The California Prune Board has seated its 22-member board and 16 alternates for the 2022-24 term. Following certification of the election by the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture, the new board approved the 2022-23 fiscal year programs and budget at its June board meeting. The California Prune Board officers are: Chair: George Sousa Jr., president […]
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 inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, West
Novel Farms Promotes First Cultivated Pork Loin
Berkeley, California-based Novel Farms has unveiled the first marbled cultivated pork loin, which will provide a supply of animal protein while offering human health, environmental and animal welfare benefits. While the majority of cultivated meat companies focus on making sausages or burgers, only a handful of companies in the world have been able to showcase pork or beef […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Cardenas Markets Concludes Annual Loteria Sweepstakes
Cardenas Markets has concluded its Loteria Scratcher Sweepstakes with Hayward, California, resident Maria Antonia G. as the grand prize winner of $50,000. Employees from the company along with mariachis joined Adam Salgado, Cardenas Markets CMO, in presenting Maria Antonia with her check. The presentation took place on Aug. 3 in the parking lot of the company’s store located at 187 Harder Road in Hayward, […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Study Reveals Growing Retail Channels For Avocado Purchases
A recent avocado channel segmentation study by the Mission Viejo, California-based Hass Avocado Board provides a greater understanding of avocado shopper segmentation by outlining key purchase metrics of buyer groups within each retail outlet where avocados are purchased. As a companion piece to a study released earlier this year, “Rethinking Retail: Avocado Shopper Segmentation,” this […]
Posted inExecutive News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
WAFC Names Posey As Chief Operating Officer
The Western Association of Food Chains has named Patrick “Pat” Posey to succeed Carole Christianson as chief operating officer, effective Sept. 1. While retiring from the day-to-day operations of the WAFC, Christianson will be retained in an advisory role to ensure a smooth and transparent transition. Scott Drew, 2022-23 WAFC president and chairman, heralded the news. “Pat […]
Posted inBeverage News, West
Zevia Appoints DeBow As Chief Commercial Officer
Los Angeles, California-based Zevia PBC has appointed Greig P. DeBow Jr. to the role of chief commercial officer. DeBow brings more than 25 years of experience in the beverage and consumer-packaged goods industries to Zevia’s management team, with a strong track record of leading commercial strategy to fuel revenue growth and profitability. He is responsible for […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, West
Del Monte Foods Acquires Kitchen Basics From McCormick
Walnut Creek, California-based Del Monte Foods has completed the acquisition of Kitchen Basics, a line of ready-to-use stocks and broths, from McCormick & Company. Kitchen Basics will join Del Monte’s brand portfolio as the company expands its national retail presence in the category. Kitchen Basics has a portfolio of conventional and organic stocks and broths, including chicken, […]
Posted inMarketing News, Dairy News, West
Yoplait, Box Tops Partner For Elementary School Library Renovation
Yoplait and Box Tops for Education recently helped with a library renovation at Dolores Huerta Elementary School in Lennox, California. Yoplait and Box Tops for Education identified the school through the work of Principal Maria Castellanos, who is dedicated to ensuring that all students at the school have an opportunity to thrive, even through the […]
Posted inRaley's, Corporate Store News, West
The Raley’s Companies Promotes Three Executives
West Sacramento, California-based The Raley’s Companies have announced the promotion of three executives into roles that are part of its shared services model. Craig Benson has held several roles at Raley’s during his time at the company, most recently serving as SVP, technology. As chief information technology officer, he will lead The Raley’s Companies expansion of technical […]
Posted inBeverage News, West
Bolthouse Farms Finalizes Evolution Fresh Acquisition From Starbucks
Bakersfield, California-based Bolthouse Farms has closed its acquisition of Evolution Fresh from Starbucks, including the brand, business and employees supporting the company. Through this acquisition, Bolthouse Farms will expand its beverage offering from nutrient-dense, plant-powered juices and smoothies to include the lineup of Evolution Fresh’s organic, cold-pressed juices. Starbucks stores in the U.S. will continue […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Mission Produce Begins Importing Avocados From Jalisco, Mexico
