Shelby Report of the Southeast October 2019

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Carolinas Market Profile

Bay Food Brokerage President Named Hispanic Grocer Finds Success Tampa BusinessWoman of the Year Cammie Chatterton, president of Bay Food Brokerage Inc. in Tampa, Across Cultures Florida, was named Tampa BusinessWoman of the Year.

by Treva Bennett/staff writer

Born and raised in the grocery business, Omar Jorge has followed in his family’s footsteps and now is a partner in Compare Foods and chairman of Aurora Grocery Group.

Compare Foods is a subsidiary of Aurora, which is an umbrella holding company. Each supermarket in the group is individually owned by an Aurora member.

Operating about 45 stores across the country, Compare Foods has 24 stores in North Carolina, with six in Charlotte.

Compare Foods opened its first store in 1989 and arrived in North Carolina in 2004, Omar Jorge, Jorge said.

Compare Foods “We specialize in Latino products and import a lot of products from Central and South America and the Caribbean,” he said.

Compare Foods’ strengths include its large produce and meat departments.

“We’ve worked really hard to establish a good reputation throughout the entire city with our fresh produce and our fresh meat departments,” Jorge said. “We’re getting a lot more than the Hispanic customer in those

Chatterton was chosen for the top award out of a field of 27 women selected by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. She received the award at a gala on Sept. 13 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. She also will be profiled in a special section in the Journal.

In 1992, Chatterton and Mark Woolever saw the brokerage industry shifting from the small independent food broker to the large national grocery food broker. They believed that their expertise and knowledge in the industry was the right combination to develop a focused approach to perishable and grocery sales and support. They founded their agency in 1993.

Chatterton now owns Bay Food Brokerage and has spearheaded its Cammie Chatterton growth into a firm that does business in seven states, with employees located in key areas throughout the region. Just this year, the company expanded its Grocery Division to include direct store delivery (DSD) specialists.

In addition to her role at Bay Food Brokerage, Chatterton also is a board member of the Grocery Manufacturers’ Representatives (GMR) in Tampa. For the past 65 years, the Florida GMR has had as its mission “to foster the interaction and development of grocery industry professionals.” To serve its 800-plus members, it holds retailer forums, raises money for scholarships aimed at students interested in a CPG career and works to grow the industry and its members.

Florida GMR spokesperson Linda Dyer, director of marketing for Demo Sales in Lakeland, Florida, said of Chatterton being named Tampa BusinessWoman of the Year, “This is a huge accomplishment, earned and well deserved, and also brings great awareness to the CPG industry.”

Please see page 6

Remodeled Walmart Supercenter in Georgia Is First to Include a Walmart Health Center Another slated to open in Georgia in early 2020

See the pullout insert

A remodeled Walmart Supercenter in Dallas, Georgia, that had its grand reopening Sept. 13 is the first of the retailer’s stores to feature a Walmart Health center, with more to follow.

Sean Slovenski, SVP and president of Walmart U.S. Health and Wellness, said, “This morning, we opened our first-ever Walmart Health center in Dallas, Georgia, working with partners to provide key services such as primary care, labs, X-ray and EKG, counseling, dental, optical, hearing and community health education, all at low, transparent Please see page 42

Shelby Report of the

Region Wise. Nationwide.

Southeast

October 2019 Volume 53, Issue 10

The intelligence you need to compete.

Founder : Gary G. Shelby (1940–2003)

Alliance Retail Group surpasses 1,000 stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . insert

The t Report ShelbySouthwes of the

Independent’s Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Market Profile: THE CAROLINAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Market Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MONTHLY FEATURE: Foodservice@Retail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Perishables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Regional News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC) Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Fareway Fast Forward Will Help Employees Pay Down Student Loan Debt

Grif The fin R Nor eport thea st of the

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Coborn’s Inc. is acquiring seven Hornbacher’s To subscr Fareway Stores will offer a benefit to stores in North Dakota. Matt Leiseth, full-time employpresiibe to ees to assist with paying down their dent of Hornbacher’s, will continue any of student loans beginleading the ning Jan. 1, 2019. The new program Hornbacher’s group of stores in our other referred to as Fareway his new role Fast Forward is intended to help alleviate with Coborn’s Inc. Leiseth will serve four on Coborn’s financial stress The public associated with the repayment of student leadership team, but will continue SVP Connec to work out of loans. ations ticut Eligible full-time employees may receive Fargo with his team so he can best and of non-pe , call Food support the up to $100 per other supply us at rishabl Associa month toward their student loans.

Hornbacher’s stores. of our Person The benefit will be administered by chain 888-49 e a third party and payments will be e to any directly to the student loan company “Matt wears the Hornbacher’s name trade procure tion (CFA) Expo of the 8-0771 made and applied to the principal balance on his relation ment, & ConvenYear To subscrib of the loan. honore “We are excited to provide this additional sleeve; he has a proven track record or visit Celebra For more mercha s for of taking benefit to our employees,” said Fareway d Tracy tion Cramer. “It will help reduce the financial impressive ownership in this brand theshe President/CEO Reynolds W. photos Center tion Oct. C&S Wholesndising stress of paying student loan debt and and ensurMoore, lbyrep as encourage employees to consider , market higher education who may not have in Uncasv 18 at from to lead ing he, and his people, are visible in Matt Leiseth systems. ale Grocer serving same meeting, are David Ganoung, previously due to its cost.” the Fargoort.com the event, the Moheg of store the right time Lidl ing The lifetime benefit for an employee ille, Connec Moorhead communities. We want At the Harps. They Thurow, VP at e and that to continue,” said Chris Coborn, is $5,000, or the equivalent of 50 months /subsc turn plans US announ ma by a person to an employeean Suns, at its participate in the program, an employee of payments. To be eligible to to page ticut. ribe and Mike the right business serve from will have chairman, president and CEO of Coborn’s Inc. “Matt will have the must have full-time status and complete ver Closur Earth New to acquire ced in of HR; support after becoming full-time. exactly 63. owner of our team, but we want him to continue a 45-day elimination period ,” said to readers -operated ed in Oklaho York 27 Best mid-No Ray, VP Collins was running the Hornbacher’s stores expand and New employee leadership ned and Buy, First-E Fareway Stores operates 122 store locations as he has done for the last eight years.

Is Honor 2018 brought has delved Market vember “Roger its family-owbusiness. Every of Roger’s new service It is the goal of Coborn’s Inc. to in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska A Super American d closures inSan Antonio, dH-E-B from a that market presenc Jersey. The banner operate the stores as they have been and South Dakota. delivery Digital per share.

Harps e in with the current employees they have in -operated future because $445 “Best stores it in deal to and unexpecte the Northe Great H-E-B Down and a its allows of on-deman Market Long Island. in Club. owned role grew under from $27 s Market lab for were some in retirement ast and Lidl to for and Sam’s its acquisition There have risen The company became 100 closely the area, has played better ” Albertson Grocers with enter and innovation and in Colorado of its stock Floy Harp. a buyout and Natural success with Best and we an enormo a Eskew. shares high-tech tech facility a “next generation and changes Oklahoma Market look forward usly in 2001, by Harvard ,” said be big completed Missouri, deep into upcoming are excited opened Kim Eskew the retail owned positive Johanne employ and there will Family tale of in 1930 SpartanNash, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based the companyin Arkansas, Favor on Long to expand s Fieber, ees to working employeetell the grocery wholesaler and food retailer, The UnitedCome January, , Arkansas, 2001 when became locations to acquire Martin’s Super Markets has signed an agreement helped Island team. ue. and CEO to build on until store alcohol. felt in South 90 company Bend, Springdale Indiana.

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The small into adding Food 2. NECC over the top 10 es and grocers 2018, decimating South Investmen Hispanic Please see page 22 publicat southwest Industry operates in mid1.yreport.c that Georgia, in some 17the in-store news on the UNFI om/subs the past year. in the brand region pharmacies, O Georgia Associatio other four Please n, sat downSprinkle’s stories finanprovided leaving massive Mexico emphasis primarily a pharmacy n at Saint Joseph acqui cribe town at s to getdeclares of our United see page Beach Washingto with an stores of Edison,shared in the water, some of Health destruction New and other ized bankr e to any Natural res Super food System al foods operated 63 in Mishawaka, 64 those Ron Johnston, located a Martin’s in Spokane, its acquisit Revere, England new life s, it uptcy 200 miles stories withand other needs in its path.

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(UNFI) Provide The neigh- by page many South Bend and a Side Door Café had never Shelby ’s s, began Report. time of Wafers, back husetts—a ionery president Terrie deal Supervalu experience 36 in Octobe to and Houstonand Fiesta Sprinkle comprises Publishing Merchant Ellerbee/ organic nce, Rhode first candy Co. in a at Elkhart General Hospital—and Mighty Skybar, 1847 Dallas URM Retail Ray Sprinkle, was Latina editor-Midw produc the shots, line compan (NECC Michael, d anything with Shelby 122 stores Island-b announdeal worth r final- the United Malts— Clark, and brands Bodega n. Today, still call of like employs approximately 3,500 ts distribu est and The Farm called y with O) in very November addition mainstr possible ced combined John West, according ased about closure wners announ Mary Spokane. formerly a corporatio , Arizona, to them eamSouthwesttor, have a UNFI, July 26. to Representa Bill passed people. For the fiscal year ended and Jane, includin origins acrossthe to expand owner office in Stores Inc., to form town’s grocery gained e’s member-o of its layoff of ced in March Sweeth g Necco a natural So, I listen tives on be identifie the West Foods of the his signature. in California U.S. channe together cooperativ July 29, 2018, Martin’s had more URM the manufa 395 ing its New Mexico of access items 10 my boss.

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IGA. and on Dec. but the custom with Nevada, and revenues Thanks see page Burns, Ultimat d by May cturingworkers that it was and therefore to a is alsoto 13.not than $450 million in net sales. ion of Supervalu its membersh now Minnea “We are excited to welcome Martin’s retailers than that, billion.

Please 11, 2018, Superva area was everyone in only er and full in should on President the work

by Cathy Conventio especially plant and the Super Markets to the SpartanNash facing polis-baer Texas 6. the independe baseand should Septemely, NECCO thanks tely $3 the consolidatgrowth, in addifamily,” said David Staples, president address, ip, retailers lu in agreed if a buyer potenti be of the a sharehold for four without power andthe House addressedFresh Summit Donald be a nt grocers the to sed Trump’s National final ber approxima half of the Industry following to seek more wner is fees on days. access bill benefic at its to Supervaexposur of and Ohio-b had the topics Sean says. could al Grocers to of the includes ial for boon than Montana— and Griffin, retailers Lacking members e and outbreaks member-o to shareho excludes to More n (PMA), her State ased to file Associatiolu desk ofaccepting not UNFI’sprovisions With relatedacquire was among “On behalf for its Please see page 34 “Each says. up new it will continue Idaho andindustry continues Superva says for compan a backup Ray Sprinkle generator detrimenta previou decade.

