Elmwood Park, New Jersey-based Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has appointed Andy Reichgut to CEO, effective immediately. Larry Praeger, founder, has moved into a special advisor role and will remain an active board member. The Praeger and Somberg families will retain their ownership stake in the company, which is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners. “Andy […]
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 inAssociation News, Executive News, West
WAFC COO Christianson Announces Retirement
Carole Christianson, COO of the Western Association of Food Chains, has announced her intention to retire later this year. Culminating a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC, Christianson will be retained as an advisor to work with her successor to ensure a […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Executive News, Northeast
Allegiance Retail Services Promotes Three Team Members
At the annual member meeting of Allegiance Retail Services held in June at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey, John T. Derderian, president and COO, announced three leadership team promotions. Samer Rahman, VP of perishables, was promoted to VP of center store. In this role, he will provide stores with support in […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Blackhawk Network, Aurus Partner For Retail Payment Growth
As digital payments maintains its prominence as a key trend in retail commerce, Pleasanton, California-based Blackhawk Network is entering a relationship with Aurus, which offers global solutions that address the payments ecosystem. Together with Aurus, Blackhawk’s gift card and payment processing capabilities will help drive continued growth in retail payments. Increased shopper loyalty has become […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Executive News, Southwest
Kimberly Clark Appoints Hicks As Chief Digital, Technology Officer
Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark Corporation has appointed Zack Hicks as chief digital and technology officer. He is a member of the company’s executive leadership team. This role reflects Kimberly-Clark’s focus on digital technology in building brands and creating differentiated capability for the company. Hicks joins the company after 26 years of leadership at Toyota Motors North America and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Hosts Expo For Independent Grocery Customers
SpartanNash hosted more than 1,500 food and grocery suppliers and independent retail customers July 25-28 for the 2022 Fall Expo at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The “Delivering Seasonal Values” themed event created a platform for independent grocery customers, CPG-brand representatives and SpartanNash leaders to share upcoming trends; discuss critical industry topics […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Launches Low-Cost Meal Program To Fight Hunger
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has launched a new “Break from Hunger” program to provide accessible, healthy meal options to ensure no child goes hungry. Through Labor Day, customers and employees can purchase a specially prepared “Student Summer Lunch Pack” meal box at any Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Seal The Seasons Develops Ruby June Strawberries
Durham, North Carolina-based Seal the Seasons is launching a new strawberry variety, Ruby June. The company states that this strawberry is 50 percent sweeter than commercial strawberries varieties that are traditionally frozen. Developed at Lassen Canyon Nursery and botanically known as Fragaria x ananassa, the Ruby June variety of strawberries has a deep dark red […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Launches CinnaFuego Flavor
Minneapolis-based Cinnamon Toast Crunch is debuting its CinnaFuego Toast Crunch flavor exclusively online at Walmart. The cereal is the first to combine cinnamon and spice together. While the new CinnaFuego Toast Crunch looks the same as the original and is still coated with Cinnadust, the sweet cinnamon flavor is combined with spicy pepper. “CTC is always […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Executive News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Company Announces Leadership Team Appointments
Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Company has announced several appointments to strengthen its leadership team and advance the company’s omnichannel strategy. Manuel Haro, who joined the company in 2012 and serves as divisional VP of Greater Philadelphia, has been promoted to the role of VP of finance and strategy. With 20 years of retail and CPG experience, Haro will […]
Posted inCenter Store, Southeast
Bush’s Celebrates Reopening Of Bean Museum In Dandridge, TN
Bush’s Beans has announced the grand reopening of its Bush’s Visitor Center Museum in Dandridge, Tennessee. Housed in the original Bush’s general store, the museum maintains the historical feel with new innovative, digital experiences. At the new museum, guests can learn more about the company through: An interactive digital shelf set that features an array of Bush’s products, allowing […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, National
Dasani, Sprite Begin Transition To Sustainable Packaging
Two of The Coca-Cola Company’s largest brands are taking steps to support a circular economy for plastic packaging. Dasani is launching bottles made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic, excluding caps and labels, while Sprite is transitioning from green to clear plastic to increase its likelihood of being remade into new beverage bottles. A majority […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Walmart Launches General Stores At Getaway Outposts
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has partnered with Getaway, a health and wellness hospitality company, to bring The General Store by Walmart to select Getaway Outposts. The mini-retail experience will include seasonal products, sourced from Walmart and curated by the outdoor experts at Getaway. Items may include hiking gear, leisure activities and campfire equipment, including FujiFilm Camera, Lodge […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Southwest, Supply Chain News
Kroger Delivery Opens Fulfillment Center In Dallas
The Kroger Co. has opened of a new customer fulfillment center in Dallas, Texas. Powered by the Ocado Group, the center will use advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to provide delivery services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “Kroger’s fast-growing seamless ecosystem takes the promise of zero compromise to the next level, with Kroger Delivery bringing the freshest […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
Goya Foods Expands Facility To Combat Global Food Crisis
Goya Foods celebrated the expansion of its facility in Bolingbrook, Illinois, where it has been operating for more than half a century. The facility, Goya Chicago, has become the company’s latest expansion project during a time of high inflation rates where supply chain concerns have impacted the way consumers acquire everyday goods and food. This […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, Southwest
Eat Meati Makes Retail Debut In Sprouts Farmers Market
Boulder, Colorado-based Eat Meati can now be found on retail shelves at three Sprouts Farmers Market locations in the Denver-Boulder area. This entrance to retail comes alongside its expanded partnership with Birdcall, an all-natural fast-casual restaurant group. This marks a major step in Meati Foods’ mission towards accessibility, with plans to achieve a national, omnichannel footprint by 2023, including all Sprouts […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds Provides 16M Meals For Child Hunger Campaign
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion Feeds helped to provide more than 16 million meals to fight child hunger through its third annual Summers Without Hunger campaign. “For kids who count on school meal programs during the school year, summer break could mean three months of worry and hunger,” said Lauren Biedron, VP of corporate partnerships […]
Posted inRaley's, Corporate Store News, West
Raley’s Promotes Wingo To SVP Of Operations
West Sacramento, California-based Raley’s Operating Division has promoted Levi Wingo to SVP of operations. He most recently served as VP of operations. In his new role, Levi Wingo will continue to oversee all store operations for its 121 stores and also the pharmacy operations, facilities and construction teams. “Levi is an innovative leader with deep operating […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Releases Power Of Plant-Based Foods, Beverages Report
FMI – The Food Industry Association, has released the “Power of Plant-based Foods and Beverages” report which is the first comprehensive review of the broad plant-based topic, addressing naturally plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains and alternatives to traditional animal-derived items. FMI’s analysis found nearly half of shoppers put a lot […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Corporate Store News, Northeast
Hannaford Supermarkets Completes Upgrades, Enhancements
Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets has completed a series of store upgrades to stores across the Northeast. During the first six months of 2022, Hannaford celebrated five store remodels resulting in enhanced services with a focus on customer convenience, including a greater selection of grab-and-go meal options, organic and gluten-free items, expanded pharmacies, additional self-checkout kiosks and […]