To document the ever-changing nature of the marketplace, IRI, 210 Analytics and Elanco have partnered to report on the latest trends and analysis relative to seafood sales at retail. These measures have resulted in prolonged unit and volume pressure across most categories and even more so for seafood, whether fresh or frozen. July’s seafood inflation […]
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 inPublix Super Markets, Center Store, Southeast
Publix Named To Newsweek’s Best Customer Service List
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2023 America’s Best Customer Service list, ranking No. 1 in the supermarket category for the sixth year in a row. “One of Publix’s founding principles is treating our customers like royalty,” said Maria Brous, director of communications, Publix. “More than 92 years later, we still pride ourselves on […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
The Kroger Co. Recognized As Leader In Fighting Food Insecurity
Cincinnati, Ohio-based The Kroger Co. Foundation has been recognized as a 2022 Hunger Leadership Award winner. The Congressional Hunger Center honored the foundation with the award because of its ongoing commitment to fighting hunger. “We appreciate this honor from the Congressional Hunger Center, which recognizes our corporate affairs leaders effective stewardship of foundation funds to […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Albertsons, Southwest
The North Texas Food Bank Joins Feeding America Campaign
The North Texas Food Bank will join Feeding America for Hunger Action Month in September to raise awareness of people experiencing food insecurity. Food banks around the country are working to make a real and lasting impact on hunger in their communities, and they are asking for the public’s support. “Many people may not give a […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southeast
Dot Foods Holds Groundbreaking For Distribution Center
Dot Foods broke ground Aug. 29 on the company’s 13th distribution center in Manchester, Tennessee. The center, located at 600 Manchester Industrial Parkway, will create more than 250 jobs in the first three years of operation. Work on the Manchester distribution center will begin immediately, with a goal of having the facility operational in fall 2023. Dot selected […]
Posted inCenter Store, National
Survey Reports Concern About Healthy Breakfasts Due To Inflation
According to a new survey commissioned by General Mills Big G Cereals, 75 percent of parents worry their child is not getting enough nutrients, and 65 percent are concerned about their ability to provide a “healthy” breakfast due to inflation and rising grocery costs. The need for easy breakfast options that provide good nutrition at […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
South Dakota Retailers To Host Best Grocery Bagger Competition
The South Dakota Retailers Association is partnering with the state fair to bring the “Best Bagger” competition to the public on Sept. 3. Sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers and NW French and Associates, the annual competition features some of the quickest baggers in the grocery business in a fast-paced, head-to-head competition. “This year, we have […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI, NAMI Highlight Mental Health Benefits Of Family Meals
In conjunction with September’s National Family Meals Month, the FMI Foundation celebrates its partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to highlight the mental health benefits of family meals. Family meals provide opportunities to spend time and develop relationships with family and friends, which has been shown to improve mental and physical health. In fact, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Bravo Supermarkets, Southwest
Central Market Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Dallas, Texas-based Central Market has sourced a collection of Hispanic-owned brands and products for its annual “Really Into Comida” food and heritage event. The celebration will take place from Sept. 14-Oct. 11 at these Central Market locations: Austin North Lamar, Austin Westgate, Dallas Lovers Lane, Dallas Midway, Preston Royal, Fort […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Forbes Named KeHE Distributors ‘Best Employer For Women’
Naperville, Illinois-based KeHE Distributors has been named as one of America’s Best Employers For Women in Forbes’ annual ranking. Forbes teamed up with the market research company Statista to identify the companies that are supporting women inside and outside their workforces. “We pride ourselves on serving to make lives better, and that starts with our employees,” said Jenn Ricks, EVP […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Donates $340K To School Programs
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers has donated $340,000 to aid more than 420 public schools, supporting teachers, staff and students during the school year. A three-week community donation program was held in all Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. The grocer’s customers and employees across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi contributed by rounding up […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast, Snacks Brands
The Hershey Co. Promotes Creighton To Global Chief Sales Officer
Pennsylvania-based The Hershey Company has named Marlene Creighton as global chief sales officer, effective Sept. 5. After 26 years with Hershey, Phil Stanley will transition out of the company to pursue his next opportunity. “In her four years at Hershey, Marlene has led incremental growth with our retail partners and is spearheading our commercial strategy as […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast
Giant Food Welcomes Hicks As SVP Of Operations
Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food has announced Diane Hicks as SVP of operations, effective Sept. 12. In this role, Hicks will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development and execution of Giant’s critical growth drivers, delivering exceptional store conditions and driving a true selling culture. With 30 years of experience working in retail across the […]
Posted inFood City, Food Industry Hall of Fame, West
Food City Banner Caters To Hispanic Shoppers
The Shelby Report of the West’s EVP Bob Reeves recently toured Food City, a banner of Bashas’ Family of Stores. Mike Solis, director of operations for Food City, and Ralph Woodward, SVP of operations for Bashas’ Family of Stores, led the walk-through. Bashas’ bought Food City, which caters to the Hispanic palate, in the mid-1990s. […]
Posted inDairy News, Northeast
Schuman Cheese Bringing Quality Items To Market
In 1945, the Schuman family decided that it was a great time to bring Italian cheeses to the United States. “They brought everything over in bulk, did small conversions and that’s really where we got our start,” said Jim Gregori, VP of retail sales at Arthur Schuman Inc. Since that time, Schuman Cheese has become […]
Posted inBakery News, Lipari Foods, National
St Pierre Driving U.S. Brioche Market With New Innovations
London, England-based St Pierre Bakery is known in America for its sweet and soft brioche products. Brioche is a bit different from most breads because it’s made with an “enriched dough and tastes a little sweeter,” according to Paul Baker, St Pierre’s founder. Baker recently sat down with The Shelby Report to discuss the company’s […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southwest
MountainKing, Pioneer Partner On Potato Gravy Mixes
Houston, Texas-based MountainKing Potatoes is pairing its butter russets with Pioneer, a producer of gravy mixes, to create a retail promotion for shoppers preparing fall-inspired dishes. In November, five-pound bags of MountainKing Butter Russets will feature a Kwik Lok tag offering .75 cents off any two Pioneer gravy mixes that are 2.75 ounces or smaller. Each Pioneer gravy […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southeast, Sustainability News
Coke Florida’s Broward Facility Becomes GreenCircle Certified
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida has announced that its Broward manufacturing facility has obtained GreenCircle’s Zero Waste to Landfill certification. Coke Florida is the local Florida bottler with exclusive sales and distribution in 47 counties across the state. It operates manufacturing facilities in Tampa, Orlando, Broward and Jacksonville. The Broward certification moves the company to having 75 percent […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Supply Chain News
Study Shows Customers Would Delay Deliveries To Pay Lower Fee
One of the most important reasons shoppers choose not to use a grocery delivery service is that they want to pay no more than necessary, which was tied with wanting to select their own produce, according to new shopper behavior research from Mercatus, fielded June 30-July 1. Specifically, this customer desire was directed at delivery’s additional […]
Posted inCenter Store, Southeast
Duke’s Introduces Brand’s First Mascot
For the first time in its 105-year history, Richmond, Virginia-based Duke’s Mayo has a mascot, Tubby. He introduced himself in the previous weeks to consumers through his social media accounts. The mascot engaged with fans, media personalities, celebs and brands, including Dolly Parton, Taco Bell and Krystal. “Tubby, the mascot, is one more way Duke’s continues […]