AssociatioFlorida. In “too many recalls n (NGA) to pick producwholesa lders and equipmthe SweethSpangle bankrup that ” he tee, final passage of the Food safety SNAP as the than a that is headn, Oregon, ed but or other which lu closely, has been able June 2017, sly l measures independe power beneficial and benefits. t lines. learecustom Marketing Orlando, ent earts r Candy tcy, and After y fell in more in Reporti and source of the Washingtofor its members committee head UNFI COO, such as include nt grocers Produce 18-20 in of URM to their and ers, towould buyingthrough after its Co. has experiencoutbreak products and beginning to Grocers territory— of the ng Bill Oct. on producing had s executiv AnneFarm bid to Necco across ship between to Griffin lose a numberthat serves imposingOhio, purchas the two. industrylargest E. coli and appreciate Expo, our promise e in our and services and Unified side of its theintegrat and some product, brands buy nation, said the We have as CEO brands, Damen the a place, of es from brands, west question confidenc he SNAP are former the whole ion Burns wecommit its programs federalandbill t,that future to providee an adjacen the work system. we put it in issue employees on the program,”the pack fired up applaud includingpublic loses they start to strengthen EVP-re Spangle support both The governmen evolving interview. addresses said NGA Mike the was in this year, Supervaof compan And the conference ) operatingtrue before in terms of pick, to the tail, s the - the “The expansion addition t 20-acre tion to fryers andsome gas stoves, r announ thePresident from the t and public-priv marketi and An update al room Superva Stigers, against important not need. food safetyagain in lu executiv and ies. Sweeth combin campus supermark a beat that we made that. each incident, of URM. our (computer issues and each a rotisserie change. ate partnerharmful on Jan. are excerpts it’s tried just do and CEOEVP-wh ng lu for wareho in ced it foron et operators ents ation growth. pit Insecurity earts we do busines Peter the news r, with and independe the state replacingto make sure have not missed processing es a stronge day prepared wind we .”

Bryan, Following the integrat 16, 2019, on lunch while olesale, and of private Larkin. commitm Nutrition we s nt grocers, use space, in the the operatio fees and to see g through we want Novemberecall of to date market r companNecco Dum-D “This d, but operation well-being the Farm ion efforts people. for board?

Incentive UNFI’s One of 250-275 cantly the increased including us up in the proceedin to go. But ns. wholegislation Wafers ums, will and anticipate critical. dy on the a major lettuce Bill contain (FINI) investor more Q: Bring We’re still have more will be the protectionbrands and will be y within In the than we and that’s minimal impact program. day.investment will candy through to get here, FINI funding NGA offered benefits , is everybo romaine before canes, present base, a catalystthe global make Sprinkle: have We our and still a little slower nity, Westrural commuin the as we work see page 34 but to Spangle language were especially ed Food of the employ to our campus in place customer system but Shown ing just Foods this year, confect your retailers for way to NGA and its independent only grocery Please pieces tested. It’s gone the ksgiv is the pleased supermarkthat would achieve ness,” ees and consum expansi growth members our existing Higdon in front of a ioneryr and again T h a n an E. coli direct isn’t it…For many refrigerate our shared . Our it’s well products to want to upgrade on said Grocery were engaged ets. It’s last year within store for Katie Higdon.

Spanglethe commuers, customwill have we due to been a signifiin Cairo, new d trailer goals.” first time, of ours; radius. a 20-mile and ship ip is that with Congress long road r Chairm nities Georgia, sent direct ers, a priority said outbreak. right the are driver to a Florida membersh supplier “It was every step It’s been Kevin an and where it done Burns disaster Mike Lorenz, safety a humbling s, CEO we do and rewarding to get are on board. the storm,McDaniel had center busiKirk Please from Ira Tiffany a food ent is It’s best ence,” members Vashaw co-workers he said his six stores affected see page experiTheriot Please West Yes, our employees 34 commitmfrom the and was certainly said. “…It

by Hurricane see page . of direc- the grocery , then told him Kroger at the needed board a challenge, Walgreens Donalsonv but supply Michael, not to 64 and interests, Once the store had experience our worry Market’s four in ille, entire communit store reopened, about have on generators expanded Farmers pursue other them, Georgia, Piggly Florida and persevered.” d minor y chain. they had belief two in of Sprouts Dec. 30 to damage. . McDaniel only one CFO, explorator the Georgia. on things Wiggly first “PMA’s of seven on’s a member said he y pilot asked covered.

29.

Following they Brad Lukow, registers arrived about the company” d Nov. officer, and organizati CEO and While announced their Florida in would Oct. 13, the city ne of an announce Maredia, away from a search October returning work, but is named.

Burns was devastated operating Amin Cathy with Kroger from Panamaby the fifth ased grocerand chief “transition the cornersto and certito assist t successor firm to conduct Express. , safety day, everything must be tors, will Arizona-b president a permanen search period of time City, Florida.

The must, she said. produce to be formally a safety was running within-a the Phoenix, Sprouts’ CEOs until storean executive role for He discovered turnkey to Amin County produce and culture,”finalizing a with details e, Jim Nielsen, of engagingin an advisory is that Seminole Kroger store—a had been of as co-interim our gratitude . “Over experienc character as anything the industry, “hit express Fortunatoto coast within will serve is in the processwill remain values, is in the process y for the in-storeof their value like to Walgreens Joseph the 231/I-10 I’d seen as bad a specificall his Sprouts CEO. Maredia PMA from coast I would Chairman — Go changed a key part months. best in e exit all south of features a curated program new south of said 33 us growth all the the way for its transition. of directors, fication in the comingfront, Amazon are certainly assortmen U.S. Highway Amin confidenc board see page to to Sprouts,” Many t our tremendo of the Please with the We wish has deep , driving unveiled retail store “fresh foods 20.”

2,300 employees service of of behalf everything “On has overseen success. the board initiatives years On the adding that had lost selected products , most CEO, Amin 34 many continued enced strategic said, had for his three years, footing for see page using some for a newcompany’s Burns damage experi- customer data Please homes, the the past us on a firm we search but insights to and The first Kroger offering.” . While executing Employeesthey were at their by provided Walgreens and put Express—a endeavors continue Kroger’s and brought had strungwork.

—now future and Brad to is open Kroger within lights Kentucky. 84.51° subsidiary. in a in Florence, in Jim a generator Cincinnati The remaining The first Kentucky. , Ohio Please 12 pilot concept The Kroger headquarte see page stores is operationa 34 in northern Maredia rs, Express Amin selection will be operationa Kentucky, l in Florence, will include near Kroger’s l in early 2019.

Home Chef meal kits, national Please

JANUARY

2019

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visit s Nov. 15, as Harp Him board meeting on president Down Eskew, eedsStores’ annual and Kim fully after retiring Steps w SuccHarps down, is Food Collins to Collins , Eske DuringCollins, chairman,to fillstepped elected his position. ; Frank 17 years. members were Roger was electedfor the past marketing Chairman board VP of and CEO, chairman three new ons, call

0771 or

us at 888-498-

four publicati

The Year

Feature: Produce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

President & Publisher Ron Johnston ron@shelbypublishing.com

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CONTENTS

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PMA CEO Burns Presciently States: We’ve Had ‘Too Many Recalls’ Food safety was among the topics addressed by Cathy Burns, CEO of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), at its Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, Oct. 18-20 in Orlando, Florida. In her State of the Industry address, Burns said the industry has experienced “too many recalls and outbreaks this year, including the largest E. coli outbreak in more than a decade. With each incident, the public loses confidence in our products and that is headwind we just do not need. And they start to question our promise to their well-being.”

The issue of food safety was in the news again in November, with a major recall of romaine lettuce just before Thanksgiving due to an E. coli outbreak.

Burns said a food safety commitment is needed from the entire supply chain.

Cathy Burns “PMA’s belief is that produce safety must, must be the cornerstone of an organization’s values, character and culture,” she said.

PMA is in the process of finalizing a turnkey produce safety and certification program specifically for the industry, with details to be formally unveiled in the coming months.

On the retail store front, Amazon Go changed the in-store experience, Burns said, adding that “fresh foods are certainly a key part of their value offering.”

Sprouts2018 End of

URM Continues Upgrading Operations, Adding New Members Ray Sprinkle, president and CEO of URM in Spokane, Washington, sat down in midNovember with Shelby Publishing’s president and publisher, Ron Johnston, at Sprinkle’s office in Spokane.

URM Stores Inc., formerly called United Retail Merchants, began in 1921 when five retailers banded together to form a corporation. Today, URM comprises many more retailers than that, but the cooperative’s member-owners still call the shots, Sprinkle says.

“Each member-owner is a shareholder and therefore my boss. So, I listen to them very closely,” he says.

URM has been able to pick up new members following the consolidation of Supervalu and Unified Grocers in June 2017, and it will continue to seek more growth, especially on the west side of its territory—Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana—in addition to evolving its programs and services for its members as the industry continues to change.

Following are excerpts from the interview.

Ray Sprinkle

Sprinkle: We’re still proceeding through replacing our (computer) operating system. We have a number of pieces in place and still have more to go. But we want to make sure it’s tried and true before we put it in place, that it’s well tested. It’s gone a little slower than we anticipated, but we have not missed a beat in terms of pick, pack and ship products to our existing customer base, and that’s critical. One of the commitments that we made to the membership is that we want to upgrade the system but have minimal impact in the operation while we do that.

It’s best to get it done right the first time, isn’t it…For your retailers, is everybody on board?

Yes, our members are on board. It’s been a priority of ours; last year and again this year, as we work through the Please see page 34

Sprouts CEO Maredia to Step Down at End of 2018

Please see page 33

Amin Maredia

Amin Maredia, CEO and a member of Sprouts Farmers Market’s board of directors, will “transition away from the company” on Dec. 30 to pursue other interests, the Phoenix, Arizona-based grocer announced Nov. 29.

Jim Nielsen, Sprouts’ president and chief operating officer, and Brad Lukow, CFO, will serve as co-interim CEOs until a permanent successor is named.

Sprouts is in the process of engaging an executive search firm to conduct a search for its new CEO. Maredia will remain in an advisory role for a period of time to assist with the transition.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to express our gratitude to Amin for his many years of service to Sprouts,” said Chairman Joseph Fortunato. “Over the past three years, Amin has overseen our tremendous growth from coast to coast and put us on a firm footing for continued success. We wish Amin all the best in his future endeavors. While we search for a new CEO, the board has deep confidence in Jim and Brad to continue executing the company’s strategic initiatives, driving Please see page 34

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MARCH 2018

Lowe’s Market in Texas Bags Marketer Award

The National Grocers Association (NGA) revealed the overall winners of its Creative Choice Awards in the Marketing and Merchandising categories during The NGA Show in Las Vegas in February. The “Outstanding Marketer” and “Outstanding Merchandiser” titles are the highest awards given in the Creative Choice Awards Brookshire Brothers has selected Rosie to contest. help it bring online shopping to its shoppers.

The competition The grocery company launched the Brookshire honors the best marketBrothers Anywhere Powered by Rosie at two ing and merchandising locations in its home market: Lufkin, Texas. The programs in the grocery service launched Feb. 19. industry that have “Our customers will enjoy the ease of shopincreased item or departping their favorite store whenever they want from ment sales, positively wherever they want,” said Brookshire Brothers impacted overall store President and CEO John Alston. “Brookshire sales or provided a unique John Alston Brothers Anywhere is on-demand shopping that benefit to the community. gives our customers the option of picking their groceries up curbside or More than 450 entries having our employee-owners deliver them to their door. The in-store were judged based on customer experience our shoppers are accustomed to is now theirs online. the criteria of creativity, We like to say our personal service always goes the extra mile.” clarity and effectiveness Once customers sign up to shop at BrookshireBrothers.com, they can by a panel of theshelbyreport.com industry use Rosie’s search engine to shop their hometownJANUARY store. They 2019 can navigate experts. by department, create custom grocery lists and use Rosie’s proprietary Marketer To subscribe to any of our other four publications, call us at 888-498-0771 or visit Outstanding theshelbyreport.com/subscribe recommended items feature based on their shopping habits. was awarded to Lowe’s Rosie’s platform enables customers to interact with their personal shopLittlefield, FarmMarket, Bill Includes Several Wins for pers. In addition to making notes about how green they want their bananas Texas, for its “What’s When Hurricane Michaelthey hit thelike Florida Panhandle Oct. 10, 2018, decimating Mexico Beach and of other Independent Grocers or how thick their steaks, customers can also make note substinearby towns, it didn’t stop there. It continued into South Georgia, leaving massive destruction in its path.

