Mike Planalp, owner of Blackford County Foods, in Fishers, Indiana, sees the biggest challenge to independent grocers and their growth is the federal government’s failure to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act of 1936. The act is an antitrust law that guarantees a competitive grocery marketplace. He operates six Save A Lot food stores in Indiana, a […]
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, Sustainability News
Hormel Foods Details Changing Culinary Landscape
Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corporation has partnered with the company’s innovation and insights experts to provide culinary insights that are driving today’s food trends. “Hormel Foods has seen dramatic changes in people’s eating habits, culinary interests and where they find information about food,” said Heather Vossler, director of innovation and consumer insights at Hormel Foods. “We […]
Posted inCenter Store, Midwest
Pasta Roni Launches Two Heat & Eat Offerings
Chicago-based PepsiCo and its brands, Rice-A-Roni and Pasta Roni, have launched a new Pasta Roni product, Heat & Eat. The new product will debut in two flavors – Penne Alfredo and Rotini Marinara. This dish microwaves in 60 seconds and the company states that it “can complement any lunch or dinner or be enjoyed as […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
At Leppinks Food Centers, Each Store A ‘True Neighborhood Market’
Leppinks Food Centers is a fourth-generation, family-operated company headquartered in Belding, Michigan. The seven Leppink stores are owned and run by John Leppink, his brother-in-law, Rich Cole, and John’s cousin, Ransom Leppink. John Leppink, the majority owner, has four of the Leppinks locations but also six Save A Lot Food Stores and a True Value […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Fareway, The Children’s Charity Partner For Round Up Campaign
Fareway Stores Inc. is partnering with Variety – the Children’s Charity to conduct the sixth annual Round Up at the register from July 4-23 at all 130 store locations. Customers will have the opportunity to round up to the next dollar or provide an additional donation on their grocery bill to help fund Variety’s mission. […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Land O’Lakes Launches Cheese Line In Wisconsin
Land O Lakes Cheese can now be found in the dairy case section of the grocery store with seven products in select retailers. Wisconsin farmers supply the milk that is shipped to the Land O’Lakes Kiel, Wisconsin plant, where it is made into cheese. After decades of hand selecting the cheese being produced in Kiel, senior cheese grader Steve Schnell can buy the […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Jet-Puffed Marshmallows Launch Glow-In-The-Dark Packaging
Chicago-based Kraft Heinz and its brand, Jet-Puffed, is launching Camp S’mores packaging this summer. The new packaging features a glow-in-the-dark bag that that the company hopes will create “for s’more exciting campfire fun for the whole family.” “As we gear up for…summer and prime marshmallow roasting season, we wanted to give fans a way to […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
Convenience Is King To Today’s Meat Consumers
By Michael Uetz, managing principal, Midan Marketing, strategic meat marketing, research and creative communications agency. Fall is once again right around the corner, bringing with it school, homework and extracurriculars that push the average consumer’s schedule into overdrive. On top of that, inflation is at an all-time high, adding one more layer of stress to […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest
Fleming Honored By Pork Industry Peers
Midan Marketing, along with the American Meat Science Association, has established the Patrick Fleming Mentor Recognition Fund, recognizing Fleming’s accomplishments as a champion of pork quality. The honor was presented June 15 at the AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout his long career in the meat industry, as well as his […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest
Jeni’s Launches Ice Cream Rewards Program
Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni’s Ice Cream has launched a rewards program, Jeni’s Splendid Rewards. Customers can earn one point for every $1 spent and can receive $5 in rewards for every 100 points. The company is also offering a free scoop of ice cream on birthdays and customers can get bonus points for referring others to join the program. Jeni’s […]
Posted inSustainability News, Midwest
Kraft Heinz Enters Agreement With Repsol In Wind Energy Investment
The Kraft Heinz Company has entered into a 12-year virtual power purchase agreement with Repsol, a Madrid, Spain-based multi-energy company operating across more than 20 countries. This agreement is the company’s first investment in wind energy and is designed to help Kraft Heinz achieve its aspiration of procuring the majority of its electricity from renewable […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest
Newly Weds Foods Announces Organizational, Growth Changes
Chicago-based Newly Weds Foods Inc. has announced that Charles T. Angell, owner and president, will step down from day-to-day operation of the business. Angell will maintain his seat on the board of directors where he will continue to be involved in strategic planning and helping to steer the business. “It has been an honor and privilege […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Dairy News, Midwest
Kroger Announces Aseptic Milk Line Debut In Ohio
The Kroger Co. has announced a 35,000 square-foot expansion at Tamarack Farms Dairy to support an aseptic milk line, capable of manufacturing products, such as half and half, heavy whipping cream, coffee creamers and Carbmaster milk beverage. The new line will allow the facility to support more than 150 jobs. “We are so pleased to […]
Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
KeHE Hosts Holiday Show, Releases On Trend Winners
KeHE Distributors hosted its 2022 Holiday Show on June 15-16 in Chicago, bringing together sought-after products, cutting-edge brands and top retailers. The in-person event offered opportunities to learn about innovative new products, insights for the latest trends and buying or selling opportunities for the holiday buying season. The 2022 show, which made its first in-person return since 2019, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest
Hormel Foods Hires Makope To Succeed Jamison As VP And Treasurer
Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corporation has announced that Gary Jamison, VP and treasurer, will be retiring after a 34-year career with the company. It has also appointed Florence Makope to succeed him. Makope, who joins Hormel Foods with more than 20 years of finance and treasury experience, will report to Jacinth Smiley, EVP and chief financial […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Kraft Rebrands Mac & Cheese Product, Packaging
Chicago-based Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is unveiling a new brand identity that includes an updated logo, noodle smile and name. The new look updates all aspects of the brand identity: the name, the logo, brand colors, typography, photography, iconography and packaging. The change from “macaroni and cheese” to “mac & cheese,” Kraft said in a statement is […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest
Morton Launches Refillable, Recyclable Grinder
Chicago-based Morton Salt has announced its new collection of refillable, adjustable grinders. Morton’s new glass grinder is designed to offer consumers a more sustainable option compared to the single use disposable options in the market today. The newly redesigned grinder will also feature an adjustable grinder top, recyclable glass bottle and will be available in […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Center Store, Midwest, Plant-Based News
Kellogg Co. To Split Operations Into Three Separate Businesses
Battle Creek, Michigan-based Kellogg Company has approved a plan to separate its North American cereal and plant-based foods businesses, via tax-free spin-offs, resulting in three independent public companies. “Kellogg has been on a successful journey of transformation to enhance performance and increase long-term shareowner value. This has included re-shaping our portfolio, and today’s announcement is […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Golf Tournament Raises $1.25M For Food Organization
Meijer held its 2022 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give June 16-19 at the Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. Jennifer Kupcho won the event, which surpassed its increased fundraising goal. Tournament officials announced the event generated $1.25 million for the Meijer Simply Give program, surpassing its increased goal. This donation will help stock the shelves of 262 food pantries the retailer […]
Posted inWomen of Influence, Midwest
The Shelby Report Of The Midwest Honors 30 Women Of Influence
The Shelby Report of the Midwest presents its annual tribute to Women of Influence in the food industry. This year’s slate of 30 honorees ranges from presidents to VPs to managers, directors and supervisors. They are among the leading executives in their respective fields, but their candid responses to questions from the Shelby team also reflect […]