The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) gathered fresh produce and floral industry leaders June 9-11 for The Washington Conference. Addressing attendees before they met with more than 185 congressional offices, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns called on the industry to join in the “Fight for Fresh.” “The need to expand our influence, innovate and future proof our industry […]
Category: News
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Health & Wellness, National, News, Walmart
Sam’s Club Advances ‘Made Without’ Program
Sam’s Club is making progress with its “Made Without” program as some 96 percent of its Member’s Mark products meet the initiative’s goals. This program focuses on removing more than 40 ingredients, including artificial colors, aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup, based on feedback from members, nutritional guidance and industry trends. The company anticipates reaching full […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Dairy News, News, Private Label Brands, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Expands Ice Cream Offerings In Time For Summer
Publix is expanding its ice cream selection by introducing new everyday pint sizes and a variety of lactose-free flavors, available year-round. The pint lineup now features popular flavors previously found only in half-gallon sizes. These include Barnie’s Coffee, a coffee-flavored ice cream made with real milk and cream; Chocolate Trinity, a chocolate ice cream swirled […]
Posted inExecutive News, Marketing News, Merchandising News, News, Southeast
Superfridge Appoints Mallahan EVP To Drive Growth
Superfridge, a Tampa, Florida-based in-store marketing and merchandising platform, has appointed Emily Mallahan as EVP. Mallahan brings extensive experience in retail strategy, marketing and technology to help Superfridge’s grocery and manufacturing partners enhance customer loyalty and drive sales. “Emily is an expert at building successful partnerships for retailers and CPG companies,” said Tom O’Reilly, CEO […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Report: May Online Grocery Sales Increase 27% Versus Year Ago
U.S. online grocery sales in May finished at $8.7 billion, a 27 percent increase compared to last year, with delivery driving nearly all the gains, according to the Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey, fielded May 30-31, and sponsored by Mercatus. While this marks the first month since August 2024 when total monthly sales have […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Independent Grocers Make Their Voices Heard In Washington At NGA’s Fly-In
Every spring, the National Grocers Association’s Fly-In for Fair Competition reminds me of something simple yet powerful – when independent grocers come together and speak with one voice, we can move mountains. The 2025 Fly-In was no exception. More than 125 independent operators, wholesalers and state association partners from 38 states converged on Capitol Hill […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast
Sedano’s Supermarkets Begins Accepting OTC, Flex Benefit Cards
Sedano’s Supermarkets has begun accepting over-the-counter (OTC) and Flex benefit cards at all of its stores, enabling eligible members to use them to buy approved food items. Sedano’s aims to expand access to essential grocery items while supporting the health and well-being of its customers, many of whom are seniors or caregivers managing special dietary […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast
Produce Coalition Requests Information On USDA’s Farm Wage Rate
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the NC Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) have assembled a five-state, 30-organization coalition comprised of two national produce organizations, representing a diverse collection of crops including eight advocacy groups, with the mission of filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
T&T Supermarket Plans Largest CA Store Yet In Chino Hills
T&T Supermarket Inc. has shared plans for a second store in Southern California, at the Crossroads Marketplace Chino Hills, set to open in fall 2026. Following the announcement of its store in the Great Park community of Irvine, this will mark T&T’s sixth planned location in the U.S. Located at 13017-13021 Peyton Drive, the 61,000-square-foot store […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG, University Of Illinois Collaborate On Data Research Projects
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has collaborated with the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on two data research projects for the 2024-25 school year. These initiatives supplement AWG with sophisticated analytics, strategy recommendations and an AI dashboard. At the same time, participating students gain valuable, real-world experience, enhancing their career […]
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southeast
North Florida Grocers Facing ‘Persistent’ Challenges With Labor, Inflation, ORC
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Lorena Holley, VP and general counsel for the Florida Retail Federation, to glean some insights on the state of the grocery industry in northern Florida. How robust is the supermarket industry in North Florida? The grocery marketplace in North Florida is diverse, vibrant and buoyant. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Health & Wellness, News, Southwest, Walmart
Walmart Provides Digital Services, Tools For Medicare Benefits
Walmart is adding digital innovations to help customers maximize their Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits. For the first time in retail, select customers can identify plan-specific, benefits-eligible products while shopping online and via the app. They can track their benefits spending and check out with a mixed basket of food, over-the-counter products and general merchandise for […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Food Lion, News, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds Honors Hunger-Relief Efforts During Feedys Awards
Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion’s hunger-relief platform, marked its 10th annual Feedys Awards by honoring a select group of food banks, volunteers, community leaders and Food Lion employees who make an impact in their communities. This year’s honorees were recognized for their outstanding efforts and commitment to addressing food insecurity across the grocery retailer’s 10-state […]
Posted inBakery News, National, News
Grupo Bimbo Reports Progress In Environmental Sustainability Strategy
In celebration of World Environment Day, Grupo Bimbo has presented its 2024 annual report, Actions that Transform, which outlines business progress and advances toward its 2030 and 2050 sustainability strategy goals. As part of its “Nourishing a Better World” sustainability strategy, Grupo Bimbo has established a plan to protect and preserve natural systems through its […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter Reopens Hurricane-Damaged Store In Hendersonville, NC
In what wasn’t merely another retail remodel, the Harris Teeter store at 636 Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville, North Carolina, officially reopened June 10 following an eight-month closure due to damage from Hurricane Helene. For the grocer’s team and the community, the occasion marked a far more profound milestone. In late September, Helene made landfall in […]
Posted inExecutive News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City’s Johnson Named An FMI Store Manager Of The Year
Jason Johnson of the Food City in Gray, Tennessee, has been named Store Manager of the Year by FMI – The Food Industry Association in Category B (50-199 stores). “Jason is a model store manager,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and CEO. “He’s a great leader that our teammates can look up to […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Names 2025 Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest Winners
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has named the winners of its annual “Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest,” created to spotlight up-and-coming brands in the frozen and refrigerated aisles. Following a competitive review process, eight finalists were selected to submit product samples and promotional materials for evaluation by a panel of industry judges: […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, News
Heritage Grocers Group Begins Meat Campaign At Tony’s Fresh Market
Heritage Grocers Group has introduced “A Cut Above the Rest” meat campaign at its Chicago-based banner Tony’s Fresh Market. “Our meat department is built on four core pillars: quality, variety, freshness and in-house expert butchers,” said CMO Vince Gambino. “At the heart of this campaign is a simple promise: to ensure every customer receives the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Marketing News, News, Northeast
Market 32/ Price Chopper Launch Campaign To Drive Digital Engagement
Market 32 and Price Chopper, a division of Northeast Grocery Inc., is running an omnichannel summer promotion to be “the destination for your summer grocery and entertaining needs” through a “Summer Shines Here” campaign. Featured elements, which run through Labor Day, are designed to drive customer loyalty, boost sales and deepen digital engagement. The overarching […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks Names Lockett Chief People Officer
Schnucks Markets has named Bob Lockett chief people officer, effective June 16. Lockett’s professional background includes most recently serving as chief people officer at CAE and, prior to that, chief diversity and talent officer at ADP. He has more than 25 years of experience in human resources leadership, with additional prior roles at Harrah’s Entertainment, […]