A current that seemed to run through the IDDBA show this year was looking at food as more than just sustenance; instead, as an experience, an occasion, a part of one’s life that brings enjoyment. Bimbo Bakehouse’s Dana Strain and Brandi Unchester shared some breads from the company’s portfolio that are more experience-focused. The company […]
Category: Feature
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest
Houchens Food Group Honoring Top Store Managers
Houchens Food Group recently unveiled a new program, the Store Manager Appreciation Awards, to recognize the work of its grocery store leadership, whom it considers its “unsung heroes.” Consisting of 18 lunch banquets divided by region and banner, the events include individual recognition of store managers as well as a selection of other awards. In […]
Posted inPackaging News, Feature, Midwest
Anchor’s ‘Packaging That Performs’ Good For Ops, Consumer Experience
Packaging is one of those things that isn’t always the center of attention but can play an important supporting role. Kurt Richars, director of growth and marketing for St. Louis-based Anchor Packaging, said his company focuses on providing customers with “packaging that performs.” Richars, speaking with The Shelby Report shortly after the IDDBA Show in […]
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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, National, Snacks Brands
The Hershey Co. Highlights New Retail Capabilities For Boosting In-Store Sales
The Hershey Co. is “perfecting perfection” with its Reese’s Big Cup, utilizing two new technologies designed to “drive decisions, track performance, collect actionable data and boost sales.” Momin Bhatti, Hershey’s associate manager of corporate communications, visited with The Shelby Report during the recent Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, sharing how the company is using […]
Posted inCenter Store, Feature, Northeast
Catania Oils Works To Meet Demand, Keep Prices Steady
Catania Oils reported a move to a larger facility as well as packaging and product innovation at IDDBA 2024. Anne Whitney, marketing generalist for the Ayer, Massachusetts-based producer of oils, told The Shelby Report’s Maggie Kaeppel that the company is seeing increased demand, which led to the move to the new 215,000-square-foot warehouse last September. […]
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 inFood Service News, Feature, Gelson's, National
Grocers Eye Fresh, Local As Popularity Of Grab-And-Go, Ready-Made Meals Soars
Customers at the new Niemann Harvest Market that opened May 15 in Carmel, Indiana, have a wide range of innovative options when it comes to picking up fresh food for any time of day, from grab-and-go meals to fresh-cut meats and produce. And it has experts at its service counters who can provide input as […]