DS Smith, a global provider of sustainable, fiber-based corrugated packaging, is launching its DryPack seafood box in North America. A sustainable replacement for non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boxes, DS Smith DryPack is a no-leak, 100 percent water-resistant, fully recyclable box that, when packed with ice, can keep fresh fish below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than […]
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 inPlant-Based News, National
Oscar Mayer Introduces Plant-Based Hot Dogs, Sausages
The Kraft Heinz Not Company has debuted NotHotDogs and NotSausages, the first plant-based Oscar Mayer offerings and the first plant-based meat innovation from the joint venture between The Kraft Heinz Co. and TheNotCompany. The U.S. plant-based market is projected to skyrocket from $8.3 billion in 2023 to $19 billion by 2030. However, plant-based hot dogs […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southeast
Lidl Appointments Will Boost Customer Experience
Lidl U.S. has appointed four industry veterans – Miguel Paradela, Frank Kerr, Tod Seiling and Michel Chao – to the company’s leadership team, with the aim of lifting the shopper experience. “I am excited to welcome Miguel, Frank, Tod and Michael to the team,” said Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt. “Their combined expertise, incredible leadership […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Encourages Biden To Help Reel In Credit Card Fees
In her response to the State of the Union Address on March 7, FMI – The Food Industry Association President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin encouraged President Joe Biden to focus on solutions instead of politics. Sarasin’s statement began by acknowledging that Biden covered a “variety of issues affecting Americans across the country, including economic issues.” […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Report: Shoppers Want To Add Produce To Meal Occasions
Consumers want to incorporate produce into more meal occasions, reduce produce waste and learn more about the nutritional value of fresh foods, identifying opportunities for growth within this fresh retail department. These were among the findings of the “Power of Produce 2024″ report, released March 8 by FMI – The Food Industry Association during the Southeast […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, West
Innit Using AI, Expert Info To Create Online Shopping Experience
“What’s in it?” Many customers ask this same question when looking for products and recipes. Kevin Brown, CEO and co-founder of California-based Innit, said his personalized food intelligence platform aims to answer that query. “We wanted to start with that question,” he said. “And that informs a lot of what we’re doing around our technology, […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Independent Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Recognizes 2023 Business Partners Of The Year
PepsiCo Beverages North America and Krueger Wholesale Florist have been honored as Skogen’s Festival Foods’ 2023 Business Partners of the Year. For this year of recognition, Festival Foods chose to celebrate two partners that have contributed to its ability to provide outstanding customer service. The partnership between PepsiCo Beverages North America and Festival Foods has continued […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Aldi, National
Aldi Plans To Add 800 New Stores By 2028
Batavia, Illinois-based Aldi has shared plans to add 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. As a key part of its plans, Aldi also announced the completion of its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners, which will drive significant growth in the Southeast […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Southeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club Plans First Location In Louisville, KY
BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open its first club in Louisville, Kentucky, located near the Jefferson Mall, in early 2025. The BJ’s Louisville club follows its expansion into Tennessee and Alabama in 2023. “We are excited to offer our winning combination of value, convenience and assortment to families in Louisville,” said Bill Werner, EVP of strategy […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Adds To Growing List Of Texas Stores
H-E-B held grand openings March 6 for two stores – one at 29388 I-10 West in Boerne and the other at 16000 Woodland Hills Drive in Humble, Texas. The two H-E-B stores have features such as H-E-B Curbside with covered parking and home delivery, full-service H-E-B pharmacy with a drive-thru and a fuel station with gas […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Amazon Fresh, Southwest, Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market Selects Participants For LEAP Program
Whole Foods Market has announced the participants for its latest cohort in the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), celebrating brands selected for the program’s Early Growth track. Launched in 2022, LEAP advances Whole Foods Market’s core value of supporting local and emerging suppliers by creating mentorship opportunities for cohort participants with Whole Foods Market experts, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
Report: Meat Department Posts Strong Start To Year
The average price per pound in the meat department across all cuts and kinds, both fixed and random weight, stood at $4.55 in January, up 1.2 percent from year-on-year, according to a recent Circana and 210 Analytics report. Processed meat tends to have the higher prices, but its average price per pound decreased for bacon, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Price Rite Marketplace Supporting Area Food Banks
As part of its annual Check-Out Hunger fundraising campaign, Price Rite Marketplace is presenting more than $47,000 in donations to local food banks. From last November through January, Price Rite Marketplace associates throughout Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island collected donations at checkout to help food banks. The […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Three Regional Grocers Establish Instacart Storefronts
Recent retailer additions to the Instacart Storefront, which is billed as an affordable way for grocers of all sizes to get online and add e-commerce to their websites, include Canseco’s Market, Harps Foods and Price Chopper. “Instacart Storefront offers our team the opportunity to easily configure and deploy a custom-branded website, particularly as we continue […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Backs Bill To Address Food Traceability Rule Challenges
FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the introduction of the “Food Traceability Enhancement Act” in the U.S. House by Reps. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) that would address key implementation and compliance challenges with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Traceability Rule. The legislation would make targeted improvements […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI Names Tarditi As Next President, CFO
Giorgio “Matteo” Tarditi has been named president and CFO of Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), effective April 15, when current President and CEO Sandy Douglas will relinquish the president role but remain CEO. Tarditi succeeds current CFO John W. Howard, who will leave UNFI following a transition period. “Matteo is a proven executive […]
Posted inCoborn's, Frozen Food, Midwest, Sustainability News
Coborn’s, Hillphoenix Team Up For Presentation At NGA Show
St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s and Hillphoenix will give a presentation during The NGA Show on how grocers can navigate the upcoming changes from the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The presentation, set for 8:45-9:30 a.m. March 11, centers on how Coborn’s countered the AIM Act by switching to CO2. It will feature Chris Braun, Coborn’s […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National
Report: Frozen Foods Can Help Family Budgets, Meals
Citing their convenience and affordability, the latest Atomik survey by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association found that frozen foods contribute to healthy meals. Parents find frozen foods to be a particularly valuable tool for meal planning and rising grocery costs. A significant portion (76 percent) of parents surveyed agree the products help them […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Southwest
United Supermarkets Donates Socks In ‘Pears For Pairs’ Program
Throughout February and early March, United Supermarkets joined with Rainier Fruit to donate more than 5,000 pairs of socks across Texas through the “Pears for Pairs” program. In the fall and winter months of 2023, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Rainier Fruit pears and apples went toward buying new socks for […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Layout, Northeast
Retail Fluent Helping Grocers Build Forward-Thinking Stores
Retail Fluent, a leading retail construction, design and decor firm based in Little Falls, New Jersey, has built its reputation on forward-thinking stores. The company has spent the past year expanding its retail media network and service platform. Kevin Ruddy, VP of retail group of Retail Fluent, said the company’s RMN features a complete turnkey […]