From May 15-21, New Seasons Market hosted its annual Nourish Our Neighbors Match (previously known as Hunger Relief Match), benefitting 10 local nonprofits that provide food equity and access. The Portland, Oregon-based grocer matched customer donations throughout the week, aiming to double each dollar collected. “Addressing the root causes of food insecurity and a lack of […]
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 inAssociation News, Albertsons, Executive News, West
WAFC Elects 2024-25 Board Of Directors’ Leadership Team
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) recently elected its new board of directors’ leadership team at its annual convention held in Aurora, Colorado. Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons Market in Portland, Oregon, has been appointed as president and chairperson of the board of directors. She takes over the position from Paul Gianetto, SVP […]
Posted inGelson's, Online Grocery Technology, West
Gelson’s Strengthens Fresh Food Operations With Invafresh
Gelson’s Markets has expanded its partnership with Invafresh to include in-store production and centralized kitchen operations. By using the AI-enhanced capabilities of the Invafresh Fresh Retail Platform, Gelson’s has been able to improve operational efficiency across its 27 full-service specialty grocery stores by reducing shrink, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and having a centralized repository of […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, West
WAFC Taps Three Industry Leaders For Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected three industry leaders – Sean Heryet, Chris Hooks and Kelly Mullin – to serve on its board of directors. “We are thrilled and incredibly honored to have this group of extraordinary industry leaders join the WAFC board of directors,” said Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, West
The Wonderful Co. Named To ‘Best Companies To Work For’ List
The Wonderful Co. has been named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, ranking 91st on the list. A $6 billion global agriculture company with a 10,000-person workforce, The Wonderful Company owns and produces healthy brands, including FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, Teleflora and JUSTIN and Lewis […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Jimbo’s Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Partners With Non-Profits
Jimbo’s is celebrating its 40th anniversary in July, commemorating four decades of providing high-quality organic and natural foods to the San Diego, California, community. Established in 1984 by Jim “Jimbo” Someck, Jimbo’s has been a pioneer in the industry, dedicated to promoting healthy living, environmental stewardship and supporting local and sustainable brands. “We are honored to […]
Posted inSuperior Grocers, Independent Store News, West
Superior Grocers Taps Kasper For Legal, HR Role
Superior Grocers has appointed Mary Kasper as the company’s chief legal and human resources officer. With a background in law and experience in the retail sector, Kasper brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Kasper joins Superior Grocers from 99 Cents Only Stores, where she served as chief legal officer, general […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Completes Store Remodel In Riverside, CA
Stater Bros. Markets has completed renovations at its extensively remodeled supermarket at 2995 Iowa Ave. in Riverside, California. When shoppers first walk in, they will notice a renovated interior with new décor, flooring and checkstands for an improved shopping experience. Popular and convenient food solutions such as fresh sushi created in-store by sushi chefs and fresh-cut fruit […]
Posted inBeverage News, Albertsons, Feature, West
Caliwater Taps Into Benefits Of ‘Super Fruit’ Prickly Pear Cactus
Oliver Trevena, co-founder with Vanessa Hudgens of Caliwater, was at ExpoWest 2024 to promote the cactus water brand. He spoke with The Shelby Report’s Bob Reeves about the origins of the healthy water product. Trevena said Caliwater has half the calories and half the sugar of coconut water and more health benefits. He added it […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, The Kroger Co., West
In ‘Complicated Time,’ Grocers See Shift In Shopper Preferences
Election years are a busy time for any trade group and this year is no exception for the California Grocers Association. “Politically we’re going through an interesting time in Southern California and the entire state right now. The presidential election this fall has created a headwind of sorts,” said Nate Rose, the group’s senior director […]
Posted inBakery News, West
Bimbo Bakeries USA Launches Multi-Site Microgrid Energy System
Bimbo Bakeries USA has launched its on-site microgrid system at six California bakeries. The system was developed as part of an Energy Services Agreement with GreenStruxure, which designed and built the microgrids that are comprised of solar arrays coupled with battery storage. These six microgrid systems are providing about 20 percent of Bimbo Bakeries USA’s energy usage […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Smart & Final, West
Smart & Final Extra! Store Opens In Temecula, CA
Smart & Final has opened a new Smart & Final Extra! store April 24 at 32937 Temecula Pkwy. in Temecula, California. The 30,000-square-foot store is the first Smart & Final in Temecula and second location in the Southern Inland Empire region, joining another location in Murrieta. Shoppers will find a selection of high-quality, USDA-certified meats, […]
Posted inBakery News, West
Rubicon Bakers Acquires Lucky Spoon Bakery
Rubicon Bakers has entered the gluten-free sweet baked goods market with the acquisition of Lucky Spoon Bakery. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lucky Spoon manufactures high-quality, gluten-free sweet bakery goods. Lucky Spoon’s products – which include fresh cakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies – can be found in grocery stores nationwide. The acquisition […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Sprouts Touts Achievements In 2023 Impact Report
Among the highlights of Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market’s recently released 2023 Impact Report: 19 percent of the grocer’s total sales came from healthy fruits and vegetables and it posted $3.3 billion in sales of products with a social or environmental attribute. “Our company’s purpose to help people live and eat better is brought to life […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group COO Talks Trajectory Of Cardenas Markets
The Shelby Report recently caught up with Prabash Coswatte, COO of Heritage Grocers Group (Cardenas Markets), to talk about the changing face of Hispanic grocery stores in Southern California. Can you share a little history on Cardenas Markets and how long the stores have been operating in SoCal? “In 1981, Jesus Cardenas Sr. and his […]
Posted inBakery News, West
20 Baked Goods Suppliers Join ReposiTrak’s Network
ReposiTrak has added 20 additional baked goods suppliers to its traceability network, ensuring they can exchange FDA-required key data elements for each critical tracking event in their supply chains and achieving compliance well before the January 2026 deadline. More than 4,000 suppliers are connecting to RTN, making the solution easier and more effective for retailers […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Sunsweet Growers Selects Schuler As Next CEO
As the company nears its 110th anniversary and seeks to widen the margin of its position as “the world’s premier dried fruit brand,” Sunsweet Growers Inc. has named Brad Schuler as CEO. “Brad becomes the fourth consecutive CEO to be hired from within based on demonstrated performance,” said Dane Lance, outgoing president and CEO who […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
The Save Mart Companies Expands Instacart Partnership
To improve the shopping experience at nearly all 200 Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Lucky locations, The Save Mart Companies has expanded its omnichannel partnership with Instacart to add several in-store solutions such as Caper Carts and FoodStorm. The grocer will also upgrade to Instacart’s Storefront Pro, bringing increased e-commerce capabilities with advanced advertising options to […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Feature, West
Following ‘Big Year,’ Kevin’s Expanding Into Frozen Aisle
Kevin McCray, founder of Kevin’s Natural Foods, was at ExpoWest 2024 to promote the company’s move into the frozen aisle. He chatted with The Shelby Report’s Bob Reeves about the product innovation. The expansion was a result of “following the consumer around in their daily lives.” McCray said customers wanted a complete meal they could […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Cos. Wins ‘People’s Voice’ Webby Award
Albertsons Companies was voted the ‘People’s Voice’ winner for best shopping and retail app in the 28th annual Webby Awards. Over the last year, Albertsons Cos. has been updating and redesigning its mobile app to create a fast and easy digital shopping experience. Winning this award underscores the investment and progress made in 2023 to […]