Posted inAssociation News, Festival Foods, Market Profile, Midwest

WGA Optimistic For Wisconsin Grocery Industry Despite Lingering Challenges

The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is reporting a positive outlook for the state’s grocery industry, despite ongoing challenges such as workforce shortages, rising costs and increasing competition. According to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the WGA, the Wisconsin economy remains surprisingly stable, with the state seeing higher collection numbers and a rebound in workforce interest […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast

Authenticity, Discovery Foundations Of Friends’ Marketplace In MA

Reflecting on the past eight years of running Friends’ Marketplace in Massachusetts and the decision to buy the two stores from his father, Brian Junkins and wife Monila have encountered challenges along the way but are proud of what they have created. Among the changes the pair have made since taking over include expanding the […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West

UFIA Inducts Peterson’s Market Owner Into Hall Of Fame

The Utah Food Industry Association, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, hosted its 2024 Annual Conference and Celebration Aug. 6 at the Davis County Conference Center. At the celebration, the association inducted Monte Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Market, into its Hall of Fame. Peterson learned his work ethic and the basics of the grocery business […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, The Kroger Co., West

Tech Jobs, Recreation Drawing Folks To Utah’s Wasatch Front

Dave Davis, president and CEO of the Utah Food Industry Association, said it’s good to live in Utah. There are several reasons for that. “Fiscally, we’re in a good place,” Davis said. “I think that both our legislative branch and our executive branch do a good job of managing the economy here in the state.” […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast

Keyed By Geography, Pennsylvania Grocers Embracing Competition, Opportunity

The Griffin Report recently chatted with Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, about how grocers in the Keystone State are faring, the factors influencing them and the future outlook. What issues are impacting grocers in Pennsylvania this year? Economic factors, chiefly inflation, supply chain disruptions and adapting to changing consumer […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest

At Marczyk Fine Foods, It’s ‘Not Everything, Just Everything You Need’

Sometimes the best way to understand a particular retailer is to ask the people who work there. Employees at Marczyk Fine Foods in downtown Denver had the following to say about where they work: “This is a cool, hip, local, open-minded, supportive place that values work life balance and offers amazing benefits.” The Shelby Report […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Shopping Experience, Quality Products Helping Missouri Independents Compete

The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently visited with Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, to catch up on the grocery industry in the Show Me State. What are some of the top issues impacting grocers in Missouri this year? “Like other states around the country, Missouri is experiencing many of the […]