Circana LLC has released its Circana Compass insights, providing a detailed review of 2025 global retail food and beverage (F&B) industry performance and a forward-looking outlook for 2026. 2025 Global Trends Confirm Projections Circana’s 2024 projection anticipated U.S. F&B industry dollar sales growth between 2 percent and 4 percent for 2025, driven by price/mix increases […]
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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, News, Southwest
Marczyk Fine Foods Leverages ECRS To Grow With Purpose
For more than two decades, Marczyk Fine Foods has built its reputation in Denver, Colorado, on high-quality specialty food, hand-crafted market-made items and exceptional customer service. But behind the fresh baguettes, Niman Ranch beef and house-made guacamole is a technology infrastructure that’s every bit as curated and intentional as the products lining the shelves. At […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
At Community-Focused Hometown Food Center, ‘Fresh Is What We Do Best’
In the small Lower Alabama town of Headland, just nine miles north of Dothan – where several national grocery chains are located – one independent grocer continues to thrive by doing what the big-box stores can’t – connecting deeply with its community and focusing on fresh, local products. Hometown Food Center, owned by Jai Freeman […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Michigan Retailers Face Economic Uncertainty Amid Tariffs, Inflation, Dip In Tourists
Michigan retailers are facing a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, tariff-related disruptions and fluctuating consumer behavior, according to Vic Veda, VP of communications with the Michigan Retailers Association. “The best specific data that I have on this topic here really does talk about the impacts of tariffs,” Veda said. “We did a member survey […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Mackinaw Family Market Thrives As Community Hub In Bustling Tourist Town
At the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the independent Mackinaw Family Market stands as a cornerstone of Mackinaw City – both during the bustling summer tourism season and the quiet winter months. The village of 847 residents is a resort community located on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac. For Mackinaw Family Market […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, News
KeHE Wraps Up 2025 Holiday Show
KeHE Distributors recently wrapped its 2025 Holiday Show in Chicago and virtually in the KeHE CONNECT platform, drawing nearly 5,000 in-person attendees and spotlighting key industry trends, exclusive show-only deals and merchandising strategies to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. “The Holiday Show is more than a preview of what’s to come, it’s a strategic opportunity […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Fresh Summit 2025 Features Innovation, Industry Insight
The National Grocers Association (NGA) brought together independent grocery leaders from across the country June 16-18 for the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over two days of expert-led sessions, store tours and networking, attendees explored strategies to increase profitability in the areas of produce, meat, dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice. The summit opened with […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Babbs Supermarket Has Deep, Personal Connection To Indiana Community
Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, will celebrate its 97th anniversary in July. Third-generation grocer Robert Babbs says his family legacy is not about making money but about building community. Chester Babbs, Rob’s grandfather, opened the original store July 28, 1928, by purchasing a meat and grocery business in receivership. Over the years, the business grew […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA, FMS Solutions Partner On Policy, Profit Summits
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has partnered with FMS Solutions for this year’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit (Oct. 20-21) and the inaugural FMS Profit Summit (Oct. 22-24), two events featuring sessions focused on policy, technology and profit strategies for independent grocers. “NGA’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit has been a must-attend event […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Indiana Economy: Stability, Setbacks And Grocery Industry’s Fight To Adapt
Indiana’s economy remained largely stable through 2024, buoyed by strong capital investments and modest GDP growth. But a forecast released in April cast a shadow over the state’s two-year financial outlook, setting the stage for challenges in the grocery and convenience store industries. According to the Indiana Business Research Center, the state’s GDP showed modest […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
FMI Names 2025 Store Manager Awards Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the winners of the 2025 Store Manager Awards, honoring those in grocery retail who demonstrate outstanding leadership, elevate store performance and inspire teams across the industry. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards program, celebrating two decades of excellence in food retail management. “For the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Online Grocery Technology, West
Simbe Brings Store Intelligence Platform To DeCicco & Sons
Simbe has announced a strategic retail automation partnership with family-owned DeCicco & Sons grocery chain that will install its Store Intelligence platform at the grocer’s new flagship location in Sleepy Hollow, New York, with additional rollouts planned in Eastchester and Larchmont. Simbe’s platform offers real-time, storewide visibility into pricing accuracy, inventory levels and product placement […]
Posted in, Executive News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Uribe To Take On Expanded Role At Certco
Certco Inc. EVP Justyne Uribe has been promoted to take on an expanded role as EVP of marketing and merchandising, according to an announcement from President and CEO Amy Niemetscheck. She began her new duties June 1. “It has become transparent that we need to be showing cohesive efforts in driving brand growth with our […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Stars Commit To 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic For Simply Give
Some of the biggest names in women’s golf are set to return to Michigan June 12-15 for the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythefield Country Club. Headlining the early commitments in the 144-player field are defending champion Lilia Vu and past champions Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, Mirim Lee and Leona Maguire. The 2024 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Dairy News, News, Raley's, West
Raley’s, Partners Helping Fight Food Insecurity
For the third year, Raley’s Food For Families program is partnering with the California Milk Advisory Board to deliver milk and dairy products to programs helping California families facing food insecurity. Throughout National Dairy Month in June, California dairies (through the CMAB) will match customer in-store and online Food For Families donations (up to $35,000). […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, Southeast
Fresh Value Promotes Stanley To CEO
Fresh Value, a privately owned regional grocery chain based in Birmingham, Alabama, has promoted Terry Stanley to CEO. Stanley had served as chief operating officer since 2022, leading the company through strategic expansion and navigating complex industry headwinds. His promotion formalizes the leadership role he had already been executing, according to Gerry D’Alessandro, chairman and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, News, Southwest
Harps To Acquire Doc’s Food Stores In OK
Harps Food Stores Inc., has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Doc’s Food Stores Inc., an independent grocery retailer with multiple locations across Oklahoma. The stores are in the following towns: Bixby, Collinsville, Coweta, Fairview, Glenpool, Newkirk, Okmulgee, Oologah, Sapulpa and Watonga. While the timing has not been finalized, both parties anticipate completing the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West, Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market Opens New Store In Las Vegas
Whole Foods Market opened a new 46,500-square-foot store May 15 at 2475 S. Town Center Drive in the Summerlin community of Las Vegas that replaces the Fort Apache store at 8855 W. Charleston Blvd. The new location’s product assortment features more than 100 items from Nevada, each meeting Whole Foods Market’s quality standards. “I started […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest, News
South Dakota Grocers Navigate Uncertainty Amid Economic Shifts
South Dakota’s economy showed a mixed performance in late 2024, and recent data indicates economic stagnation and the need for budgetary adjustments in 2025. The divergence in economic performance between urban and rural areas also is a key factor to consider. While the unemployment rate remains low and revenue for fiscal year 2025 is projected […]
Posted inFeature, National, News, Online Grocery Technology
Webinar Explores Tariffs, E-commerce, Omnichannel Imperatives In Grocery
A recent webinar hosted by Grocery Doppio, “Decoding Q1 2025: Tariffs, E-commerce Realities and Omnichannel Imperatives in Grocery,” provided a candid look at the grocery industry’s performance in the first quarter of 2025, navigating the complexities of new tariffs, the evolving role of e-commerce and the need for technological and cultural shifts. The panel, featuring […]