For Dinner” campaign,

by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Midwest and Southwest tutions. becomes a two-way in toan even When the skies had It cleared, local grocers in the region conversation provided water, foodresulting and other needs their neigh-more which was designed to bors. The Georgia Food Industry Association shared some of those stories with The Shelby Report.

Please see page 50The Farm Bill passed the U.S. Senate on Dec. 11, 2018, and the House of create a buzz in-store and The small southwest Georgia town of Edison, located 200 miles inland, had never experienced anything like on Dec. 13. It is now on President Donald Trump’s desk for Michael, according to Representatives increase sales. To drive John West, owner of the his signature. Thanks to the work of the National Grocers Association (NGA) the final bill includes provisions that are beneficial to sales, Lowe’s Market peritown’s West Foods IGA. and its membership, grocers and excludes detrimental measures such as imposing He said everyone in the independent odically released for accepting SNAPspecials benefits.

See our Equipment, Services & power fees on retailers area was without “On behalf the independent thatofincluded a fullgrocers mealacross of the nation, we applaud the four days. the Farm Bill and appreciate the work of the conference Technology featureforLacking a backup final passage freeofitems if the customer public-private partnergenerator or other committee on producing a bill that strengthens the purchased a specified Alison Castillo, Unilever; Rob Ybarra, Lowe’s Market; Dave Jones, Kellogg. power source and begin- ship between the federal government and supermarket operators in the on page 24 saidentrée NGA President meat” or item.and CEO Peter Larkin. “This legislation ning to lose product, he SNAP program, issues for independent grocers, including the protection and some employees addresses important Outstanding Merchandiser was awarded to Quincy County Market, Quincy, Illinois, for its entry “American fired up some gas stoves, against harmful processing fees and the increased investment in the Food Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Cupcakes. program. We ” were especially pleased Flag Made of 2,028 The County Market bakery department orchestrated the creation of the giant fryers and a rotisserie pit Insecurity Farm Bill contain NGA offered language that would direct signifiand each day prepared to see theAmerican flag and sold cupcakes for $1 each raising funds for a local Illinois veterans home. lunch for 250-275 cantly more FINI funding to independent supermarkets. It’s been a long road to get here, but NGA and its members were engaged withinnovators Congress every step “Independent grocers are the in the industry, implementing unique and original campaigns that people. to achieve shared goals.”national chains,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “NGA is proud to host the In the rural commu- of the way set themour apart from Please see page 34 nity, West Foods is the Creative Choice Awards contest to highlight and recognize the best marketing and merchandising campaigns in only grocery store for ‘Kroger industry.” Express’ in Walgreens many within a 20-mile Firstthe radius.

The contest, sponsored Kellogg’s and Unilever, featured 10 different categories with two winners for each, one “It was a humbling Opens in Kentucky entry from a 1-15 store operator and one entry from a store operator with 15 or more supermarkets. Marketing and rewarding experiKroger and ence,” West said. “…It Walgreens campaigns and merchandising events or promotions held between Dec. 1, 2016, and Dec. 1, 2017, were eligible have Shown in front of a refrigerated trailer sent to a Florida disaster center from Ira was certainly a challenge, expanded the Higdon Grocery in Cairo, Georgia, are driver Mike Lorenz, Tiffany Theriot and for this year’s contest. but our community

The

Shelby Report of the

Region Wise. nationWide.

Southeast

Local Grocers Offer Relief After Hurricane

Katie Higdon. persevered.”

Kevin McDaniel had six stores affected by Hurricane Michael, four in Florida and two in Georgia. Following the storm, he said his employees at the Donalsonville, Georgia, Piggly Wiggly first asked about their Florida co-workers, then told him not to worry about them, they had things covered. While the city was devastated, the grocery store had experienced minor damage.

Once the store reopened, only one of seven registers would work, but by the fifth day, everything was running on generators. McDaniel said he arrived Oct. 13, returning from Panama City, Florida. He discovered Seminole County had been “hit as bad as anything I’d seen south of the 231/I-10 exit all the way to south of U.S. Highway 20.”

Many employees had lost everything, most had experienced some damage to their homes, but they were at work.

Employees had strung lights and brought in a generator

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exploratory pilot they announced in October with Kroger Express.

The storewithin-a store—a Kroger within a Walgreens— features a curated assortment of 2,300 products selected using The first Kroger Express—a Kroger within a customer data and Walgreens—now is open in Florence, Kentucky. insights provided

by Kroger’s 84.51° subsidiary. The first concept is operational in Florence, Kentucky. The remaining 12 pilot stores in northern Kentucky, near Kroger’s Cincinnati, Ohio headquarters, will be operational in early 2019.

The Kroger Express selection will include Home Chef meal kits, national Please see page 34

Vice President, Southwest Jan Meade janmeade@shelbypublishing.com Vice President, Southeast Tom Bachmann tbachmann@shelbypublishing.com National Foodservice@Retail Director Penny Smith pennys@shelbypublishing.com

National Director of Digital Sales Dannielle Kent dkent@shelbypublishing.com Circulation Manager Genie Monaghan gmonaghan@shelbypublishing.com Circulation Assistant Elaine Blackmon eblackmon@shelbypublishing.com Editor-in-Chief Editor—Southeast and West Lorrie Griffith editor@shelbypublishing.com Editor—Midwest and Southwest Terrie Ellerbee tellerbee@shelbypublishing.com Staff Writer Treva Bennett tbennett@shelbypublishing.com

Controller Joy Breedlove admin@shelbypublishing.com Production Manager Edward McIlvain emcilvain@shelbypublishing.com Graphic Designer Elaine Brady ebrady@shelbypublishing.com Graphic Designer Matthew Walls mwalls@shelbypublishing.com

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4

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

YOUR REGIONAL NEWS

Unmatched Coverage

•••••••

ALABAMA

Trader Joe’s opened its new store in Miami Beach Aug. 27. The store is located at 1683 West Avenue.

The South Florida Business Journal noted that the store is on the ground floor of a five-story building that houses 23 apartments and a parking garage.

•••••••

The Shelby Report’s EVP Paul Hynson was on site for the Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. show at the Finley Center in Hoover in September.

•••••••

A new Publix opened Sept. 18 in Madison. The 48,387-s.f. store is located at 7129 Wall Triana Highway in The Shops at Pine Grove.

•••••••

According to WPDE, a new Save-A-Lot in Florence is expected to open this winter. The news outlet cited Tim Waters, who owns the store that is being built at the corner of Dargan and East Darlington Streets in north Florence. Waters said he has been working on building a store in Florence since 1999. He said 28 banks turned him down and there were “a lot of naysayers,” but he kept at it, getting educated about how to formulate a business plan and get financial backing, according to WPDE. Waters was able to secure $3.6 million in grants to open a SaveA-Lot through his company Elijah Craig LLC. He also got a $300,000 incentive package from the City of Florence. North Florence has been a food desert.

Waters said, “It’s going to mean that you don’t have to pay a $8-$9 taxi cab to get to a grocery store, and I’m not selling alcohol. I’m not selling lottery. And I’m not selling tobacco. So, I’m really going to be a healthy food store,” he said.

FLORIDA

Beloved convenience store operator Buc-ee’s broke ground Sept. 16 on its first store in Florida. The store is in Daytona Beach, reported the Daytona Beach News-Journal, which said the “mega gas station and supermarket-sized convenience store” will be the largest c-store in the state. The planned 120-fueling position gas station and 53,000-s.f. travel convenience center will sit on the northeast corner of the Interstate 95/LPGA Boulevard interchange. It is expected to open in early 2021, the News-Journal said, and will be Texas-based Buc-ee’s 40th store.

Buc-ee’s plans to break ground in St. Augustine this year as well.

•••••••

Key Food Stores Co-operative opened its 11th store in Florida on Aug. 22. The 45,000-s.f. Food Fair banner store is located at 7139 W. Broward Boulevard in Plantation.

Key Foods VP of Business Development John Durante said his company, which is based in Staten Island, New York, plans to open an additional 30 stores in Florida. The Food Fair in Plantation sells a variety of international products for the area’s multicultural community.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the Key Food family of supermarkets and serving the Plantation community,” said store owner Kent Tavera. “As we continue growing with Key Food, we plan to open additional locations in both Pembroke Pines and Miramar by the end of this year.”

Devoted Health, a Medicare Advantage plan, is partnering with Publix pharmacies to provide flu shots at a series of health fairs across the state of Florida. The events will cover more than 65 locations in eight counties and will run through the middle of October. The objective is to raise awareness of the importance of an annual flu shot, while also improving accessibility to the vaccine. Events will be held at medical centers, senior centers, community centers, parks, churches, apartment complexes and senior living communities.

According to CDC data, the U.S. had at least 531,000 flu-related hospitalizations and upwards of 61,200 flu-related deaths last year. Healthcare experts also are wary of the upcoming season.

•••••••

made its first purchase in Kentucky—Oakbrook Town Center shopping center in Florence. It paid $2.8 million for the 21,000-s.f. shopping center at 7500 Oakbrook Drive. Center tenants include Village Market, Bourbon House Pizza, Full Body Yoga, Wert Music and Holler Hops Bar and Grill.

“We started looking closely at the Cincinnati and Kentucky markets earlier this year, and this was a great first acquisition for us,” said Tom Hahn, president of PGP. “The blend of internet-resistant retailers and a great location in a highly populated area made it very attractive. The massive Amazon Global Hub being constructed nearby is also exciting.”

LOUISIANA Food labeling restrictions will go into effect this time next year in Louisiana, in the form of a state law passed earlier this year that will keep veggie products from being called meat, non-rice products from being described as rice, and sugar alternatives from being marketed as sugar. An article in the Boston Globe said Louisiana’s agriculture commissioner will enforce the law, which allows for civil penalties of up to $500 per day for violations.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed the food labeling restrictions into law in June.

NORTH CAROLINA

A new Trader Joe’s will open at 3721 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro. An opening date has not been set.

•••••••

BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open a new location in Pensacola in 2020. The club will feature a BJ’s Gas station as well.

The Pensacola store will be the Westborough, Massachusettsb a s e d co m p a ny ’s 33rd location in Florida. The club The BJ’s in Clearwater, Florida. is expected to bring about 140 jobs to the market.

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Salisbury-based Food Lion will offer a paid parental leave benefit to all fulltime associates. With this benefit, associates of any gender may take six weeks of paid parental leave within the first 12 months of a child’s birth, adoption or other legal, custodial placement. The benefit will be available to all full-time Food Lion associates with at least one year of continuous service with the company as of the date their child is born, adopted or placed with an associates’ family or the date the placement was finalized.

Publix plans a Sept. 26 opening for its new store in Palmetto. The 48,387-s.f. store in Gateway Commons is at 9520 Buffalo Road.

Greenville-based fuel and convenience retailer Spinx is ranked 12th on the list of Best Places to Work in South Carolina. Spinx operates more than 82 locations, 45 car washes and has 1,400 associates statewide. It was recognized in the large company category in the 14th annual program, which was created by SC Biz News in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

Spinx had a recordbreaking 96 percent response rate from its teammates for the survey-based awards program.

“I am absolutely thrilled that we have been recognized within the top 15 places to work in South Carolina,” said Stewart Spinks, founder and board chair of The Spinx Co. “With such an incredible response rate of 96 percent, I am honored that our teammates and the local community took the time to share their sentiments about the incredible work culture we’ve been building in recent years. It is a true testament to the outstanding people we have here at Spinx, and we look forward to continuing the momentum into the future.”

•••••••

GEORGIA

The Food City in LaFayette in September celebrated the completion of a “significant expansion and remodel,” which added more than 8,000 s.f. to the store for a new total of more than 41,100 s.f. The project also created several new jobs for the area, according to the Abingdon, Virginia-based grocer.

