The Shelby Report

In this week's edition of The Shelby Report Pick Six, we lead off in the Midwest with news that Fareway has moved to its new corporate headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. The company’s Boone complex continues to operate with more than 100 staff members on the wholesale/warehouse side of the operation. Moving to the Southwest, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores will open two new stores in the state in 2025. They are to be located in Conway and Fort Smith. Next, The Fresh Market recently opened two new stores in Massachusetts – in Mansfield and Framingham. Customers can find fresh, local and organic products and a variety of ready-to-eat meals. Heading to the Southeast, Houchens Food Group named company veterans to new leadership roles. Greg Rush has been tapped as president, and Craig Knies is serving as CMO and SVP of merchandising. Back to the Midwest, Foxtrot Café & Market reopened its fifth location in Chicago. The café features an expanded, all-day menu, and the retailer also has relaunched its app. Lastly, we return to the Northeast where Wakefern Food Corp. President Mike Stigers talks about leading the company. Wakefern has been named The Griffin Report of the Northeast’s 2024 Co-op of the Year. The Shelby Report Fareway Stores, Inc. Harps Food Stores, Inc. The Fresh Market Houchens Food Group Wakefern Food Corp. #FoxtrotCafeandMarket #ShelbyPickSix #grocery #foodindustry #independentgrocers #executivenews #executiveinterview

Jeanne Wilson, head of marketing, North America for Zespri International, shared the company’s success story at the recent Global Produce and Floral Show 2024 in Atlanta. The Shelby Report International Fresh Produce Association #grocery #foodindustry #produce #shelbyexclusive #kiwi #KiwiBrothers

Elias Johnson, Fareway's VP of corporate outreach and communications, talked to The Shelby Report about the retailer's recent move to its new headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. The Shelby Report Fareway Stores, Inc. #shelbyexclusive #executiveinterview #grocery #foodindustry #Independentgrocers #midwest #Iowa

Shelby Publishing is accepting nominations for its third annual Exceptional Independents Awards program, which honors the role independent grocers play in the industry. The Shelby Report #ExceptionalIndependentsAwards #grocery #foodindustry #independentgrocers IGA, INC. National Grocers Association

Incoming IFPA Chair Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter, outlined a new strategic plan during her address at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show. The Shelby Report International Fresh Produce Association Harris Teeter #produce #grocery #foodindustry #strategicplan #floral

Houchens Food Group has promoted Greg Rush to president and Craig Knies as CMO and SVP of merchandising. The Shelby Report Houchens Food Group #grocery #foodindustry #ExecutiveNews #promotion #Southeast #Kentucky Houchens Industries, Inc.

Wildfires have burned more than 810,000 acres in Wyoming thus far this year, and “towns are under duress,” according to Grier Bailey, executive director of the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, which also represents grocers. The Shelby Report Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association #shelbyexclusive #marketprofile #grocery #foodindustry #West #Wyoming Grier Bailey

Wakefern Food Corp. is The Griffin Report of the Northeast's 2024 Co-op of the Year. President Mike Stigers said he feels he was preparing for this role throughout his five-decade career in the grocery industry. The Shelby Report #shelbyexclusive Wakefern Food Corp. #cooperativeoftheyear #grocery #foodindustry #northeast #newjersey #executiveinterview

The grocery retail landscape in the western United States is as diverse and dynamic as the region itself. This diversity plays a crucial role in influencing food production, logistics and, ultimately, what ends up on grocery store shelves. Read more in our special report. The Shelby Report PDG Insights #shelbyexclusive #grocery #foodindustry #regionalgrocers #independentgrocers #West

In this week's edition of The Shelby Report Pick Six, we lead off with news of national impact, as Albertsons Cos. terminates its merger agreement with The Kroger Co. and files suit for breach of agreement. The move followed a Dec. 10 federal court ruling granting the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the merger. Moving south, Lakeland, Florida-based Publix honored 12 of its employees with the annual George W. Jenkins and Presidents awards. Next, Midwest regional retailer Meijer is expanding its home delivery area, effectively tripling its range. The extended zone will make the service available to about four million additional households. In coverage of the recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, we feature Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen sharing his insights on the dynamics shaping consumer behavior and his company’s strategic response. In the Southeast, we learn that North Carolina-based Food Lion President Meg Ham will be retiring in May. Parent company Ahold Delhaize USA credits Ham with helping drive Food Lion’s growth. Lastly, head to the Northeast where Cingari Family Markets deputed its renovated Shoprite in Brookfield, Connecticut. The store featured expanded grab-and-go meal options and eco-friendly features in a fresh, contemporary design. The Shelby Report Albertsons Companies Kroger Publix Super Markets Meijer Food Lion ShopRite #shelbypicksix #grocery #foodindustry #independentgrocers #West #Midwest #Southeast #Northeast #executivenews