Stryve Foods has relaunched its innovative retail packaging, showcasing thinly sliced steak, a breakthrough in snacking options. According to the company, the revamped packaging features updated food photography and emphasizes the benefits of Stryve’s products, including its higher protein content compared to traditional beef jerky, as well as its preservative-free and zero-sugar formula. CEO Chris […]
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 inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Packaging News
Hormel Provides Packaging Redesign For Natural Choice Brand
The Hormel Natural Choice Brand has introduced an updated redesign of its packaging, providing a refreshed logo and a reduction of packaging materials used. The lighter packaging will reduce its usage of packaging materials by an estimated 337,000 pounds per year over prior packaging. This update is part of ongoing efforts by the brand’s parent […]
Posted inInternational Foods, Center Store, Southwest
Flagship Foods Rebrands To Insignia International
Flagship Food Group, the parent company of 505 Southwestern, has rebranded to Insignia International. The move was announced at the Natural Products Expo West March 15 in Anaheim, California. “‘Insignia’ is the Spanish word for Flagship, and this natural and elegant evolution of the name makes it clear that we are committed to premium Hispanic and Southwestern products and flavors, […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National
NCSA Names 2024 Candy Hall Of Fame Inductees
The NCSA, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, has named the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Induction into the Candy Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors in the confectionery industry. The new class will be formally inducted during the association’s annual event on Oct. 24-27. The ceremony will take place […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
Wakefern Food Corp. Introduces Retail Media Network
Wakefern Food Corp. has launched Wakefern Media Exchange, an omnichannel retail media network that helps consumer brands maximize advertising investments across onsite and offsite media channels through one platform. By combining planning, activation and measurement controls for in-store marketing, onsite and offsite media buying, Wakefern Media Exchange aims to enhance the shopping experience for customers […]
Posted inWeis Markets, Executive News, Northeast
Weis Markets Names O’Hara As SVP Of Legal Affairs, Real Estate
Weis Markets has promoted Jack O’Hara to SVP of legal affairs and real estate. In this position, he is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the company’s real estate and legal teams. O’Hara reports to Jonathan Weis, company chairman, president and CEO. He joined the company as real estate manager in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Fareway Plans To Build Store In Valley, NE
Fareway Stores plans to build a new 21,000-square-foot store in Valley, Nebraska. Fareway is finalizing due diligence and plans to close on the property in early 2024. “We are excited to be coming to Valley, as we believe it’s a seamless addition to the Fareway family. Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Cal-Maine Acquires Tyson’s Broiler Processing Assets In MO
Cal-Maine Foods Inc. has acquired a broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri, that Tyson Foods recently closed. The company previously reported that it plans to repurpose the assets for use in egg and egg products production. Cal-Maine Foods said it will initially convert the broiler processing plant to an egg grading site […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Guest Contributors, National
Recognizing Lifelong Service Of Grocery Industry Executive
By Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO, FMI In February, we celebrate Supermarket Employee Day, which recognizes the unsung heroes within our industry who feed and foster communities. Hopefully, some of these amazing people will be inspired to become the next generation of executive leaders, as evidenced by history and how many of our board […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Brands Debuts Restructured Cereal Offerings
AWG Brands, the private brands of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, has revitalized its Always Save and Best Choice cereal offerings to help member retailers optimize their assortments. The optimized items in Always Save and Best Choice brands, which began shipping to retailers in January, can be found on AWG member retailer shelves. With […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Midwest
Mayo Becomes Chief Development Officer At Save A Lot
Bill Mayo, who spent the past 29 years at Wakefern Food Corp., will be joining Save A Lot’s executive leadership team as chief development officer. Most recently, Mayo held the position of chief administrative officer where he led strategic business initiatives that drove efficiencies leveraging analytics of store-level demand management and directed business development of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
IGA Holds Awards Of Excellence Ceremony At NGA Show
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) honored a host of members and partners from around the globe March 11 during the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony at The 2024 NGA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. IGA presented awards to independent grocery retailers and CPG and service provider partners that highlighted a range of best practices and […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, Lipari Foods, West
Mission Produce Names Pawlowski Next President, COO
Mission Produce has appointed John Pawlowski to president and chief operating officer, effective April 1, with Steve Barnard continuing to serve as CEO and on the board of directors. Pawlowski has more than 25 years in the global food and foodservice industry, specializing in business development, system optimization and executive team management. He has led […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Mondelēz Report: Consumers Continue To Prioritize Snacks
Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, consumers continue to prioritize, purchase and prefer snacks. This was among the key takeaways from Mondelēz International’s fifth annual State of Snacking report, a global consumer trends study examining how consumers make snacking decisions. Developed in partnership with The Harris Poll, the report tracks attitudes and behaviors among thousands of […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
First Wave Of Closures Includes 600 Family Dollar Stores
In its fourth quarter financial report for 2023, Dollar Tree announced it will shutter 600 Family Dollar stores during the first half of this fiscal year, as well close an additional 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree locations as their leases expire over the next several years. The decision was made based on the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Tops Unveils Remodeled Store In Grand Island, NY
Tops Friendly Markets held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 12 for a recently renovated 57,000-square-foot store that has been a community staple of Grand Island, New York, for nearly 50 years. During the ribbon cutting celebration, Tops presented local community nonprofits with a donation, impacting first responders, schools, food pantries and veterans’ organizations. “This considerable […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, Meijer, National
DoorDash Adds New Partners To Expand SNAP Offering
DoorDash is expanding its SNAP/EBT payment offering with the addition of more than a dozen grocers across the country. ACME Markets, Food City, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kings Food Markets, Pavilions, Randalls, Shaw’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Star Market, Stater Bros. Markets, Tom Thumb and Vons will offer eligible consumers more choices to use their SNAP/EBT benefits when […]
Posted inExecutive News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Two Veteran Execs Joining Hy-Vee’s RedMedia Team
Hy-Vee has named two additions to the leadership team at RedMedia, the retail media network it launched last fall. Kathryn Mazza will be joining as SVP of RedMedia, while Britt Polihronis comes aboard as its VP of operations. Mazza most recently served as VP of media/GM retail media for DICK’S Sporting Goods, where she spent […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, National, Whole Foods
Study Reveals Top Grocers Based On Consumer Preference
Market Force’s newest syndicated research covering grocery retailers suggests that consumers are still focused on pricing and promotions, but that slowing inflation has allowed them to also choose grocers based on convenience, cleanliness and variety of merchandise. H-E-B, Fry’s, King Soopers, Brookshire Grocery and Food Lion rank at the top of consumer preference, receiving the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
2024 NGA Show Wraps Up Record-Setting Three-Day Run
AI, DEI and SNAP were among the topics covered for independent grocers as part of an education program that wrapped up the third and final day of the 2024 NGA Show, which boasted a record-setting attendance of 3,600. “From fresh to tech, from economics to HR and marketing to merchandising, The NGA Show offers a […]