“Our customers will find the same smiling faces, top quality products, exceptional customer service and competitive pricing they have come to expect from Food City, along with some exciting new services and conveniences,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and CEO. Store manager is Calvin Gilreath.

•••••••

WMAZ 13 reported Sept. 7 that a new grocery store will be opening in Fort Valley. Since Harveys closed in the summer of 2018, the town’s only supermarket has been Food Depot. Dave Rowell and Jay Patel plan to open a new store called Valley Fresh Market where the Harveys used to be. Their goal is to offer a full complement of grocery items at competitive prices as well as a deli featuring “meat-and-three” type meals. Rowell and Patel hope to have the store open by the end of the year, according to WMAZ.

KENTUCKY Prudent Growth Partners, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based private equity real estate firm, has

SOUTH CAROLINA

•••••••

Lidl was expected to open its first store in Richland County, in Columbia, in September, according to The State. It is located at 1401 Summit Parkway near Ridgeview High School and Rice Creek Elementary School, the paper said.

TENNESSEE

Oct. 2 is opening day for a new Publix in Nashville.

The Capitol View store at 1010 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is 27,495 s.f.

•••••••

A new Trader Joe’s is planned for the Belle Mead area of Nashville. It will open at 90 White Bridge Road at a time yet to be determined.

•••••••

Goodlettsville-based Dollar General Corp. has named Jeffery C. Owen COO and Steven G. Sunderland EVP of store operations, effective Aug. 27.

Owen, who first joined the company in 1992 as a store manager, is responsible for store operations, merchandising and supply chain. In 2015 he returned to Dollar General to serve as EVP of store operations overseeing nearly 16,000 stores in 44 states as well as the real estate and new store development functions. Since that time, Dollar Jeff Owen General has added more than 3,500 stores and increased sales by more than 35 percent.

Sunderland, who took over Owen’s former responsibilities, joined Dollar General in September 2014 as SVP of store operations, overseeing stores Steve Sunderland predominantly in the southern half of the country. Sunderland began his career in 1987 with Sears as a store manager. His final role there was VP of strategic operations.

•••••••

On Sept. 9, Memphis-based Fred’s announced that it has filed for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company also filed a motion seeking interim and final approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to enter into a proposed debtorin-possession financing agreement with certain of the company’s existing lenders, which would provide for up to $35 million in new funding.

Liquidation sales immediately got underway at all of Fred’s retail locations, which are expected to close over the next 60 days. It continues to pursue the sale of its pharmacies as part of the court-supervised proceedings.

“Despite our team’s best efforts, we were not able to avoid this outcome,” said Joe Anto, CEO of Fred’s.

“I want to thank all of our employees for their hard work and continued support of the company as we wind down our operations.”

WEST VIRGINIA On Aug. 21, more than 340 teachers across West Virginia received a back-to-school surprise as Walmart funded all of their classroom requests on the education crowdfunding platform DonorsChoose.org. The donation totaled more than $260,000 and supported requests for items including books, classroom supplies such as notebooks and organizational tools, technology, robotics kits and art supplies.

“All of us at Walmart want to give back to teachers who selflessly give their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of our children,” says Tina Rodriguez, Walmart regional GM for West Virginia.

“Today, we are proud to support DonorsChoose.org and provide West Virginia teachers with the supplies they need to help all children succeed.”

Correction: In Regional News in the September issue, the new president of Kroger Nashville, Sonya Hostetler, was incorrectly identified as Tonya Hostetler. We apologize for the error.

Column The Independent’s by

Greg Ferrara President and CEO, National Grocers Association

Grateful for Past Experiences and the Opportunity to Lead Fourteen years ago, Hurricane Katrina’s destructive winds and the levee failures that followed would alter my career and end my family’s 99-year run as independent grocers in New Orleans. But when one door closes, another opens, and I was fortunate when, in 2005, NGA took a chance on a young grocer from New Orleans to join its government relations team to help advocate for the industry that runs through my blood.

Fast-forward to the present time, as I take the helm of NGA as the organization’s new president and CEO, I’m grateful for the experiences that I had growing up working in, and ultimately running, my family’s supermarket, as well as my time working at Associated Grocers Baton Rouge. Those experiences and my nearly 13 years at NGA have prepared me well to

The pre-flood Ferrara Supermarket.

The Shelby Report of the Southeast • OCTOBER 2019

5

lead this institution that is so vitally important to the continued success of the independent supermarket industry. I’m grateful to the NGA Board of Directors for the opportunity to lead NGA into the future.

I believe in the power of local businesses and especially the local grocer. Our great country was founded on the bedrock of local businesses who helped establish communities across this new nation and throughout the years have been the backbone of communities supporting food banks, Little League, Scouts, churches and so much more. Independent grocers remain at the core of local communities and I believe are key to the stability and long-term success.

Nearly 40 years ago, NGA was formed to be the voice of the independent supermarket industry. Today, we are as strong as we have ever been, representing more than 1,500 companies that encompass more than 8,000 storefronts located from Maine to Alaska to Puerto Rico.

NGA is strong because of our membership and their support. As I’ve told the team here at NGA so often, we are a member-driven organization and we exist to serve our membership.

Simply put, without our members, we don’t exist.

I’m grateful for Peter Larkin’s leadership, as he is leaving NGA in a very strong position. We are going to build upon the successful foundation that Peter has helped lay, including working to enhance our influence in Washington and grow resources for our members so that they can focus on their business and serving the community.

If you aren’t currently a member of NGA, I would humbly ask that you go to nationalgrocers.org/membership and take a look at the benefit that your company will see by being part of the NGA family. As independents, large and small, it’s important that you have a strong organization looking at for your best interests. Thank you to the owners and associates from the 1,500-plus companies who have invested in NGA. We look forward to continuing to serve you and support your businesses.

After Katrina.

6

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

Carolinas Market Profile

Grocery Retailers Seeing ‘Tremendous Growth’ in Carolinas

by Treva Bennett/staff writer

Lindsey Kueffner

The economies of North and South Carolina have seen sustained growth over the past several years, and both states have seen increases in population, as well. Lindsey Keuffner, executive director of the Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC), said the “tremendous growth” in the two states may be seen particularly in urban and suburban areas.

“North Carolina is now ranked the ninth most populated state, and the combined population of both Carolinas is about 15.6 million people,” Keuffner said. “If you were to count it as one state, it would be the fifth largest in the country, just behind New York state.”

The growth is good news for the states’ businesses and has captured the attention of grocery retailers both inside and outside of the

Carolinas.

“There’s the traditional Carolinas-based retailers, they continue to open new stores and remodel and expand existing stores,” Keuffner said. “There are a number of new competitors in the marketplace. They’re really shaking things up and trying to attract the new shoppers that have moved here and haven’t yet developed a store preference. That kind of growth in the grocery industry has really driven innovation and creativity in the marketplace, and it also helps keep retail prices low so, ultimately, it’s a win for the consumer.”

While chain grocers are established in the Carolinas, independent grocers remain strong.

This is due in large part to the connection and history the independents have with their customers and their communities, Kueffner said.

“There are numerous independents that are really thriving right now. It’s really great to see,” she said. “It’s not an easy industry to be in. You take a hit like a hurricane and compound it with some regulatory or legislative issues that you’ve got to contend with, or something that goes wrong in your store—it’s not an industry that’s for the faint of heart, certainly. There’s a really good contingent of independent grocers throughout the states.”

Strong economies often mean low unemployment and that has impacted all aspects of the retail grocery supply chain. “From dock workers receiving imports to truck drivers transporting goods, to warehouse workers all the way to front-end employees, it’s definitely been a challenge for employers across the board with unemployment rates being as low as they are,” Kueffner said. “The economy is doing well, so that’s a good thing. This is one of the drawbacks.”

Fresh, local are common trends

Trends in the Carolinas are pretty much the same as those in different parts of the country.

Kueffner attributes that to social media making the world seem “so much smaller in so many ways.” Fresh, local, healthy eating are national trends, she said, adding that the frozen aisle has made a big come back.

The Carolinas have a great growing climate for produce, which gives grocers a lot of options for local fruits and vegetables. The states’ biggest agricultural commodities are sweet potatoes, poultry, eggs, pork, corn and soybeans. Kueffner said both retailers and customers benefit “from superb partners” in both the North and South Carolina departments of agriculture.

“Retailers who are looking to be connected to local farmers really ought to talk to the partners at the North and South Carolina departments of agriculture because they’re really well Please see page 42

From page 1

areas. I think a lot of our growth is expanding to more traditional customers, to the American customers, who realize that there’s value and freshness and quality in our produce and our meat departments. That’s where a lot of our growth has been.”

Compare Foods’ prepared foods also is an area of growth. Jorge said as people watch cooking shows featuring different spices and different recipes from various cultures, Compare Foods is where Charlotte customers can go to find those ingredients.

“I think that the desire to experience more international flavors or cuisines or dishes is also fueling a lot of our growth,” he said.

Compare Foods offers both full meals and grab-and-go items. The stores have full buffet-style restaurants where customers can get breakfast, lunch or dinner. They also have packaged meals that customers can grab to take home.

Meal kits are not available at this time, but they are something the company is exploring, Jorge said.

“I don’t think that the scale or the volume is there yet to make that investment,” he said. “Our customer base already cooks at home every day. Culturally, that’s what the tradition is. We’re trying to see if we can do something with meal kits that will work for our customers, and we’re having trouble finding what that solution is going to be.”

Technology has its place

Compare Foods offers online shopping with either in-store pickup or delivery. Jorge said while the number of online shoppers is small, those shoppers are dedicated.

“The ones that use it, use it very consistently,” he said. “It’s a small but very dedicated and loyal following for online.”

He said the company is investing more into online shopping to try and grow that channel and is looking at what it can do to provide a better online service.

“That’s where we’re making that investment in technology and the website to see if that’s where the issue is, and that way we can get some acceleration with our web ordering,” Jorge said.

While technology is needed to facilitate online shoppers, Jorge said Compare Foods still focuses on personal contact and has stayed away from self-checkouts and frictionless point of sale.

“One of the things that we pride ourselves on is our employees having a relationship with our customers,” he said. “We feel that it’s important for our customers to feel like they have a relationship or that they have trust with our employees. The community aspect of shopping in our supermarket is very important.”

Economy, population growing

With an influx of population and construction, Jorge said the growth in Charlotte “is really spectacular.” He said that growth is reflected in the stores’ sales, with more customers coming in to shop.

Another part of Compare Foods’ growth is the outreach it is doing through social media to attract non-Hispanic shoppers. The company is explaining its value in terms of the variety of products its stores carry that shoppers won’t find in traditional supermarkets and its large selection of produce and meats.

A successful tool to reach potential shoppers is videos posted on Facebook and Instagram. Jorge said they have come up with a product of the month program where they take a rare product they sell that most people may not have heard of and feature that product in a video series.

“We teach where the product comes from, what it’s used for, what are the nutritional components of it, and we have our in-house chef do a couple of different recipes with it so you know how

to cook it and use it at home,” Jorge said.

“When we do these videos, we see the sales on the product spike for the month, which means that people are responding to it. They’re seeing it online, it’s catching their attention and it’s actually being converted in the store with people buying that product that maybe they hadn’t heard of before.”

The feedback on the videos has been “overwhelmingly” positive, Jorge said, adding that a recent video featured chipotle peppers. Compare Foods’ chef shared some back-to-school recipes

featuring chipotle peppers.

“People who were trying it at home were sending us comments about how easy it was and how much their kids loved it,” he said. “It was exactly what we were going for with the concept.

It’s working really well.”

Labor issues

A less positive side effect of the growth in the Charlotte area is a shortage of labor. Jorge said signs proclaiming, “We’re Hiring” and “Open Interviews” may be seen throughout the city, making it difficult to recruit employees for the grocery stores. However, he said Compare Foods is looking for a certain employee, who will “really believe in what our store is about, being open to different cultures, ethnicities, languages and flavors and foods.”

