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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Deli News, West
Kevin’s Natural Foods Names Bernstein As CEO
Kevin’s Natural Foods has named Roxanne Bernstein as CEO to support the brand’s continued growth. Bernstein joined Kevin’s Natural Foods in April, and will transition into the role by July 1. This transition comes at an important time for Kevin’s Natural Foods, following its acquisition by Mars and a period of record sales and exponential growth. Bernstein […]
Posted inMarket Profile, West
Raine’s Offers Eureka Variety Along ‘Loneliest Road In America’
Scott Raine loves a challenge. And running the only grocery store in Eureka, Nevada, provides plenty of them. Raine owns and operates Raine’s Market along with his mother, Lee, and his wife, Silvia. Scott and Silvia’s sons – Steel, Sabre, Storm and Strider – also work at the store. The “greater metropolitan area” of Eureka […]
Posted inProduce News, West
FPFC Taps Lanter As New President
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) has appointed Bob Lanter as its new president. Lanter will assume the role May 5 and will be present at the upcoming FPFC Expo on May 1 to meet FPFC members. With an extensive background in the public sector and non-profit management, he brings more than 30 years of experience […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Ocean Mist Farms Names Wolfli CFO
Ocean Mist Farms, a grower and shipper of fresh artichokes in North America, has hired Tim Wolfli as CFO. With more than two decades of experience in fresh produce, including agriculture, aquaculture and foodservice, Wolfli brings with him a well-rounded set of skills and experience to help drive the century-old company into the future. “I’m […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Sustainability News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Showcases Sustainability Efforts
This Earth Week, Heritage Grocers Group is showcasing its efforts to create lasting and positive sustainability impacts that benefit customers, team members and communities where the Hispanic grocer continues to grow and operate. As a company, Heritage prioritizes its people and the planet. By combining employee empowerment with data-driven sustainability initiatives, its leadership team is […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Market Of Choice Advocates For Dry Farming Through Collaboration
Oregon’s independent, family-owned Market of Choice is partnering with the Dry Farming Institute to advocate for the expansion of dry farming acreage. As part of this collaboration, Market of Choice is the first major organization to donate to the Dry Farming Institute’s efforts to empower growers to thrive with less water. This work includes seed-to-table […]
Posted inExecutive News, West
Stater Bros.’ McNiff Named Top Executive By USC FIM Program
The University of Southern California Marshall Food Industry Management Program will honor Stater Bros. Markets President and COO Greg McNiff, an FIM supporter and alumni parent, as its 2024 Executive of the Year. McNiff, who leads the largest privately owned supermarket chain in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, will accept the award and […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Sprouts Farmers Market Adds Wild About Sprouts Products
Rä Foods’ Wild About Sprouts brand is continuing its national expansion through a distribution agreement with Sprouts Farmers Market, starting with 134 Sprouts Farmers Market stores in California. The companies expect to expand distribution to additional regions. The Sprouts Farmers Market locations will carry five of the brand’s six varieties: alfalfa, broccoli, clover, clover and […]