Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market, has named Gilliam Phipps as SVP, chief marketing officer, effective April 14. Phipps reports directly to Sprouts CEO Jack Sinclair and oversees Sprouts’ marketing, advertising, customer engagement and private label teams. “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Gil to the Sprouts team,” said Sinclair. “The experience Gil brings will be instrumental […]
Category: West
The Shelby Report of the West covers grocery retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Follow the latest store openings, remodels, leadership changes and market news from the region.
Island Pacific Supermarket Launches ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Campaign
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Walnut, California-based Island Pacific Supermarket has made the health and safety of its customers, employees and community its top priority. Island Pacific has launched its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” campaign by becoming the first Filipino supermarket chain to provide online shopping with same day grocery delivery in the United States. By […]
Foster Farms Donates 2M+ Servings Of Poultry To Hunger Relief
Livingston, California-based Foster Farms is partnering with food banks to help provide more than 2 million meals to families impacted by the economic consequences of Covid-19. In the coming days, the family-owned company will actively contribute to hunger relief efforts, delivering much needed protein to food banks and community organizations on the West Coast as […]
Stater Bros. Markets Extends Hourly Employees $2/Hour Wage Incentive
During the Covid-19 pandemic, all members of the Stater Bros. “family” have stepped up to continue providing essential services to their local communities. Stater Bros. Markets says it values all of its employees and as a reward for their tireless work and extra effort, the company is extending the $2/hour wage incentive for all hours […]
Trader Joe’s Updates How It Is Caring For Crew Members, Customers
As the coronavirus Covid-19 affects communities across the nation, Monrovia, California-based Trader Joe’s says it is being vigilant; heeding all federal, state and local health advisories; and where it makes sense, adjusting efforts to safeguard the health and safety of its crew members and customers. To date, these efforts include: Revising Store Hours for All Trader Joe’s […]
WEST: World Centric Offering 100% Compostable Leaf Fiber Lids
Rohnert Park, California-based World Centric has introduced its new World Centric Leaf fiber lid collection for hot and cold cups and bowls. Made from unbleached plant fiber, the new collection replaces the use of conventional, petroleum-based plastic lids to provide a 100 percent compostable solution for foodservice operators. The World Centric Leaf fiber lid collection […]
Pure Bloom CBD Launches Hand Sanitizer Line In Response To Covid-19
Wendy May Real, founder and CEO of Pure Bloom CBD in Marin, California, has launched a new hand sanitizer in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The pandemic has spotlighted the importance of practicing good hygiene. Future forecasts suggest this trend will continue to increase and the personal care category will significantly expand. This new personal […]
Docklight Brands Launches Marley CBD Skincare Line
Seattle, Washington-based Docklight Brands has announced that its Marley CBD Skincare line is now available at retail stores across the U.S. The Marley CBD Skincare line combines tropical botanicals with hemp‐derived CBD to moisturize and revitalize. “Retailers need the right balance of medical, wellness and lifestyle CBD brands to drive trial and repeat with their highest‐propensity shoppers,” said […]
Sun World Expands Supply Capability Of Licensed Grapes
Sun World International LLC has granted new licenses to several California and Mexico produce companies, further expanding the supply and distribution of its proprietary grape varieties, Licensing VP Garth Swinburn recently announced. The new licensees include Anthony Vineyards Inc. for grapes produced in California’s Coachella Valley and Illume Ag Sales LLC (formerly known as Fabbri […]
WEST: People To Watch: Dana Shemirani and Rachel Shemirani, Barons Market
The Shelby Report and The Grocery Group have partnered on this series, entitled People to Watch, to focus on current and future leadership in the grocery industry. In this installment, The Grocery Group Founder and CEO Cindy Sorensen interviews Dana Shemirani, VP-purchasing, and Rachel Shemirani, SVP, of Barons Market in Southern California. Tell me […]
Hownd Takes Actions To Help Local Stores Withstand Covid-19 Impact
Tempe, Arizona-based Hownd has made several immediate changes designed to help local merchants weather the impact of Covid-19. The company is a foot traffic generation platform that helps brick-and-mortar businesses attract new and returning customers through multi-channel digital distribution of promotional offers. Since the coronavirus pandemic has escalated, many local businesses have been forced to […]
CGA Offers Covid-19 Update, Smart & Final Reaches Out
As new information is released each day pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic, industry associations are keeping their members informed while local grocers continue to help those in need. The California Grocers Association (CGA) has been issuing updates to its members on government mandates as they are adopted. And Smart & Final, through its foundation, is […]
This Saves Lives Debuts New Kids Krispy Treats; Expands Existing Lines
Los Angeles, California-based This Saves Lives, a snack brand on a mission to end early childhood malnutrition, has launched its second kids snack line, Kids Krispy Kritter Treats, in addition to four new Classic Bar flavors and two new Kids Snack Bar flavors. Like all This Saves Lives foods, every single purchase sends a life-saving food packet to a child […]
California Avocado Commission Unveils New Ad Campaign
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has unveiled a new advertising campaign and marketing program to support this season’s California avocado crop. CAC’s new advertising campaign began in March with a combination of traditional and digital media in the West and a focus on California. “The commission’s new advertising campaign theme is ‘The best avocados have […]
Superior Grocers Increases Protection, AFS Rewards ‘Hero’ Employees
Grocers in the West are doing what they can to protect and reward their employees, who are on the front lines in the battle against Covid-19. Superior Grocers is making changes to protect its employees and customers, and Associated Food Stores (AFS) is giving its employees “Hero” bonuses. Superior Grocers installing plexiglass guards Superior […]
Pera Retiring As CEO Of Armanino Foods Of Distinction
Edmond J. Pera, president and CEO of Armanino Foods of Distinction in Hayward, California, is retiring in March. He will stay on as an executive advisor for a transitional period until Sept. 15, and will remain on the board of directors for the foreseeable future. Pera, who will turn 80 this year, has served as […]
Island Pacific Supermarket Founder Reaches Out To Customers
Nino Jefferson Lim, founder of Walnut, California-based Island Pacific Supermarket, has reached out to customers to about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lim said he is proud that Island Pacific Supermarket has been able to replenish its stores’ shelves daily in most of the major product categories in order to better serve its communities. […]
Bolthouse Farms To Acquire Rousseau Farming Co.’s Carrot Operations
Building on its 100-plus years of carrot farming heritage, Bakersfield, California-based Bolthouse Farms has entered into an agreement to acquire Arizona-based Rousseau Farming Co.‘s carrot operations. This move, part of Bolthouse Farms long-term growth plans, further demonstrates its vision of “Plants Powering People” and its mission to feed and nourish people. “This acquisition will help us scale to serve […]
UFCW 8-Golden State Reaches New Agreement With Grocery Chains
UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall said, following months of complex negotiations, a new tentative agreement has been reached with Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill in Northern and Central California. “At the bargaining table we were able to build on the key achievements of decades of union solidarity,” Loveall said. “This contract is one […]
Bill Bess Receives Inaugural Allen Lund Legacy Award
In conjunction with Allen Lund Co.‘s annual managers’ meeting and awards banquet, Bill Bess was the recipient of the inaugural Allen Lund Legacy Award. The award has been created to honor an Allen Lund Co. employee who exemplifies the unique leadership qualities and character of founder Allen Lund. “I am very excited to announce the creation of […]