To create the connection between employee and customer, the employees must do their homework in learning about the store and their jobs.

“They are not just there stocking shelves, they’re actually learning about these products and understanding how they’re used and being able to help customers when they have questions about it. It’s extremely difficult right now to hire people who are willing to put that type of effort into what we request from them to do the job well. But we’re doing our best; the stores are still up and running,” Jorge said.

While the company has high expectations for its employees, it also rewards those who put in the work and thrive in the culture. Compare Foods has many employees who have been with the company for several years.

“Retention is a big thing for us,” Jorge said. “If we realize you have potential and are doing well, we pick up on that. We don’t let that go to waste. We make sure we let that person know we’re going to start training them for a new position so they can grow within the company and help their family more than what they are now, by having a higher income.”

Future expansion planned

Compare Foods is remodeling some of its stores and is looking to open stores in new locations. One of the partners just opened a new store in Spring Lake, near Fayetteville. Jorge said the company is looking at other opportunities, but “none that are ready to be talked about in public.”

The future looks bright for Compare Foods and Jorge is using his knowledge of the industry to add to its success. From his childhood of helping around the store where his parents worked to being an owner today, he has come a long way.

Moving to Charlotte in 2009 to take over his family’s store, he has grown his share of the company. As some of his older relatives have retired, he has bought out their stores and continues to operate them.

“That’s been my trajectory,” he said.

8

The Shelby Report of the Southeast • OCTOBER 2019

MarketShares

LOUISIANA/MS/AL

ALABAMA/FL/GA/MS

(New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, Gulfport, Mobile)

COMPANY WALMART AWG* ROUSES

(Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Pensacola, Panama City, Columbus, Meridian)

# OF STORES % MARKET 119 43.2 146 17.2

SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS ASSOCIATED GROCERS* ALBERTSONS/SAFEWAY BROOKSHIRE GROCERY CO. WHOLE FOODS MARKET SAVE-A-LOT UNFI* PUBLIX SUPER TARGET AUTRY GREER & SONS PIGGLY WIGGLY ALABAMA* ACV = $9.83 BILLION

63 12.4

62 8.9 121 8.7 14 3.7 18 3.0 7 2.0 20 1.9 27 1.9 7 1.6 4 1.3 20 1.2 15 1.2

NC/SC/VA/WV

(Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke, VA Beach, Charleston) COMPANY WALMART FOOD LION HARRIS TEETER KROGER MDI* LOWES FOODS

# OF STORES % MARKET 309 29.9 767 24.0 166 10.6 92 7.2 272 5.9 86

2.8

PUBLIX 31 4.9 SUPER TARGET 14 4.5 INGLES 96 4.0 UNFI* 107 3.6 C&S* 74 3.5 SPARTANNASH* 93 2.8 COSTCO 2 2.7 ALDI 86 1.7 ACV = $34.57 BILLION

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET WALMART 152 40.6 PUBLIX 87 15.0 SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS (C&S) 79 10.2 PIGGLY WIGGLY ALABAMA* 112 5.9 UNFI* 51 4.4 MITCHELL GROCERY* 82 4.2 KROGER 17 3.8 AWG* 78 3.4 SUPER TARGET 6 3.2 AG OF THE SOUTH* 55 2.1 ALDI 25 1.9 JTM CORP. (PIGGLY WIGGLY) 19 1.5 SAVE-A-LOT 31 1.3 TRADER JOE’S 1 0.8 ACV = $12.20 BILLION

SOUTH FLORIDA

(Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET PUBLIX 254 48.0 WALMART 66 18.4 SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS 84 10.7 UNFI* 130 9.2 SUPER TARGET 30 4.7 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 15 3.3 SEDANO’S 31 3.0 ALDI 28 2.1 SOUTHEAST WHOLESALE* 27 2.1 PRESIDENTE 27 1.5 TRADER JOE’S 8 1.4 THE FRESH MARKET 16 1.1 ACV = $14.12 BILLION

Market shares are for chains, independents and/or the wholesalers (voluntary or cooperative) which supply them within each region’s distribution area, extending well beyond typical metros or CBSAs. Thus, percentages may total >100% in some markets. Each market is defined by the sphere of distribution, not by a rigid geographic boundary.

All markets are “labeled” or identified by their primary state (with metros or key cities). Percentages are estimates based on annualized sales, industry data, institutional research and store footprints. Shares are updated as market metrics dictate and retailers supply their store lists.† Please see all our regional editions (Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West) for markets in your operating area.

*denotes Wholesaler †Retailers send updated store list to shares@shelbypublishing.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA

KENTUCKY/IN/TN

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET PUBLIX 398 42.0 WALMART 173 30.0 SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS 179 11.0 UNFI* 93 3.0 ALDI 58 2.9 SUPER TARGET 23 2.8 SAVE-A-LOT 93 2.1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 8 1.0 TRADER JOE’S 6 0.8 ACV = $22.46 BILLION

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET KROGER 89 44.8 WALMART 57 30.2 SAVE-A-LOT 76 5.9 MEIJER 9 4.4 HOUCHENS 51 3.8 AWG* 38 3.1 LAUREL GROCERY* 28 1.8 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 2 1.7 FOOD CITY 7 1.4 ALDI 13 1.3 ACV = $6.42 BILLION

WEST TN/AR/MS/LA

NORTH FL/SOUTH GA

(Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Port St. Lucie)

(Louisville, Lexington)

(Memphis, Little Rock, Jackson, Monroe)

(Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Tallahassee, Albany, Brunswick)

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET WALMART 173 44.9 KROGER 101 24.6 AWG* 284 14.0 UNFI* 86 4.8 SUPER TARGET 7 3.1 BROOKSHIRE GROCERY CO. 25 2.7 ALDI 15 2.4 SAVE-A-LOT 55 2.0 HARPS 24 1.4 PIGGLY WIGGLY ALABAMA* 30 1.1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 4 1.1 STEPHERSON’S 7 0.9 TRIPLE V 13 0.9 ACV = $12.29 BILLION

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET WALMART 84 31.7 PUBLIX 112 28.9 SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS 133 21.9 COSTCO 2 4.4 UNFI* 21 2.5 SAVE-A-LOT 32 1.6 TRADER JOE’S 3 1.4 SUPER TARGET 5 1.2 KROGER 4 1.1 PIGGLY WIGGLY ALABAMA* 14 1.1 ROWE’S 5 1.1 IRA HIGDON* 25 0.9 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 2 0.8 ACV = $9.41 BILLION

S. CAROLINA/EAST GA (Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, Conway, Augusta, Savannah)

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET WALMART 107 32.2 C&S* 166 19.8 SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS 120 13.8 PUBLIX 60 11.5 FOOD LION 110 9.4 KROGER 26 7.1 HARRIS TEETER 20 3.7 UNFI* 18 3.4 W. LEE FLOWERS* 65 3.3 INGLES 21 1.9 MDI* 30 1.8 ALDI 23 1.5 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 6 1.5 ACV = $10.99 BILLION

MID & EAST TN/KY/VA/GA (Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga)

COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET WALMART 138 36.9 KROGER 99 21.0 FOOD CITY 118 13.6 PUBLIX 39 5.8 AWG* 138 4.9 HOUCHENS 133 4.4 SAVE-A-LOT 97 2.9 FOOD LION 41 2.4 INGLES 29 2.4 ALDI 37 1.7 UNFI* 9 1.2 MITCHELL GROCERY* 37 1.1 C&S* 10 1.0 MDI* 26 1.0 ACV = $13.50 BILLION

GEORGIA

(Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Rome) COMPANY # OF STORES % MARKET KROGER 151 30.5 WALMART 105 23.0 PUBLIX 156 22.0 UNFI* 77 6.1 COSTCO 10 5.4 INGLES 53 4.0 SUPER TARGET 26 3.5 FOOD DEPOT 34 2.5 ALDI 50 2.3 MDI* 26 2.0 WHOLE FOODS MARKET 9 1.8 SPROUTS 13 1.4 TRADER JOE’S 7 1.2 PIGGLY WIGGLY* 10 0.8 WAYFIELD 8 0.5 ACV = $13.97 BILLION

Stay on top of market share changes by subscribing to The Shelby Report or purchasing the Market Shares only for a nominal fee. Contact Circulation by email at circulation@shelbypublishing.com or call 888-498-0771

Please see all our regional editions (Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West) for markets in your operating area. *denotes Wholesaler

feature

P R ODU C E

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OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

Wish Farms Debuts New Tagline: ‘Generations of Sweetness’ Wish Farms, a Plant City, Florida-based grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, has unveiled its new tagline: Generations of Sweetness.

“These three words perfectly meld our company’s tradition of family and mission to provide the best tasting berries. Additionally, it resonates with consumers, as parents and grandparents share the love of berries with their children and grandchildren,” said Amber Maloney, director of marketing.

The tagline update coincides with Wish Farms’ groundbreaking for its new three-story, 24,000-s.f. office for its expanding operations. Construction of the 130,000-s.f. warehouse and cooling facility is scheduled for completion in January 2020. Third- and fourth-generation family members were all in attendance commemorating the memorable groundbreaking event.

The tagline’s flexibility was a determining factor in its selection. Maloney expects it to be a “nice marketing tool” and sees it being utilized in a variety of ways: “That last word can be swapped out for almost anything we are trying to highlight—flavor, quality, family, community, giving, etc.”

Nick Wishnatzki, marketing project manager, added, “Along with my sister Elizabeth and our spouses, James Peterson and Stephen Cramer, we are proud to work for our family business and carry on its rich legacy. This is an exciting moment for everyone at Wish Farms; we are all looking forward to a bright future.”

The office is due to be occupied by staff in September 2020. Among other things, it will feature an indoor grove of trees, an adult-sized slide, a treehouse conference room and employee gym.

Third-generation owner Gary Wishnatzki started working as a dock hand for his father and uncle in 1974. “When my Amber Maloney, director of grandfather Harris arrived at Ellis Island from Russia in 1904, marketing for Wish Farms.

he could never have imagined what his American dream would become 115 years later. It brings me great pride to know that my children and their families will continue carrying the torch.”

Wish Farms grows both conventional and organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries and distributes them internationally. It utilizes How’s My Picking?, a patented tool for traceability to Third-generation ensure quality by tying consumer feedback to specific owner Gary Wishnatzki. information from each day’s harvest.

Members of the Wishnatzki family break ground on a new office building for Wish Farms’ expanding operations.

Marketing Project Manager Nick Wishnatzki.

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PRODUCE

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

Kroger to Take Longer‑Lasting Apeel Produce Coast to Coast Apeel’s longer-lasting avocados will be available in more than 1,100 Kroger stores in the U.S., the companies announced in mid-September.

Kroger also will introduce two new produce categories—Apeel asparagus and Apeel limes— through a pilot in its Cincinnati market this fall.

“Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger/Zero Waste vision,” said Frank Romero, Kroger’s VP of produce. “Apeel’s innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores and in our customers’ homes.”

“Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the food waste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day,” said James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences, whose plant-derived technology helps USDA Organic Certified and conventional fresh food growers, suppliers and retailers improve produce quality and extend shelf life, which minimizes food waste from the farm to the retail shelf to the consumer’s home.

Kroger conducted a pilot test of Apeel avocados a year ago in 109 Midwest stores that significantly reduced category food waste. Apeel avocados, asparagus and limes maintain their just-harvested quality longer than produce without Apeel and are less reliant on refrigeration,

reducing food waste and extending customers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the company says.

Apeel’s partnership with Kroger is expected to prevent millions of pieces of produce from ending up in a landfill every year. They expect millions of avocados to be “rescued” from going to waste; dozens of acres of farmland to be preserved; emission reductions of thousands of metric tons in greenhouse gases; more than a billion gallons of water use savings; and 100,000plus GJ of non-renewable energy reductions.

