Posted inPrivate Label Brands, News, Southwest, Walmart

Walmart Eliminating Synthetic Dyes Across All Private Label Products

Walmart U.S. plans to eliminate synthetic dyes and the use of an additional 30 ingredients, including certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its private brand food products. The change, which includes all Walmart U.S. food private brands such as Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed and bettergoods, is in line with evolving customer preferences and supports […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, Southwest

Association: Overregulation Biggest Threat To Colorado’s Independent Grocers, C-Stores

“I guess I would say that it is getting harder and harder to hold the line.” That’s the assessment of Grier Bailey, executive director of the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, referring to the livelihoods of smaller retailers in Colorado such as convenience stores and independent grocers. “There aren’t a lot of good things to […]

Posted inAnniversary Issues, Affiliated Foods, News, Southwest, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year

Affiliated Foods Leverages Technology To Boost Retailer Services, Engagement

Amarillo, Texas-based Affiliated Foods Inc. is investing in forward-thinking technology to enhance the shopping experience for consumers and improve operational efficiency for its retail members. Among the most visible innovations is the implementation of digital video rails in member stores – a project led by Josh Silvia, AFI’s network and PC manager. Vusion v-rails is […]

Posted inExecutive News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, News, Southwest

Henshaw Named VP, General Manager Of Perdue Specialty Meats

Westminster, Colorado-based Perdue Specialty Meats and Emerging Brands has appointed Jason Henshaw as VP and general manager of Perdue Specialty Meats, which includes the premium and natural protein brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, as well as the Perdue Premium Meat Company operations. Henshaw brings more than two decades of leadership experience in […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest

Manufacturing Subsidiaries Fuel AFI Membership’s Success, Growth

At Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI), a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, the value of community-focused manufacturing is front and center. Noma Burr, the company’s chief financial officer, has seen that impact firsthand since joining the organization in 1996. Burr highlighted how AFI’s manufacturing subsidiaries – which include a bakery, dairy, meat processing plant and […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest

Affiliated Foods At 80: Cooperative’s Legacy Remains Rooted In Family

In an industry defined by change, Affiliated Foods Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, has spent the last 80 years anchoring independent grocers with a simple promise: integrity, innovation and a shared sense of ownership. This year, that legacy is honored on a larger stage. The Shelby Report of the Southwest has named AFI its Wholesaler of […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest

Harps Food Stores Preps New Location In Fort Smith, AR

Harps Food Stores Inc. will open a new 39,000-square-foot store Oct. 8 at 6400 Veterans Ave. in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The store will feature a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organics, along with USDA Prime beef, all-natural pork and poultry and seafood; deli and signature bakery products; and fresh sushi, as well […]