AWG Brands, the private brands of Associated Wholesale Grocers, has launched a new paper program in two of its private brands, Best Choice and Always Save. With more than 20 products to help AWG member retailers compete in this competitive category, the new paper program provides a difference in the assortment and quality to all markets served. […]
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 inSnacks Brands, Northeast, The Kroger Co.
Top Seedz Opens Production Plant In Buffalo, NY
Top Seedz, which began in a local farmer’s market seven years ago and now is a national brand, has opened a new, automated production plant in Buffalo, New York. With 10 times the capacity of its previous operation, the facility will enable the company to keep pace with the coast-to-coast demand for its organic, gluten-free […]
Posted inExecutive News, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Southwest, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market CEO Talks Future Of Food Retail
Jason Buechel, Whole Foods Market CEO, took part in two panel discussions – the evolving food retail landscape and the future of work – during the recent Milken Institute Global Conference 2024. A gathering of global leaders from business, finance, government and philanthropy, this year’s conference focused on the critical issues facing the world today, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Givex’s Coupon Portal To Boost ROFDA’S Wholesale Partners
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) has begun a partnership with Givex Inc. to use its Enterprise Coupon Portal for new coupon and deal management, with the goal of enhancing shoppers’ savings and increasing loyalty and brand awareness. Formed in 1962 to enhance the success of independent retail grocers, ROFDA is a cooperative representing […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, The Kroger Co.
FMI Names 2024 Store Manager Award Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the winners of the 2024 Store Manager Awards, shining a spotlight on the store managers who bring their passion and talents to serve their store, employees and customers. The FMI Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who generate […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Missouri Grocery Industry Gets Its Day At State Capitol
The Missouri Grocers Association’s recent Grocers Day at the state capitol was filled with education, networking and advocacy aimed at advancing the interests of the grocery industry in the Show-Me State. Held April 30-May 1, the event began with an education session led by Brad Brayshaw, representing ReposiTrak. Brayshaw discussed the Food Safety Modernization Act […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Awards To Educators, School Districts Total $480K
Six teachers, two counselors, two principals, two school districts, one early childhood facility and a public school board are among the winners of H-E-B’s 22nd annual Excellence in Education Awards, receiving a total of $480,000 in cash awards and grants. The winners were revealed during a ceremony May 5 at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Southwest
The United Family Donates 50K+ Pounds Of Apples
During April, The United Family donated more than 50,000 pounds of apples to food banks and pantries across Texas and New Mexico. The food banks receiving donations were: South Plains Food Bank, High Plains Food Bank, Food Bank of West Central Texas, Minnies Food Pantry, West Texas Food Bank, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Food […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Hailed For Mental Health In Workplace Efforts
The Kroger Co. has been awarded the 2024 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, an upgraded rating from previous years. The Bell Seal program from Mental Health America (MHA) is a first-of-its-kind workplace certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for employees. “The Bell Seal certification recognizes Kroger’s unwavering dedication […]
Posted inBakery News, West
Bimbo Bakeries USA Launches Multi-Site Microgrid Energy System
Bimbo Bakeries USA has launched its on-site microgrid system at six California bakeries. The system was developed as part of an Energy Services Agreement with GreenStruxure, which designed and built the microgrids that are comprised of solar arrays coupled with battery storage. These six microgrid systems are providing about 20 percent of Bimbo Bakeries USA’s energy usage […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Smart & Final, West
Smart & Final Extra! Store Opens In Temecula, CA
Smart & Final has opened a new Smart & Final Extra! store April 24 at 32937 Temecula Pkwy. in Temecula, California. The 30,000-square-foot store is the first Smart & Final in Temecula and second location in the Southern Inland Empire region, joining another location in Murrieta. Shoppers will find a selection of high-quality, USDA-certified meats, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Grocers of New England, Northeast
AGNE Enhancing Retail Media Network With Instacart, Givex
Associated Grocers of New England (AGNE) has announced new strategic partnerships with Instacart and Givex to further enhance its retail media network solutions. AGNE empowers independent grocery retailers with innovative tools aimed at boosting sales and customer engagement. As part of this commitment, AGNE has selected Instacart’s Carrot Ads solution and Givex’s Enterprise Coupon Portal […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer LPGA Ups Donation Goal For 10th Anniversary
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is increasing its 2023 donation goal of $1.25 million to $2 million. The retailer kicked off the effort by making a $500,000 donation May 7 at the Meijer LPGA Classic Media Day event at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. “As we […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
ARS Fundraiser Supports Foundation Fighting Blindness
Retailer-owned grocery co-op Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) is holding Night for Sight, a gala fundraiser benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness, on May 9. The foundation is a driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. ARS has supported the foundation since 2011, after it was brought to the company’s attention […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Report: Online Grocery Sales To Outpace In-Store Through 2028
Overall grocery sales in the U.S. are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.6 percent through 2028, much slower than the 5.6 percent posted over the five years ending in 2023, which were powered by the COVID-19 pandemic and price inflation. This is among the key takeaways from a new report, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
SEG Encourages Shoppers To Prep For Hurricane Season
Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is encouraging customers to get ready during National Hurricane Preparedness Week as early predictions call for a record-breaking Atlantic season, which begins June 1. In anticipation, the SEG Gives Foundation has donated $250,000, as well as bottled water and shelf-stable snacks, to the American Red Cross. The donation will ensure the organization […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
2024 Michigan Asparagus Season Begins
The Michigan Asparagus season has begun and the vegetable will be arriving in stores about a week earlier than normal due to a warmer winter. Currently, volume is on track with thick asparagus ready to take center stage on plates and in bowls nationwide. As shoppers prioritize living a healthier lifestyle, cooking at home has […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Northeast
Utz, Mike’s Hot Honey Partner For Limited-Edition Potato Chips
Utz Brands has partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to create Utz Mike’s Hot Honey Extra Hot potato chips. Available through September, the flavor builds off the original Utz Mike’s Hot Honey chips but with triple the heat. The sweet and spicy potato chips are gluten-free and kosher-certified. The product comes in an on-the-go 2.625-ounce size and a […]
Posted inBakery News, West
Rubicon Bakers Acquires Lucky Spoon Bakery
Rubicon Bakers has entered the gluten-free sweet baked goods market with the acquisition of Lucky Spoon Bakery. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lucky Spoon manufactures high-quality, gluten-free sweet bakery goods. Lucky Spoon’s products – which include fresh cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies – can be found in grocery stores nationwide. The acquisition […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Building Distribution Campus In Hempstead, TX
H-E-B has finalized the purchase of about 500 acres in Hempstead, Texas, where it plans to build a distribution campus that will be developed in several phases, with the first to begin in late 2024. “The land purchase is the first step in the development of this strategically planned campus, a project that will position […]