Shelby Originals | In-Depth Food Industry Stories & Analysis
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Shelby Originals, West

Market Profile: Small Grocers Face Geographic Hurdles In Evergreen State

Creativity, flexibility key to feeding communities by Eric Pereira / staff writer Ali Hayton is facing a unique and perilous situation with the market she owns in the northwestern Washington town of Point Roberts.  None of the grocery store’s trucks, employees or Hayton herself have had any problems getting through the U.S.-Canada border during the […]

Posted inShelby Originals, Association News, Home Page Latest News, National

NGA, FMI Members Talk Policy Issues With Congress

‘Significant concerns’ shared during ‘Day in Washington’ by Eric Pereira / staff writer Hundreds of grocers and wholesalers from across the nation recently connected virtually with members of Congress to share some of the day-to-day challenges they’re facing and to advocate for key policy issues impacting the supermarket industry.  In a recent recap call, officials […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, Shelby Originals, Southwest

Tyson Foods Goes All In On Angus For Its Chairman’s Reserve Brand

by Eric Pereira / staff writer The recently announced decision to make Tyson Foods’ Chairman’s Reserve brand exclusively Angus this spring comes in response to consumer demand and a growing Angus cattle population. But for more insight into the shift, The Shelby Report recently caught up with Ozlem Worpel, director of Fresh Meats Marketing at […]

Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, Home Page Slider, Shelby Originals, West

Ideas On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Aired During Illuminators’ Conference 

Group keeping discussion at forefront in 2021 by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer As part of its recent virtual Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Conference, the Illuminators Educational Foundation held a panel discussion featuring grocery industry leaders discussing what companies and society can do better moving forward. The panelists included: Sheryl Salazar, director of fresh […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

New Study Highlights Economic Impact Of Food, Agriculture Industry

by Lowell Randel / SVP, Government and Legal Affairs for Global Cold Chain Alliance The Global Cold Chain Alliance was among 34 food and agriculture organizations that commissioned a nationwide study measuring the impact of the food and agriculture sectors of the economy. The results of the research were released in March and can be found at […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

Toolkit Can Help Independents Set Up, Offer SNAP Online Purchasing

by Greg Ferrara / President and CEO, National Grocers Association The ethos of the independent grocer includes a commitment to the community. In the grocery business, that often means helping families that are faced with food insecurity. One of the cornerstones of this mission is the public-private partnership of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for which retailers play […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Shelby Originals, Southwest

Phoenicia Specialty Foods ‘Further Carved Out’ Niche To Differentiate Itself

Owner praises team for ‘collective positive effort’ through challenging times by Eric Pereira / staff writer  The COVID-19 pandemic pushed grocery stores across the country to bring more convenience to their customers. As a result, Phoenicia Specialty Foods in Houston sees opportunities in the realm of pre-packaged meals, said Ann-Marie Tcholakian, manager and owner. “COVID […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Shelby Originals

Grocers In Buckeye State ‘Had Our Good Days And Our Bad Days’

Online ordering, safety likely to stay; samples, salad bars out by Eric Pereira/ staff writer While customers have found convenience and other advantages in online ordering, so too did Ohio independent grocers, especially during the frantic peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Jennifer Williams, owner of Weiland’s Market in Columbus, Ohio, praised her store’s partnership with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Lipari Foods, Market Profile, Shelby Originals, Southeast

Grocer: Suppliers Finally Realized Importance Of Smaller Independents

by Eric Pereira / staff writer Nakul Patel, owner of Mt. Plymouth IGA Market in Sorrento, Florida, said consumers and the supply chain have gained a deeper appreciation for independent grocers during COVID-19 pandemic  – and that feeling is likely to continue. “I truly believe that the independent grocer will thrive this decade,” Patel said. […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Home Page Slider, National

Slight Chance For Normal Spring Made Better By Independent Grocers

by Greg Ferrara / president, National Grocers Association A lot of folks were dealt a double whammy this winter – bone-chilling cold plus pandemic-driven restrictions on gatherings and dining out. Perhaps more so than ever before, Americans are ready for some relief and are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the sun to come out, temperatures […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

Omnichannel And E-commerce ‘Here To Stay’ For Meat Industry

by Kevin Atwill / editor The third day of the virtual Annual Meat Conference wrapped up Wednesday with concurrent workshops on a variety of topics affecting the industry. In a session titled, “The New Future of Omnichannel and E-Commerce,” two leading experts addressed how omnichannel retail is helping boost the lifetime value of customers, increase […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

Journalist Tells AMC Food Insecurity Is Potential Capitol Hill Target

by Eric Pereira / staff writer Ron Elving, National Public Radio Washington’s senior editor, predicts a “a very productive time” for people who want to address inner-city food deserts and communities where running a retail grocery operation is difficult. “I think [food insecurity] is one of those places where you’re going to see very good […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

Presentation Focuses On ‘Meat’s Power,’ Path To Purchase

by Eric Pereira / staff writer If there’s a don’t-miss session at the Annual Meat Conference, it’s the Power of Meat. And this year’s presentation, held Tuesday as part of the virtual event, didn’t disappoint. Anne-Marie Roerink, principal with 210 Analytics, told the audience that it’s important to look in the rearview mirror and “understand […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Home Page Slider, National

Policy Outlook Offers Opportunities, Challenges For Food Supply Chain

by Lowell Randel / SVP, Government and Legal Affairs, Global Cold Chain Alliance Early in his term, President Joe Biden has taken a series of executive actions and issued policy proposals, several of which will impact the food supply chain. As with any new administration, there have been both opportunities and challenges.  It is no surprise that […]

Posted inBravo Supermarkets, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Shelby Originals, Southeast

Miami Area Bravo Supermarkets Carry ‘Little Bit Of Everything’

Bravo chain proud of private label items, multicultural produce department  by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer Weston, Florida, became home to a new Bravo Supermarkets location in 2020, but the year came with some challenges.  Relinda Vásquez, president of the grocery chain, said the main recurring problem for her in the Miami area was […]