AUA Private Equity Partners has acquired Weaver Holdings, a fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer of popcorn and snacking products. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is an independent manufacturer of popcorn products in the U.S., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alongside its investment in Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, AUA Private Equity will bring the […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Midwest
Labor-Saving Measures Allows Fareway’s Supply Chain To Shine
By Carol Radice As a company that competes against some formidable grocery chains, many of which are much larger, making every penny count is critical. Fareway’s finely-tuned supply chain plays a critical role in helping accomplish this. From its labor-saving and cost-cutting measures to its impressive, modern warehouse, logistics operation and self-distribution model, the company […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Executive News, Midwest
Funk Assumes AWG President, CEO Role Following Smith’s Retirement
Following the retirement of David Smith in December, Dan Funk has now assumed the role of president and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG). Smith joined AWG in 2003 and became president and CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and success. Smith was instrumental in steering the company through […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Midwest
Fareway CEO: Customer Experiences, In-Store Interactions Key To Building Trust
by Carol Radice A reputation of offering top-notch customer service is important for most retailers, but for Fareway this the heart of what makes it stand apart. From its famous meat counter with packaged and cut-to-order meats to car carryout service and everything in between, Fareway focuses on making the customer experience a special one. […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Independent Store News, Midwest
Train And Retain – Fareway Investing ‘In Our People’
By Carol Radice Throughout its many years in business, Fareway has worked hard to establish a culture that encourages and motivates employees to do well. One could say, in fact, that being an employee-focused company is a central part of Fareway’s overall store mission. According to Garrett Piklapp, president, Fareway’s people, extensive training programs and […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Independent Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Hailed As Top Disability-Friendly Employer In WI
Festival Foods has been named a 2023 Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin, a first-time honor presented by Disability:IN Wisconsin. “The Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin Award is a testament to companies genuinely committed to creating inclusive workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive,” said Judy Quigley, the organization’s executive director. Melissa Van Gheem, senior human […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest, Retailers
Kroger, Soda Health Launch Smart Benefits Program
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., and Soda Health Inc. have launched a Smart Benefits program, combining Kroger Health’s services with Soda Health’s “&more” platform. This program allows participating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and employer benefits program recipients to receive certain pharmacy, nutrition services and other eligible benefits at The Kroger Co.’s Family […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Rooted In Iowa, Fareway Expanding Across Midwest
By Carol Radice Fareway opened its first grocery store in 1938 in Boone, Iowa. While much has changed at this Midwest chain over the past 85 years, many things have remained the same. The leadership team – headed by CEO Reynolds Cramer, who is the fourth generation in his family to run the company – has […]