The National Grocers Association, the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, has elected new members to its board of directors. Nine individuals, by recommendation of the NGA Board nominating committee and subsequent vote by the membership, and one appointed individual will join re-elected board members to serve on the 2021 NGA Board of Directors. […]
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.
Publix To Follow Federal Directive To Prioritize Teachers, School Staff
At the direction of the federal government, retailers participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program must prioritize teachers and school staff for vaccine appointments until further notice. Publix will follow this new directive during its next COVID‑19 vaccine scheduling opportunity in Florida on March 10. After those in the prioritized group are finished making appointments, […]
For Grocers, There’s No Going Back On E-Commerce
By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs Last summer, I advised retailers not to underestimate the demand for online grocery shopping. Looks like that’s turning out to be good advice. The numbers are in for January and data indicates that consumers are continuing to embrace e-commerce. In all likelihood, they’ll continue to use […]
Big Y Donates More Than $90K To Local Breast Cancer Groups
In order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y Supermarkets donated proceeds from the October 2020 initiative “Partners of Hope” to 31 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. This monthlong program reflects the partnership, commitment and support of breast cancer awareness and research that are so vital for […]
Kroger Issues Open Call To Startups With Ideas To Prevent Food Waste
The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has announced its second Innovation Fund open call, inviting eligible innovators with ideas and solutions to prevent food waste to submit an application by April 1 for business support and funding totaling $2.5 million in collective grants. “Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, our stores and associates are on a mission to end hunger […]
Klug, Mayer Join Executive Leadership Team At Bashas’ Family Of Stores
Two additions to the executive leadership team of Bashas’ Family of Stores signal a sharpening focus on the customer experience, sustainability and technology for Arizona’s hometown grocer. The family-run company – which operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets – has appointed Sue Klug to its board of […]
Diversity, Inclusion Are Table Stakes For Businesses Seeking Success
by Greg Ferrara / President and CEO, National Grocers Association Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords of the times. They are concepts that, when embraced, can have a positive and profound impact on one’s business. Our nation continues to become increasingly more diverse, and with it the base of consumers upon which independent community […]
Renfro Foods’ CEO Billy Wayne Renfro Dies At Age 86
Billy Wayne Renfro, 86, a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Texas, died March 1, 2021. Born Sept. 19, 1934, Mr. Renfro graduated from North Side High School in 1952. He began his education at Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington) where he was in the ROTC program and participated in the […]
Sprouts Farmers Market Plans To Open 20 New Stores
Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market is planning a series of new stores, including four with a new, smaller format in line with previously announced strategy and one store relocation. The healthy grocer will open approximately 20 stores this year. Sprouts is known for offering a unique farmer’s market experience through an open layout fostering customer engagement […]
Gelson’s Kitchen And Wolfgang Puck Express Available Through Doordash
Gelson’s, one of America’s top-rated supermarket chains, has partnered with last-mile delivery marketplace, DoorDash, to make it easier to order meals from Gelson’s Kitchen and Wolfgang Puck Express. All 27 Gelson’s stores across Southern California are now available via DoorDash. Customers can visit doordash.com or download the DoorDash app to order menu items and prepared […]
Superior’s Ideal Market Known For Customer Service, Quality Meat
by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer In Shannon McCord’s words, “It’s always been a family affair at Ideal Market” in Superior, Nebraska. McCord’s grandfather founded the store in 1949. Then, his father ran it upon returning from service in the U.S. Navy. McCord, the third-generation operator, took over straight out of college in 1998. […]
Is Your Meat Case Stocked With Claims Your Customers Are Looking For?
Sponsored content by Michael Uetz / Managing Principal, Midan Marketing, meat marketing specialists since 2004 The COVID-19 pandemic has put health in the spotlight. During the tumultuous year that was 2020, personal health and the health and well-being of others was repeatedly a concern of consumers.1 When it comes to the meat case, consumers often […]
Independents Demonstrating AI Isn’t Just For Big Retailers Anymore
San Jose, California-based Hypersonix, an enterprise AI platform for consumer commerce industries, is actively partnering with independent retailers to deploy its AI technology to help unlock profitable growth opportunities. Three examples are HomeTown Pharmacy, Pyramid Foods and Carlie C’s IGA – all have implemented the Hypersonix AI solution with the intention to become more data-driven […]
CEO Update Names FMI’s Sarasin CEO Of The Year
Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI – The Food Industry Association has been named the 2021 Association CEO of the Year by CEO Update. This recognition is awarded annually to the outstanding trade association CEO. “The FMI Board of Directors felt strongly that Leslie should be recognized, and so we as board members collaborated on […]
‘Crisis Took Serving To A New Level’ At Valley Fresh Market
Store in Solvang gave away toilet paper, started selling barbecue by John McCurry / contributing writer As is the case for many independent grocers, Greg King has spent much of his life in the business. Now 52, he began working at a grocery store when he was 14. His father was in the business during […]
FMI And Kellogg Partner On Nutrition Initiative Post Virtual Event
As part of its mission to feed families and enrich lives, FMI – The Food Industry Association and the Kellogg Co. have donated more than 13,000 servings of cereal to the St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix. This was an initiative of the virtual FMI Midwinter Executive Conference, for which Phoenix was the live event’s […]
Graphic Packaging International Launches Paperboard ProducePack
Graphic Packaging International has introduced ProducePack, a sustainable paperboard packaging range of solutions for fresh produce. Aligned with Graphic Packaging’s Vision 2025 to be better stewards for the environment, the innovative carton offers brands and retailers an eco-friendly solution for a variety of applications with an artisan look that protects, preserves and presents fresh produce, from field […]
DS Smith’s Greentote Is 100% Recyclable Alternative To Plastic Bags
As more states, counties and cities ban plastic bags, DS Smith now is offering grocery stores and consumers Greentote, the first reusable, moisture-resistant, modular, 100 percent recyclable container made from renewable resources. The company’s development of the Greentote alternative arrives as stores and supermarkets respond to the pandemic-driven jump in online fulfillment sales, BOPIS (buy […]
Publix Reports Fourth Quarter, Annual Results For 2020
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix has reported its results for the fourth quarter of 2020 and its annual results for the year. The coronavirus pandemic was declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020 and continues to be a challenge. It remains a top priority of the company to serve the communities in which it operates in […]
SpartanNash Promotes McClellan To VP, Fresh Merchandising
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has promoted Amy McClellan to VP of fresh merchandising, effective March 8. In her new position, she will play a key role in developing the long-term vision of fresh product categories to ensure success for SpartanNash’s more than 150 company-owned stores and 2,100 independent retail locations. McClellan will be responsible for […]
