Roth’s Fresh Markets, an Oregon-based grocer with nine stores in the mid-Willamette Valley, isn’t just about providing fresh groceries – it is a cornerstone of community support with an ingrained tradition of charitable giving that spans decades. The company’s commitment to community is rooted in its culture, with various initiatives that benefit residents and organizations. […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inMarket Profile, News, West
Anchored In Eclectic Portland Area, Oregon’s Supermarket Industry Surging
The supermarket industry in Oregon has been experiencing consistent growth, projected to reach an estimated $11.7 billion this year. Contributing factors include population increases in key market segments and changing demographics. The Portland area remains one of the strongest in the state and often ranks among the top 20 grocery markets in the country. The […]
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southwest
Houston Continues To Experience Growth Of All Kinds
Houston continues to be one of the most vibrant, growing areas of Texas. The Greater Houston Partnership in December released its forecast for job growth in the metro Houston area – 71,200 are projected to be added this year. If that pans out, Houston would finish the year with more than 3.5 million payroll jobs, […]
Posted inProduce News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Florida’s Watermelon Heartland Prepping For Start Of Sweet Season
Florida, particularly Central Florida, is a major watermelon-producing region, providing the sweet summer fruit to grocers across the Southeast and beyond. The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Lee Wroten, VP of Lakeland, Florida-based Global Produce Sales, to learn more about what makes this growing region special and how this year’s crop is […]
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southwest
Founder Of Houston’s Little Red Box Grocery Continues Food-Access Mission
Sam Newman was fresh out of a meeting with the Houston Downtown Management District when The Shelby Report of the Southwest caught up with him April 1. That meeting involved his mission to connect people and fresh food in areas where those connections currently aren’t being made. Newman’s mission started to take form after he […]
Posted inProduce News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Grocers Can Position Florida’s Peak-Season Produce As Part Of Assortment Strategy
Positioning Central Florida’s peak-season produce as a fundamental part of their assortment strategy offers grocers an opportunity to enhance revenue and attract customers seeking locally sourced, high-quality options. Susie McKinley, director of the division of marketing and development at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, underscored the importance of aligning procurement with periods […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, National, News
Experts: Adaptability Key For Producers, Retailers Amid Protein Market’s Volatility
From staff reports At the Annual Meat Conference, held March 24-26 in Orlando, Florida, industry leaders convened to discuss the evolving landscape of the meat and poultry sectors. For the 2025 Meat and Poultry Market Outlook presentation, key speakers included Brian Earnest, lead protein industry analyst at CoBank; Christine McCracken, executive director and protein analyst […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, National, News
Consumer Spending Shifts In Meat, Seafood, Poultry Amid Economic Uncertainty
The grocery industry has faced significant changes in consumer purchasing habits due to economic fluctuations such as inflation and shifting concerns over tariffs and unemployment. Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at 210 Analytics, shared her insights on how these factors have influenced the meat, seafood and poultry markets. Inflation, consumer behavior Roerink noted a shift toward home-cooked […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Tony O’s Focuses on Perishables, Community In North Kingsville, OH
Tony Orlando, owner of Tony O’s Supermarket & Catering in North Kingsville, Ohio, turned damage from a fire into an opportunity for renewal, all while navigating the challenges facing independent grocers. In 2023, a blaze at a neighboring business forced Tony O’s to close for three and a half months due to smoke damage. “It […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National, News
NGA Scores Big Legislative Wins For Independent Grocers
At the time of this writing, the first 100 days of the new congressional session are wrapping up, and the National Grocers Association (NGA) has secured major victories that will ease regulatory burdens, promote fair competition and protect independent grocers nationwide. From advocating for antitrust enforcement to blocking costly energy regulations, NGA’s efforts are making […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocery Industry – Particularly Independents – Struggling In Ohio
Ohio’s economy in 2024 presented a mixed bag of progress and challenges, setting the stage for a potentially evolving grocery landscape in 2025. The state’s grocery economy experienced a downward trend in 2024, as “SNAP benefits decreased, prices for all things (not just groceries) went up, labor challenges continued and more food deserts were created […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National, News
FMI Expert: Helping Customers With Health Can Yield Loyalty For Stores
Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods for FMI – The Food Industry Association, took time out during the association’s recent Midwinter Executive Conference in Marco Island, Florida, to share some insights from its bountiful research. How bountiful? Each year, FMI publishes “State of” and “Speaks” reports that outline what’s going on in the food industry […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Leadership: Be A River – Not A Reservoir
Out-of-date leadership is associated with authority, decision-making and control. However, the most effective and true leaders understand that their role is not to accumulate power for themselves but to channel it outward by empowering, inspiring and serving others. This principle is best captured in the metaphor, be a river – not a reservoir. A river […]
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Northeast
New Hampshire’s Co-Op Food Stores Powered By Partnerships
Dawn Archambeault, director of marketing and consumer relations for Co-Op Food Stores in New Hampshire, discusses the company’s approach to operating two co-ops in proximity to one another yet in distinctly different neighborhoods of the Upper Valley region. What are some of the biggest differences between your two co-ops? While each store has its own […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
B&T’s Food Fresh Market Exemplifies Independent Spirit
John Triplett is co-owner of B&T’s Food Fresh Market – a growing independent grocery company with 11 locations in Georgia and South Carolina and more planned – with Clark Brunson. The two are self-described “conservative entrepreneurs” and own other businesses in addition to raising young families. Triplett also is a vocal proponent for tort reform […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Guest Contributors, News, Northeast
Tourism, Local Products Generate Gains For New Hampshire’s Grocery Industry
by Russell Greenlaw, EVP of sales, marketing and technology for Associated Grocers of New England New Hampshire’s grocery landscape is shaped by a unique mix of factors, including its diverse geographic regions, fluctuating consumer preferences and the state’s evolving labor market. While many of the state’s economic challenges mirror those seen nationwide, they are often […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Anniversary Issues, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter’s Focus ‘Always Been On Improving Lives In Meaningful Ways’
As the company celebrates its 65th birthday, the leaders at Harris Teeter are confident they have the secret sauce to ensure it will keep thriving. “The key to maintaining Harris Teeter’s core values and mission has always been our people,” said Tammy DeBoer, president. “From our dedicated associates in-store to our drivers on the road […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Corporate Store News, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter Prioritizes Personalized Customer Service
At Harris Teeter, exceptional customer service is a core value and tradition passed down from its founders, W.T. Harris and Willis and Paul Teeter. From the very beginning, they made it clear customer satisfaction was not just a priority, but the backbone of how they ran their business. Their commitment to providing the best possible […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
At Family-Run Goodwin & Sons In California, Stores ‘Positioned To Serve’ Their Communities
Michael Johnstone, VP of Goodwin & Sons Inc., is a fourth-generation grocer and great-grandson of the company’s founder. He responded to questions from The Shelby Report’s Lorrie Griffith about the grocer’s four stores, three of which are located in Southern California. To start off, tell me about you – your title and history with […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Anniversary Issues, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter, ‘Your Neighborhood Market,’ Remains Cornerstone Of Communities
For 65 years, Harris Teeter has been a cornerstone of its communities, enriching the lives of customers and associates alike. Founded in North Carolina, the retailer has built its reputation on fresh, high‑quality products, innovative offerings and an exceptional shopping experience, earning its moniker – “Your Neighborhood Market.” This commitment extends beyond the aisles, with […]