AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has launched Pure Wonder by Best Choice, a new brand dedicated to pets. Available this month, the brand offers a comprehensive range of pet products, including food and essentials for dogs, cats and birds. The decision to introduce Pure Wonder by Best Choice […]
Category: Midwest
The Shelby Report of the Midwest covers grocery retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Follow the latest store openings, remodels, leadership changes and market news from the region.
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Midwest, News
T. Marzetti Co. Names Berman Retail President
T. Marzetti Company, a subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corp., has appointed Tanya Berman as president of its retail business unit, effective April 21. In this role, Berman will lead sales, marketing and innovation for T. Marzetti’s portfolio of retail brands and licensed products. Berman has 25 years of experience in general management and marketing, with […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Tony O’s Focuses on Perishables, Community In North Kingsville, OH
Tony Orlando, owner of Tony O’s Supermarket & Catering in North Kingsville, Ohio, turned damage from a fire into an opportunity for renewal, all while navigating the challenges facing independent grocers. In 2023, a blaze at a neighboring business forced Tony O’s to close for three and a half months due to smoke damage. “It […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocery Industry – Particularly Independents – Struggling In Ohio
Ohio’s economy in 2024 presented a mixed bag of progress and challenges, setting the stage for a potentially evolving grocery landscape in 2025. The state’s grocery economy experienced a downward trend in 2024, as “SNAP benefits decreased, prices for all things (not just groceries) went up, labor challenges continued and more food deserts were created […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Fresh Thyme, Midwest, News
Fresh Thyme Market Adds Natural Product Advisor Certification For Employees
In partnership with Alive Academy, Fresh Thyme Market has launched a custom accredited retailer education certification program designed to enhance employee knowledge in the vitamin, supplement and body care category. “Providing our customers with an elevated shopping experience starts with our incredible team,” said Fresh Thyme President Liz Zolcak. “Through our partnership with Alive Publishing […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Dierberg’s, Midwest, News
Dierbergs Markets Offers Grocery Delivery, Carrot Tags Through Instacart
Dierbergs Markets, a 27-store independent grocer headquartered near St. Louis, has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day delivery, as well as deploying Carrot Tags, its electronic shelf label software integration, to help shoppers find ordered items and improve accuracy. “Our new partnership with Dierbergs is an exciting milestone, underscoring how Instacart’s solutions can amplify an […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG’s Best Choice Brand Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) member retailers and teammates celebrated the 40th anniversary of its flagship private brand, Best Choice, during the recent Innovation Showcase. In 1985, Best Choice debuted with a mission to help member retailers offer shoppers a line of products that could compete with national brands in quality and price. In its […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News
Buche Foods Expands Food Access Through Grocery Lockers
The community of Marty, South Dakota, has welcomed the launch of Marty Food Lockers, a grocery delivery solution from Buche Foods that aims to address the challenges of grocery accessibility in the rural community. In a recent meeting held at the Marty Community Center, residents learned they can shop online at buchefoods.com and select the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Coborn's, Midwest
Coborn’s Acquires Kessler’s Grocery Stores In SD
Coborn’s Inc. has signed a purchase agreement to acquire two grocery stores operated by the Kessler family under the Kessler’s Food and Grocery banner in northeastern South Dakota. The locations included in the acquisition are: Kessler’s Food and Grocery: 621 6th Ave. SE in Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Kessler’s Food and Fuel: 308 N Broadway […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest
Fareway Breaks Ground On First Store In Kansas
Fareway Stores Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony April 1 for its first store in Kansas – a 21,000-square-foot Fareway Meat & Grocery at 15790 State Ave. in Basehor. First announced in February 2024, the store will feature a built-in smoker to provide freshly smoked items typically only offered at Fareway Meat Market locations. “The Basehor […]
Posted inSustainability News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Mariano’s Diverts 1M Pounds Of Food Waste Into Renewable Energy, Compost
Green Era Campus and Mariano’s are celebrating 1 million pounds of food waste recycled into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost. The partnership began in 2023 at the Mariano’s location in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and eventually expanded to the Oak Lawn location. The chain plans to include eight additional stores in the program (Bridgeport, Edgewater, Lakeshore East, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Prepares To Open Independence Market In Clarkston, MI
Independence Market, a new neighborhood concept by Meijer, will open April 30 at 5820 Waldon Road in Clarkston, Michigan. The 50,000-square-foot store will provide a grocery destination for customers from Clarkston and Independence Township, including the new Waldon Village development. “Independence Market is committed to serving our new neighbors with value and convenience that makes […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Adds Neighborhood Heroes Discount To Rewards Program
SpartanNash has launched the Neighborhood Heroes Program, an initiative providing students, educators, active-duty military and veterans, nurses and first responders with a 50 percent discount on an annual online shopping membership at company-operated stores. With a membership, these community members will receive a variety of benefits, including: Unlimited free grocery pickup, including same-day; 10 percent […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Reports Record Results, Other Milestones
Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) reported net sales for the cooperative of $11.5 billion, up 2.41 percent, and consolidated company sales of $12.1 billion. AWG distributed a record $286.2 million of year-end patronage immediately following its annual shareholders meeting March 25. The total distribution of cooperative benefits returned to shareholders – including […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks Markets Begins Renovating Store In Mahomet, IL
Schnucks Markets Inc. has begun remodeling its store at 202 Eastwood Drive in Mahomet, Illinois. The project is expected to be completed this fall. Schnucks acquired the 38,000-square-foot location, which has 74 employees, in 2020. The store will remain open daily during the renovation, and customers can continue to use Schnucks Delivers through Instacart. Highlights […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee RedMedia Expands Advertising With Instacart’s Carrot Ads
Hy-Vee RedMedia will enhance its advertising capabilities by using Instacart Carrot Ads, creating a more personalized experience across Hy-Vee.com. Instacart’s Carrot Ads solution will deliver advertiser demand from more than 7,000 brands, helping Hy-Vee create more relevant experiences that drive personalized customer recommendations and product discovery. The integration will give Hy-Vee RedMedia access to Instacart’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE Board Member Hung Selected As A Director To Watch
KeHE Distributors Board of Directors member Karen Hung has been selected by Private Company Director magazine as a 2025 “Director to Watch.” Hung, the CEO and founder of Silver Rock Consulting, a global management consulting firm, was appointed to the KeHE board in 2020 after a nationwide search for candidates. “This recognition is a testament to Karen’s […]
Expert Article
Celebrate Earth Day With Sustainable Organic Produce
Earth Day (April 22) is the perfect time to highlight the benefits of organic produce and how it plays a crucial role in sustainability. With growing consumer interest in environmentally friendly choices, organic produce presents a great opportunity to meet demand while also supporting sustainable agriculture. Why organic matters Organic farming works hand in hand […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
Wonder Expands Product Line With New Snack Cakes
Wonder has expanded its product line by introducing several snacks cakes and other items. “For generations, Wonder bread has been a staple in American households, bringing families together over meals and memories,” said Ashley Hornsby, director of brand management. “With the launch of our new treats, we’re excited to bring that same sense of nostalgia and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Festival Foods, Midwest, News
Festival Foods Recognizes 2024 Business Partners Of The Year
Festival Foods has recognized Johnston’s Bakery, Upshop, Molson Coors and PepsiCo Beverages North America as its 2024 Business Partners of the Year. These four companies have shown a commitment to Festival’s values, while also working collaboratively to provide a best-in-class guest experience. Johnston’s Bakery, a Wisconsin-based company, has partnered with Festival Foods for more than […]