Virginia’s economy has shown resilience and improvement compared to last year, according to Melissa Assalone, executive director of the Virginia Food Industry Association. “Despite ongoing challenges and a reduction in federal money coming into Virginia, there are positive economic indicators such as job growth and increased consumer spending,” she said. Assalone noted the grocery sector […]
Category: Shelby Originals
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
By The Numbers, An Advocacy Review And Policy Outlook For Independent Grocers
With an election on the horizon in which the White House and control of Congress are on the line, 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting year. Pending legislation and regulatory changes in the coming year are sure to influence business operations, supply chain management and consumer expectations – and indeed, they’re influencing NGA’s […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Rooted In Iowa, Fareway Expanding Across Midwest
By Carol Radice Fareway opened its first grocery store in 1938 in Boone, Iowa. While much has changed at this Midwest chain over the past 85 years, many things have remained the same. The leadership team – headed by CEO Reynolds Cramer, who is the fourth generation in his family to run the company – has […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Feature, National
IGA CEO Says Quality, Marketing Help Lift Private Label Offerings
The perception of private label or store brand products in the grocery industry has changed over the years. Many shoppers think of private labels as items that sit next to national brands on the grocery shelf but cost less. IGA President and CEO John Ross views them as “anything that you manufacture or sell to your […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Maryland’s Budget Deficit May Hinder Business Improvements
While holiday spending has been bolstered by lower food prices in Maryland, the state’s upcoming legislative session could bring major changes, according to Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Food Industry Council. MFIC is focused on three major issues for the upcoming session, which begins in January. Across the 90-day session, it hopes to see […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Northeast
New Jersey’s Grocery Industry Strong, ‘Uber Competitive’
The economy in New Jersey is a tale of two cities, according to Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council. New Jersey was recently ranked as the most improved state for business, climbing 23 spots to 19th in America’s Top States for Business rankings by CNBC. This past year, it saw […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest
Labor, Retail Crime Challenge Wisconsin Grocers
Brandon Scholz, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said the Badger State is not immune to challenges such as inflation and price increases. “It affects us just as much as everybody else.” Scholz noted the dairy industry in the state remains strong and is an important part of the Wisconsin economy. “Overall, I […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
Thrifty Foods Prospers Post-Pandemic In Wheatland, WY
While Jodi Axford never imagined she would own and run a small independent grocery store in rural Wyoming, she has found a place and a purpose there. The owner of Thrifty Foods in Wheatland moved to the small town with her then-husband and two children. He had been a store manager for Cub Foods in Minnesota, […]