Northgate González Market has introduced a new grocery concept store, Mercado González, at 2300 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, California. At 70,000 square feet, Mercado González is a gastronomic adventure that takes customers on a journey through Mexican cuisine. With its concept and curated food offerings, design and art, Mercado brings the flavors, colors and […]
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, Midwest
Whole Foods Market Celebrates Opening In Overland Park, KS
Whole Foods Market opened its new 45,791-square-foot store at 11900 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, Kansas. The store is a relocation of the current Overland Park store at 6621 W 119th St., which has served the community for more than 15 years. The new location’s product assortment features more than 750 local items sourced with […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Superior Grocers, West
Superior Grocers Holds Grand Opening In Victorville, CA
Superior Grocers celebrated the grand opening of its first store in Victorville, California, on Nov. 15. Ahead of the grand opening, Superior Grocers initiated a soft opening on Nov. 1, allowing the company to acclimate to the local community, collect feedback and begin fostering relationships with the residents of Victorville. “Today is a momentous day […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Applauds Prohibition Extension On EBT Fees
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is highlighting a significant achievement in Washington as Congress, in bipartisan agreement, extended the prohibition on EBT processing fees for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. NGA and its members have advocated for the extension of the ban on EBT processing fees, and lawmakers have included this provision into the latest […]
Posted inPackaging News, National
FMI Comments On Importance Of Front Package Labeling
FMI – The Food Industry Association highlighted the importance of providing consumers with clear, consistent nutrition information during the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s public meeting on front-of-package labeling as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers proposed FOP labeling schemes. FMI shares FDA’s goals of reducing diet-related chronic diseases, prioritizing nutrition activities and empowering consumers with information to […]
Posted inFood City, Packaging News, Southeast
Food City, Eastman Expand Plastic Recycling Partnership
Food City has partnered with Eastman, a global specialty materials company, to bring additional plastic recycling options to the Appalachian Highlands region. Beginning in early 2024, customers can drop off plastic waste in collection bins at three Food City stores in Kingsport, Tennessee, where Eastman is headquartered. The plastic will be sorted and processed by […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
Pastvina Acres Named 2023 Sustainable Farm Of The Year
David and Christy Borrowman of Pastvina Acres in Smithville, Missouri, have been named the 2023 Sustainable Farm of the Year by Niman Ranch, a leading natural meat brand. The award recognizes the Borrowmans for their ongoing commitment to the principles of regenerative agriculture and sustainability. In addition to raising their hogs outdoors and in deeply […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Pactiv Evergreen’s 2023 ESG Report Touts Progress
Lake Forest, Illinois-based Pactiv Evergreen Inc. released its latest ESG Report, “Packaging a Better Future,” sharing progress toward the company’s goals in 2021 and ’22 and highlighting advancements across its three ESG pillars. “Our commitment to sustainability is foundational to our ‘Purpose of Packaging a Better Future’ and is guided by our ‘Value to Do […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE Distributors Shares Top Macro Trends For 2024
Functionality, sustainability and influenced foods are among the top seven macro trends that experts with KeHE Distributors have identified in the food and beverage industry for 2024. “Natural and organic, specialty and fresh products remain relevant as consumers have become more environmentally aware and health-conscious,” said Westly Weaver, director of customer insights and growth solutions. […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Adds Afresh’s Platform For Meat, Seafood
Albertsons Cos. has launched the Afresh platform in the meat and seafood departments of more than 2,200 banner stores, including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Vons and ACME. The platform aims to drive better decision-making across the fresh supply chain, with connected solutions built for fresh food. As a result of its partnership with Afresh, Albertsons […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest
AWG Brands Freshens Oral Care Category Assortment
AWG Brands, the private brands of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, is expanding its oral care offerings to help member retailers capitalize on the $10.6 billion category. The AWG Brands assortment revitalization comes as a component of AWG’s strategic review of all categories in collaboration with key vendor partners. This work includes opportunity alignment […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Continues Board Refreshment With New Director
SpartanNash has appointed DexKo Global President and CEO Fred Bentley as an independent director, the second to join its board this year following the August appointment of Kerrie MacPherson. SpartanNash refreshed its board in 2022 with the addition of three independent directors. The board now boasts 10 directors – six of whom have been appointed […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Names ‘La Catrina Más Catrina’ Winners
Heritage Grocers Group has named the winners in its La Catrina Más Catrina photo contest, the first to include customers across all of the company’s banners. The first-place selections, who each received a $500 Visa gift card, included: Zuleima A. for Cardenas Markets; Ariana G. for El Rancho Supermercado; and Aubry R. for Tony’s Fresh […]
Posted inHy-Vee, Independent Store News, Midwest
Hy-Vee Holding OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit
Hy-Vee Inc.’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit, a networking and showcase event set for Jan. 31, will provide an opportunity to advance local minority- and women-owned companies. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit, which will be held at the Scott Conference Center on the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Scott campus, will feature an expo offering resources, […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, National
PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show Sets Records
The Private Label Manufacturing Association is hailing its 2023 Private Label Trade Show as a success, citing a record 1,685 exhibitors showcasing products, flavors, packaging, ingredients and services. The largest event for store brands in North America, the show ran Nov. 12-14 in Chicago, drawing more than 13,000 exhibitors, retailers and other visitors. It was […]
Posted inExecutive News, Northeast
Utz Brands Elevates Arends, Devore To New Posts
Utz Brands Inc. has named Mitchell “Mitch” Arends as EVP and chief integrated supply chain officer and has appointed Cary Devore as EVP and chief operating and transformation officer. The company said the appointments, effective Nov. 27, will enhance its execution of short- and long-term objectives, including supply chain optimization and integrated business planning. “I […]
Posted inPackaging News, Northeast
Brooklyn Cured Redesigns Packaging To Showcase NY Roots
Brooklyn Cured, a New York-based charcuterie company, has revamped its packaging with designs inspired by its hometown borough. The packaging redesigns echo its commitment to respecting tradition while evolving and growing through product innovation. “Our cured meats are inspired by our diverse, food-centric borough, and we wanted to update our packaging to reflect that,” said […]
Posted inAmazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, Meijer, National, Whole Foods
Study: Amazon Leads Grocery Retailers In Personalization
A special edition of dunnhumby’s Retailer Preference Index, designed to determine which retailers in the $1 trillion U.S. grocery market best personalize the customer shopping experience, finds that Amazon leads the way, followed by H-E-B in second and then Kroger. According to the inaugural report for “Leadership in Personalization,” these three retailers are at the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Expanding Into Salinas, CA
Vallarta Supermarkets is continuing its California expansion to Monterey County with the Nov. 15 opening of a new store at 1050 N. Davis Road in Salinas. “We are extremely excited to open our doors in Salinas,” said Lizette Gomez, director of marketing for Vallarta Supermarkets. “This new location allows us to connect with an even […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Health & Wellness, Midwest
Hy-Vee To Host Senior Wellness Days Across Iowa
Hy-Vee is partnering with the Iowa Area Agencies on Aging to host a series of Senior Wellness Days at select Hy-Vee stores across Iowa over the next several weeks. Hy-Vee’s Senior Wellness Days are free to the public and will have services and resources available to assist older Iowans in managing their health. The full […]