Shuman Farms Unveils New Organic Line Packaging Shuman Farms, the Reidsville, Georgia-based year-round producer and shipper of Vidalia and Peruvian sweet onions, recently debuted changes to the look, feel and sustainability of its organic packaging.

Through the use of a different netting and thinner film, plastic in the new consumer bags will be reduced by 38 percent while maintaining the structural integrity of packaging.

“The revamp of our organic packaging is just the beginning of an overall initiative to increase sustainability across all of our RealSweet brand products,” said John Shuman, president Shuman Farms. “Innovative marketing is a part of our core values, and we believe that innovation should lead to more sustainable offerings at retail following trends of consumer and retailer demand.”

The goal of this new initiative is to reduce plastic usage, educate consumers on the recyclability of onion packaging and address shopper concerns about food waste in America. Like the rest of the RealSweet brand line of consumer bags, the redesigned organic packaging reduces shrink by design, allowing good airflow around the onions to keep them fresh.

In addition to shopper feedback, the focus of educating consumers on reducing food waste also stems from Shuman Farms’ partnership with Feeding America, which reports that 40 percent of food in America goes to waste, yet one in eight struggles with hunger.

The new package was unveiled at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations Organics & Food Service show in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 12-14.

Fresh Express Introduces New Gourmet Kits Salad Bowls Fresh Express is launching Gourmet Kits Salad Bowls, inspired by entrée salads from restaurants.

Rollout to retailers in the midAtlantic, Northeast, Central and Southern regions started Sept. 18; SRP $4.99.

The six varieties are: • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, featuring parmesan herb grilled chicken breast meat, crispy garlic pita chips, shredded parmesan cheese, slivered almonds, carrots and grape tomatoes on a bed of kale and romaine lettuce; with Greek Caesar dressing.

• Pearl Mozzarella Caprese, with pearl mozzarella cheese, diced prosciutto and grape tomatoes on a spring mix lettuce blend; with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

• Buffalo Chicken, featuring a Buffalo marinated grilled chicken breast on a fresh spring mix blend, garnished with red pepper crisps, crumbled blue cheese and sea salt multigrain crackers; with Bacon Buffalo Ranch dressing.

• Chimichurri Grilled Chicken, with red cabbage, queso fresco

The Shelby Report of the Southeast • OCTOBER 2019

Grapefruit Grown in Louisiana Sets New World Record Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, in late August presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Guinness Book of World Records to the new title holder of the largest and heaviest grapefruit in the world. Mary Beth and Doug Meyer of Slidell, in St. Tammany Parish, grew a 7-lb., 14.64-oz. grapefruit. It beat the old record—a 7-lb., 1-oz. grapefruit measuring 27.5 inches that was grown in Brazil. It had held the record since 2006.

Members of the LDAF Weights and Measures Division were on hand to officially weigh and measure the circumference of the fruit. It came in at 28.75 inches.

“My grandchildren created a fairy garden at the base of the tree. One day, my grandson noticed the oversized grapefruit growing. At that point, we really started paying attention and monitoring its development,” said Doug Meyer. “This experience will always be a special memory for us and our grandchildren.”

“It’s not every day you get to present someone with a world record title,” said Strain. “LDAF employees were able to provide the official equipment to document this wonderful Louisiana grown grapefruit. We congratulate the Meyers for their achievement and especially for getting the grandkids involved and teaching them how to garden!”

Licensed surveyors and horticulturists were also on hand to inspect the physical condition of the grapefruit. The LDAF provided an official notice of inspection document to the Guinness LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain chats with the Meyer grandchildren about the massive Book of World Records. grapefruit their grandparents—Mary Beth and Doug Meyer of Slidell—grew. cheese, crinkle-cut radishes, chimichurri grilled chicken breast meat and corn kernels atop a bed of baby arugula and baby spinach; with Chimichurri Vinaig re tte dressing.

• Chef Salad, combining romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, crumbled hard-boiled eggs, red cabbage, grape tomatoes, shredded Swiss cheese, capicola and smoked turkey and ham; with Bacon Ranch dressing.

• Parmesan Cheese Crisp, a combination of baked parmesan cheese crisps, farro and red pepper crisps, Genoa salami, crinkled radishes and a fresh spring mix blend; with White Wine Lemon Vinaigrette.

“The Gourmet Kit Bowls are a disruptive game-changer in the salad category that taps into mega consumer trends—healthy eating, affordable, fresh, restaurantinspired food on-the-go,” said Fabian Pereira, VP of marketing and innovation for Fresh Express. “We listened to consumer needs and optimized the package and product design. Our culinary team worked with the best chefs to address this by designing high-end restaurant salads with hand selected, chefcrafted ingredients in a convenient ready-to-eat bowl that salad lovers can enjoy anywhere, anytime.

“Special care went into designing the bowls,” Pereira added. “Our packaging engineers worked with consumers to develop premium packaging where the fresh ingredients can be seen and stay fresh.”

John Olivo, president of Fresh Express, added, “With the invention of the special Keep Crisp bag in the 1980s, Fresh Express pioneered the retail packaged salad category and was the first to make them available to grocery stores nationwide. We have continued investing in salad innovation, in keeping with consumer and customer needs. We have built a state-of-the-art facility to produce these Gourmet Kit Bowls.”

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14

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

PRODUCE

Guest column

Produce Department Is Ripe for Meal Solutions Shoppers look to their grocer for solutions, convenience and inspiration for menu planning and meal solutions. I just returned from a grocery industry conference on meal solutions.

The consumer research shared by the presenters supports what we’ve known for a long time—shoppers love them.

This research has been consistent for years now.

There have been two major forces Cindy Sorensen behind the need to be more competitive and creative in providing shopper solutions than ever before: consumer purchasing and consumption behavior and the retail competitive environment.

Consumer purchasing and consumption behavior have been driven by diet trends that have become very popular: Paleo, Keto, Mediterranean, vegan, “free-from” diets, etc.

These trends have required manufacturers and retailers to respond with an assortment of products that meet these special diet requirements.

Along with these diet trends also comes serving trends, including bowls, wraps, salads, small plates, bento boxes and

snacks.

While consumers quickly have been changing their consumption patterns, the retail environment also has changed. Competition not only includes traditional grocery stores, but now every channel of food distribution offers some type of meal solution.

To stay competitive, every retailer must consider a meal solution program. While the deli and dry grocery departments historically have provided the locations and products for these solutions, the produce department is now emerging as another spot where they can be found.

In fact, one of the most interesting meal solution ideas I saw at this conference was the introduction of meals and meal solutions in the produce department. I love the addition of prepackaged bowls to meet the product trend consumers are enjoying at restaurants.

I also give kudos to the packaged mixed vegetables to fulfill specific recipe ideas provided by the store.

There also is a consumer trend substituting vegetables such as zucchini or squash for potatoes to provide healthier side dish options. The zucchini and squash are cut and ready to be prepared in ways we would traditionally prepare potatoes or noodles.

For consumers looking for sustainability, many vegetables

are now packaged in containers in which they can also be cooked, steamed, baked or roasted.

An idea to really boost dollar sales and profit in the produce department when utilizing meal solutions would be to crossmerchandise with the meat department and provide protein (animal or plant-based) recommendations to add to bowls, salads and wraps. Why not include a rack of fresh bread from the bakery, too? Shoppers will love the meal solution that is ready to go and conveniently located in one spot in the store.

Be sure to provide a 360-degree marketing approach to reach and inform shoppers pre-trip, during and post-shopping to let them know about the meal solutions and where they can find them in the store.

Extending meal solutions throughout all store departments will increase store sales and build loyalty with your shoppers.

Stay flexible to adjust your meal solutions as shoppers’ diet and product trends change quickly.

Cindy Sorensen is the founder and CEO of The Grocery Group, which focuses on developing leadership in the grocery industry by supporting industry professionals in their career development. The group also develops programs to connect grocery industry professionals to colleges and universities to help attract, recruit and retain a talented workforce in a competitive employment market. Reach Sorensen at Cindy@ TheGroceryGroup.com.

Foodservice @ Retail

The Shelby Report of the Southeast • OCTOBER 2019

Select Whole Foods Carrying Ready-to-Eat Meals from Snap Kitchen Six Whole Foods Markets in the grocer’s hometown of Austin, Texas, are selling Snap Kitchen’s fresh, ready-to-eat meals. Snap Kitchen also is based in Austin.

“Whole Foods Market was an early pioneer in changing the way consumers look at real food, mindful eating and healthy living,” Snap Kitchen CEO Jon Carter said. “Similarly, our mission has always been to help improve the lives of others by making it easy to eat healthy, delicious meals made from well-sourced ingredients, with options to meet a variety of lifestyles and nutrition goals.”

Snap Kitchen’s new lineup at Whole Foods Market comprises 35 fresh prepared meals and beverages, including plant-based offerings suitable for vegetarians and seafood-based meals— all of which are made without gluten and color-coded by lifestyle category, including vegan, keto, Whole30 and paleo. Among the breakfast choices are quinoa chorizo breakfast tacos, banana pancakes and a spinach and goat cheese frittata. Lunch and dinner menu items range from creamy mushroom fusilli to a veggie burger, sweet chili glazed Atlantic salmon and an umami grain bowl. Additionally, customers can also choose from a variety of juices, smoothies, protein shakes and Snap’s Glow Collagen Water.

“We understand people are busier than ever these days and we’re excited to offer a new healthy line of ready-to-eat meal options that meet our high quality standards and meet the need of our customers,” said Jessica Johnson, regional VP of the Southwest region at Whole Foods Market.

Snap Kitchen meals are made fresh daily, never frozen, and do not contain gluten, antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Plus, Snap Kitchen uses compostable containers with recyclable lids to help reduce waste.

Snap Kitchen has 33 retail stores in Texas and Philadelphia, in addition to offering subscription meal plans that are available via local on-demand delivery or in-store pickup.

Between Rounds Supplying Armata’s Market with Its Signature Bagels Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a fast-casual dining establishment and wholesale bagel supplier, has begun supplying Armata’s Market, which is located at 901 Shaker Road in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

Between Rounds has been supplying its signature bagels to independent grocers throughout Connecticut for a number of years and recently contracted with Armata’s, just over the border in Massachusetts, to supply bagels to its bakery department.

Managed by Alexis Vallides, Armata’s Market is a full-service grocery store offering customcut high-quality meats, locally sourced produce and specialty food items as well as homemade dinners that are available Monday through Friday.

“Everything about a partnership with Between Rounds made sense for us,” Vallides said.

“They share many of the same values when it comes to quality and customer service. At Armata’s, we have a scratch bakery so it was important for us that any partnership would not take away from the experience our customers have come to expect, but rather enhance it. Thankfully their bagels do just that.”

Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds, said, “We are delighted to partner with Armata’s, which is a family-run business like ours, and to have the opportunity to bring our signature bagels to their customer base in Massachusetts. For bagel fans who do not live near one of our cafés, it makes it easier for them to obtain our superior products right from their local market.”

Food City Bakery Artists Compete for Cake Title Food City’s fifth annual cake decorating competition took place Aug. 23 at the Food City on Arizona Avenue and Ray Road in Chandler, Arizona. Six bakery specialists from Food City bakeries across Arizona showcased their decorating talent in real time, using fondant, candy and flavorful fillings to turn their cakes into edible works of art.

This year’s event didn’t have a specific theme, so bakery artists were free to create.

The winning cake, created by Bania Cons of Food City store #171, will be offered This “Little Mermaid” to custom- themed cake from Bania ers later this Cons of store #171 was year and will the first place winner. become part of the cake line that Food Coming in third was this “Lion City bakeries feature.

