When an ice storm hits and the news tells everyone to stay home, Greg Sparks knows exactly what happens next. “Our drivers are out there,” he said. That mindset – part duty, part pride – helps explain why Food City is The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s 2026 Retailer of the Year. Having served friends […]
Category: News
Posted inSnacks Brands, News, West
Sweets & Snacks Expo Expects Record Attendance In Las Vegas
The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo is shaping up to be a landmark event as the candy and snack industry gathers for the first time in Las Vegas, with attendance trending toward an all-time high, according to show organizer National Confectioners Association (NCA). The expo runs May 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast, The Giant Co.
The Giant Co. Opens Converted Everett Foodliner Location After Acquisition
The Giant Co. has reopened the store at 250 West Main St. in Everett, Pennsylvania, that it acquired in February. Formerly Everett Foodliner, the store was temporarily closed to complete minor remodels, install new signage and undertake an overall décor update. Customers will find Giant’s signature fresh departments, including a larger, market-feel produce department with […]
Posted inInternational Foods, Executive News, News, West
Ajinomoto Foods North America Names Gardner President, CEO
Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA), a specialty frozen food manufacturer, has appointed Dave Gardner president and CEO. Gardner, who joined AFNA in 2022 as chief supply chain officer, succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to executive officer and EVP, chief human resources officer for Tokyo-based parent company Ajinomoto Co. Inc. Kaho led AFNA […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Featured News, Food City, News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
Food City CEO Reflects On Legacy, Growth, Art Of Running Best Store In Town
Having served friends and neighbors for more than 100 years, Food City is proud to be locally owned and operated. With 164 retail outlets spanning five states, the company’s dedicated team of more than 19,200 associates is committed to the mission it was founded upon: to “run the best store in town.” That commitment to […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Featured News, National, News
Instacart Expands Fulfillment Pro With New Picking, Delivery Tools
Instacart is expanding Fulfillment Pro, its end-to-end order fulfillment platform, with two major updates – new delivery management software for retailer-owned fleets and enhanced enterprise-grade picking capabilities for store teams. The updates build on fulfillment infrastructure used by more than 50,000 retail associates to deliver more than 45 million orders in 2025. They represent Instacart’s […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast
Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show In Orlando
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 14-16 and returns to Orlando, Florida, for the first time in several years. The gathering brings together the global fresh produce and floral supply chain for three days of connection, insight, and business […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, NCPA Join Main Street Competition Coalition
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have joined the newly-formed Main Street Competition Coalition (MSCC), a cross-sector effort to push back against big corporations that use market dominance to squeeze out smaller competitors. Founding investors in the project, NCPA and NGA represent thousands of Main Street businesses that often […]