Distribution News | The Shelby Report
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, National, UNFI

UNFI Foundation Awards $1.5M In Grants To 61 Nonprofits

The UNFI Foundation has awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits focused on improving access to quality food while creating a sustainable and equitable food system. These grants, made possible with support and contributions from industry partners, leverage UNFI’s expertise, foster deeper collaboration with target nonprofit organizations and support one or more of the […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Grocery Store Layout, Midwest, SpartanNash

SpartanNash Unveils Refreshed ‘Family Fare’ Store In Holland, MI

SpartanNash says the new-look Family Fare store that recently reopened at 993 Butternut Drive in Holland, Michigan, will serve as a model for future chain renovations across the region. A modernized shopping destination, the refreshed Family Fare features enhanced fresh meal solutions, convenience-focused food selections, a beef jerky bar and nostalgic vintage candy station. “We’re thrilled […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash

1.5K Grocery Leaders Gather At SpartanNash’s Annual Food Solutions Expo

SpartanNash gathered more than 1,500 grocery suppliers and independent grocer customers at its annual two-day Food Solutions Expo July 23-25 at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event featured supplier and customer award ceremonies, retail discussion groups, educational sessions, exhibit booths with special deals and sampling and live auctions. SpartanNash’s Food Solutions […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, UNFI, Wholesaler/Distributor News

UNFI Report: Consumers Use App Coupons More Than Paper Circular

According to a new survey from United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) and Swiftly, 43 percent of grocery shoppers use digital coupons in-store via a smartphone app versus 23 percent who clip paper coupons. What’s more, nearly half of Americans (45 percent) report they rely on deals and promotions as part of their everyday grocery shopping […]

Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, SpartanNash, Wholesaler/Distributor News

SpartanNash Appoints Flur As Independent Board Director

Dorlisa Flur has joined SpartanNash’s board of directors as an independent director. Flur brings extensive experience in grocery distribution, retail, warehousing and logistics for multi-billion-dollar enterprises operating in public, private and private equity environments. Flur has served as an independent strategic advisor to the leadership of Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, since 2018. […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, CERTCO Inc., Executive News, Midwest

Certco Leadership Transitioning As Ryman’s Retirement Nears

Madison, Wisconsin-based Certco Inc. is continuing to evolve its leadership structure and board of directors in anticipation of EVP David Ryman’s retirement in September. Since his retirement announcement last fall, the company has implemented several strategic changes. Paul Frey, promoted to VP of sales and business development in October, assumed responsibility for the sales team. […]

Posted inProduce News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, Private Label Brands, Snacks Brands, Wholesaler/Distributor News

AWG Brands Expands Best Choice Produce Snacks

AWG Brands, the private brands portfolio of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., has launched its new Best Choice produce snack program. Designed to merchandise in grocers’ produce departments, the program offers a curated selection of 15 natural snacks. “We’re continuing to see growth in the category based on analytics from the AWG Partner Gateway […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest

US Foods Begins Partnership With Military Family Advisory Network

US Foods Holding Corp., a foodservice distributor based in Rosemont, Illinois, has begun a national partnership with the Military Family Advisory Network with a $250,000 monetary contribution. The collaboration is part of the company’s “Helping Communities Make It” program, which seeks to empower communities in need through hunger-relief, culinary education and disaster relief. This is […]

Posted inBravo Supermarkets, Northeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News

NY Yankees Foundation Honors Krasdale Foods

Krasdale Foods received the Champion of the Foundation award from the New York Yankees Foundation at its 44th annual homecoming dinner. This event honors one company each year, selected by the foundation’s board members. The New York Yankees Foundation hosted the dinner and award ceremony at the New York Hilton hotel in May, recognizing Krasdale Foods […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash

SpartanNash Foundation Fundraiser Supports Community Heroes

The SpartanNash Foundation will donate $260,000 to organizations whose missions closely align with its giving pillar of Heroes – including Convoy of Hope, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember – following its annual in-store fundraiser. “By contributing to this campaign, our community members and associates have helped provide vital services to military heroes, veterans, their families and those affected by disasters,” said Adrienne […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Executive News, The Kroger Co., U.R.M. Stores, West

Sprinkle To Retire As URM CEO, President In 2025

Ray Sprinkle, URM CEO and president, has announced he will retire from his position, effective July 2025. Sprinkle has been with URM Stores Inc. for 22 years and worked in the industry for more than 50 years. A graduate of Kansas State University, Sprinkle began his career in the grocery business working for companies such […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest

‘Top Employer’ SpartanNash Racking Up Recognition, Awards

SpartanNash is celebrating its 2024 recognition as a “top employer” after receiving multiple national workplace awards. The honors are rooted in an analysis of SpartanNash’s human resource practices, company culture analysis, independent feedback from  employees and criteria such as work flexibility, education and training, diversity and recognition. The awards include: Newsweek – Recognition based on an […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Laurel Grocery Co., Southeast

Several Employees Assume Expanded Roles At Laurel Grocery

Laurel Grocery Co. shared that four employees have been promoted to new positions with expanded responsibilities and that a fifth is joining the company as a buyer. The company said the moves will position it for the long-term future and for continued growth and advancement of all workers. [RELATED: Laurel Grocery Named Wholesaler Of The […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast

UNFI Showcases Solutions, Products At Winter, Holiday Shows

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) held its Winter and Holiday Selling Shows, showcasing a variety of new products and solutions for food retailers. The first two-day show, held June 4-6 in Uncasville, Connecticut, saw about 1,400 customers who visited more than 850 exhibitors, including more than 50 suppliers from the company’s New Product and Diverse […]

Posted inKeHE Distributors, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News

KeHE Preps For Upcoming Holiday Show In Chicago

KeHE Distributors will hold its 2024 Holiday Show from June 12-13 in Chicago, as well as virtually from June 10-21 on KeHE CONNECT.  The show will feature 800 exhibitors with more than 5,000 attendees, including industry leaders. KeHE’s retailer partners are invited to delve into a curated selection of products and brands to discover what […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast, UNFI, Wholesaler/Distributor News

UNFI Introduces Retail Media Network Powered By Swiftly

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has introduced its retail media network for independent and regional grocery retailers across the U.S. The UNFI Media Network, powered by Swiftly, a provider of retail technology, tools and solutions, is intended to bring retail technology solutions to UNFI’s network of more than 30,000 customer locations and about 11,000 brand […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Northeast, UNFI, Whole Foods

UNFI Extends Distribution Partnership With Whole Foods Market

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has extended its wholesale grocery distribution partnership with Whole Foods Market, an affiliate of Amazon.com, by entering into an extension of the current distribution agreement. The term of the extended distribution agreement between the parties will run through May 2032, replacing the prior agreement that was set to expire in […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Dairy News, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News

AWG Brands Unveils Elevated Ice Cream Portfolio

AWG Brands, the private label brands of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, has redeveloped its AWG Brands ice cream portfolio, including the addition of 12 flavors and sizes.  Recent research from AWG’s ice cream category review revealed that private brands are No. 1 in total U.S. dollar share, with nearly 20 percent in the […]

Posted inCenter Store, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News

AWG Brands’ Introduces New Paper Assortments, Sizes, Scents

AWG Brands, the private brands of Associated Wholesale Grocers, has launched a new paper program in two of its private brands, Best Choice and Always Save. With more than 20 products to help AWG member retailers compete in this competitive category, the new paper program provides a difference in the assortment and quality to all markets served. […]