King” themed cake from Javier Food City makes cakes from scratch Anita Flores from store Hernandez of Food City store for birthdays, quinceañeras, weddings, #154. #96 made this oceanbaby showers and other special events themed cake, which at competitive prices; custom cakes start under $2 per slice. came in second.

Rich Products Acquires Christie Cookie Co. Buffalo, New York-based Rich Products has acquired Christie Cookie Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, to bolster its position in the cookie business, according to Ray Burke, president of Rich’s U.S.-Canada business.

Christie Cookie, a privately owned maker of gourmet cookies, has been in business 35 years.

Its baked goods are distributed to customers including foodservice, regional in-store bakeries, e-commerce, corporate gifting and retail bakery outlets.

Please see page 34

34

Foodservice @ Retail

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

From page 31

Burke said, “Adding the iconic and beloved Christie brand of products to our portfolio is something we’re very excited about as we move forward.”

Christie’s employs nearly 100 associates, with one manufacturing facility and a direct-toconsumer platform that includes e-commerce and a corporate gifting program. In addition, Christie owns two retail shops in Nashville, with an additional location in Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators. The company produces approximately 100 million cookies per year.

Rubicon Bakers Cakes, Cupcakes on Shelves at 175 Ralphs Ralphs stores in Southern California have begun stocking Rubicon Bakers’ full line of cakes and cupcakes.

The Rubicon line, which includes 16 double-layer cakes and filled cupcake 4-packs, are sold in 175 stores in Southern California. Cake varieties include California Lemon, Mom’s Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Triple Chocolate Ghirardelli, Birthday, Vegan Chocolate Blackout, and Vegan Vanilla. Cupcake varieties include Chocolate Cream, Lemon, Red Velvet, Carrot, Vegan Neapolitan, Vegan Chocolate Blackout and Vegan Vanilla.

Rubicon Bakers says its mission is to “Bake a Better World” through conscious business practices and a commitment to hire and support those with significant barriers to employment. A certified B Corporation, it has been in business for 26 years. According to a recent annual report from Deloitte, companies are starting to invest more money and resources into social missions. It also notes that 86 percent of Millennials think the success of a business should be measured by more than just financial performance.

Leslie Crary, co-owner and VP of human resources for Richmond, California-based Rubicon, said, “Many employees come to Rubicon Bakers from life on the streets, prison or recently recovered from substance abuse. Our growing business enables us to increase employment opportunities for folks looking for a second chance and a way to support themselves and their families.”

Compostable Foodservice Ware Supplier Expands Tree-Free Collection World Centric has added tree-free paper cold cups to its NoTree collection of 100 percent compostable hot cups and bowls for the foodservice industry. The new cold cups are made from sustainably-sourced bamboo paper that provides a high quality, environmentally friendly alternative to cold cups made from wood paper and petroleum plastic.

Available nationwide starting in September, the NoTree cold cup line includes 12-, 16- and 22-oz. sizes that conform to ASTM D6400 Standard for compostability, are BPI Certified and meet FDA guidelines for food use.

Additional features include: • Available in natural tan color, a continued step by World Centric to remove bleaching from the manufacturing process; • Will compost in 3-6 months in a commercial composting system; • Bio-based lining inside and out that prevents leaking and condensation accumulation; and • Fits seamlessly with World Centric plastic lids created from Ingeo certified compostable plastic, derived from plants grown in the U.S. Mark Stephany, SVP of sales for World Centric, said, “Our new cold cup collection gives restaurants and other foodservice providers an alternative that is better for the environment, and meets consumer demand for more sustainable practices.”

FMI Survey Finds Retailers Increasingly Favor Foodservice The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) released its annual assessment of the state of foodservice at retail—a $13 billion category that is growing annually at 8.2 percent.

While its primary appeal is to convenienceseeking consumers, foodservice at retail, according to FMI’s “Power of Foodservice at Retail” report finds that 63 percent of consumers continue to incorporate time-saving solutions in the form of semi- and fully-prepared items for dinner, but opportunities exist for grocers to garner greater visibility as the primary dinner solution.

Survey participants offered feedback for their stores to focus on: • faster service; • more cuisine variety; • healthier dishes and healthier alternatives to current options; • competitive prices; • more information; • freshness; • knowledgeable and available staff; and • various operational improvements such as cleanliness and in-stock performance.

Rick Stein, FMI’s VP of fresh foods, noted that consumers continue to look for convenient ways to get all—or part—of their meals away from home, and supermarkets play a pivotal role in this decision-making.

“The study notes that grocers with a positive reputation in retail foodservice can serve as strong motivation for 64 percent of shoppers who say they will actually go out of their way to find these stores,” Stein said. “Competitive differentiation strategies abound for our grocery members who place an emphasis on variety and reduce obstacles through fast and convenient shopping experiences. These experiences may also be enabled by technology, as we’re witness to similar motivations in the restaurant industry.”

Need for variety Eighty-eight percent of shoppers want to see more new items and flavors in retail foodservice. In fact, the most frequently mentioned word in the open-ended suggestions of the survey was “more” in combination with words such as variety, food, options and items.

The highest share, at 31 percent, want to see flavor and item rotation on a monthly basis, but 28 percent want even greater levels of innovation and recommend a weekly or even daily rotation.

Need for speed The importance of speed is once more underscored by the grab-and-go, ready-to-eat format being the most popular method, which is of interest to 68 percent of shoppers.

Grab-and-go, heat-and-eat is the second most popular style, at 63 percent.

Need for technology While 57 percent of shoppers have grocery store apps downloaded, 42 percent actively use one or more. App usage is highly related to checking weekly specials (78 percent), online ordering of groceries (53 percent), getting recipes and meal ideas and researching the deli-prepared foods menu, but foodservice orders lag (38 percent).

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OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

Tyson Foods Expands, Creates 100 Jobs at Georgia Facility Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp’s office reported Sept. 17 that Tyson Foods invested $34.2 million to expand its existing facility in Camilla, creating 100 new jobs.

The project included a 35,000-s.f. expansion, and the construction of a new “mega line” that led the company to hire 100 new team members as it ramps up operations in the region.

“Georgia’s existing industries are a vital component for job growth in every corner of the state,” Kemp said. “We are grateful that Tyson Foods is continuing their investment in the state of Georgia and excited for the new opportunities that this expansion will create for Mitchell County and the region.”

“This project is great news for our plant, our community and our customers,” said Eddie Chancellor, VP of operations at Tyson Foods. “We are committed to the community of Camilla and are pleased to add 100 new jobs with this expansion, while also meeting the growing demand for our products.”

Paige Gilchrist, Mitchell County Development Authority executive director, said, “In addition to its sustainability, quality product and substantial workforce, Tyson cares about its communities. Tyson has donated millions of dollars in cash to help nonprofits across the country. Here in Mitchell County, we look forward to a long-lasting relationship and a thriving future with Tyson Foods.”

Tyson’s portfolio of products and brands include Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 121,000 team members.

Smithfield Foods Launches Pure Farmland Brand Plant-Based Protein Smithfield, Virginia-based Smithfield Foods is launching a plant-based protein portfolio under its Pure Farmland brand. The products were set to become available in the fresh refrigerated sections of grocery retailers nationwide in mid-September.

The new line features a variety of breakfast patties, meatballs, burger patties and preseasoned protein starters, giving consumers more plant-based protein options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as appetizers. Smithfield says its Pure Farmland products cater to those who choose a “flexitarian” eating style, in which they are actively trying to consume less meat.

The soy-based line comprises eight products, all made in the U.S.: • Simply Seasoned Plant-Based Burger Patties; • Plant-Based Burger Patties with Dairy Free Cheddar Alternative; • Homestyle Plant-Based Meatballs; • Italian Style Plant-Based Meatballs with Dairy Free Parmesan Alternative; • Savory Original Plant-Based Breakfast Patties; • Maple Plant-Based Breakfast Patties;

Perishables • Simply Seasoned Plant-Based Protein Starters; and • Mild Italian Style Plant-Based Protein Starters.

The items are made with natural flavors, are gluten and dairy free, and serve as a good source of protein. Given that soy is a complete protein, it provides levels of all essential amino acids that many other plant proteins do not provide, the company says.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of this new product portfolio under our Pure Farmland brand. We’ve been exploring the alternative protein space and have taken our time to get it right,” said John Pauley, CCO for Smithfield Foods. “With this launch, we are bringing together our expertise in creating market-leading food products, our organizational commitment to sustainability and our deep understanding of ‘flexitarian’ consumers, to deliver a broad variety of flavorful plant-based protein choices that consumers want and can afford at a great value.”

Offered in sustainable packaging with trays made from more than 50 percent recycled material, Pure Farmland has committed to empower local farmers and farms by partnering with the American Farmland Trust. For every package sold, the brand pledges to donate the cost of protecting one square foot of farmland. These donations will help the American Farmland Trust continue to further its mission of not only protecting the nation’s farm and ranch land, but also promoting sound farming practices and supporting farmers.

Georgia’s Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese Wins National Award Sandersville, Georgia-based Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese has won third place in the annual national judging and competition of the American Cheese Society (ACS). The results were announced at the 36th Annual ACS Conference in Richmond, Virginia.

Going up against 257 entering companies and 1,742 different products, Proper Pepper’s “Classic” variety placed third in the “Flavored Cheeses” category.

Deana Tanner Bibb, founder and owner of Proper Pepper, launched her small-batch crafted food business in 2015 after winning the Flavor of Georgia contest with her Get Back Jack flavored pimento cheese. Since then, the company has grown to include retailers and restaurants in Georgia, Florida, Texas and North Carolina.

Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese comes in two flavors: Classic and Get Back Jack. Its premium ingredients, hand-shredded cheese and 75:25 ratio of cheese to dressing makes it taste homemade, according to the company.

Bibb, known for her fresh vintage packaging with a crown motif and innovative ways of serving Proper Pepper beyond sandwiches and dips, offers recipes and serving ideas at properpepper.com and social media platforms.

“Launching a food business has been such a fun journey, but has also been very challenging,” Bibb said. “The learning curve has been steep but the people I’ve met along the way through Please see page 38

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OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

From page 36

Deana Tanner Bibb

Georgia Grown and retailers has been very fulfilling. I enjoy sharing new and creative ways to serve an old southern staple.”

Bibb’s immediate goal is to give everyone in Georgia the opportunity to purchase Proper Pepper in their own communities.

“If Proper Pepper is Georgia’s award-winning pimento cheese, then I think it should be accessible to all 10.5 million Georgians,” she said.

“Sure it’s a business development tactic and a lofty goal, but the daily view of the crown on my packaging is a nice reminder that my faith and tenacity will see this through.”

Store locations currently selling Proper Pepper are listed on the product’s website.

Cacique Adds Authentic Queso Dips and Fully Cooked Chorizo to Lineup Cacique is expanding its offerings to include Mexican-style queso dips and fully cooked chorizo.

Each new heat-and-eat product features real ingredients in microwavable packaging.

The first ingredient in the dips is queso fresco; no artificial preservatives. They can be heated in the microwave for two to three minutes. Available in four flavors: Queso Blanco, Southwestern, Chipotle and Jalapeño; SRP $4.49-$4.99.

The chorizos have no additives or artificial ingredients and are made with seasoned pork shoulder, blended with other high-quality ingredients. To prepare, heat in the microwave, oven or stove top for as few as three to four minutes. Four varieties are available: Premium Pork Shoulder, Chorizo with Eggs, Chorizo with Bacon & Potato and Chorizo with Queso; SRP $6.49-$6.99. “…We recognize that many of today’s consumers expect not only the high-quality ingredients and authenticity that we’re known for, but also seek convenience, especially when it comes to the busier moments in their lives,” said Gil de Cárdenas, CEO of Los Angeles-based Cacique. “With the addition of our new Mexican-style queso dips and fully cooked chorizos, as well as the Cacique homestyle salsas we introduced earlier this year, we couldn’t be more delighted to answer this need and provide consumers with all the ingredients necessary to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal or snack anytime.”

