plant Based World Expo North America returned Sept. 8-9 to the Javits Center in New York. Attendees at the 100 percent plant-based industry event enjoyed new plant-based products, informative speakers and networking opportunities. There were 3,722 attendees, up about 20 percent from 2021 and 232 exhibitors. “The response to this year’s expo has been […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
C&S Wholesale Grocers Builds AI-Powered Distribution Model
Tata Consultancy Services has been chosen by Keene, New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers to build a new operations platform on Google Cloud to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and enhance the customer experience. C&S has partnered with TCS to reimagine its operations platforms, including customer experience and grocery distribution. TCS will lead the company-wide project and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Partners With Children’s Miracle Network
Sylmar, California-based Vallarta Supermarkets has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with its annual balloon fundraiser campaign through Sept. 30. This is the 12th year the company participates as a partner to the Children’s Miracle Network. All funds raised go to each store’s local corresponding Children’s member hospitals. Whether that means providing care to children […]
Posted inMeijer, Midwest, Produce News
Square Roots Expands Produce Distribution To Meijer Stores
Square Roots has expanded distribution of produce in Meijer’s stores in the Midwest. The company’s greens will be sold at Meijer-branded stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The produce is grown and harvested at Square Roots’ Kenosha farm, the company’s largest indoor farm built to date. “Our new farm in Kenosha delivers delicious, pesticide-free, fresh […]
Posted inProduce News, Southwest
Brighter Bites Receives $300K Grant To Expand Programming
San Antonio, Texas-based Brighter Bites has received a $300,000 Empowering Health grant from UnitedHealthcare to expand its programming in the community. The funding will help serve areas with high rates of food insecurity and diet-related diseases in the San Antonio area by providing fresh produce and nutrition education. “Through our Empowering Health grants and local outreach efforts from UnitedHealthcare, we’re working […]
Posted inBeverage News, National
Southern Glazer’s Releases Findings From Liquid Insights Tour
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has released the results of its 2022 Liquid Insights Tour, a coast-to-coast educational initiative designed to explore and identify the latest trends in cocktails and wine. The Liquid Insights Tour began in Houston in February, and included stops in Kansas City, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Over […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Smart & Final Presents $506K Donation To Olive Crest
The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation presented a check for $506,232 to Olive Crest, following an in-store donation campaign that ended on July 5. Customers at Smart & Final locations throughout California, Arizona and Nevada were able to support kids in crisis with a $1 donation at checkout. “We continue to be inspired by and […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Celebrates Receiving Multiple Awards
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers was recently recognized by several organizations for its people-first values and affordable products. Southeastern Grocers was named to Fortune’s 2022 “Best Workplaces in Retail” list which recognizes the top 20 companies for high levels of trust, respect, credibility, fairness, pride and camaraderie among employees. To determine the “Best Workplaces in Retail” in 2022, Fortune partnered with global […]
Posted inMarketing News, Executive News, Southwest
Ben E. Keith Foods Names Lakotas As VP Of Marketing
Fort Worth, Texas-based Ben E. Keith has hired Aimee Lakotas as VP of marketing. She joined the company on Sept. 7. A 25-year marketing veteran with experience in strategic marketing and brand building, Lakotas will report to David Werner, SVP, independent sales and marketing. “Ben E. Keith Foods continues to grow in a highly competitive marketplace and […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Anchor Packaging Introduces Product Line For Panoramic
The Shelby Report recently talked with Kurt Richars, director of market development and sustainability for St. Louis, Missouri-based Anchor Packaging. Anchor Packaging is a maker of rigid food packaging and flexible food film. The company recently acquired Panoramic Inc., a manufacturer of thermoformed products used in fresh food applications, including bakery, produce and confectionery out […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Dietz & Watson Launches Protein-Packed Snack Packs
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based Dietz & Watson has begun introducing consumers to its protein-packed snack packs. The packs were first introduced at the 2018 IDDBA gathering. The “adult Lunchable” comes 12 to a case and features the brand’s well-established meat and cheese options, as well as other protein-based snacks such as dried cranberries, walnuts or cashew. To […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
IRI Gives Insights On Food Inflation, Impact On Shopping Behavior
IRI has released a new report, “August 2022 Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation,” with insights about food inflation and its impact on consumer shopping behavior. The insights use the latest point-of-sale data from August and include data covering all U.S. food channels, including e-commerce. Data shows that prices of consumer goods remain […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, West
AFMA Foundation Awards 128 College Scholarships
The Arizona Food Marketing Alliance has funded 128 college scholarships for the 2022-23 school year, culminating to $207,500 for all students. The winners come from a variety of the AFMA’s member companies and include both employees and their dependents. All students will be attending community colleges, colleges or universities in Arizona. This year, there were […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
American Foods Group Breaks Ground On Beef Processing Facility
American Foods Group is planning on opening a new beef processing facility in Warren County, Missouri. The company broke ground Sept. 12 at the site near Wright City – marking the beginning of a project expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in Missouri. “As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG […]
Posted inPackaging News, Amazon Fresh, Southeast, Whole Foods
ZOA Energy Launches Limited-Edition Cans For Movie Release
Tampa, Florida-based ZOA Energy is collaborating with DC Films to launch limited-edition “Black Adam” cans to stores nationwide for consumers. The cans feature ZOA founder and film lead/producer Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam. The cans are available while supplies last online through its website, on Amazon and in grocery and convenience stores. ZOA has also released a limited-edition […]