Every spring, the National Grocers Association’s Fly-In for Fair Competition reminds me of something simple yet powerful – when independent grocers come together and speak with one voice, we can move mountains. The 2025 Fly-In was no exception. More than 125 independent operators, wholesalers and state association partners from 38 states converged on Capitol Hill […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southeast
North Florida Grocers Facing ‘Persistent’ Challenges With Labor, Inflation, ORC
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Lorena Holley, VP and general counsel for the Florida Retail Federation, to glean some insights on the state of the grocery industry in northern Florida. How robust is the supermarket industry in North Florida? The grocery marketplace in North Florida is diverse, vibrant and buoyant. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter Reopens Hurricane-Damaged Store In Hendersonville, NC
In what wasn’t merely another retail remodel, the Harris Teeter store at 636 Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville, North Carolina, officially reopened June 10 following an eight-month closure due to damage from Hurricane Helene. For the grocer’s team and the community, the occasion marked a far more profound milestone. In late September, Helene made landfall in […]
Posted inDairy News, Feature, Northeast, West
French Yogurt Brand La Fermière Fortifies U.S. Operations
Since entering the U.S. market eight years ago, French yogurt company La Fermière has maintained a 35-40 percent year-over-year growth rate. In 2024, the brand sold about 16 million ceramic pots of yogurt and oven-baked crème desserts. The company has a manufacturing plant in New York, as well as a newly opened West Coast facility […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Babbs Supermarket Has Deep, Personal Connection To Indiana Community
Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, will celebrate its 97th anniversary in July. Third-generation grocer Robert Babbs says his family legacy is not about making money but about building community. Chester Babbs, Rob’s grandfather, opened the original store July 28, 1928, by purchasing a meat and grocery business in receivership. Over the years, the business grew […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Indiana Economy: Stability, Setbacks And Grocery Industry’s Fight To Adapt
Indiana’s economy remained largely stable through 2024, buoyed by strong capital investments and modest GDP growth. But a forecast released in April cast a shadow over the state’s two-year financial outlook, setting the stage for challenges in the grocery and convenience store industries. According to the Indiana Business Research Center, the state’s GDP showed modest […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Feature, National, News
American Bakers Association Offers Optimistic Outlook
Despite inflation and economic uncertainty, the American Bakers Association (ABA) forecasts steady, slow growth in the retail and foodservice space over the next few years. Acknowledging that 94 percent of consumers are concerned about their current financial situation due to inflation, ABA President and CEO Eric Dell still sees some positive signs. “The good news […]
Posted inFeature, Bakery News, National, News
St Pierre Groupe Goes All Out For ‘Biggest And Most Important’ Show
St Pierre Groupe brought a big team to New Orleans to staff a big booth for IDDBA 2025. Sarah Boddy, UK-based managing director of St Pierre Groupe, said the show is the only one where the brioche pioneer brings this large a booth, which is modeled after the famous French neighborhood Montmartre and the café […]