Wesson Kingma, Fareway’s regional supervisor, has been named the 2025 Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) Volunteer of the Year, recognized for his commitment to service, leadership and community involvement across the state. Kingma’s journey with the Johnston, Iowa-based retailer began at age 16 when he started as a courtesy clerk at the store in Pella. […]
Category: News
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Honoring Uncle’s Legacy Of Leadership, Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude, reflection and intentional recognition of the people who have shaped our lives. As families gather around tables filled with food and laughter, we pause to remember not just for what – but whom – we are thankful. This year, my heart turns to one man whose life embodies leadership, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
There IS A Future For Independent Grocery
Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and to independent grocers. Independent grocery is not in decline – it is in transition. The future will not belong solely to the largest players […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Northeast, The Giant Company
The Giant Co. Opens New Store In Allentown, PA
The Giant Company held a grand opening Nov. 21 for a new 68,000-square-foot store that is part of the South Mall Shopping Center at 3300 Lehigh St. in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The location replaces a previous store and fuel facility at 3015 West Emmaus Ave. that was shuttered Nov. 20. “At The Giant Co., exceeding the […]
Posted inBakery News, Hannaford Supermarkets, News, Northeast
Hannaford Partners With Local Bakery On Holiday Bread
Hannaford Supermarkets is celebrating the holiday season by partnering with Fireking Baking Co., a Massachusetts bakery, to offer an exclusive, limited-edition specialty bread in all 188 stores. Baked by Fireking Baking Co. in Braintree, Massachusetts, the White Chocolate Cranberry Boule blends white chocolate and cranberries for a seasonal treat designed for holiday gatherings and gifts. One […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, News
Fareway Shares Leadership Transitions, Promotes 2 Executives
Fareway has shared several leadership transitions, as well as the promotion of two employees to officer roles. The personnel moves come as the company honors the retirements of executives who made lasting contributions to Fareway’s legacy. Mark DeYoung has been promoted to VP of retail construction and maintenance, while Roger Wirtz has been promoted to […]
Posted inPackaging News, Beverage News, National, News
Vitaminwater Debuts Packaging Redesign, New Flavors
Vitaminwater has debuted a revitalized packaging design and introduced two new flavors to help the brand stand out in the increasingly crowded enhanced water category. The updated packaging, which started rolling out in March, features a cleaner, bolder label design with flavor-forward colors, an enlarged and stacked logo with modernized typography, and flavor descriptions channeling […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
DCEO Official Discusses Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Efforts To Strengthen Food Systems
As Illinois continues its efforts to ensure every resident has access to fresh, affordable food, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is leading the way in revitalizing communities and combating food insecurity statewide. Established in 2023, the program takes a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts – areas where residents face barriers to accessing fresh groceries – […]