Oxnard, California-based Mission Produce has begun to import some of the first avocados to the U.S. from the Mexican state of Jalisco. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new certification of Jalisco avocados for the U.S. market provides access to an additional supply source of the fruit, supporting the company in meeting domestic demand. “We are […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, West
WAFC COO Christianson Announces Retirement
Carole Christianson, COO of the Western Association of Food Chains, has announced her intention to retire later this year. Culminating a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC, Christianson will be retained as an advisor to work with her successor to ensure a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Blackhawk Network, Aurus Partner For Retail Payment Growth
As digital payments maintains its prominence as a key trend in retail commerce, Pleasanton, California-based Blackhawk Network is entering a relationship with Aurus, which offers global solutions that address the payments ecosystem. Together with Aurus, Blackhawk’s gift card and payment processing capabilities will help drive continued growth in retail payments. Increased shopper loyalty has become […]
Posted inRaley's, Corporate Store News, West
Raley’s Promotes Wingo To SVP Of Operations
West Sacramento, California-based Raley’s Operating Division has promoted Levi Wingo to SVP of operations. He most recently served as VP of operations. In his new role, Levi Wingo will continue to oversee all store operations for its 121 stores and also the pharmacy operations, facilities and construction teams. “Levi is an innovative leader with deep operating […]
Posted inDairy News, West
Rogue Creamery’s President Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Central Point, Oregon-based Rogue Creamery President David Gremmels has been recognized with the American Cheese Society Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, Gremmels petitioned ACS to introduce a Lifetime Achievement Award. The organization’s first Lifetime Achievement Award honored Gremmels’ mentor, Ignazio “Ig” Vella, remembered as, “The Godfather of Artisanal Cheese.” Peg Smith of Cowgirl Creamery introduced the award at […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Snacks Brands, West
Joolies Expands Product Line With Dark Chocolate Date Nibbles
Joolies, Los Angeles-based grower of organic medjool dates, has introduced new product line of diced organic medjool dates: Dark Chocolate Date Nibbles. The dates come in three varieties including Blood Orange Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate and Matcha Dark Chocolate and are offered in two different retail sizes: two ounce pillow pouch and a four […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Frieda’s Celebrates Passion Fruit, 2022 Flavor Of The Year
Los Alamitos, California-based Frieda’s Branded Produce is celebrating passion fruit this summer, which was recently named “Flavor of the Year” for 2022 by Monin. Passion fruit is considered to be the largest berry of all berry-producing plants. The passion fruit’s purple skin wrinkles when ripe. Under its exterior are small, black edible seeds surrounded by […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
CommerceIQ Selected As Walmart Platform Partner
Palo Alto, California-based CommerceIQ, a retail e-commerce management platform, announced a new partnership with Walmart Connect. CommerceIQ has been fully integrated with Walmart Connect APIs and offers automated management of sponsored product and sponsored brand amplifier advertising. As the U.S. arm of Walmart’s $2.1 billion global advertising business, Walmart Connect is one of the fastest-growing retail […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Fresh Solutions Releases Potato Market Report Highlighting Farmers
Newport Beach, California-based Fresh Solutions Network has released a new report, Potato Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022-2027), highlighting the role of their network of farmers and potatoes. Experts in the report noted positive trends during the future forecast period as potatoes continue to gain popularity during concerns about food security, inflation, supply constraints and […]
Posted inMarketing News, Corporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Announces Marketing Partnership With Toyota Arena
Ontario, California-based Toyota Arena has announced a partnership with Stater Bros. Markets. Guests of the arena will soon be able to experience the new branding of the North Patio, which will include live concerts featuring local bands and up-and-coming professional talent. “We are thrilled to welcome Stater Bros. Markets as a partner to Toyota Arena,” said […]