Minnesota’s grocery industry is navigating a period of significant economic and workforce transformation. According to Patrick Garofalo, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association, the state’s stagnant economy and shifting demographics are creating challenges for businesses, particularly independent grocers. In 2024, Minnesota’s economy experienced modest growth, with its GDP reaching $394.7 billion, which is a 1.4 […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Raley's
The Raley’s Cos. Taps Gianetto As President Of Raley’s, Promotes Slatter To VP
The Raley’s Companies has named Paul Gianetto president of Raley’s Operating Division, overseeing the retailer’s 119 stores across California and Nevada, as well as its Natomas Distribution operations. Gianetto brings knowledge and leadership to the position, with extensive experience and a track record in the grocery industry. In his new role, Gianetto will continue to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest
Jim’s Market Navigates Challenges In Minnesota’s Retail Food Landscape
Paul Huber, president of Jim’s Market in Canby, Minnesota, has spent most of his life in the grocery business. From the time he began helping at his father’s store at age 12, Huber has remained dedicated to continuing his family’s tradition of running an independent grocery store. However, as he faces a rapidly changing industry, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Corporate Store News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Taps Johnson As New President, CEO
The Fresh Market Board of Directors has appointed Brian Johnson as president and CEO, effective Feb. 3, replacing Jason Potter, who is leaving to become president and CEO of California-based Grocery Outlet. Related: Grocery Outlet Names Potter As President, CEO Johnson has served as chief operating officer (COO) at the Greensboro, North Carolina-based retailer since […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Crest Foods Will Always Remain ‘Home Of Rock Bottom Prices’
Kevin Ergenbright, VP of Crest Foods, has worked with the company throughout his career. He recently shared some of his history and insights into the company, which has been named The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2024 Retailer of the Year. Can you give a brief history of your career in the grocery industry? Crest […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Crest Foods President: ‘We’re Not Real Flashy, We Just Work Hard’
Like many who grew up in family-owned and -operated grocery stores, Crest Foods President Bruce Harroz got his start in the business at an early age. He was just 12 when he began working in his father’s store in Midwest City, Oklahoma, part of the Oklahoma City metro area. “The apron was too long, so […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, West
Potandon Produce Taps Lawrence As CEO
David Lawrence has been named CEO of Potandon Produce, one of the largest providers of fresh potatoes in North America, effective Dec. 20. He is the former CEO of Fresh Direct. Lawrence succeeds Mel Davenport, who retired after 30-plus years of service marked by the launch of Klondike Goldust and Klondike Rose potatoes and the […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
OPC, Seaboard Foods Donate Prairie Fresh Pork For Give-A-Ham Challenge
Seaboard Foods and the Oklahoma Pork Council (OPC) donated more than 10,000 pounds of pork products to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and other local charities, in response to a Give-A-Ham challenge from the OPC. Give-A-Ham challenge is an annual campaign by the OPC challenging pork and food industry colleagues to donate pork to […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Food Lion, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds’ Holidays Without Hunger Program Sets Record Donation
Food Lion Feeds and its customers have helped provide the equivalent of more than 29 million meals this holiday season. This set a record, quadrupling the previous highest Holidays Without Hunger meal count in 2021, which was equal to more than 6.6 million meals. The initiative benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS Marks Milestone With Gateway EDI Solution
ECRS has reached 100 supplier integrations for Gateway, its electronic data interchange (EDI) solution, a module within the comprehensive retail management software suite, CATAPULT Retail POS. Among these 100 supplier integrations, some of the most notable partners include UNFI, KeHE, Associated Wholesale Grocers, McKesson, Phillip & King and Southern Glazers. These EDI partnerships empower independent retailers to further streamline their supply […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Donates $200K To The Salvation Army
Schnucks Markets customers and the company donated $200,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign through the most recent “Round Up at the Register” fundraiser. Schnucks customers had the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations from the 15-day campaign benefiting The Salvation Army. Customers donated […]
Posted inProduce News, Feature, National
Zespri Wants ‘People To Have Fun’ In Produce Category
Zespri Kiwifruit, the world’s leading kiwifruit brand, continues to make waves in the North American market. Jeanne Wilson, head of marketing, North America, shared the company’s success story at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. “We’re the No. 1-selling kiwi brand,” Wilson emphasized. “We sell five times more than any other […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
Friends, Colleagues Celebrate Life Of Donna Simpson At Dedication Ceremony
Donna Simpson brought joy into the lives of those around her. That was evident as friends and family shared memories of the grocery industry veteran in an Oct. 16 ceremony at Certified Federal Credit Union, where the building and a serenity garden were dedicated in her memory. Simpson died Aug. 23 of injuries sustained during […]
Posted inFeature, National, Produce News
IFPA Unveils New Strategic Plan To Drive Global Growth, Influence
Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter and incoming chair of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), outlined a new strategic plan during her address at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The plan, focused on three key pillars – worldwide influence, personalized member experience and future-proofing the industry – aims to […]
Posted inFeature, Northeast
In Remembrance: The Griffin Report Co-Founder
Mary Rose McCarty Griffin, who founded The Griffin Report of the Northeast alongside her husband, the late John H. Griffin, died Oct. 14, 2024, at her home in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, at age 90. Born on Jan. 6, 1934, in Waltham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Mary and Raymond McCarty. According to […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Executive News, Feature, National, Produce News
Kroger CEO McMullen Discusses Navigating Bifurcated Market, Future Of Food
The recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the grocery industry. In a candid conversation with moderator Patrick Vizzone, Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen shed light on the dynamics shaping consumer behavior and the company’s strategic response. McMullen highlighted the […]
Posted inFeature, Southeast
DeCA Aims To Draw Shoppers, Ensure Offerings Meet Their Needs
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is making significant strides to increase its customer base and enhance product offerings, according to Edward Walters III, executive director of sales, marketing and e-commerce. DeCA is working to attract more eligible shoppers to its commissaries. Walters emphasized the importance of reaching those who may not be aware of their […]
Posted inFeature, Southeast
DeCA Striving To Boost Sales, Savings For Patrons Worldwide
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), headquartered at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, operates a worldwide chain of 235 commissaries providing groceries to U.S. military personnel, retirees, service-related disabled veterans and their families. Under the leadership of Director and CEO John Hall, DeCA is aiming to significantly boost sales and savings for its patrons. Hall, who has […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Grocery Shoppers Optimistic About Holiday Season
Despite economic uncertainties and concern over food prices, consumers remain optimistic about managing their budgets and creating memorable holiday experiences. FMI – The Food Industry Association’s annual U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Holiday Season report provides a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of holiday shopping. “While consumers remain understandably concerned about the cost of food […]
Posted inCoborn's, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Dollar General, Festival Foods, Guest Contributors, Independent Store News, Midwest, The Kroger Co.
Midwest Grocery: How Rural Nuance Allows Regional Independents To Thrive
by Diana Leza Sheehan While many factors help to shape the state of grocery retailing in the Midwest, geography plays a critical role in how retailers have evolved and thrived over time. National chains such as Walmart, Kroger and Aldi continue to hold a significant share in the market, yet the region features many small […]