Posted inBakery News, Midwest, News

Rise Baking Co. Earns 20 Blue Ribbons At 2026 National Pie Championships

Rise Baking Co. received 20 Blue Ribbon awards at the 2026 American Pie Council (APC) National Pie Championships, held April 8-9 in Orlando. The commercial division competition drew hundreds of entries from bakers across the U.S. and Canada. Entries were judged on appearance, flavor, texture and overall appeal. Rise secured top honors across multiple categories […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Meijer, Merchandising News, Midwest, News, Private Label Brands

Meijer Introduces 300 Products To Meet Fiber, Protein Consumer Goals

Meijer is launching more than 300 new products designed to help customers meet fiber and protein intake goals. The move aligns with nutrition trends that show fiber overtaking protein as a top consumer priority for 2026. Current Dietary Reference Values recommend 25-38 grams of fiber per day for adults. Meijer said it is responding with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Grocery Store Layout, Midwest, News, SpartanNash

Family Fare Completes Remodels At 3 MI Stores

Family Fare has completed remodels at three of its locations in Calhoun County, Michigan. The updates at stores in Pennfield, Marshall and Albion align with the banner’s Spring Refresh campaign and bring upgrades to both in-store and online shopping experiences. Each location received expanded fresh departments designed to support meal planning and grab-and-go needs. Updates […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.

Kroger Launches Pearl Street Academy For Employee Development

The Kroger Co. has launched Pearl Street Academy, a career development and training platform designed to provide learning opportunities to associates across the Kroger Family of Companies. The platform centralizes leadership development, training courses and professional growth experiences. The goal is to provide associates in stores, supply chain and other divisions with consistent access to […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, Featured News, Midwest, News

PLMA Preps For 2026 Private Label Trade Show In November

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has scheduled its 2026 Private Label Trade Show for Nov. 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. Themed the “Store Brands Marketplace,” the event serves as a central hub for thousands of manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers to develop and expand private label programs. Registration for retailers […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Midwest, News, Schnucks

Schnucks Adds Second Springboard Cohort Products To 15 Stores

Schnuck Markets Inc. has introduced the second class of its Schnucks Springboard emerging business accelerator to 15 stores across the St. Louis area. The 10 participants began a four-week in-store trial on April 15, marking a significant step in the retailer’s initiative to support local and regional entrepreneurs. The cohort includes a range of brands […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, International Foods, Midwest, News, Private Label Brands, Save A Lot

Save A Lot Debuts La Tierra de Sabores Hispanic Private Label Brand

Save A Lot is relaunching and expanding its Hispanic private label program under the name La Tierra de Sabores, a transition that consolidates items previously sold under the retailer’s Tio Santi and Caracara brands into a refreshed line intended to better reflect the communities it serves. The updated assortment includes core items like tortillas, seasonings […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Meijer, Midwest, News

Meijer LPGA Classic For Simply Give Returns June 18-21

Meijer is bringing its LPGA Classic for Simply Give back to Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan, for a 12th year, with tournament play running June 18-21. The event features 144 of the world’s top female golfers in a four-day, 72-hole stroke competition. All proceeds support the retailer’s Simply Give hunger-relief program, which funds food […]