This month, negotiations in Congress continue to heat up as the massive and very influential 2012 Farm Bill is debated before Congress leaves town for the August recess and another round of campaigning. The Farm Bill, which authorizes proposed funding for five years and deals with a diverse array of policy topics such as agriculture, […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
How Much Can Congress Cram into a Post-Election Session?
In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, Congress’ post-election session is slated to address a myriad of major issues, ranging from avoiding automatic cuts set in motion after the failure of the Supercommittee to preventing a major tax increase on millions of Americans and businesses when the existing individual rates expire on Dec. […]
Posted in, Albertsons, Market Profile, Southwest
2012 South Texas Profile: H-E-B Gets Bigger and Better in San Antonio
[gn_note color=”#ff3333″] The 2012 South Texas Profile originally ran in the June 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Southwest. The profile will be published on theshelbyreport.com one month after it has run in print.[/gn_note] by Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor To say that South Texas has been doing well in the wake of the recession […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, Midwest, Shelby Content
Gov. Snyder Launches Pure Michigan FIT at Family Fare Store
On June 13, a news conference was held at Spartan Stores Family Fare Metro Health Village location where Gov. Rick Snyder introduced Pure Michigan FIT, a nutrition and fitness initiative focusing on children up to age 5 that will provide tools and resources for Michigan families to incorporate healthy eating habits and physical activity into […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Online Learning for Independents
Now launching: The N.G.A. Online Training and Education Center With a highly competitive marketplace, small staffs, tight budgets and high turnover with a relatively inexperienced workforce, retailers have some challenges in training in-store team members. Bringing store-level personnel into classrooms or sending them to meetings can be expensive, time-consuming and impractical. And while webinars or […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Companies Bank on Snacks to Bring Big Profits
by Ashley Bates/staff writer The snacking trend is one of the most influential ones affecting a range of businesses, from supermarkets and convenience stores to fast-food and other restaurants, and it’s being fueled by consumer demand. Today’s consumer seems to be perpetually on the run and thus needs a quick “pick-me-up” snack in mid-morning or […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Grocery Buyers Big Part of Buy Local Trend
by Ashley Bates/staff writer Buying local produce and meats and shopping at independent stores is one of the hottest trends in the grocery industry, recent studies say and executives agree. Grocery buyers are taking the national trend very seriously and adapting their buying habits to suit the wants and needs of the grocery shopper. Piggly […]
Posted in, California Perspective, West
Proposed Bills Would Make Grocers Public Health Educators
Lawmakers continue to struggle with priorities as California’s unprecedented “top two” June primary election approaches and lawmakers face voters in newly drawn districts. Uncertainty about political futures has created an odd climate in Sacramento, with more than 2,000 bills introduced in 2012—many of which are rumored to be destined for the trash heap as soon […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Confections Industry Remains a Bright Spot in Economy
by Ashley Bates/staff writer The 2012 Farm Bill now being debated in Congress is not the answer to solve the problems in the sugar industry, some industry leaders say. Despite the problems, the industry is holding fairly steady through the national economic turmoil. To date, confections and chocolates haven’t been hit very hard through the […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, Feature, National
Social Business is What’s Next for Social Media
[gn_note color=”#FFCC00″]The following is a Guest Column as a part of our EST Feature in the April Shelby Report.[/gn_note] by Rick Rusch, Thought-TechSpecial to The Shelby Report The year 2012 is likely to go down as the year of social business. As you read this you’re thinking, “Wait a second! Social business? I’m just getting […]
Posted in, Albertsons, Market Profile, The Kroger Co., West
2012 Oregon Profile: Grocery Industry Remains Competitive Despite State’s Flat Economy
[gn_note color=”#66cc66″] The 2012 Oregon Profile originally ran in the April 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the West. The profile will be published on theshelbyreport.com one month after it has run in print. [/gn_note] by Kristen Cloud/staff writer The pace of the economic recovery in Oregon is on par with much of the […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, Feature, National
What Big Data Means for Retailers
[gn_note color=”#FFCC00″]The following is a Guest Column as a part of our EST Feature in the April Shelby Report.[/gn_note] by Jeff Weidauer Special to The Shelby Report If 2011 was the year of mobile, 2012 is shaping up to be the year of big data. Big data is defined as datasets too large to be […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Invest in Your Future
Every leader is aware of the value of a well-defined business strategy. Few, however, truly give thought to the leadership required to implement those strategies, especially ones that call for changes in the direction or capabilities of an organization. Having sufficient talent to fill key leadership roles is imperative for a successful and growing independent […]
Posted in, National, Shelby Content, Southeast
Martin’s Pharmacist Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Dennis Stanley, a Martin’s Food Marketpharmacist in Richmond, Va., recently was honored by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) at its annual meeting in New Orleans with the 2012 APhA Immunization Champion Lifetime Achievement Award. “Congratulations to Dennis on receiving this truly well deserved honor,” said Jim Scanlon, regional VP for Martin’s. “Through immunization work with […]
Posted in, Feature, National
Full-Service Sushi Bridges Gap from OK to Explosive Sales
[gn_note color=”#FFCC00″]The following is a Guest Column as a part of our Ethnic Merchandising Feature in the March Shelby Report.[/gn_note] Jim Kim with Joel Stark, JFE Inc.Special to The Shelby Report Sushi is one of the grocery deli merchandisers’ top dilemmas, but it also ranks among their biggest successes. Even in markets that are large […]
Posted in, Marketing News, National, Shelby Content
FMI, GMDC Partner on Health and Wellness Conference
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Global Market Development Center (GMDC) plans to partner in offering a comprehensive conference in 2013 focused on health, beauty and wellness. The FMI and GMDC event will take place May 31-June 4, 2013, at the JW Marriott Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. Food retailers and wholesalers, health and beauty […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Northeast
New Hampshire Enjoying New Grocery Stores
[gn_note color=”#b1cbde”]The 2012 New Hampshire Profile originally ran in the March 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Northeast. The profile will be published on theshelbyreport.com one month after it has run in print.[/gn_note] From Market Basket to Aldi, several new stores have opened recently—or are set to open—in New Hampshire. The Market Basket […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
When a Recess May Not Really Be a Recess: An Argument That Can Only Happen in Washington
On Dec. 23, 2011, President Obama and Congress finally departed Washington, D.C., for the holidays after a bruising battle over extending a payroll tax cut for employees. Although Congress was not in town, the House and Senate were technically not in recess but rather remained in a “pro-forma” session to prevent President Obama from making […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, Feature, National
Rationalizing Technology: User Friendly Savings, Brand Volume Increases
[gn_note color=”#FFCC00″]The following is a Guest Column as a part of our EST Feature in the April Shelby Report.[/gn_note] by Coupon Express Special to The Shelby Report Weak economic conditions continue to be the driving force behind coupon usage. Americans want to purchase “on deal” and save when buying at retail. The consumer interest in […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Southeast
2012 South Florida Profile: Down Real Estate Market Overshadows Job Gains, Growth
[gn_note color=”#6666ff”]The 2012 South Florida Profile originally ran in the March 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Southeast. The profile will be published on theshelbyreport.com one month after it has run in print.[/gn_note] by Kristen Cloud/staff writer Florida’s grocery industry grew between 2 and 2.5 percent over the last year. The growth in […]