Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed Mario Maffie as chief information officer to lead its IT team, oversee network systems integration and help accelerate the use of data and insights. Maffie, who begins his new role Oct. 2, will report to Erin Horvath, chief operating officer. Maffie joins UNFI after having spent […]
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 inExecutive News, Amazon Fresh, Merchandising News, Midwest, Whole Foods, Wholesaler/Distributor News
SpartanNash Elevates Morgan To EVP, CMO
Citing his leadership skills, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has promoted Bennett Morgan to EVP and chief merchandising officer. Morgan, who joined SpartanNash in January 2022 as SVP and chief merchandising officer, leads fresh, center store and pharmacy merchandising, pricing, promotions and category and master data management. “Bennett’s leadership has advanced our capabilities in merchandising and […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Instacart Adds New Omnichannel, AI Solutions For Grocers
Instacart has added several updates to Instacart Storefront and Caper Carts to help retailers advance their e-commerce, digitize stores and build AI-powered omnichannel experiences. “We’ve long believed the future of grocery – and commerce in general – isn’t online or in-store, it’s both. And now, more than ever, it’s being supercharged with AI,” said Asha […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGAF Expands SEMTAC Team To Advance SNAP Efforts
In a boost to its ability to help grocery retailers navigate the SNAP online approval process, the National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF) has added two employees to its SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center (SEMTAC). Dawn Tullis is joining SEMTAC as a project coordinator, while Kari Wolkwitz will serve as a project manager. SEMTAC aims […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Northeast
ARS Executive Appointments Support Store Growth
Iselin, New Jersey-based Allegiance Retail Services (ARS), a retailer-owned grocery co-op, has appointed Michael Conese as VP of perishable merchandising, effective Sept. 11. In this role, Conese will oversee and direct all fresh department activities supporting the cooperative, including meat, produce, deli, seafood, bakery and meal solutions. He will report to Samer Rahman, chief merchandising […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest
SpartanNash Will Tap AI To Predict Demand, Decrease Waste
SpartanNash is expanding its use of Upshop’s Magic AI inventory and replenishment optimization application to consolidate its ordering systems, maintain planogram integrity and help with merchandising reset planning in center store and produce. The system also provides store employees with a real-time view of stock to maximize assortment, while at the same time reducing waste. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Seeking Local, Diverse Suppliers
Southeastern Grocers Inc.’s Local & Diverse Supplier Connect event Nov. 1 will allow it to collaborate with underrepresented suppliers and, in turn, provide stores with an expanded variety of locally relevant and diverse products. The virtual event will focus on sourcing items across grocery, household, fresh, frozen, personal care, pet and baby merchandise, among other […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest
Feeding The Community An Obligation For Buche Foods
Making sure no one in South Dakota goes hungry is not just a passion for RF Buche. He considers it a moral obligation. It’s why the fourth-generation president of the GF Buche Co. – which operates Buche Foods supermarkets and Gus Stop convenience stores among its retail ventures – strives to make it easier for folks […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, National, Online Grocery Technology
KeHE Taps Cognira To Boost Promotion Planning, Forecasting At DCs
Atlanta-based Cognira has begun a partnership with KeHE to transform the Naperville, Illinois-based wholesale food distributor’s promotion planning and forecasting capabilities across 16 distribution center networks. KeHE said Cognira’s PromoAI will drive improved ROI, increased margins, enhanced collaboration, reduced inventory and minimized spoilage. KeHE previously relied on legacy systems, spreadsheets and email for promotion planning […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
ShopRite Debuts New Store In Drexel Hill, PA
ShopRite held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 1 for a 72,000-square-foot store at 5000 State Road in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The ShopRite of Drexeline is operated by the Burns family, which has more than 40 years of supermarket experience in the greater Philadelphia area. It will serve as the anchor tenant for […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Produce News, Southeast
Seal The Seasons Expands Frozen Fruit Distribution With Publix
Beginning this month, Florida-grown produce is available year-round in Publix’s frozen aisle through its partnership with Seal the Seasons. The company’s Florida Antioxidant Blend – featuring strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and Michigan dark sweet cherries – can be found in 32-ounce bags at the majority of Publix’s 1,352 locations. For decades, Florida has ranked in the top […]
Posted inDollar General, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Dollar General Shares Support For Jacksonville, FL
Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General has announced ongoing support for Jacksonville, Florida, following a shooting Aug. 26 that left four people, including the gunman, dead at one of its stores in the city’s New Town area. The company’s support includes initial resource commitments, as well as plans to continue evaluating how it can best support employees, […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, Northeast
PepsiCo Introduces Recyclable Paper-Based Beverage Packaging
As part of its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainable packaging initiative, New York-based PepsiCo Beverages North America is rolling out paper-based solutions to replace plastic rings across multipacks. The company announced the new paperboard designs will appear in a phased, regional approach across the U.S. later this year. It is the first beverage company to commit […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Snacks Brands, Southwest
Southern Recipe Pork Rinds Celebrates Truck Driver Appreciation Week
In Dallas, Texas-based Southern Recipe’s Annual Truck Driver Appreciation Week campaign, the brand will support St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund with a $7,500 donation, plus an additional $5,000 donation from Rudolph Foods going to the wellness programs. Throughout Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which is Sept. 10–16, drivers will be encouraged to sign up for free health screenings and services […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Association News, Harris Teeter, National
IFPA Announces Board Of Directors Slate For 2024
The International Fresh Produce Association has announced the slate of new officers and directors for the 2024 IFPA Board of Directors. The volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with membership. This group will begin its board service at the 2023 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show on Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, California. […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
Caruso USA Donates 75K Pounds Of Produce For Labor Day
Caruso USA is commemorating the Labor Day holiday by donating 75,600 pounds of fresh corn and potatoes to area food banks. The Sharonville, Ohio-based fresh food provider is giving away 33,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and gold potatoes to Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati, and 26,600 pounds of sweet corn and 16,000 sweet potatoes to Last […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Celebrates Hunger Action Month With Donation Campaign
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co.’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has begun its annual Hunger Action Month Campaign, giving customers the option to round up at the register and donate to their local food bank. Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month is an annual nationwide event to spread awareness and encourage consumers and corporate chains, such as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Weis Markets, Kellogg Co. Partner To Fight Food Insecurity
Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets and the Kellogg Co. have partnered to tackle the issue of hunger in the communities they serve with a combined donation of $25,000 to CEO Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank. The donation is part of Kellogg’s Better Days Promise and Weis Markets’ 16th annual Fight Hunger program. “At Weis Markets, we are committed […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southeast
Alabama Grocers Education Foundation Awards $50K In Scholarships
The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation has awarded $50,250 in scholarships to employees or children of employees from Alabama Grocers Association member companies for the 2023-24 academic year. These included 36 AGEF funded scholarships, 11 Piggyback Scholarships and five Memorial Scholarships. “To date, the Alabama Grocers Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships,” said […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, Midwest
Tony’s Fresh Market Unveils Billboard For IWS Family Health
Tony’s Fresh Market, in conjunction with its charitable arm – Tony’s Charitable Foundation, has unveiled a digital billboard donated to Infant Welfare Society (IWS) Family Health to support and advance the services it offers. The unveiling ceremony took place on Aug. 21 at IWS Family Health at 3600 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago, which is […]