Kristin Mullins started at the Ohio Grocers Association on April 4, 1990, as a receptionist. She is leaving as its president and CEO – and, by her own account, she’s ready. “A 36-year run – I think I’m ready for something, quite frankly, a little less demanding, a little less stressful,” she said with a […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inExecutive News, Dairy News, Featured News, Finance News, Midwest, News
Hiland Dairy Names Leibacher General Manager Of Dallas Operation
Hiland Dairy Foods Co. has promoted Mike Leibacher to general manager of its Dallas-Fort Worth operation, effective March 1. He replaces Ray Gibson, who retired after a 43-year career in the dairy industry. Gibson spent decades serving the Dallas-Fort Worth market. He began in 1982 as a route salesman with Borden Dairy, rose through a […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Launches Wellwerks, Nüwerks Private Brand Wellness Program
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is rolling out two exclusive wellness brands – Wellwerks and Nüwerks – for its network of more than 1,100 member retailers and 3,500 retail locations in 33 states. AWG said the launch represents one of the most comprehensive private brand wellness sets introduced at retail, combining functional grocery formats with modern […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest, News
Marzetti Launches Protein Ranch Dressing, Dip Line
The Marzetti Co. is introducing Marzetti Protein Ranch, a line the company describes as a first-to-category innovation combining its traditional ranch with 3-4 grams of milk protein per serving and fewer calories. The lineup spans three SKUs: Protein Ranch Dressing (13 oz. bottle), Protein Ranch Veggie Dip (12 oz. tub) and Protein Ranch Veggie Dip […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Ohio Grocers Navigate Consolidation, Rising Costs, Changing Consumer
Ohio enters 2026 as one of the nation’s most economically competitive states, though a mix of national headwinds and shifting federal policy creates uncertainty in the year ahead. The state’s gross domestic product reached $979 billion in the third quarter of 2025 – the highest on record, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Featured News, Hy-Vee, Independent Store News, Midwest
100+ Hy-Vee Stores Offering Reduced-Price A1C Screenings In April
More than 100 Hy-Vee stores across the Midwest are offering A1C screenings at a reduced price during April. Hy-Vee’s registered dietitians will administer the tests, which are available for $15 for one screening or $20 for two. Testing normally costs $45 per person. The screenings, available while supplies last, are provided in partnership with Abbott, […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Featured News, Midwest
AWG, Symbotic Partner On Gulf Coast Warehouse Automation
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. and Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM) have announced an agreement to deploy warehouse automation at AWG’s Gulf Coast Division Support Center in Pearl River, Louisiana. The project is expected to strengthen operational efficiency, improve service reliability and enhance long-term supply chain resilience across AWG’s distribution network. AWG’s Gulf Coast Division Support Center […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, Featured News, Midwest
Lipari Foods Debuts Global Strategy At ‘Passport To Flavor’ Event
Lipari Foods marked its largest-ever trade show March 25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, welcoming 11,000 retailers under the theme “Passport to Flavor” as the company unveiled a comprehensive rebrand centered on global foods. The event featured about 750 booths with 13,000 items on display, 1,300 of which were new to Lipari’s […]