Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has been named among the 2022 “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation,” according to the National Association for Business Resources. This recognition marks 10 consecutive years SpartanNash has been recognized for its commitment to excellence in employee engagement and human resources practices. “We are incredibly proud to have been recognized […]
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 inSupply Chain News, Southwest
Pod Foods Adds Sprouts Farmers Market To Distribution Network
Austin, Texas-based Pod Foods has added Sprouts Farmers Market to its distribution channel and has begun to make its first deliveries in the Southeast. Pod Foods will provide 130 Sprouts stores with access to its virtual warehouse of emerging CPG brands, so the retailer can circumvent supply chain delays and get the products its customers want on […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Acquires Shop-N-Save Food Centers
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has acquired Shop-N-Save Food Centers, a three-store grocery chain in northwestern Michigan. Upon close of the sale, the Benzonia, Fremont and Ludington, Michigan, grocery stores have been converted to SpartanNash’s Family Fare brand, continuing employment for all employees and expanding offerings available to shoppers. Founded in 1973 by William “Bill” DeVries, Shop-N-Save Food Centers […]
Posted inDairy News, Albertsons, West
Challenge Butter Launches Line Of Snack Spreads
Dublin, California-based Challenge Butter, a U.S. farmer-owned butter brand, has launched Challenge Butter Snack Spreads. As people are seeking easier ways to add fast flavor to meals and snacks with fresh ingredients, Challenge Butter stated that it designed these snack spreads for topping, dipping, spreading, slathering and sauteing. Made with real butter and no artificial flavors, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
PFMA Board Chair Dell’Alba Receives Food Industry Trailblazer Award
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association presented its 2022 Food Industry Trailblazer award to Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc., June 15 during its annual conference dinner. The award recognizes a pioneer in food and beverage retail who is willing to take risks and innovate to stay ahead in the industry. “Lisa, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest
RJW Logistics Group Acquires Ninth Warehouse In Chicago
Romeoville, Illinois-based RJW Logistics Group Inc., a provider of retail logistics solutions for CPG companies, has acquired its ninth centralized warehouse in the greater Chicago area. The state-of-the-art facility represents the latest in the company’s addition of four warehouses within the last 24 months. As its largest warehouse to date, the 667,000-square-foot building increases RJW’s footprint […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Fresh Del Monte Launches Mini Honeyglow Pineapple
Coral Gables, Florida-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has launched its Mini Honeyglow pineapple in North America. The new product has the same quality and flavor as the original Honeyglow pineapple but is now available in a miniature size for consumers. “The Mini Honeyglow is the perfect addition to Fresh Del Monte’s pineapple offerings,” said Pablo Rivero, VP […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Frozen Food, National, Plant-Based News
IRI Reports Decline In Meat Alternatives Pulled Down May Total
The height, widespread nature and the continued acceleration of inflation dominated the headlines in May. Whether in the grocery store, at the pump or at the movies, consumers were paying more. “Compared with the fall of 2021, inflation is higher, more people are making changes and the supply chain challenges from labels to packaging to […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Lightlife Foods Collaborates With Disney and Pixar On ‘Lightyear’ Film
Chicago-based Greenleaf Foods, owner of plant-based food company Lightlife, has begun a partnership with Disney and Pixar. As part of the promotion of the upcoming film, Lightyear, Lightlife and Disney and Pixar are teaming up to celebrate the magic of legendary character Buzz Lightyear off the screen and in the kitchen. As part of its sponsorship of […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
US Foods Partners With Kalera To Expand Produce Portfolio
Rosemont, Illinois-based US Foods Holding Corp. has announced an agreement with Kalera, a hydroponic indoor vertical farming company. This is US Foods’ largest vertical farming relationship to date. The agreement underscores US Foods’ commitment to bringing foodservice operators a broad assortment of high-quality produce, year-round. It will also expand the portfolio of local farms that US Foods is sourcing […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southwest
