Mars has begun a new collaboration with Ansys to reimagine the packaging innovation process through digital technology. Chicago-based Mars, the maker of household brand names including M&M’S, Royal Canin and Snickers, is set to use the new simulation approach to perform virtual testing and prototyping, initially beginning across its snacking portfolio. The groundbreaking multi-physics simulation […]
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 inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
AWG, EmpowerFresh Partner To Help Member Retailers
EmpowerFresh, a provider of innovative solutions for the retail industry, is partnering with Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler serving independently-owned supermarkets. Through the new partnership, EmpowerFresh helps AWG members manage inventory, forecast and replenish orders using advanced AI-driven order and ad writing tools integrated into key internal data systems for more […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
SpartanNash Foundation Begins Fundraiser For Special Olympics
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has announced its annual in-store fundraising campaign through its foundation, supporting Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games in nine states. “Throughout our 40-year partnership with Special Olympics, we’ve seen the true power of inclusion and the incredible impact it has on the lives of the athletes, including some of our own […]
Posted inCoborn's, Deli News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Coborn’s, Picadeli Begin Salad Bar Pilot Program
Coborn’s has partnered with Swedish salad company Picadeli to add high-tech salad bars to two Minnesota locations: at Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids and at Cash Wise Foods in Waite Park. The new salad bars are part of a pilot program in the region, which is expected to expand to 13 additional stores later this year. Unlike […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger, Nutri-Grain Donate $50K To No Kid Hungry
Kroger is partnering with Nutri-Grain to donate $50,000 to No Kid Hungry, which works with organizations, schools and community groups across Ohio, including the Children’s Hunger Alliance and Ohio School-Based Health Alliance. “Today, one in five kids face hunger. It doesn’t have to be this way, and we are proud to be a part of the solution […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
SpartanNash Elevates Zube To EVP, Chief HR Officer
Citing her key role since September 2022 in advancing the company’s “People First” strategy to attract, develop and retain top talent, SpartanNash has promoted Nicole Zube from SVP to EVP and chief human resources officer. Under Zube’s leadership, SpartanNash achieved its 2023 Key Performance Indicators for safety and associate retention, performing in the top-quartile among […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
Kroger Debuts Several Our Brands Seafood Items
The Kroger Co. has unveiled several new Our Brands seafood products that can be prepared in the oven, microwave and air fryer. “Seafood at home has never been so quick, easy and delicious,” said Juan De Paoli, VP of Our Brands for Kroger. “Simplifying weeknight meals, elevating a family dinner or putting a new spin […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Adds Closed-Loop Measurement To Retail Media Network
Meijer’s introduction of closed-loop measurement for display advertising on and offsite through Meijer Media, its retail media network, provides brand partners better visibility to sales impact through campaigns in-store and online. The company offers enhanced capabilities to customize customer messaging and deliver targeted content onsite, in-app, offsite or on social media. “Meijer Media has grown […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, Packaging News
Hormel Provides Packaging Redesign For Natural Choice Brand
The Hormel Natural Choice Brand has introduced an updated redesign of its packaging, providing a refreshed logo and a reduction of packaging materials used. The lighter packaging will reduce its usage of packaging materials by an estimated 337,000 pounds per year over prior packaging. This update is part of ongoing efforts by the brand’s parent […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
Krause’s Market Prides Itself On Variety For Shoppers
Kari Olson and her, brother Dalles Jr., who operate Krause’s Market, know a thing or two about running a grocery store in a rural area. In one form or another, Olson and her family have been in the retail food business in North Dakota since World War II. The family’s first store opened 80 years […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Fareway Plans To Build Store In Valley, NE
Fareway Stores plans to build a new 21,000-square-foot store in Valley, Nebraska. Fareway is finalizing due diligence and plans to close on the property in early 2024. “We are excited to be coming to Valley, as we believe it’s a seamless addition to the Fareway family. Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Cal-Maine Acquires Tyson’s Broiler Processing Assets In MO
Cal-Maine Foods Inc. has acquired a broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri, that Tyson Foods recently closed. The company previously reported that it plans to repurpose the assets for use in egg and egg products production. Cal-Maine Foods said it will initially convert the broiler processing plant to an egg grading site […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Brands Debuts Restructured Cereal Offerings
AWG Brands, the private brands of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, has revitalized its Always Save and Best Choice cereal offerings to help member retailers optimize their assortments. The optimized items in Always Save and Best Choice brands, which began shipping to retailers in January, can be found on AWG member retailer shelves. With […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Midwest
Mayo Becomes Chief Development Officer At Save A Lot
Bill Mayo, who spent the past 29 years at Wakefern Food Corp., will be joining Save A Lot’s executive leadership team as chief development officer. Most recently, Mayo held the position of chief administrative officer where he led strategic business initiatives that drove efficiencies leveraging analytics of store-level demand management and directed business development of […]
Posted inExecutive News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Two Veteran Execs Joining Hy-Vee’s RedMedia Team
Hy-Vee has named two additions to the leadership team at RedMedia, the retail media network it launched last fall. Kathryn Mazza will be joining as SVP of RedMedia, while Britt Polihronis comes aboard as its VP of operations. Mazza most recently served as VP of media/GM retail media for DICK’S Sporting Goods, where she spent […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger Named Best Workplace For Diverse Professionals
The Kroger Co. has been recognized as a Best Workplace for Diverse Professionals by Mogul, a diversity-focused HR tech and recruitment firm. Kroger ranked in the top three among the list of 100 honorees. “We appreciate Mogul for recognizing Kroger’s commitment to creating a welcoming workplace for all associates, from all walks of life,” said […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
MGA Recognizes 14 Companies For Bag Hunger Efforts
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) has announced the Silver Plate Award winners of its statewide 2023 Bag Hunger Campaign contest, which will donate $16,500 to neighborhood hunger relief partners across the state. The campaign brought together retail members, vendors and community hunger relief partners, with participants offering multiple opportunities for consumers to contribute. Their efforts […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Independent Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Recognizes 2023 Business Partners Of The Year
PepsiCo Beverages North America and Krueger Wholesale Florist have been honored as Skogen’s Festival Foods’ 2023 Business Partners of the Year. For this year of recognition, Festival Foods chose to celebrate two partners that have contributed to its ability to provide outstanding customer service. The partnership between PepsiCo Beverages North America and Festival Foods has continued […]
Posted inCoborn's, Frozen Food, Midwest, Sustainability News
Coborn’s, Hillphoenix Team Up For Presentation At NGA Show
St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s and Hillphoenix will give a presentation during The NGA Show on how grocers can navigate the upcoming changes from the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The presentation, set for 8:45-9:30 a.m. March 11, centers on how Coborn’s countered the AIM Act by switching to CO2. It will feature Chris Braun, Coborn’s […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Dierberg’s, Independent Store News, Midwest
Dierbergs Begins Donation Campaign For Healthcare In Sudan
Dierbergs has begun a register donation campaign that aims to make a positive impact on healthcare in The Nuba Mountains in Sudan. Through April 8, customers will be able to donate to African Mission Healthcare through Dierbergs Heart of Nuba campaign. Tom Catena, an American doctor, helped to establish Gidel Mother of Mercy Hospital, a 435-bed […]