Grocery Industry Insights, Special Issues & Expert Advice
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 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 […]

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

Keynote Speaker Riddell Tells AMC Attendees To Expect ‘Seismic Shocks’

by Eric Pereira / staff writer Industry professionals should expect massive disruption, continued uncertainty and an unlikely return to the “old normal,” according to Chris Riddell, keynote speaker at the 2021 Annual Meat Conference. In his Monday address, titled “Business Beyond 2030,” Chris Riddell focused on the greatest disruption of 2020 – the COVID-19 pandemic […]

Posted inWoman Executive of the Year, Home Page Latest News, Shelby Originals, Southeast

‘Ali’ Rouse Royster Is 2021 Southeast Woman Executive Of The Year

Allison “Ali” Rouse Royster, a third-generation owner of Rouses Markets, is The Shelby Report of the Southeast‘s Woman Executive of the Year for 2021. The Shelby team recently visited the company’s corporate office in Thibodaux, Louisiana, to present her with the honor and learn more about her personal and professional journey. Click on the special […]

Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Originals

Superior’s Ideal Market Known For Customer Service, Quality Meat

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer In Shannon McCord’s words, “It’s always been a family affair at Ideal Market” in Superior, Nebraska. McCord’s grandfather founded the store in 1949. Then, his father ran it upon returning from service in the U.S. Navy. McCord, the third-generation operator, took over straight out of college in 1998. […]

Posted inShelby Originals, Albertsons, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, West

‘Crisis Took Serving To A New Level’ At Valley Fresh Market 

Store in Solvang gave away toilet paper, started selling barbecue by John McCurry / contributing writer As is the case for many independent grocers, Greg King has spent much of his life in the business. Now 52, he began working at a grocery store when he was 14. His father was in the business during […]

Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Southeast

Companies Recognized For Steps Toward Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

In March print editions and online, Shelby Publishing unveils the recipients of its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion awards.  The first-of-its-kind program recognizes retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/vendors and solutions providers that are working to advance and uphold diversity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. grocery industry. In both their workplaces and the community at large, […]

Posted inShelby Originals, Albertsons, Home Page Latest News, West

Companies Hailed For Steps Toward Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

In the March print editions and online, Shelby Publishing unveils the recipients of its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion awards.  The first-of-its-kind program recognizes retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/vendors and solutions providers that are working to advance and uphold diversity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. grocery industry. In both their workplaces and the community at […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Shelby Originals

Market Profile: Janssen’s Market Stands Strong Against Competitors, COVID-19

by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Today, Paula Janssen is the majority owner of Janssen’s Market in Wilmington, Delaware, a gourmet grocery store of about 100 employees. Janssen’s grandfather founded the store in 1952, and her parents recently stepped away from the business to enjoy their retirement, still maintaining partial ownership. However, the way things […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Organic Natural, Shelby Originals

Market Profile: Good Earth Market Finds Success With Organic, Natural Offerings

by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Good Earth Market, built from the ground up 16 years ago in Ocean View, Delaware, is a woman-owned business. It started solely as a grocery store, and about nine years ago, owner Susan Ryan had a tenant come in and start a restaurant. After leasing that portion for a […]

Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Latest News, International Foods, Southwest, Vista Markets

Market Profile: Seven-Store Vista Markets Chain Has Expanded Along With El Paso

‘We cater to the community here by being diverse’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Mike Piña founded Vista Markets in the late 1980s as a bakery. Over the years, it has transitioned into a full-sized supermarket. Today, the company operates seven grocery stores in El Paso, Texas, with plans for an eighth at the beginning […]

Posted inShelby Originals, COVID News, Home Page Latest News, Southeast

Market Profile: Alabama Grocers Association Adjusted And Aided Awareness

Like the supermarket industry, group ‘continues to reinvent itself’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Grocers Association sent more than 100 emails and made 80 Facebook/Twitter posts related to COVID-19, said President Ellie Taylor. The association even created a new media campaign called Shop […]

Posted inShelby Originals, COVID News, Southeast

Market Profile: Gateway Foods Feels Shoppers’ Frustration, But ‘It’s Going To Get Better’

‘Strange cloud hanging over the grocery business’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Gateway Foods was founded in 1978 in Double Springs, Alabama. Some seven years later, Harold Garrett, current president and general manager, joined the company. “I grew up in Double Springs and actually worked for the competition. I started in the grocery business in […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Produce News, Shelby Originals, Southeast

Market Profile: Fresh Value Focused On Product Selection, ‘Great Customer Service’

Company has stores throughout state; the ninth opened on Feb. 1 by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Gerry D’Alessandro officially started working for his family’s grocery business at age 14. At the time, his father and uncle – Jerry and Frank D’Alessandro – owned a single store called Fourth Avenue Supermarket in Bessemer, Alabama. When he […]

Posted inPiggly Wiggly, Independent Store News, Shelby Originals, Southeast

Market Profile: Piggly Wiggly Alabama Investing Resources In Technology

by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer For Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co., David Bullard said the most challenging part of 2020 was finding a balance between supply chain demands and providing for its retailers. And as the entire industry witnessed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, balance was hard to come by. “With the tremendously increased […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Originals

New Year Brings Self-Checkout, Online Shopping To Buche Foods

Family-owned business serves smaller rural towns of South Dakota by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer   R.F. Buche is the fourth-generation owner of Buche Foods, which was founded in Lake Andes, South Dakota, in 1905 by his great-grandfather, Gus Buche. Today, R.F. Buche owns and operates grocery and convenience stores, a Subway sandwich shop, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Originals

MarketPlace Foods Keeps Focus On Associates, Their Resilience

Employee owned as of Jan. 1, company celebrating 80th anniversary by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Founded in 1940 in Edinburgh, North Dakota, MarketPlace Foods just celebrated its 80th anniversary. And the company is entering 2021 with strong grocery business on its side. “The sales that we’ve had since the pandemic started are amazing – […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Shelby Originals, The Kroger Co., West

Scolari’s Food And Drug Owner: ‘We Are Not The Normal Grocery’

One of Scolari’s stores features strong gaming presence by John McCurry / contributing writer   Jerry Scolari thinks increased grocery sales, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue through the first part of 2021. He is co-owner of the two-store chain, Scolari’s Food and Drug, which he said has been up to the challenges presented […]

Posted inROFDA Reports, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Originals

Labor, Product Shortages And Uncertainty Among Top Concerns for ROFDA

Members also assess e-commerce, other trends likely to stick around by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer  With 2021 in full swing, ROFDA Chairman David Bullard said the association’s membership has expressed three major concerns. “One is the labor problem. Finding enough quality workers with a good work ethic gets harder and harder to do. Labor challenges […]