Shelby Originals | In-Depth Food Industry Stories & Analysis
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 inBeverage News, Amazon Fresh, Feature, West, Whole Foods

Commitment To Quality, Consistency Key to Gaviña Coffee Co.’s Success

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Shelby Report of the West recently visited with Lisette Gaviña Lopez, a fourth-generation coffee roaster at her family’s business, Vernon, California-based Gaviña Coffee Company. Company history For those unfamiliar with Gaviña Coffee Company, can you provide a brief overview of the company’s history?  The Gaviña coffee legacy began […]

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 inEmerging Leaders, National

Shelby Publishing Recognizes 2024 Emerging Leaders

Shelby Publishing has revealed its 2024 Emerging Leaders. The awards identify and recognize the next generation of leadership across all sectors of the food industry – retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/vendors and solutions providers. “The Emerging Leaders platform is Shelby’s contribution to all the initiatives in place to attract and retain talented individuals,” said Stephanie Reid, […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, Midwest

STF Committed To Positive, Supportive Environment For Diverse Workforce

Seaboard Triumph Foods, a joint venture between Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods, recently marked its seventh anniversary of operations in Sioux City, Iowa. The state-of-the-art STF pork processing facility has become a cornerstone of the local economy, as it is the largest employer in the city. STF processes about 22,000 hogs per day, producing a […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, Midwest

Seaboard Triumph Foods’ Media Tour Highlights Connected Food System

Seaboard Foods, a leading pork processor, recently hosted a media tour of its Seaboard Triumph Foods processing facility in Sioux City, Iowa. The tour was followed by a question-and-answer session with company executives. STF is a joint venture of Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods. Before entering the processing facility floor, those on the tour were […]

Posted inExceptional Independents, Home Page Latest News, National

Nominations Sought For Shelby’s Exceptional Independents Awards

 Nominations are now being accepted for Shelby Publishing’s third annual Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations are open to independent retailers. “Independents are the backbone of our industry, and this awards program is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” said Stephanie Reid, president of Shelby Publishing. “Independents are a vital part of their communities […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Southeast

Houchens Food Group Honors Food Giant Store Managers In Dothan, AL

Houchens Food Group’s Store Manager Appreciation Awards events continued in August for both Food Giant divisions. Events were held in Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Dothan, Alabama. A luncheon was held Aug. 27 at Spring Hill Suites in Dothan, Alabama. Special speakers included Stephanie Reid from Shelby Publishing, Shane Allison from Alliance Retail Group and […]

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 inIndependent Store News, Feature, Southeast

Houchens Food Group Honors Food Giant Store Managers In Biloxi

Houchens Food Group’s Store Manager Appreciation Awards events continued in August for its Food Giant divisions. Events were held in Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Dothan, Alabama. On Aug. 14, a luncheon was held at Pier 44 Restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi. Special speakers included Stephanie Reid from Shelby Publishing, Shane Allison from Alliance Retail Group […]

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 inBeverage News, Feature, Frozen Food, Southwest, The Kroger Co.

Powered By ‘Ice For Good’ Mission, Lux Ice Expanding Retail Reach

Lux Ice, a provider of premium craft ice, is making waves in the beverage industry with its unique product offerings and commitment to quality. Founded in 2020, the company has expanded its reach across the United States, partnering with major retailers and foodservice establishments. CEO Michael Crouse recently shared the company’s journey and its mission […]

Posted inFeature, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Southeast

Houchens Food Group Honors Store Managers In Western KY

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 […]