The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the death of former longtime COO Carole Christianson on Aug. 1 after a battle with leukemia. Christianson retired in 2022 following a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC. During her time as COO, […]
Category: News
Posted inMerchandising News, Executive News, News, The Raley's Companies
The Raley’s Companies Fills Key Leadership Roles
The Raley’s Companies has promoted Jessica Blakely and Faith Garrard to senior roles overseeing sales and merchandising across the organization’s banners. Blakely has been appointed VP of sales and merchandising for Bashas’ Family of Stores, while Garrard has been promoted to VP of sales and merchandising for Raley’s Operating Co. Jessica Blakely In her […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA’s Foodservice Conference Concludes Record-Breaking Show
Featuring a sold-out expo and a growing number of field tour programs for chefs and kindergarten-12th grade operators, the International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Foodservice Conference July 31-Aug. 1 set an attendance record while also drawing a diverse collections of buyers. “With over 1,000 buyers, new operators, colleges and universities and more than 2,200 attendees, […]
Posted inBakery News, National, News
Grupo Bimbo To Remove All Artificial Colorants By End Of 2026
In what the company bills as a significant step toward offering simpler and natural recipes across its global portfolio, Grupo Bimbo has pledged to eliminate all artificial colorants from its product portfolio by the end of 2026. As of today, 99 percent of Grupo Bimbo’s daily consumption products – including its core categories of bread, buns […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, News, Southwest
Marczyk Fine Foods Leverages ECRS To Grow With Purpose
For more than two decades, Marczyk Fine Foods has built its reputation in Denver, Colorado, on high-quality specialty food, hand-crafted market-made items and exceptional customer service. But behind the fresh baguettes, Niman Ranch beef and house-made guacamole is a technology infrastructure that’s every bit as curated and intentional as the products lining the shelves. At […]
Posted inBakery News, News, West
Mars Opens Nature’s Bakery Facility In Salt Lake City, UT
Nature’s Bakery, part of the Mars Inc. family of brands, opened a new baking facility July 30 in Salt Lake City, a $240 million investment that marks a milestone in the brand’s expansion. The 339,000-square-foot site gives Nature’s Bakery the space to grow, with the ability to produce more than 1 billion bars each year. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Tops Newsweek’s 2025 Best Retailers List
The Fresh Market has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers 2025, receiving the top spot in the Specialty/Natural/Ethnic Grocers category. The ranking was published in partnership with Statista Inc. “We are honored to be recognized as a top retailer in the grocery industry by Newsweek and Statista Inc.,” said The Fresh Market […]
Posted inSouthwest, Independent Store News, Natural Grocers, News
Natural Grocers Celebrates 70th Anniversary With Freebies, Giveaways
Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers is celebrating its 70th anniversary Aug. 14-16 by throwing its biggest sale of the year, with 60 percent off more than 500 items, as well as holding giveaways and an anniversary sweepstakes. “As we mark our 70th anniversary, we’re proud to carry forward the vision my grandparents, Margaret and Philip Isely, began in […]