Sponsored content By Pat Posey, chief operating officer of the Western Association of Food Chains Talk to graduates of the WAFC’s Food Industry Management and Retail Management Certificate programs, and you will hear story after story of life-altering personal and professional growth. We know these inspirational anecdotes are the rule, not the exception — 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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
July Online Grocery Sales Climbed 9% Versus Year Ago To $7.9B
The total U.S. online grocery market ended July with $7.9 billion in monthly sales, a 9.2 percent increase over last year. Delivery sales surged 22 percent in July, aided by continued promotional efforts. Ship-to-home also posted strong results, climbing 6 percent, and pickup held steady year-over-year, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, fielded […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Gelson's, Harris Teeter, National, The Kroger Co.
This Month In Produce: Hatch Chiles, Sweet Potatoes and More
As the back-to-school season begins to take off, so too does the abundance of fresh produce. For consumers, this means a cornucopia of choices at the grocery store. But behind the colorful displays and enticing promotions lies a strategic battle for shelf space and consumer dollars. This August, produce companies are rolling out innovative campaigns […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Awards 25 Employee Scholarships, Hosts Summer Internship Program
Southeastern Grocers Inc. has awarded $75,000 in higher education scholarships to 25 in-store and store support center employees. It also hosted a summer internship program to provide educational support and hands-on professional development opportunities for future leaders. “Empowering our associates and nurturing the next generation of leaders is an investment in the future,” said Raymond Rhee, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
T&T Supermarkets Continues U.S. Expansion With First California Store
T&T Supermarket Inc. has shared its plans to open its first California store at the Westgate Center in San Jose, set to open fall 2025. With two stores in the works in Washington, this marks T&T’s third store announcement in the U.S. T&T operates more than 33 stores across Canada. It is a full service grocer known for its vast […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Touts Benefits Of Local Produce Partnerships
Tops Friendly Markets relies on partnerships with local growers to stock its produce shelves with fresh items throughout the season, helping support family-owned farms. Tops has partnerships with more than 500 locally-owned and -operated dairy and produce family farms. They have generations of growing experience, and their proximity to Tops locations allow for fruits and […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Instacart, PHA Share Results From ‘Good Food At Home’ Program
Instacart and Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), a nonprofit working to improve the food landscape in pursuit of health equity, have connected families with more than five million servings of fruits and vegetables, marking a major milestone in their national effort to connect under-resourced communities with 10 million servings of produce by 2025. Instacart’s and PHA’s […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Daily’s Premium Meats Adding Flavored Thick-Cut Bacon
Daily’s Premium Meats is launching two new products – Hot Honey and Spicy Maple flavored thick-cut bacon – nationwide later this summer. With a goal of making bacon an experience, not just an ingredient, Daily’s looks to revolutionize the bacon category with its new line of thick-cut bacon that features sweet and spicy seasonings. “We’ve […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Home Page Latest News, National
Mars Inc. To Acquire Kellanova In $36B Deal
Mars Inc. has shared its intention to acquire Kellanova – home of brands such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, Kellogg’s (international) and Eggo – for $83.50 per share in cash, for a total consideration of $35.9 billion, including assumed net leverage. Upon completion of the transaction, Kellanova will become part of Mars Snacking, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks’ Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator Selects First Class
Schnuck Markets has announced the first class of diverse-owned companies selected for its Schnucks Springboard business accelerator program. The initiative aims to foster growth and success among diverse-owned entrepreneurs by providing comprehensive support, including education, resources and access to the Schnucks customer base. Ten companies have been chosen to participate in the program, which offers […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Adds Fresh Produce To DUFB Program For SNAP Customers
Field & Fork Network, a nonprofit connecting communities to solutions that foster a sustainable food system, has expanded its Double Up Food Bucks NY (DUFB) program. The nonprofit is launching the program at three additional Tops Friendly Markets locations in and around Rochester, New York. Tops SNAP customers at 285 Upper Falls Blvd. and 450 West […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, Health & Wellness, Northeast, ShopRite, Wakefern
Grocery TV Expands In-Store Retail Media Network In ShopRite Pharmacy
Grocery TV has expanded its in-store retail media network into pharmacies, providing brands and retailers with another touchpoint to engage shoppers and provide valuable health-related information to pharmacy customers during their store visit. Grocery TV’s in-store digital pharmacy solution has been rolled out with a number of the retailers in its network, including ShopRite Pharmacy, […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Quest For Texas Best Crowns Winners
The four winners of the recent H-E-B Quest for Texas Best competition will receive a combined $70,000 in prize money and the chance to have their products reach H-E-B store shelves. “A big, Texas-sized congratulations to each of this year’s winners and our finalists – small businesses that keep our communities vibrant and drive innovation […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Completes Eatwell Market Rebranding In Columbia, MO
Schnucks Markets Inc. has completed the rebranding of its former Eatwell Market store at 111 South Providence Road in Columbia, Missouri. Customers will notice updates that include expanded product offerings throughout the store, as well as new decor and signing. The store remains open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. The grocer will hold a “grand opening” celebration from […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Corporate Store News, Executive News, National
Ahold Delhaize USA Names O’Toole VP Of Pharmacy Services
Ahold Delhaize USA has named Moira O’Toole VP of pharmacy services. In this role, O’Toole and her team will provide pharmacy services to the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA, including prescription drug procurement, managed care reimbursement and network contracting, drug pricing, clinical program development, regulatory compliance, pharmacy systems administration and customer-facing service development. “Moira […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, West
Sensei Debuts New-Look Packaging For Leafy Greens, Salad Mixes
Sensei Farms is introducing new packaging across its line of leafy greens and salad mixes, marking the indoor-grown produce brand’s next step toward a more sustainable future for the food supply. The new design offers the same functional and food safety features retailers and consumers expect from conventional plastic clamshells, but in an eco-friendly form. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, National
Walgreens Accepting SNAP EBT Online Through Instacart
Walgreens is working with Instacart to offer online SNAP/EBT payment acceptance for same-day grocery delivery from more than 7,500 locations nationwide, including more than 100 Duane Reade locations in New York. The move broadens access to SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping, impacting millions of Americans who rely on the program. “Our collaboration with Instacart […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Opens Seventh Store In DFW Metroplex
H-E-B expanded its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with the Aug. 7 opening of a 130,000-square-foot store at 899 University Drive in Frisco, Texas. The store is the San Antonio-based retailer’s second in the city – joining the one at 4800 Main St., which debuted nearly two years ago – and its seventh in the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest
Fareway Campaign Raises $151K For Children’s Charity
Fareway Stores Inc. partnered with Variety – the Children’s Charity to conduct its seventh annual Round Up in July at all 139 stores, raising $151,089.86. On Aug. 3, Fareway presented a check to Variety at the Fareway Family Night at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. “We want to thank our generous customers […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Corporate Store News, Southwest
Natural Grocers Marks 69th Birthday With Anniversary Celebration
Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers is celebrating 69 years in business by holding a three-day Anniversary Celebration Aug. 15-17, offering its largest sale of the year with giveaways and sweepstakes. Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers offers a range of natural and organic grocery options and supplements at 169 stores in 21 states and continues to adhere […]