FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The State of Fresh Foods 2025” report, which demonstrates continued growth in the fresh foods space. The report explores the momentum of fresh food products in 2024 and provides a look at the role the department plays in the advancement of food retail establishments in the coming […]
Category: News
Posted inExecutive News, News, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Makes 2 Key Executive Appointments
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. has announced two key executive changes: Tony Chicarelli has been named VP of sales, business and store development, while Delma Craft has become VP of operations. “These changes will help strengthen the PWADC organization as it works to improve its performance-driven service to its customers and strengthen retail profitability,” said […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Simbe Expands Store Intelligence To Power Fresh Department Performance
Simbe has introduced Store Intelligence capabilities tailored for fresh departments, with the goal of delivering near real-time visibility into some of grocery’s most operationally complex and strategically important zones. With expanded multimodal coverage across produce, deli, bakery and prepared foods, Simbe aims to help grocers reduce shrink, increase availability and deliver the fresh experiences that […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
99 Ranch Market Opens First Store In Portland, OR
Asian grocer 99 Ranch Market will open its second store in Oregon – and first in Portland – on Aug. 16. Portland is home to one of the country’s most vibrant Asian food scenes, which the company said makes it an ideal community to open its 65th store nationwide. Located at 10544 SE Washington St. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Research, National, News
Online Grocery Sales Jump To $10B In July
U.S. online grocery sales totaled $10 billion for July, a 26 percent increase from the prior year, according to the latest Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey, sponsored by Mercatus. Record-high household penetration, strong order activity and solid gains in spending rates contributed to the strong growth that helped online capture more than 17 percent […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Lowers Prices On Back-To-School Breakfast, Lunch Options
Meijer is dropping prices by up to 50 percent on back-to-school grocery essentials this fall to help families adjust to a new school year. Meijer brand food and drink items in the promotion include instant oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, bread, cereal, fruit snacks and granola bars, among others. “Costs add up quickly as parents […]
Posted inExecutive News, Marketing News, Midwest, News, Private Label Brands, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Welcomes Ulichnie As VP, OwnBrands Marketing
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has named Jason Ulichnie VP of OwnBrands marketing. In this role, Ulichnie will oversee the end-to-end portfolio management, product development and brand equity of SpartanNash OwnBrands – including Our Family, Fresh and Finest by Our Family and Finest Reserve by Our Family – for company-operated stores and wholesale customers. Ulichnie also will manage […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Feature, News, West
Former Vons Revamped As Pavilions In Mission Hills Neighborhood
The former Vons location in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, California, is now a Pavilions store. Though it underwent a fairly extensive remodel, the store remained open throughout the process. Wayne Heaton, VP and GM for Pavilions, said Mission Hills is “an incredible neighborhood” for the format. “Mission Hills has a great diverse […]
Posted inExecutive News, Independent Store News, News, Southeast
Houchens Food Group Names Shillinglaw As COO
Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group Inc. has appointed Brian Shillinglaw as chief operating officer (COO). Shillinglaw brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in grocery retail, specializing in merchandising, operations and human resources. Throughout his career, he has held key operational roles at several grocery retailers, including Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers, Rouses, Harris Teeter […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, Marketing News, National, News
AFFI Hires Meredith As Director Of Marketing, Communications
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Rebecca Meredith its new director of marketing and communications. In this role, she will oversee the organization’s content creation and execution, as well as drive AFFI’s event and member communications strategies. Most recently, Meredith served as communications manager at CropLife America, a national trade association representing agricultural […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Shares CIO, CISO Leadership Appointments
SpartanNash has appointed two new executive leaders – Ed Rybicki as SVP and chief information officer (CIO) and Brett Hoffman as VP and chief information security officer (CISO). The IT department is reporting to EVP and CFO Jason Monaco as part of a newly combined finance/IT/strategy organization. Rybicki will oversee SpartanNash’s technology team, focusing on […]
Expert Article
Crazy Fresh Works With Midwest Growers To Secure Freshest Produce
In an age of global supply chains and mass-produced food, local produce farming stands as a vital cornerstone of our economy and culture. From roadside farm stands to bustling farmers markets, locally grown food plays an essential role in communities, connecting people to the land and to those who cultivate it. At the heart of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Renovated Lisbon Location Latest For Fareway Stores In Iowa
The grocery industry in Iowa experienced a dynamic period from 2024 through mid-2025, marked by strategic expansions, significant remodels and a notable few closures, reflecting both economic pressures and a continued focus on serving communities. While the state’s overall financial position remains strong, grocers are navigating evolving consumer habits and intense competition. Iowa-based Fareway Stores […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Association News, National, News
Federal Judge Vacates Debit Card Swipe Fee Cap, Grocery Industry Hails Victory
In a ruling that could reshape payment costs for the retail sector, a federal judge has struck down the Federal Reserve’s regulation on debit card swipe fees. The Aug. 7 decision, paused pending appeal, has been greeted as a win by grocery retail advocates who have long argued that inflated fees drive up their costs […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Midwest, News
MGA Recognizes 2025 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) honored several industry executives with awards July 27 during its annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, the premier event showcasing the accomplishments of those in the state’s food industry. Outstanding Grocer Award Andrea Teal of Teal’s Management in Cold Spring, Minnesota, received the 2025 Outstanding Grocer Award. A fourth-generation grocer, Teal’s […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Dollar General Partners With Uber Eats For Delivery Options
Dollar General Corp. has begun a partnership with Uber Eats to bring more than 14,000 Dollar General and pOpshelf locations to the delivery platform. Dollar General and pOpshelf customers can tap to order from an expansive mix of essentials, food and on-trend items – on-demand or scheduled. “Our customers will enjoy even greater convenience through […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, The Kroger Co., West
WAFC Adds King Soopers’ Albi To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Chris Albi, president of King Soopers/City division of The Kroger Co., to its board of directors during an Aug. 1 meeting in Irvine, California. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the grocery industry, Albi brings knowledge, strategic insight and commitment to serving the community. She […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West
Grocery Outlet Raises More Than $5M For Food Banks
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has completed its 15th annual Independence from Hunger Food Drive, raising more than $5 million to support food banks. From June 25-July 31, more than 540 locally-owned and -operated Grocery Outlet stores nationwide accepted donations in-store and online. They also collected pre-assembled grocery bags that were allocated to local food banks. […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
AFFI Shares 10 Ways Frozen Foods Can Support National Health Goals
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has released a series of policy recommendations illustrating how frozen foods can support the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. The 10 recommendations highlight frozen foods’ role in expanding access to nutritious, affordable and convenient food options for millions of Americans, particularly for busy families and food […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks To Build Replacement Store In Creve Coeur, MO
Schnuck Markets Inc. is finalizing plans to replace its store at 10650 Olive Blvd. at North Spoede Road in Creve Coeur, Missouri, with a new 68,0000-square-foot location in the adjacent Olia Village mixed-use master development. The current 36,500-square-foot store, which opened in 1967, is one of the oldest and smallest locations that Schnucks operates. An […]