The Texas International Produce Association has added three industry executives to the TIPA Board of Directors. Travis Catalani is one of the executive leaders recently named to the board. Catalani began his career at B. Catalani 14 years ago and has grown up around produce his entire life. B. Catalani was founded in 1914 and […]
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, West
Washington State Prepares For Asparagus Season
Washington State’s family farmers and packers are readying for the 2022 season with its fresh asparagus available at regional supermarkets, farmers markets and restaurants. In 2021, approximately 15 million pounds of asparagus were harvested, with an economic impact of $30 million for growers and packers. “We’re working in earnest to return to harvesting more than […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Hosts Reunion Of Food Retail Consumer Affairs Professionals
FMI – The Food Industry Association hosted a reunion June 4-5 of more than 20 former food retail consumer affairs professionals in Washington, D.C. The group notably included six recipients of the Esther Peterson Award for Consumer Service. The reunion of these consumer affairs professionals illustrates the industry’s commitment to feeding families in the communities it serves. […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer LPGA Classic Offering Sponsor Exemption For Diverse Businesses
The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is expanding partnerships with diverse-owned businesses by offering a sponsor exemption aimed at bringing diversity to the tournament. “The Meijer LPGA Classic is such an important event in our community and to us as a company,” said Tim Williams, VP of diversity and inclusion. “While the tournament has […]
Posted inBeverage News, West
The Alkaline Water Co. Appoints Lazaran As CEO
Scottsdale, Arizona-based The Alkaline Water Company Inc. has named Frank Lazaran, a director and a 40-year veteran of the retail food industry, as the CEO of the company. Lazaran was recently the chairman, CEO and president of Marsh Supermarkets. Prior to Marsh, he served as CEO, president and director of Winn-Dixie Stores, which was a publicly […]
Posted inC-Store News, Southwest
7-Eleven Evolution Store Opens In Dallas, TX
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. has announced the opening of its fifth Evolution Store in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and ninth in the country. Located at the corner of Preston Road and Alpha Road, this location has customizable beverage options, a cigar humidor and digital innovations in addition to Laredo Taco Company, a popular south Texas restaurant concept. Laredo Taco Company is famous for its […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Corporate Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Hiring For Location In Hartford, WI
Festival Foods is hiring more than 200 employees for its new location in the Hartford Plaza at 1275 Bell Avenue. The store, opening August 12, will be the 40th Festival Foods in Wisconsin. Full-time, part-time and store leadership roles are available throughout the store in guest services, deli, bakery, meat, frozen food, dairy, produce, wine […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, Southwest
Sow Good Inc. Expands Production Capacity And Distribution
Irving, Texas-based Sow Good Inc. has announced its capital raise of $3.7 million, primarily for the construction of the company’s second and third freeze driers. The additional two freeze driers are necessary to increase Sow Good’s production capabilities and meet the anticipated demand from increased retail, direct-to-consumer and joint venture opportunities. The two additional freeze driers will be fully […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast
NUMU Food Group Appoints Pytlinski As CEO
Brooklyn, New York-based NUMU Food Group has announced the appointment of Mike Pytlinski as CEO. Gunars Elmuts, the company founder who has been acting CEO since NUMU’s inception, will continue as the chief innovation officer. “A real void exists in the pizza category when it comes to vegan options for consumers,” Pytlinski said. “Before Gunars developed NUMU, pizza providers never […]
Posted inCentral Market, Independent Store News, Southwest
Central Market Observes Pride Month With Products, Cooking Classes
In celebration of Pride Month, Dallas, Texas-based Central Market will offer a collection of Pride-themed products and cooking classes hosted by LGBTQ+ celebrity chefs. These products will be showcased at all Central Market locations throughout Pride Month, running through June 30. Pride Month virtual cooking classes will feature an exciting lineup of award-winning chefs, beginning […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southeast
Associated Grocers’ Gathering Touts New Ideas And Innovation
After a two-year absence, Associated Grocers Inc. held its Spring Food Show for member retailers April 27 at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana. Themed “AG Into the Future,” the event drew more than 1,000 vendors, manufacturers, retail members and store representatives. Associated Grocers Inc. is a wholesale distributor to more than 180 […]
Posted inBeverage News, Southeast
Florida Students Named 2022 Coca-Cola Scholars
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida has recognized 11 Florida high school seniors who have been named 2022 Coca-Cola Scholars and will each receive a $20,000 college scholarship. The program, led by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, awarded scholarships to 150 high school seniors across the country based on their academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities. […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Del Monte Foods Fights Against Food Waste With Upcycled Products
Walnut Creek, California-based Del Monte Foods has committed to reducing food waste and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the introduction of two new upcycled products. In this endeavor, the Del Monte Gut Love and Boost Me Fruit Infusions have been “Upcycled Certified” by the Upcycled Food Association, a third party certification program for […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Prairie Farms Commemorates National Dairy Month
Edwardsville, Illinois-based Prairie Farms is commemorating National Dairy Month with a video social media campaign. With more than 700 farm families in America’s heartland, Prairie Farms is highlighting the importance of recognizing their contributions to helping feed American families. National Dairy Month started as a way to distribute extra milk during the warm months of summer. The commemoration […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Northeast
The Giant Co.’s Dietitians To Host Virtual Summer Camp Series
Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based The Giant Company and its dietitians are launching a virtual Summer Camp Series, where it will highlight recipes and meal ideas around specific topics. All classes are offered free and live via Zoom throughout June, July and August. “While food brings families together year-round, there is something special about time spent together in the summer – […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southwest
Opopop Celebrates Anniversary With Limited Edition Birthday Big Bag
Denver, Colorado-based Opopop is celebrating its one-year anniversary in June with the launch of a limited edition Birthday Flavor Wrapped Kernels Birthday big bag and a week of giveaways with more than $1,000 worth of prizes for consumers to enjoy. The company said that it is redefining traditional popcorn with the invention of its Flavor Wrapped Kernels […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Woodard Wins NGA Foundation’s Diversity In Leadership Scholarship
A 29-year employee and role model for diversity at Brookshire Grocery Co. has been selected to receive this year’s PepsiCo Diversity in Leadership Endowment scholarship from the National Grocers Association Foundation. Latasha Woodard, VP and district manager at the Texas-based supermarket chain, was selected to attend the foundation’s annual Executive Leadership Development Program June 5-9 […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Begins Annual Summers Without Hunger Campaign
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion has begun its third annual “Summers Without Hunger” campaign to address the need by helping provide meals to fight child hunger this summer. Nearly 22 million children count on school-provided meals but less than 17 percent have access to summer meal programs. Through June 28, people have the opportunity to make […]
Posted inDairy News, Northeast
Weis Markets Celebrates National Dairy Month
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, Feeding Pennsylvania and American Dairy Association North East is celebrating National Dairy Month with the kickoff of the “Fill A Glass With Hope” campaign. The June 1 event at Weis Markets in Lewisburg featured appearances from Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, former Pittsburgh Steelers star Charlie Batch and local dairy […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Online Grocery Technology, Southeast
Kroger, Market Wagon Partner For Digital Farmers Market
The Kroger Co. has launched a digital farmers market in Atlanta, Georgia, in partnership with Market Wagon. Developed as an e-commerce marketplace for local farmers and businesses, the service is a digital platform that offers customers a range of fresh, local products. Market Wagon partners with more than 2,500 local farmers and artisans to take […]