As part of its Recipe for Change impact framework, Albertsons Cos. and its foundation have established a new goal to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2030 through a combination of surplus food donations and funds raised by its foundation, after meeting the original goal of more than one billion meals. In addition, the foundation’s Nourishing […]
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.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Feature, West
Latinos Are Driving Retail Force Across West
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Begins Distribution Center Automation Project With Symbotic
Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Symbotic Inc. have begun a warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center that will transform it into a next-generation facility equipped to meet future demands. The project also advances the wholesaler’s 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Private Label Brands, West
Market Of Choice Launches New Private Label Line
Market of Choice, Oregon’s largest independent, family-owned grocer, is strengthening its commitment to local producers with Craft & Kitchen, its new private label line. The line includes premium dairy products and center-store pantry staples distinguished by recipes and flavors created with Oregon makers and Market of Choice chefs. Market of Choice stores have the largest […]
Posted inFeature, Equipment & Technology, West
Simbe’s Tally Robot Revolutionizing Grocery Retail With AI, Automation
San Francisco-based Simbe has spent the past decade working to digitize physical stores, with a mission to enhance visibility and operational efficiency for retailers. Brad Bogolea, Simbe’s co-founder and CEO, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about the company’s evolving role in the retail technology landscape. Simbe is widely recognized in the grocery industry for […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
WAFC Rally Focuses On Education, Community, Future Of Grocery
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) held its SoCal Pre-Convention Rally on Feb. 6, highlighting the crucial role of education and community in shaping the future of the grocery industry. The event, presented by The Illuminators, drew industry leaders, sponsors and professionals to The Reef on the Water in Long Beach, California, to discuss […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Executive News, West
Morris To Succeed Sankaran As Albertsons Cos. CEO
Albertsons Companies Inc. has announced a CEO succession plan under which Susan Morris, EVP and chief operations officer, will assume the role following the planned retirement of Vivek Sankaran, effective May 1. During the transition period, Morris will work closely with Sankaran to continue executing the company’s “Customers for Life” strategy. On the effective date, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Garcia VP Of Marketing
Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group has appointed Allison Garcia VP of marketing, where she will oversee HGG’s go-to-market strategy and report to Suzy Monford, chairman and CEO. “Allie brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the grocery industry to our team,” Monford said. “Her deep understanding of the industry and innovative marketing approach will […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, West
Wonderful Pistachios Introduces No Shells Unsalted Pistachios
Wonderful Pistachios is launching No Shells Unsalted Pistachios in the U.S. and Canada in celebration of World Pistachio Day, taking place on Feb. 26. Ideal for health-conscious consumers and those looking to integrate a sodium-free snack into their daily lives, Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Unsalted will be available online and at retailers nationwide in 6-ounce […]
Posted inExecutive News, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Cos. Adds Bruno To Board Of Directors
Effective Feb. 21, Albertsons Cos. has named Frank Bruno to its board of directors, following the resignation of Steve Feinberg. The board accepted Feinberg’s resignation Feb. 21 in connection with his nomination for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense. Bruno is the co-CEO of Cerberus, which is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northgate Market, West
Northgate González Market Donates $239K For Wildfire Victims
In the wake of wildfires that ravaged Eaton Canyon and the Pacific Palisades, Northgate González Market raised $239,425 to support victims and their families. Through the “Unidos Por Nuestra Comunidad” initiative, Northgate Market asked customers across 44 stores in Southern California to round up their purchases, and $139,425 was raised. Northgate matched this with an […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Merchandising News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Names Cates As VP, Center Store
Heritage Grocers Group has named Kim Cates as VP of center store. Reporting directly to CMO Eric Stover, Cates will oversee center store merchandising initiatives for Heritage Grocers Group. “Kim brings extensive wholesale and grocery industry experience to her new role,” Stover said. “She will play a vital role in advancing the company’s center store […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, West
Goya Cares Campaign Raises $50K For Olive Crest
Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., has concluded its Goya Cares Hydrate for Hope campaign, which raised $350,000 for critical initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, exploitation, trafficking and addressing mental health challenges among children and teens. As a result of the community’s support, Goya Foods will distribute $50,000 to Olive […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Steady Growth In Economy, Population On Horizon In Arizona
Lisa Bednar was promoted to president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance last year, taking the helm April 1. She is the first female president in the 80-plus-year history of AFMA. Bednar was promoted from her role as AFMA senior director of community and education, which she had held since February 2022 and was responsible […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, KeHE Distributors, West
KeHE Concludes Summer Show, Highlights Top 2025 Trends
KeHE Distributors recently concluded its 2025 Summer Show in Phoenix – and virtually on the KeHE Connect platform – featuring top trends, merchandising solutions and show-only deals. With 5,000 attendees on-site, the show offered networking opportunities and fresh insights into the latest industry trends. As one of KeHE’s largest events of the year, the Summer […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Holt As CFO
Heritage Grocers Group has appointed Matthew Holt as CFO. Reporting to Chairman and CEO Suzy Monford, Holt will oversee the financial and accounting initiatives for all Heritage banner companies which include Cardenas Markets, Tony’s Fresh Market and El Rancho Supermercado. Holt succeeds Darren Karst, who assumed the role of CFO in April 2023 and retired […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Expands Usage Of RELEX Solutions
Vallarta Supermarkets has expanded its use of RELEX Solutions to include advanced pricing and promotion planning optimization. Last year, Vallarta selected RELEX to implement space and assortment planning across its 56 stores and more than 30,000 SKUs. Building on this foundation, Vallarta’s expansion with RELEX will bring enhanced accuracy to their pricing strategies and boost sales and profitability. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
Los Altos Ranch Markets’ Growth In Phoenix Area Comes Via Brand Loyalty
The seven Los Altos Ranch Markets in and around Phoenix served more than 6 million customers last year. That number speaks to the affinity shoppers have for the banner, according to Prabash Coswatte, chief operating officer of Los Altos’ parent company, Heritage Grocers Group, based in Ontario, California. The first Los Altos store in Phoenix […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Natural Grocers, West
Natural Grocers To Hold Celebrate Arizona Event
Natural Grocers will hold its first “Celebrate Arizona” event, taking place Feb. 14-16 at all 11 Arizona locations. In honor of Arizona Statehood Day, {N}power members will receive a free, state-themed Natural Grocers reusable bag, along with a $5 off coupon for in-store purchases. Natural Grocers expanded to Arizona in 2012, opening its Flagstaff store that July, followed by two more locations that same […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Selects Procurant For FSMA 204 Rule Compliance
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) has selected Procurant, a collaborative software platform for retail grocers, to be a core component of its compliance solution for FSMA 204 rule reporting and traceability. The selection enables AFS to meet the FDA’s enhanced food safety requirements, set to take effect in January 2026, using Procurant’s […]