by John Ross / president and CEO of IGA In the past year, we have seen evidence of what happens when trust is lost. From the sanctity of the church to the integrity of a local election, it seems everything is suspect. And this includes food. Americans today are more cautious about what they eat, and […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
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 […]
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 […]
Smart & Final Celebrates 150 Years And Counting
The way CEO Dave Hirz sees it, there are no other grocery stores that have Smart & Final’s business model. “It’s completely unique in our industry,” he said. “What makes our model so successful is that Smart & Final is the only place where household customers can come in and find everything on their shopping […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Griffin Report Honors 2021 Women Of Influence
The Griffin Report of the Northeast presents its 16th annual tribute to top female professionals in the food industry. Click below to view the special section.
Emerging Technology Doesn’t Have To Be Threat To Independent Grocers
by John Ross / President and CEO of IGA In my line of work, I see great customer service almost daily. I will be visiting an IGA owner or an unaffiliated independent grocer, and they seem to know the names of every shopper we pass in the aisles. It’s a warm and personal experience where the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Go Online, Improve Shopping Experience And Modernize Media
by John Ross / President and CEO of IGA It was a long time coming, but somewhere around 2018, the lines crossed – Americans started getting more of their meals from restaurants, takeout and delivery than from meals they prepared themselves at home. And it looked like, based on a 10-year trend, that grocery retailers would […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
