UNFI’s second spring and summer show of the year drew more than 3,300 customers from its U.S. East and Central regions to Orlando, Florida, for two days of networking with suppliers from across North America. “Customers came seeking deals for their shoppers, and suppliers were willing to accommodate them,” said Kelly Sosa, UNFI East region […]
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 inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Whole Foods Adds New Market Feb. 22 In Albuquerque, NM
Whole Foods Market opened a new 47,327-square-foot store Feb. 22 at 2100 Carlisle Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The store is a relocation of the former store across the street at 2103 Carlisle Blvd. NE, which had served the community for more than 30 years. This larger location features upgraded amenities including expanded prepared […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
WGA Welcomes Coca-Cola As Top-Tier Sponsor
The NGA Foundation has announced that Coca-Cola Co. has signed on as the top-tier sponsor of Women Grocers of America (WGA), making a multiyear commitment for $50,000 annually in support of the grocery industry’s female leaders. “Coca-Cola is proud to continue our longtime support of Women Grocers of America,” said Pamela Stewart, chief customer officer […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE Introduces Fresh Marketplace Brand
During its recent 2024 Summer Show, KeHE Distributors unveiled its new Fresh Marketplace brand to connect consumers to more fresh product offerings from around the world. The brand features more than 24,000 fresh products curated by category experts, all focused on helping “make stores worth leaving home for.” “We have long been committed to fresh […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Super King Markets, West
Super King Markets Partners With Ideal For Digital Circular
Super King Markets worked with Ideal by Design House on a digital circular to engage shoppers on mobile devices, featuring special products and deals, seasonal promotions and discounts. The circular includes traditional promotional content combined with videos, animations, recipes and list building. Programmatic media drives customers to the circular and follows them to the store, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Health & Wellness, National
Instacart, Pack Health Seeking To Boost Healthy Habits
Instacart and Pack Health, a Quest Diagnostics company specializing in patient engagement, are working to improve food access and healthy eating habits in underserved communities. By integrating Instacart into Pack Health’s programs, the companies will deliver a complementary suite of services aimed at increasing access to the food, nutrition education and coaching support people need […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
US Foods Eyes Five CHEF’STORE Openings In 2024
US Foods Holding Corp. is planning to open five new CHEF’STORE locations, including four in the Southeast and one in Oregon, this year. CHEF’STORE offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities. A quick […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, West
Thrive Market First Online-Only Retailer To Accept SNAP EBT
Membership-based Thrive Market has announced it will begin accepting SNAP EBT, making it the first online-only retailer to receive USDA approval to do so. Beginning Feb. 26, SNAP EBT will be accepted on Thrive Market in the U.S. All EBT cardholders who join as new members are eligible for a free membership. Founded in 2014, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National
U.S. Grocers Celebrating Their Employees Today
FMI – The Food Industry Association launched Supermarket Employee Day on Feb. 22, 2021, to recognize the work supermarket employees do every day. “Supermarket employees are the bedrock sustaining our communities in times of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster, a pandemic or other unforeseen challenges,” the association shared in a newsletter. “They uphold […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Grant Offerings Aim To Boost Food Access In Minnesota
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to expand food access in low- and moderate-income areas via two grant programs. The GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant helps grocery stores and small food retailers buy equipment or make physical improvements that will allow them to increase the availability […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
SpartanNash Introduces ‘Finest Reserve’ Private Label Brand
SpartanNash has introduced its new private label brand, Finest Reserve by Our Family. The Finest Reserve line uses fresh and authentic ingredients to create gourmet flavors. The new private label is an extension of Our Family, SpartanNash’s flagship brand, that has captured the attention of the company’s customer base. The collection is a curated offering of […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
The United Family To Host Vendor Discovery Showcase
The United Family is planning its first Discovery Showcase, an event to connect the company with local and regional vendors interested in doing business. Since its inception, The United Family has sourced local products and encouraged employees to give back to their communities. The United Family sources suppliers that best match their needs, regardless of […]
Posted inWalmart, Online Grocery Technology, Southwest
Walmart Acquires Vizio To Improve Operating System
Walmart has entered into an agreement to acquire Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System. This will help the retailer connect with and serve its customers in new ways, including innovative television and in-home entertainment and media experiences. It would also create new opportunities to help advertisers connect with customers, empowering brands with differentiated opportunities to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Corporate Store News, Northeast
Giant Eagle’s Leap Media Group Joins Stingray’s Network
Leap Media Group, Giant Eagle’s retail media network, will join Stingray Advertising’s retail audio advertising network. Launching in 194 Giant Eagle stores across western Pennsylvania, Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, this partnership will allow the regional food retailer to engage with high-intent shoppers through innovative audio advertising solutions. “The addition of Giant […]
Posted inWeis Markets, Executive News, Northeast
In New Role, Umstead Will Help Weis Develop Talent
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets has promoted Mike Umstead to VP of talent development and associate relations, succeeding Bob Cline, who is retiring. Umstead, who previously served as the company’s director of field human resources, will oversee talent and organization development, succession management and associate relations. He also will direct engagement, career development programs and human […]
Posted inProduce News, Southwest
TIPA Taps Lugavere As Keynote Speaker For Viva Fresh
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has announced Max Lugavere will be the keynote speaker at its upcoming 2024 Viva Fresh Produce Expo in Houston. A health and science journalist, filmmaker and author, Lugavere will share insights about nutrition, brain health and well-being. Lugavere gained recognition in 2018 for his New York Times bestseller, “Genius […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
January Online Grocery Sales Total $8.5B
The U.S. online grocery market finished January with $8.5 billion in total sales, up 1.8 percent compared to 2023, according to the recent Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey. Despite a jump in the number of households buying groceries online during the month, January’s overall sales growth was moderated year over year by a downward […]
Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, Southeast
Southern Glazer’s President Of West Region To Retire
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has shared that Patrick Daul, president of West Region, will retire from the company in July, with an announcement of his replacement forthcoming. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Patrick for many years, whose journey at Southern Glazer’s reflects not only his deep industry expertise, but also his unwavering […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, West
Chicken of the Sea Announces Appointments, Promotion
Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods (COSFF) has announced the appointment of three new leaders and a promotion within its commercial organization. The company welcomes the industry veterans, who bring customer-centric expertise to ensure COSFF remains at the forefront of the seafood industry. Tiffany Hicks Tiffany Hicks has been hired as SVP of foodservice and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Midwest
General Mills Senior Executive O’Grady To Retire
General Mills announced that Shawn O’Grady, group president of North America Foodservice, plans to retire and Jon Nudi, currently group president of pet and international, has added NAF to his oversight, effective Feb. 16. O’Grady will move into a senior advisor role until his retirement early this summer. Pankaj Sharma, president of U.S. meals and […]