Rocky Mountain High Brands’ Launches Pediatric Electrolyte Flavors
Plano, Texas-based Rocky Mountain High Brands Inc. has announced a leading operator of discount variety stores will now carry the company’s Great Choice’s pediatric electrolyte grape and fruit flavors in 16.9 oz bottles. The drinks are on shelves in stores throughout the country and will soon be available in more chain locations this summer. This […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Associated Retail Operations Partners With Instacart For Delivery
Macey’s, Dan’s, Lin’s, Dick’s Market and Fresh Market, locally owned stores in Utah and northern Nevada, have partnered with Instacart, an online grocery platform, to make shopping and delivery easier for shoppers. The community grocery stores will display on Instacart and shoppers can benefit from same-day delivery in as fast as one hour from the 39 local grocery locations. With the expansion, Instacart partners with more than 750 national, regional and […]
Posted inInternational Foods, National
Apollo Funds To Acquire Cardenas Markets
Apollo announced that funds managed by its affiliates have agreed to acquire Cardenas Markets, a grocery retailer focused on serving the Hispanic community, from investment funds affiliated with KKR, a global investment firm. Upon completion of the transaction, Apollo Funds will combine Tony’s Fresh Market, a Chicago-based portfolio company, with Cardenas Markets, which operates across […]
Posted inDeli News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Will Celebrate Father’s Day With Meals, Specials
Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market Inc. wants to help families celebrate dad and spend time together this Father’s Day with a variety of deals and products. The specialty food retailer is offering special pricing on a Father’s Day meal, along with several gift options for dad’s big day. According to the National Retail Federation, one […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Partners With Flashfood For Five-Store Pilot
Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains in California, has begun a pilot partnership with Flashfood, a digital marketplace that provides customers access to heavily discounted food nearing its best-by date. The five-store pilot will bring the app to Los Angeles County shoppers in Palmdale and Lancaster for the first time, expanding Flashfood’s presence […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Grocery Store Layout, Northeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces New Club Openings
Westborough, Massachusetts-based BJ’s Wholesale Club is continuing its expansion with the opening of four new clubs as the next phase of its 2022 development plans. The newest clubs will be in Noblesville, Indiana; New Albany, Ohio; Wayne, New Jersey; and Midlothian, Virginia. “We’ve seen tremendous success in growing our footprint over the last several years, both in our core […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Green Giant Survey Reveals Broccoli As America’s Favorite Vegetable
Green Giant announced new consumer survey results that found broccoli remains America’s favorite vegetable for 2022. The Green Giant brand polled more than 5,000 Americans for its annual “Favorite Veggie” open-ended survey to determine consumers’ favorite vegetables timed to National Eat Your Vegetables Day, held June 17. Key survey findings include: Broccoli Takes the Crown Again: Broccoli is the […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Al Fresco Launches ‘Tastes Just Like Chicken’ Sausages
Chelsea, Massachusetts-based Al Fresco all natural is offering consumers a new way to experience their favorite comfort foods and meals with the launch of its “Tastes Just Like” Chicken Sausages. The products will be on shelves at Stop & Shop and gain additional retailer distribution over the summer. Inspired by popular chicken dishes, the “Tastes […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southeast
Smithfield Foods To Close Vernon, CA Facility
Smithfield, Virginia-based Smithfield Foods Inc. will cease all harvest and processing operations in Vernon, California, in early 2023 and, at the same time, align its hog production system by reducing its sow herd in its Western region. The company will decrease its sow herd in Utah and is exploring strategic options to exit its farms in Arizona and California. Smithfield harvests company-owned hogs in Vernon […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Eagle Foods To Acquire Helper, Suddenly Salad Brands From General Mills
Cleveland, Ohio-based Eagle Foods has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Helper main meals and Suddenly Salad side businesses from General Mills Inc. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of calendar year 2022, subject to regulatory approval. “We are builders of brands, categories and people,” said Bernard Kreilmann, CEO of Eagle Foods. “The […]