Publix has been named the highest-ranked supermarket pharmacy for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Pharmacy Study. “At Publix, providing premier service is ingrained in our culture,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I’m proud of our pharmacy teams, who are dedicated to delivering the best care possible to our customers.” The 2024 study […]
Author Archives: Treva Bennett
Senior Content Creator
After 32 years in the newspaper industry, she is enjoying her new career exploring the world of groceries at The Shelby Report.
Posted inBig Y Foods, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Big Y Taps Moriarty As New Director Of Meat And Seafood
The Big Y Board of Directors has named Megan L. Moriarty as director of meat and seafood, succeeding Norm E. Vernadakis, who is retiring Aug. 1 after 39 years in the industry. Vernadakis, who began his career at Big Y as a meat cutter in 1985, has held numerous leadership positions throughout his tenure. His […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Rosauers, West
Rosauers Acquires Hank’s Harvest Foods
Rosauers Supermarkets has acquired Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, Washington. The deal, which was recently finalized, marks the latest move for the growing grocery chain. Hank’s Harvest Foods has been a community staple in the Methow Valley for nearly 50 years. Hank and Judy Konrad purchased Hank’s in 1975 and built the larger, current location […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Mastering Pricing Operations: Strategies For Independent Grocers
by Caitlin Orosz In today’s grocery market, every penny counts, especially when you’re operating with a lean team. Even if you have fewer stores or fewer SKUs than some competitors, it’s a struggle to relabel shelves with pricing updates. You can maintain a competitive edge and sell more units. You can drive profitable growth with […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, Organic Natural, Sustainability News, Walmart
Walmart, Denali Roll Out Organic Recycling, Reuse Technology
Walmart is partnering with Denali, the nation’s largest recycler of organic materials, to roll out innovative depackaging services to help improve the food waste recycling process at more than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide. The depackaging technology aims to help drive operational efficiencies for Walmart enterprise associates. Based on early testing, it has […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Independent Store News, West
Natural Grocers To Open New Nevada Store July 31
Natural Grocers will celebrate the grand opening of its new store July 31 at 873 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village, Nevada, the fourth store in the state. Community members are invited to celebrate with a grand opening event including giveaways, savings, a prize wheel and samples. Natural Grocers’ good4u Crew will kick off the festivities at 8:15 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Dairy News, Southeast
Cal-Maine Foods Taps Stevens As VP Operations
Cal-Maine Foods has named Judd Stevens its VP of operations, effective July 23. Stevens will have responsibility for all of Cal-Maine Foods’ recently acquired assets from ISE, including production operations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and South Carolina. Employed with the company since 2003, Stevens most recently served as general manager for its subsidiary Wharton […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Hannaford Supermarkets, Northeast
Hannaford Supermarkets Recognized For Supporting Local Seafood Economy
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has honored Hannaford Supermarkets with one of three inaugural “Gulf of Maine Tastemaker” awards, recognizing local businesses for their exceptional contributions to the seafood industry. Hannaford was recognized in the “Local” category for having “consistently worked with more than 20 local suppliers to ensure customers have access to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Midwest
Harvest Health Foods Leveraging AI To Make Best Use Of Technology
Harvest Health Foods, a family-owned grocery chain in Michigan, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize inventory management and online shopping experiences, according to Bill Reiffer, the company’s VP of purchasing. Prior to becoming an ECRS customer in 2015, Harvest Health Foods employees were pricing each item individually. “It was our first point of sale,” […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Harris Teeter, Northeast, Whole Foods
Manna Tree Takes Controlling Interest In Verde Farms, Plans Expansion
Global private equity firm Manna Tree has taken a controlling interest in Verde Farms, a brand of organic, 100 percent grass-fed and pasture-raised beef. The investment aims to accelerate Verde’s growth in the rapidly expanding better-for-you (BFY) beef category, which is currently outpacing conventional beef by nearly three times. Manna Tree first invested in Verde Farms in January […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Southeast
ECRS’ CATAPULT Retail POS Utilizes AI To Help Independent Grocers Compete
Artificial intelligence applications for local and regional retail grocers are no longer on the horizon – they are a reality today. Pete Catoe, founder and CEO of ECRS, a retail solutions provider, said AI technology is available to grocers with practical tools they should already be using to enhance the customer experience. Catoe said two […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest
New Niemann Harvest Market Offers Guests A Shopping Destination
Shoppers in Carmel, Indiana, have a new destination for their grocery needs. Niemann Harvest Market opened May 15, the first in the state for the Niemann Foods banner. According to Store Director Sean Olson, what makes the store different is “everything that we do starts with partnerships with local producers and makers.” He clarified that […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Indiana ‘Beset’ With Same Economic Problems As Rest Of U.S.
Indiana’s economy is experiencing a period of sustained growth. According to IBISWorld, the Hoosier state’s gross domestic product reached $353.9 billion in 2023, with a 20.3 percent increase over the past five years. Manufacturing remains a significant driver, with sectors like motor vehicles, metals and electronics leading the way. However, the recent “Feeding the Economy” […]
Posted inPackaging News, Bakery News, National
Grupo Bimbo Reports 93% Of Packaging Made From Recyclable Materials
Grupo Bimbo has launched its 2023 annual report: “Behind our Actions.” The document shows the progress of the business and the objectives of the bakery company’s sustainability strategy for 2030 and 2050. Among the highlights of its “Baked For Nature” priority, where the bakery works on regeneration, growth, circularity and creating a positive impact on […]
Posted inBravo Supermarkets, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
NY Yankees Foundation Honors Krasdale Foods
Krasdale Foods received the Champion of the Foundation award from the New York Yankees Foundation at its 44th annual homecoming dinner. This event honors one company each year, selected by the foundation’s board members. The New York Yankees Foundation hosted the dinner and award ceremony at the New York Hilton hotel in May, recognizing Krasdale Foods […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Foundation Fundraiser Supports Community Heroes
The SpartanNash Foundation will donate $260,000 to organizations whose missions closely align with its giving pillar of Heroes – including Convoy of Hope, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember – following its annual in-store fundraiser. “By contributing to this campaign, our community members and associates have helped provide vital services to military heroes, veterans, their families and those affected by disasters,” said Adrienne […]
Posted inSustainability News, Independent Store News, National
REAP Grants Available To Independent Grocers For Store Upgrades
Independent food retailers across the United States have an opportunity to fund store upgrades that reduce operational costs, improve profits and enhance sustainability. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants to rural small businesses for energy efficiency improvements (such as HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration) and renewable […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Dairy News, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Ice Cream Truck Sharing Limited-time Flavors
The Publix ice cream truck, featuring many of this season’s limited-time offerings, is winding up its road trip this summer. Upcoming ice cream truck stops include: July 4 – St. Pete, Florida, at the St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave., from 4-10 p.m.; July 6 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at Las Olas Beach, 240 Las […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Executive News, The Kroger Co., U.R.M. Stores, West
Sprinkle To Retire As URM CEO, President In 2025
Ray Sprinkle, URM CEO and president, has announced he will retire from his position, effective July 2025. Sprinkle has been with URM Stores Inc. for 22 years and worked in the industry for more than 50 years. A graduate of Kansas State University, Sprinkle began his career in the grocery business working for companies such […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Meijer, National
Dunnhumby Unveils AI-powered Assortment Solution
Dunnhumby has launched its next-generation assortment solution utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist retailers in selecting products. New features unveiled in dunnhumby Assortment include: Localized assortments: Retailers can now deliver hyper-localized assortments tailored to the unique preferences of their customer base. Space-aware assortments and planograms: A new integrated planogram tool optimizes layout and facings, giving shelf-ready layouts based on […]