Harrisonburg, Virginia-based Farmer Focus received a $3.6 million grant as part of the second round of the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion program. The grant will support a $17.8 million expansion of Farmer Focus’ organic chicken processing facility in Harrisonburg. By doubling processing capacity over the next two years, this investment will enable Farmer Focus […]
Category: Southeast
The Shelby Report of the Southeast covers grocery retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow the latest store openings, remodels, leadership changes and market news from the region.
Posted inPackaging News, Southeast
DS Smith Testing Packages To Withstand G-Force Pressure
Atlanta-based DS Smith reveals new research that is underway into destructive G-force pressures on packages. To help understand the tough environment that packages withstand to reach consumers in perfect condition, DS Smith is experimenting with “accelerometers.” The devices track the package through its journey and provide data that can explain damage it sustains. The DS […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Side Delights Showcases Potato Products At SEPC Show
The Fresh Solutions Network will exhibit its branded Side Delights’ fresh potatoes, as well as a new line of spuds March 4 at the SEPC’s Southern Exposure trade show in Orlando, Florida. SEPC’s Southern Exposure show highlights the latest innovations within the fresh produce industry. “We’ve exhibited at SEPC’s Southern Exposure for over a decade. We are […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southeast
Red Lobster Launches Frozen Seafood Product Line
Orlando, Florida-based Red Lobster has launched its first line of seafood products available in retail locations. Inspired by guest favorites, the retail entrées include Cheddar Bay Biscuit Shrimp and Coconut Shrimp Bites. The lineup of new seafood products builds on the current retail line of Cheddar Bay Biscuit offerings and features, including: Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cod and Parmesan Crusted Garlic with Herb Stuffed Shrimp. […]
Posted inFeature, Grocery Store Equipment, Southeast
Grocery Shopii Working To Address Changing Consumer Behaviors
When Katie Hotze, founder and CEO of Grocery Shopii, was asked what’s keeping retailers up at night, she said “changing consumer behaviors.” Hotze, who attended the recent FMI Midwinter Executive conference with some Grocery Shopii colleagues, said grocery retailers got the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic. “They’re the ones who kept the lights on and […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
WP Produce Showcases Desbry Line Of Tropical Fruits, Roots
WP Produce, a Miami-based and family-owned grower, packer and shipper of Desbry brand tropical fruits and roots, returns March 2-4 to the annual SEPC Southern Exposure tradeshow and conference in Orlando. During the expo, WP Produce will showcase its line of tropical fruits and roots sourced from throughout Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. “SEPC’s flagship Southern Exposure is a very […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Super Markets Reopens Location In Tampa, FL
Publix Super Markets has reopened a store at the Gandy Shopping Center in Tampa, Florida. The 59,409-square-foot store offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy. Additional offerings include a Pours area and burrito, pizza and pasta bars. There also is upstairs […]
Posted inMarketing News, Southeast
Acosta Group To Align Collective Of Agencies To Lead In New Era Of Commerce
Jacksonville, Florida-based Acosta has launched Acosta Group, a new unified brand for the company, aligning its omnichannel retail, marketing and foodservice agencies to provide seamless access to the company’s end-to-end solutions. This builds on the company’s transformation and strategic investments over the past three years to position Acosta Group as a leading driver of sales growth […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Marketing News, Southeast
The Fresh Market Debuts Digital-Only Shoppable Format Magazine
Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market has launched a new shoppable version of its magazine, previously available in print and online, in a exclusive digital-only format as another anchor to its digital transformation and retail media network strategy. Vendor advertising supported, the magazine features an interactive shoppable experience with similar content to the print version and provides inspiration […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Holds Inaugural Hunger Summit In Lakeland, FL
Publix hosted its inaugural hunger summit Feb. 23 at its headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, bringing together executives from 35 Feeding America member food banks in the company’s operating area, as well as state and federal officials. Publix leaders shared best practices in talent acquisition, sourcing, warehousing and distribution. “Our summit provided an opportunity to build […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Titan Farms Maximizes Shelf Life To Enhance Peach Freshness
Ridge Spring, South Carolina-based Titan Farms announced a new partnership with Verdant Technologies to bring the post-harvest solution, HarvestHold Fresh, to the peach industry. Through extensive testing, the company plans to utilize HarvestHold Fresh to extend the quality, freshness and flavor of its peaches from harvest to consumption. “We are committed to innovation and providing the […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Renfroe’s Market Offers Customers ‘Best Shopping Experience’
Renfroe’s Market, based in Montgomery, Alabama, focuses on providing great customer service. Rob Renfroe, VP of Renfroe’s Market, said that may sound cliché but it is one thing that sets the company apart. “We still operate with the idea that each customer should be greeted when they enter the store, while shopping and upon checkout,” […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Zespri Launches New Campaign, Merchandising Displays
Orange County, California-based Zespri will showcase its new merchandising displays highlighting this year’s “Taste the Obsession” marketing campaign during the SEPC Southern Exposure trade show March 2-4 in Orlando, Florida. “Our campaign tells our bold, brand story of the passion and care that goes into growing our kiwifruit in an unexpected, playful way,” said Jeanne […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Opens New Location In Fairhope, AL
Publix Super Markets opened a new store Feb. 22 at Shops at Point Clear in Fairhope, Alabama. The 48,387-square-foot store offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy. “We are excited to bring another Publix location to beautiful Fairhope,” said Hannah Herring, […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Southeast
BJ’s To Open New Store Feb. 24 In McDonough, GA
BJ’s Wholesale Club will open a store Feb. 24 at 245 Highway 81 in McDonough, Georgia. With this opening, the retailer will have 237 U.S. clubs. The club will have a BJ’s Gas location on site that will open soon, with the opportunity to earn extra savings through BJ’s Fuel Saver Program. The station will offer […]
Posted inFeature, Southeast
Inmar Leverages Data To Make Customers Smarter
Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2022, Inmar Intelligence opened a new headquarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The company has invested more than $1 billion in its technology platform solutions, “which has really driven momentous growth,” said Rob Weisberg, SVP. “With that perspective, we’re doing about $120 billion in commerce driven through our platform,” he said, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
AGA, Auburn University Partner On Economic Impact Study
The Alabama Grocers Association partnered with Auburn University in 2022 to conduct an economic impact study of the grocery industry in the state. Total grocery industry employment is more than half a million people, with an annual payroll of over $2.5 billion, said Ellie Taylor, president of AGA. Total state tax revenues are more than $1.1 […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Recognizes Magaña As Store Manager Of The Year
José Magaña, store manager of the Food Lion located at 4709 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, North Carolina, was named Food Lion’s 2022 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager of the Year. Magaña was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Named after one of the grocer’s founders, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Turnover In Legislature Puts GFIA’s Focus On Preparation
Group targeting policies that could address labor, supply chain issues The Georgia Food Industry Association is dealing with many new faces – 53 to be exact – as the state legislature gathers in Atlanta for its annual session. That influx of new lawmakers makes preparation critical, according to GFIA President Kathy Kuzava. “GFIA members are […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
The Fresh Market Uses Firework For SVLC Retail Media Network
Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market is using Firework’s video commerce platform to launch the first shoppable video-live commerce retail media network. The announcement comes during a period of growth for retail media networks. Due to the various features they confer on advertisers — such as ad targeting, increased brand safety and heightened visibility where […]