Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash

SpartanNash Packs 500K Meals On Helping Hands Day

SpartanNash continued its support of disaster relief by mobilizing 850 volunteers for its annual Helping Hands Day. This year, the company packed 500,000 meals and 5,000 hygiene kits, an estimated retail value of $1.7 million. Each box packed will feed a family of four for one week and will be distributed by nonprofit Convoy of Hope to […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest

Fareway, Murphy Family Foundation Pack Meals For Easter

Employees with Fareway Stores Inc. continued the company’s annual tradition of teaming up with the Murphy Family Foundation to pack meals ahead of Easter in Johnston, Iowa. Forty-eight volunteers, split between two shifts, assembled 2,000 meal kits for a total weight of 12,000 pounds. The 9 a.m. crew, consisting of 21 Fareway team members and […]

Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co., West

Kroger Appointments Include New Presidents At 3 Divisions

Kroger Co. has announced leadership appointments involving four of its divisions in the West and Midwest. Joe Kelley, formerly president of the Colorado-based King Soopers & City Markets division, has become SVP of retail divisions. Kelley succeeds Kenny Kimball, who returns to the Utah-based Smith’s division as president. Chris Albi, group VP of operations at […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Center Store, Midwest, News

AWG Brands Introduces Pure Wonder By Best Choice

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 […]

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 […]