Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets has hired John Driscoll as VP of construction and store development. In this position, Driscoll will oversee the day-to-day management and operation of the company’s construction, architecture, land development, non-resale procurement, energy and facilities maintenance. He reports to Rusty Graber, SVP of real estate and development. Driscoll has 20 years of experience […]
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 inProduce News, Grocery Store Layout, Northeast
Stop & Shop Introduces Refreshed Grove Hall Store
Stop & Shop has opened a refreshed store Aug. 19 in the Grove Hall neighborhood of Boston. The grocer will unveil a new community wellness space built to host programming at no cost to the community. Another highlight of the updated Grove Hall Stop & Shop location is an in-store dietitian offering free nutrition programming […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Awards $253K In Employee Scholarships
Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains in California, and The Gonzalez Family Foundation have awarded several employees and their dependents $253,000 in scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year. “Investing in the future educational success of our employees and their families is important to Vallarta. We believe education is key and are extremely proud […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest, Sustainability News
ProAmpac Facility Receives Sustainability Carbon Certification
Cincinnati, Ohio-based ProAmpac, a global flexible packaging company, announced its Rocky Mount, Virginia, facility has received the International Sustainability Carbon Certification Plus. It is a global sustainability certification system that supports the tracking of chemically recycled and bio-based polymers through the supply chain. “The ISCC Plus certification, coupled with our ProActive Sustainability product offering, underscores ProAmpac’s commitment to helping […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Raises Funds To Support March Of Dimes
Arlington, Virginia-based March of Dimes has partnered with Publix to raise more than $6.1 million during its annual point of sale campaign to support the nonprofit. With this donation, the grocer remains March of Dimes’ top corporate sponsor for the seventh consecutive year and brings the grocer’s contribution to the organization to more than $95 million over the […]
Posted inPackaging News, National, Sustainability News
Survey Finds Young Consumers Least Confident About Recycling
New data has revealed that the generational gap in recycling has gone global with older people more than any other generation holding themselves accountable for responsibly recycling boxes. While Gen Z members often are considered to be the most environmentally conscious, they have the least confidence among all age groups in knowing how to recycle, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Hy-Vee Pharmacy To Offer Flu Shots Without Appointment
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee has announced that the flu vaccine is available inside its more than 270 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations, with no appointment or prescription necessary. For the third consecutive year, drive-thru flu clinics will be offered outside of many Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations between Sept. 6-Oct. 27. Hy-Vee pharmacists conduct a screening process prior to vaccination […]
Posted inProduce News, West
California Fig Growers Celebrate Beginning Of Crop Season
Fresh Fig season is officially underway, according to the California Fresh Fig Growers Association. This year’s initial crop, known as the breba crop, delivered the first Mission figs of the season May-June. The main crop, now underway, is delivering plump varieties, such as Brown Turkeys and Sierras. Additional varieties will continue to become available through […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest
Producer Owned Beef Receives $12M For Processing Facility
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the state will support the creation of Producer Owned Beef’s processing facility in Amarillo through the Texas Enterprise Fund. The facility is the first in the U.S. to be owned by cattle producers and operated by beef processing industry veterans. Abbott’s office presented the award at a launch event Aug. 10. in Amarillo with […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Names Linney As Keynote General Session Speaker
International Fresh Produce Association has announced that Laura Linney will be the keynote speaker for the Women’s Fresh Perspectives General Session on Oct. 29 at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida. The session, titled “Women in Film: Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry” will feature Linney’s insights on her experience in Hollywood. Laura Linney is […]
Posted inSustainability News, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Announces Commitment To Pollinators
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers has announced its commitment to protect the health of essential pollinator populations for future generations. Southeastern Grocers’ investment in the health of pollinators includes working with and supporting supplier partners that avoid the use of particularly detrimental pesticides like neonicotinoids, glyphosate and organophosphates. It also includes: sourcing fresh produce and floral from […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
Hannaford Supermarkets Begins Tuition Reimbursement Program
Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets has begun a new tuition reimbursement program that will provide higher and continuing education funding to qualifying full- and part-time employees. The Groceries to Grads tuition reimbursement program will offer employees up to $5,250 in tuition funds annually. The funding can be used at any accredited college or university, with additional tuition […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Opens New Location In Bradenton, FL
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix Super Markets opened a new location Aug. 18. at 13150 SR 64 East in Bradenton, Florida. The 48,387-square-foot store will offer departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy. The store will have an adjacent Publix Liquors location. “We are […]
Posted inProduce News, Southwest
505 Southwestern Hosts ‘25 Years Of Flavor’ Celebration Event
Albuquerque, New Mexico-based 505 Southwestern celebrates “25 Years of Flavor” with an event to celebrate the anniversary in the location it was originally founded by entrepreneur Roy Solomon. The celebration is scheduled for Sept. 15 at Tin Can Alley. Tin Can Alley has gained national recognition as an innovative venue featuring locally inspired food, beverages and […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., BJ's Wholesale Club, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, West
Meat District Debuts Burgers In Kroger, Celebrates With Giveaway
Los Angeles-based Meat District has expanded its burger distribution to the meat aisle of Kroger grocery stores nationwide. To celebrate the expansion, Meat District is giving away $10,000 in a contest. “Our partnership with Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, marks a major milestone for us. We’re thrilled and honored to be partnering with Kroger,” said Zack Leveson, COO […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, Association News, National
IRI, Ajinomoto Foods Expand To Combat Supply Issues
IRI and Ajinomoto Foods North America, the maker of Tai Pei, Ling Ling and Jose Ole frozen foods, have announced the expansion of their partnership. Having utilized IRI’s market measurement solutions and consumer panel information since 2003, Ajinomoto Foods has added IRI’s Daily Out-Of-Stock Benchmarking tool to manage retailer expectations where it was experiencing low in-stock […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, Northeast
Reed’s, Sprouts Farmers Market Partner For Swing-Lid Bottle
Norwalk, Connecticut-based Reed’s, owner of handcrafted, all-natural ginger beverages, announced the launch of the new Reed’s Harvest Spiced Apple Cider. The all-natural ginger beverage is available in approximately 380 Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide in classic half-liter, glass swing-lid packaging. The pint-sized glass bottles feature a ceramic, swing-lid resealable top, making it easier to enjoy the […]
Posted inPackaging News, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Frito-Lay Adds Ruffles Ridge Twists To Product Line
Plano, Texas-based Ruffles is partnering with the WNBA and one of its players, A’ja Wilson, to launch the Ruffles Ridge Twists product line. The new Ruffles Ridge Twists also come in Double Cheddar and Wilson’s own flavor, Smoky Barbecue. “I grew up eating Ruffles so it’s a dream come true to join the family of Chip Deal athletes and […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, West
Fiji Water Transitions Bottle To Recycled Plastic
Los Angeles-based Fiji Water has transitioned its 500 milliliters and 330 milliliters bottles to 100 percent recycled plastic in the U.S. The move is a step in reducing plastic waste and replaces almost 65 percent of Fiji Water’s bottle volume in the U.S. with recycled material. The company is committed to continue shifting its entire portfolio […]
Posted inMeijer, Deli News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Launches Crafted Market Heat-And-Eat Meals
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer has launched its new line of restaurant-style, single-serve Crafted Market by Meijer heat-and-eat meals, available in the deli section of all stores. “We have a long history of centering convenience and quality in our deli experience for our customers, so expanding our ready-to-heat options just makes sense,” said Marlys Roberts, merchandising director of […]