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 […]
Category: Midwest
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 […]
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 […]