The National Grocers Association (NGA) has honored Paul Adams, founder and CEO of Kansas-based consultancy Paul Adams & Associates, with its Industry Service Award. “Paul is a longtime friend of NGA and many in our industry. He’s a passionate supporter of independent grocers and has helped countless companies across the country navigate complex issues 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 inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Northeast, Wakefern
Wakefern Taps Brindle For Advisory Role To Di Bruno Bros.
Wakefern Food Corp. has appointed industry veteran Rick Brindle to an advisory role, supporting the expansion and distribution of its Di Bruno Bros. portfolio of products. “We are thrilled to have Rick support the Wakefern team,” said President Mike Stigers. “His extensive background in CPG and online grocery retailing will be invaluable as we expand […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Fundraiser Totals $130K for Junior Achievement
SpartanNash and its foundation raised $130,000 for Junior Achievement during their annual back-to-school in-store and online fundraiser. Donations made through Sept. 2 will be distributed in local markets to provide young people with lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship. The fundraiser is part of the partnership between SpartanNash and JA to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Expands Pickup Services To 7 NY Locations
Tops Friendly Markets is expanding its Instacart services to include pickup at seven stores in New York. Previously available at 139 Tops locations throughout the company’s footprint, the feature will be available at the following locations: 3500 Main St. in Amherst; 345 Amherst St. in Buffalo; 1460 S. Park Ave. in Buffalo; 6363 Transit Road […]
Posted inMeijer, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Godshall’s Expands Distribution To Meijer, ShopRite Stores
Godshall’s continues to expand its portfolio of products at Meijer and ShopRite stores this fall. Beginning in November, shoppers can find Godshall’s Beef Bacon at Meijer stores and Godshall’s All-Natural Turkey and Beef Kielbasa and Smoked Beef Sausage at all ShopRite locations. “Godshall’s is dedicated to producing premium smoked meats, and as the market leader […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI’s Gold Plate Award Recipients Encouraged Family Meals
The FMI Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024 Gold Plate Awards, which recognize programs implemented by the food industry to encourage family meals. “As we celebrate another successful National Family Meals Month, it’s encouraging to see that 31 percent of Americans are aware of this important initiative, and even more inspiring to learn […]
Posted inSpartanNash, C-Store News, Midwest
SpartanNash To Acquire Fuel Distributor Markham Enterprises
SpartanNash has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Markham Enterprises, Markham Oil and its affiliates, a three-store chain of convenience stores and fuel distributor in mid-Michigan. Following the closing of this transaction in early December, SpartanNash will continue to employ Markham Enterprises’ 42 workers. The deal follows the company’s acquisition of Fresh Encounter Inc., […]
Posted inExecutive News, Albertsons, The Kroger Co., West
Albertsons Cos. Shares Board Of Director Changes
Albertsons Cos. and its board of directors elected Jim Donald as the sole independent chair of the board, effective Oct. 24. The board also appointed Stephen Feinberg for the term expiring at the company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Cerberus Capital Management L.P. designated Feinberg to the board in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement dated […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Meijer, West, Whole Foods
Bumble Bee Seafoods Adds 11 New Items To Product Line
San Diego-based Bumble Bee Seafoods has added 11 new products to its line of canned, pouched and kit-based seafood products. “Everything we create is driven by what consumers value most – nutrition, flavor and convenience that fits into real life,” said Jeremy Zavoral, senior director of innovation and insights, Bumble Bee Seafoods. “Our goal is to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Report: Grocery Media Networks Represent $8.5B Opportunity For Growth
According to a new report by Grocery Doppio, 68 percent of retailers say investment in a grocery media network is a high priority. The report – “State of Digital Grocery: In-Store Media Monetization” and conducted in collaboration with RRD, developer of nCountR – reveals retail media is an $8.5 billion opportunity for U.S. grocery retailers to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Begins Annual Photo Contest
Heritage Grocers Group has begun its annual La Catrina Mas Catrina photo submission contest across all stores under its Cardenas Markets and Tony’s Fresh Market banners. Through Nov. 2, customers can submit a selfie with a Day of the Dead, La Catrina-style sugar skull make-up through the Cardenas or Tony’s Fresh websites for a chance to win up to $500 in gift […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
The United Family Begins Fundraising For Relief Efforts In Roswell, NM
The United Family began a new donate-at-the-register campaign Oct. 25 to raise funds for disaster relief following the impacts of severe flooding in Roswell, New Mexico. The campaign, which United kicked off with a lead gift of $10,000, will run through Oct. 31, with all proceeds benefitting recovery efforts in Roswell. Customers can add a […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Center Store, Midwest
AWG Brands Updates Seasoning Category With New Flavors, Packaging
AWG Brands, the private labels of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has refreshed its offerings in the salt, seasoning and spice category. With a focus on innovation, variety and enhanced customer experience, the new assortment is set to boost sales and meet the diverse needs of shoppers. “The latest innovations from AWG Brands […]
Posted inBakery News, Northeast
Grupo Bimbo Selected As One Of The ‘World’s Best Employers’
Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Grupo Bimbo has been recognized for the first time as one of the “World’s Best Employers 2024.” The global edition of Forbes magazine and the research company Statista compiled the list, on which Grupo Bimbo ranked 744th among 850 organizations. The “World’s Best Employers 2024” were selected based on independent surveys conducted and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Begins Fundraiser To Fight Hunger
SpartanNash has launched its eighth annual fundraiser to support food pantries across the Midwest during the holiday season. Through Nov. 3, SpartanNash’s campaign aims to raise $300,000 for hunger relief, with 100 percent of donations staying in the communities where they are collected in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Customers can contribute by donating $0.50, $1, $5 or $10 when checking out at […]
Posted inProduce News, Food City, Southeast
Food City’s Bilbrey Named Produce Manager Of The Year
Dusty Bilbrey, produce manager for the Food City in Sevierville, Tennessee, was named the International Fresh Produce Association’s Produce Manager of the Year grand-prize winner. Bilbrey received the award earlier this month at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. IFPA annually hosts the Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing the top 20 produce […]
Posted inDairy News, Southwest, Whole Foods
40 From Whole Foods Market Become Certified Cheese Professionals
Forty employees of Whole Foods Market have joined its ranks of Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs), the highest level of achievement in the field. From production techniques and ripening processes to distribution and storage, the CCP exam is known for its comprehensive coverage of the cheese industry. Whole Foods Market’s newest CCPs completed the process after […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
The Kroger Co. Predicts Top Five Food Trends Of 2025
The Kroger Co. revealed its top five food trends for 2025, with food dupes, hot peppers and fermented flavors among the customer behaviors and anticipated popular items for the year ahead. The predictions are developed by Kroger’s team of food experts, including Our Brands’ product developers, chefs, buyers, culinary specialists and Kroger’s retail data science arm, […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
José Andrés To Keynote 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced that José Andrés – chef, humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen – will join FMI CEO Leslie G. Sarasin for a keynote conversation during the 2025 Midwinter Executive Conference, which is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 2 on Marco Island, Florida. According to FMI, the food retail […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Midwest, Online Grocery Technology
The Kroger Co., Avery Dennison Eye Improved Inventory Tracking
Mentor, Ohio-based Avery Dennison will begin working with Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. to build a better associate and customer experience through RFID inventory automation technology. The collaboration makes item-level digital identification possible, enabling more frequent and accurate inventory information to maximize freshness and reduce waste. “Our work with Avery Dennison will improve inventory visibility, which means […]