What differentiates the Hendersonville, Tennessee-based Alliance Companies, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is the ability to simplify the complex and provide wholistic solutions, all the while being transparent and driving a tremendous value proposition for its retailers as well as a measurable return on investment for its vendor partners. Founded in 2004, […]
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 inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Dairy News, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Brands Unveils Elevated Ice Cream Portfolio
AWG Brands, the private label brands of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, has redeveloped its AWG Brands ice cream portfolio, including the addition of 12 flavors and sizes. Recent research from AWG’s ice cream category review revealed that private brands are No. 1 in total U.S. dollar share, with nearly 20 percent in the […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, West
The Wonderful Co. Named To ‘Best Companies To Work For’ List
The Wonderful Co. has been named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, ranking 91st on the list. A $6 billion global agriculture company with a 10,000-person workforce, The Wonderful Company owns and produces healthy brands, including FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, Teleflora and JUSTIN and Lewis […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Oscar Mayer Introduces Stuffed Hot Dogs
Oscar Mayer has introduces its new Stuffed Dogs product line to grocery retailers nationwide. Featuring three flavors – Cheese, Jalapeño Cheddar and Chili Cheese – Oscar Mayer Stuffed Dogs take inspiration from popular restaurant offerings. “Our ambition is to spark smiles and be the indisputable leader in taste, which is why we reimagined the iconic […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Fresh Del Monte Introduces Red-Shelled Rubyglow Pineapples
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has introduced a new, brightly-colored fruit – Rubyglow pineapples. The produce company has debuted Rubyglow pineapples to the U.S. market after an initial January launch in China that prompted a global waitlist. Featuring a deep red outer shell, bright yellow flesh and a sweet flavor, Rubyglow pineapples are a new variety of the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
Thrive Market Hires Lane As Chief Merchandising Officer
Thrive Market has named April Lane its chief merchandising officer, bringing decades of e-commerce experience to her role. As the chief merchandising officer, Lane will be responsible for the site’s merchandising, which spans food, home, health and beauty. She will also manage the Food Safety and Quality (FSQA) team, which oversees food quality, safety and regulatory […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Despite Financial Restraints, Treats Industry On Move
Consumers continue to seek novelty food items that provide “fun” and enjoyment, while remaining under financial pressures, according to Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics. Roerink provided Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees this week with an in-depth look at the overview of the confectionary landscape, based on information from NCA’s State of Treating annual study. […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
‘Purpose-driven’ Mars Wrigley Touts Innovation, Choices
Mars Wrigley is “laser focused” on launching new innovations to provide customers with new experiences. That was the word from Mike Gilroy, the company’s VP of trade relations and sponsorship activation, who spoke with The Shelby Report during the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, discussing innovation within the category and where the brand plans […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Featured Products On Display At Sweets & Snacks Expo
The Featured Products Showcase displays the best-of-the-best from exhibitors at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, taking place May 13-16 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Attendees were able to browse new innovations (or old favorites with a new spin), top-performing products, MINPA winners and submissions and more. [envira-gallery id=”227507″] [envira-gallery id=”227562″]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Expo Highlights 2024’s Top Flavors, Product Trends
With 1,000 exhibitors spread across more than 250,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, attendees at this week’s Sweets & Snacks Expo are discovering 2024’s top candy and snack trends and flavors before they reach store shelves. “The categories have always been on the cutting edge of innovation, as the entire food […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Snack Industry Remains Strong Despite Inflation
The snack food industry is “still strong in the U.S.” due to some significant changes, according to Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor of consumer goods and foodservice insights at Circana. Lyons presented “The State of Snack Food Industry: It’s A Snack Journey” education session during the Sweets and Snacks Expo, which runs […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Supplier Showcase Highlights Innovative Products, Systems
The Supplier Showcase is the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s face-to-face marketplace helping confectionery and snack suppliers connect with customers. Taking place May 13-14, the Supplier Showcase is an opportunity for attendees to connect with candy and snack manufacturer partners before they take to the main show floor. [envira-gallery id=”227236″]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
From Sweet To Salty, New Products Hailed Across 13 Categories
Ahead of its opening Tuesday in Indianapolis, the Sweets & Snacks Expo recognized the winners of the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards. The honors announced Monday recognize excellence across 13 categories, showcasing the most innovative ideas, concepts and products in the candy and snack industries. “With the Most Innovative New Product Awards, we celebrate […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Midwest
Sweets & Snacks Expo Opens May 14 In Indianapolis
National Confectioners Association opened the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo May 14 to record-breaking numbers at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The show is “going to be giant,” according to Greg Guidotti, CMO of Ferrara Candy Co. and chair of the Sweets & Snacks Expo committee. The expo is expected to break records, featuring […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Northeast
Smarties Candy Co. Offers Anniversary Roll At Sweets & Snacks
This year marks a milestone for Union, New Jersey-based Smarties Candy Co. as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1949, Smarties has been a family-owned business in the candy industry, producing billions of candy rolls. To commemorate the anniversary, Smarties invites attendees of Sweets & Snacks to visit Booth No. 20550 for a chance […]
Posted inExecutive News, Beverage News, Southeast
Pagoaga Named President Of The Coca-Cola Foundation
A 34-year veteran of the company, Carlos Pagoaga has been named VP of global community affairs for the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. and president of The Coca-Cola Foundation. Pagoaga will begin his new duties June 1, succeeding Saadia Madsbjerg. Madsbjerg has served as head of the foundation for three years and is stepping down to pursue […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Northeast
Nature’s Garden Launches Probiotic Fruit Snacks
Cibo Vita, manufacturer of Nature’s Garden Snack Foods, now has its Probiotic Yoggies available in Mixed Berry and Peach Mango flavors. In addition, responding to the popularity and demand for Yoggies, Nature’s Garden brings its innovative development approach to the trail mix category through the LemonBerry-Mixed Berrry Probiotic Trail Mix Snack Packs Combo. Coated in […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Meijer, National, The Kroger Co.
IFPA Names Retail Produce Manager Award Recipients
For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 20 produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). “On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandized and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of retail, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Markets To Discontinue Eatwell Market Banner
After consideration, Schnucks Markets will discontinue its Eatwell Market by Schnucks banner, which operated stores in Columbia and Chesterfield, Missouri. All store teammates will remain employed with the company and will retain the same rates of pay. The 41,700-square-foot Columbia, Missouri, location at 111 South Providence Road will soon begin converting to a traditional Schnucks […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Completes Store Remodel In Riverside, CA
Stater Bros. Markets has completed renovations at its extensively remodeled supermarket at 2995 Iowa Ave. in Riverside, California. When shoppers first walk in, they will notice a renovated interior with new décor, flooring and checkstands for an improved shopping experience. Popular and convenient food solutions such as fresh sushi created in-store by sushi chefs and fresh-cut fruit […]