Atlanta-based DS Smith is exploring new sustainable options for its packaging, testing materials typically seen in gardens, parks and beaches. The company is working to give new life to alternative fibers for paper and cardboard, including daisies, straw, cocoa shells, miscanthus and seaweed. The research follows a national DS Smith survey in which 59 percent of consumers say […]
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, Midwest
Cub Introduces Afresh’s AI-Powered Fresh Operating System
Afresh Technologies, a provider of AI-powered technology built for fresh categories within grocery, has announced the rollout of its Fresh Operating System across Stillwater, Minnesota-based Cub’s stores. “At CUB, the local community is at the center of everything we do. Afresh has helped us keep our community front and center by delivering better, fresher products […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast
Weis Markets Launches Annual Great Grape Event
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets has launched its second annual Great Grape Event, which offers customers more than 15 varieties of grapes grown in California and the American South. The program runs through September. “The typical American supermarket sells five varieties of grapes, but since it’s the best time of year for grapes, we have decided to […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., National, Online Grocery Technology, Supply Chain News
Kroger Launches Delivery Service In Nashville, Chicago Areas
The Kroger Co. has announced the opening of two new facilities in Greater Nashville and the Chicago Metro Area. Serving as last-mile cross-dock locations, the locations will operate as an extension of regional fulfillment centers, making its delivery service available to more customers in Tennessee and Illinois. “Kroger Delivery promises an unparalleled shopping and delivery experience, making fresh just one click away […]
Posted inPackaging News, Northeast
Kari-Out Names Two Industry Executives To VP Positions
Tarrytown, New York-based Kari-Out, a manufacturer, importer and distributor of take-out paper, aluminum and plastic food containers, sauces and towelettes, has announced the addition of two executives in supply chain, sales and manufacturing division. “Following on the heels of Kari-Out’s acquisition of Paper Bags USA, expansion in specialty quality packaging and increased take-out sauce package […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest, New Products
Hostess Brands Launches Fall Limited-Time Snacks
Lenexa, Kansas-based Hostess Brands is launching six fall-flavored treats, including the addition of a new variety for its seasonal lineup. The returning snacks for autumn include Pumpkin Spice Flavored Twinkies, Iced Pumpkin Flavored CupCakes and Caramel Crunch Donettes. The Halloween lineup will feature Spooky Twinkies and ScaryCakes, along with the new Creepy Caramel Ding Dongs. “As fall approaches, consumers […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Independents Are Increasingly Resilient, Creative And Nimble
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging business environments that independent community grocers have had to face – and it’s not over yet. The sudden shift in retail spending behavior during the second quarter of 2020 drove record supermarket sales. Grocers moved mountains to keep shelves stocked while contending with operational challenges, […]
Posted inBashas', Anniversary Issues, Food Industry Hall of Fame, West
Raley’s’ Acquisition Helps Bashas’ Become ‘Best, Better Version’
Bashas’ Family of Stores was sold to The Raley’s Companies in late 2021. Keith Knopf, president and CEO of the Northern California-based organization, and Trey Basha, president of Bashas’, recently sat down with The Shelby Report of the West’s EVP Bob Reeves to talk about the acquisition and the future of Bashas’. Knopf, who had […]
Posted inProduce News, Marketing News, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Avocados From Mexico, Takis Collaborate On Shopper Campaign
Dallas, Texas-based Takis has partnered with Avocados From Mexico to launch a new shopper marketing campaign, “Guackeepers Keep it Good.” The companies have recruited two soccer players, Landon Donovan and Rafael Márquez, as the company’s “Guackeepers.” The “Guackeepers Keep it Good” promotional program includes in-store displays, consumer savings, digital engagement and innovative recipe inspirations for fans. “What […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Opens New Location In Pittsboro, NC
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion has opened a new location in the Briar Chapel area of Pittsboro, North Carolina. The store, located at 70 Ballantrae Ct., is the third store that Food Lion has opened this year. “I’m very excited to bring our easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience to more of our neighbors in […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Executive News, Northeast
The Giant Co. Announces Leadership Transitions
Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Co. and its parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA, have announced that Nicholas Bertram, brand president, will leave the organization on Aug. 31 to pursue new opportunities. After he leaves, John Ruane will become interim president. “We have been fortunate to have Nick lead The Giant Company during his nine-year tenure,” said […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Wholesum Celebrates 10 Years Of Fair Trade Certification
Amado, Arizona-based Wholesum is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of Fair Trade Certification. The company has maintained a commitment to sustainability, including 100 percent organic production. In 2012, the company solidified those commitments by obtaining Fair Trade Certification through the third-party certifier, Fair Trade USA. “More than 30 years ago, we began our transition to 100 percent […]
Posted inPackaging News, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Stryve Foods, Fields Of Honor Release New Packaging
Plano, Texas-based Stryve Foods has announced its partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the families of America’s fallen and disabled service members. The nonprofit also helps by partnering with brands, such as Stryve Foods, in order to achieve the goals that allow for academic pursuits. Since 2007, more than 35,000 scholarships have been awarded for […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
SEPC Holds Annual Summer Board Meeting
The Southeast Produce Council held its annual summer board meeting Aug. 9-11 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina. Prior to their series of meetings, attendees were given a tour of the Biltmore Estate to commemorate the SEPC’s gathering. “It was a special board meeting in Asheville. We had extremely productive sessions, and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Snacks Brands
Kraft Heinz Debuts ‘Lunchabuilds’ With Online Ordering
Chicago-based Kraft Heinz and its brand, Lunchables, unveils an “Order This Build” functionality, allowing families to order the packs needed to create different “Lunchabuilds” creations. With more than 25 different Lunchabuilds including a bear, dinosaur, helicopter and drum set, fans can find the products they need and download the building blueprint directly from its website. […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
Fareway Baker Gosselin Wins State, International Honors
Pleasant Hill, Iowa-based Fareway and Brandy Gosselin, bakery manager, are celebrating her win of recent state and international honors. Gosselin recently attended the 2022 International Dairy, Deli, and Bakery Association’s event in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was awarded 2022 Cake Artist of the Year. She was selected for the honor from cake decorators across the […]
Posted inNew Products, Southwest
WisePies Pizza, Make-A-Wish Partner For New Product
Make-A-Wish has entered into a partnership with Albuquerque, New Mexico-based WiseChoice Foods, the manufacturer of the frozen pizza brand WisePies Pizza, to help fund wishes for children through the sales of dessert pizzas exclusively available at Walmart. The WishPie by WisePies Pizza is a Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Dessert Pizza made from a stone-fired, cinnamon-infused traditional crust, […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA’s Executive Conference Announces Special Events
The National Grocers Association will host a variety of networking events at this year’s NGA Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit, scheduled for Oct. 24-26 in Washington, D.C. On the evening of Oct. 24, NGA will host a 40th anniversary celebration, marking an important milestone in the organization’s history. The event will feature a nod […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
Rosie Hires Industry Veteran As VP Of Sales
Ithaca, New York-based Rosie has hired Terry King as VP of Sales, focusing on growth of the industry leading turn-key grocery e-commerce platform. In this role, King will focus on multi-store independent grocers and strategic wholesaler partnerships. He will report to Chief Revenue Officer Merrick Rosner. “Terry’s engagement with and passion for independently owned local […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Awards $70K In Employee Scholarships
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers is awarding $70,000 in college scholarships to 28 employees to help fund their future education. The Southeastern Grocers scholarship program has provided more than $125,000 in scholarships since its founding in 2020. Each academic school year, interested employees with at least six months of tenure can apply for the program after […]