Hormel Foods Launches Meat Alternative, Happy Little Plants During its annual presentation at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference in Boston, Hormel Foods Corp. introduced Happy Little Plants, a plant-forward protein portfolio

Perishables Mr. Curtis Pruett, First Harrison Poultry Employee, Dies at 90

Mr. Curtis Pruett, who served as CFO of Harrison Poultry in Bethlehem, Georgia, for more than 50 years before retiring in February 2010, died Aug. 30. He was 90.

Mr. Pruett became Harrison Poultry’s first employee in July 1959, and he was a trusted, lifelong friend of Harrison Poultry’s founder R. Harold Harrison.

The company says Mr. Pruett was well respected by all who knew him, not only for his financial expertise but also for his kind, humble and gentle demeanor. “His friendly smile was recognized throughout the community,” it added.

Harold Harrison often said he trusted Mr. Pruett with his finances more than he trusted himself and once noted that he owed more of his success to Curtis than to anyone.

Harrison appointed Mr. Pruett and his wife Virginia to the board of directors for The Luther and Susie Harrison Foundation, named for Mr. Harrison’s parents. Mr. Pruett was a lifetime member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and worked with Mr. Harrison to oversee the building of the existing church facilities.

Mr. Pruett was a graduate of Winder High School and Athens Business College. He also served in the Georgia National Guard from 1948-60, earning the rank of master sergeant.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Sikes Pruett of Bethlehem; his son, Michael Pruett (Traci) of Athens; two grandchildren, John Curtis Pruett and Kerrigan Pruett, both of Athens; four nieces and two nephews; sister-in-law, Loretta Waters (Julian) and brother-in-law, Richard Sikes (Jean).

created as part of the company’s first project under its cultivated foods umbrella.

Hormel’s plant-based and blended protein innovation efforts began in 2014 with the launch of the Hormel Fuse burger in the company’s foodservice business.

Today, retail and foodservice product offerings have expanded to include additional plant-based pizza topping items produced at its Burke Corp. subsidiary and the Applegate Blend Burger, a product that blends organic meat with organic mushrooms.

Happy Little Plants products launched the week of Sept. 9 and have distribution in select retail outlets, with further expansion planned in the coming months.

Hormel says numerous retailers and foodservice operators have expressed interest based on the taste, versatility and simple ingredient statement. Its flagship product is a ground plantbased protein alternative containing 20g of non-GMO soy protein with 180 calories and no preservatives, cholesterol or gluten.

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OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC) 15th Annual Convention Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina • July 21-24

More than 1,200 CFIC members and their families came together at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort for the annual CFIC convention.

The convention began with an entertaining and uplifting message of adaptability from Jim Abbott, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who faced physical obstacles to become a professional athlete. Industry experts also presented new information on trending topics such as winning in the face of new competition and implementing innovation to industry disruption.

During CFIC’s annual meeting, Omar Jorge, Compare Foods’ managing partner, was elected to serve as CFIC president for the 2019-20 term. Jorge succeeds Karen Fernald, Food Lion’s Keynote speaker and former MLB pitcher SVP of fresh category Jim Abbott demonstrates his pitch merchandising and pricing. during the keynote session.

Serving alongside Jorge are: • First VP: Rick Geary, W. Lee Flowers; • Second VP: Tim Lowe, Lowes Foods; • Third VP: James Messer, Piggly Wiggly North Carolina; • Treasurer: Greg Adams, Piggly Wiggly of Broadway and Sanford; • Chaplain: Alan Jackson, Piggly Wiggly Pinetops; and • Ex Officio: Karen Fernald, Food Lion.

Directors elected include: Rod Antolock, Harris Teeter; Nick Carlino, MDI; Kevin Carroll, Carroll’s IGA; Mike Clawson, Lowes Foods; Brian Dozer, Montgomery Foods; Greg Floyd, Piggly Wiggly; Layben Helderman, Buffalo Shoals IGA; Robert Ingle II, Ingles Markets; Steve Little, SpartanNash; James Messer, Piggly Wiggly; John Owens, C&S Wholesale Grocers; Philip Payment, Floco Foods; Lou Sherman, Piggly Wiggly; Donnie Smith, Smith’s Food Pride; Preston Taylor, Piggly Wiggly; Frank Timberlake, Ahoskie Market; William Wilder Jr., Piggly Wiggly; Lynn Willard, Lowcountry Grocers; and Larry Wilson, Carlie C’s IGA. Lindsey Kueffner will serve her eighth year as executive director.

At the President’s Dinner to close the convention, which had more than 600 in attendance, Fernald was recognized by Jorge for her dedicated leadership to the CFIC board and membership during her term as

CFIC president and was presented a plaque to commemorate her year as president.

Prior to the official passing of the gavel and as one of her last official duties as president, Fernald announced CFIC’s 2019 Outstanding Supplier of the Year: Smithfield Foods. The annual award recognizes the vital role of the council’s supplier companies and their continued support. It is based on CFIC 2019-2020 President and Compare criteria such as innova- Food Managing Partner Omar Jorge presents tion, customer-service a plaque recognizing CFIC 2018-19 President and support for CFIC. Karen Fernald of Food Lion.

The 2019 Outstanding Supplier of the Year award was accepted on behalf of Smithfield Foods by Mark Cassady, senior director of retail and deli sales-Carolinas.

Jana and Joe D’Alberto, Acosta.

Doug Ernsberger, Danone North America director of sales, with wife Angel.

Smithfield Foods’ Mark Cassady accepts the company’s CFIC 2019 Outstanding Supplier of the Year Award from CFIC President Karen Fernald.

A total of $100,000 in scholarships was awarded to 40 students from North Carolina and South Carolina. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship toward their college expenses for the 2019 fall semester through CFIC’s charitable foundation, the Retail Consumer Alliance Foundation (RCA).

Harris Teeter’s SVP of Merchandising and Marketing Chuck Thompson with wife Angela.

Craig Rosenblum, Inmar; Nick Carlino, MDI.

Kevin Carroll of Carroll’s IGA in Stedman, North Carolina, with wife Kimberly and kids Nathan and James.

The Shelby Report of the Southeast • OCTOBER 2019

41

Retail and wholesale presenters The convention also featured executive briefings presented by some of the region’s largest retail and wholesale grocers.

Chuck Munn, Harris Teeter’s senior director of non-perishable merchandising.

Harris Teeter’s SVP of Merchandising and Marketing Chuck Thompson.

MDI’s SVP of Sales and Marketing Nick Carlino.

Food City VP of Center Store Ross Purdy.

Lowes Foods SVP of Center Store Jason Ramsey.

Lowes Foods President Tim Lowe.

Chelsea Lassen, Brian Duprey and Justin Vela, Bell’s Brewery.

Nelvia and Todd Bullock, Campbell Sales, with children Madison and Maxwell.

CFIC President and Food Lion’s SVP Fresh Category, Merchandising and Pricing Karen Fernald with husband Pete; VP Center Store Adrian Baker; VP Category Management-Center Store Natasha Brinegar; Mark Latva, VP of Center Store.

MDI Buyer Kay Smith and husband Joe with Piggly Wiggly North Carolina’s President James Messer and wife Debbie.

Lowes Foods President Tim Lowe and wife Karla.

Harris Teeter’s Dairy Category Manager Richard Akins with wife Ciara; Grocery Category Manager Kyle Fragakis; Director of Grocery, Dairy and Frozen Joey Bates; and Senior Director, Non-Perishable Merchandising Chuck Munn with wife Jennifer.

MDI’s VP of Services Suri Mishra with Rajat, Anika and Sahara Barua.

MDI’s Senior Director of Brands and Category Management Tom Sweeney.

Food Lion’s SVP Center Store Gene Faller (left) and EVP Merchandising Geoff Waldau.

Brian Baker, Innovasian; Todd Perry, Virginia Palmer and Jason Brooks, Procter & Gamble; Mark Gonda, Starkist. Austin Baker is in front.

Todd & Judy Perry and Virginia Palmer, Procter & Gamble; Bob Pim, The Sola Co.; CFIC’s Lindsey Kueffner, executive director, and Todd Baitsholts, CFO.

MillerCoors’ Chain Sales Manager, Grocery, Southeast Region Chris Ritchie and Senior Chain Account Executive Chase Mooney enjoy conversation during the Tuesday evening Platinum Sponsors Reception.

Procter & Gamble reps Jason Brooks, David Pinti and Matt Mueller.

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From the Cover/Ad Index

OCTOBER 2019 • The Shelby Report of the Southeast

The retailer will “learn how best to work with our partners to deliver the quality, affordable and accessible care customers want with the goal to take the Walmart Health center model to the other communities we serve, starting with our second location opening in Calhoun, Georgia, early next year,” he said.

The Walmart Health center is operated by qualified medical professionals from the local area, including physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, behavioral health providers and optometrists.

Walmart care hosts and community health workers on site will The dental area. help customers navigate their visit, understand resources and serve as a familiar presence for The redesigned Dallas store also features an Essentials regular visits.

PetCare clinic to provide routine pet vaccinations and treatThe center is located outside the store, with a ment for a variety of minor illnesses, such as ear infections separate entrance from the Supercenter. and common skin conditions. There is no office visit fee, and In terms of pricing, a child can get an annual vaccinations start at $25. Customers will have the option to checkup for $20, lab tests start at $10 and teeth add on and bundle services to make visits more affordable. cleaning for adults is $25, regardless of insurance “We are looking forward to reintroducing our store to the status. community with expanded offerings and a fresh look. Our “We are using technology to streamline the everyday low prices will remain the same, but we’re adding process to schedule, check-in, pay, get an esti- greater convenience, new services and a new and improved mate on the cost of their services and do other shopping experience,” said Tanner Kramer, Dallas store activities without paperwork,” Slovenski said. manager.

Customers will be notified on the estimated cost The waiting area.

The store also featured new vision center and pharof their visit when they book their appointment. macy concepts that aim to use more technology to drive an A consumer fair was held to celebrate the grand enhanced patient experience, Walmart says. opening and will continue subsequent weekends The new pharmacy was designed with feedback from thouTHE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST into October, which will include opportunities to sands of customers, according to the retailer. Its goal is to meet the new health center’s partner providers. offer more convenience, simplicity and elevated service, with ARG TOPS 1000 STORES INSERT Working in partnership with wellness organi- reduced friction and wait times.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS zations, the health center will offer specialized The vision center redesign’s goal was to make the customer community health resources, online education experience more convenient, comfortable and affordable.

A2 Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 and in-center workshops to educate the commu- “There are multiple service areas so customers can decide Acosta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 nity about preventive health and wellness. how and where they want to

Walmart Health

from page 1

pricing, regardless of customers’ insurance status—the first time all these services are in one facility.

“For the past year, a team of healthcare experts and visionaries inside and outside of Walmart have been working hard to bring this concept to life in Georgia, and the journey we’ve been on is just the beginning as we aim to bring quality, accessible healthcare to our customers,” Slovenski added.

The Dallas store, located at 3615 Marietta Highway, will be a learning opportunity for Walmart, according to Slovenski.

Advantage Sales & Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alliance Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Crossmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mondelez Nabisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Mueller Yurgae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Niagara Bottling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 PepsiCo-Quaker Tropicana Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Reese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Schraad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Specialty Foods Group LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The vision center.

THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AgroFresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Associated Grocers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 AWG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Blount Fine Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Camellia Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Chairman’s Reserve Premium Pork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Fibre Box Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 iGPS Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Indiana Packers Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 La Preferida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lindar Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Marquez Brothers International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mars Chocolate North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Olé Mexican Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 PBI Marketing Equipment/Everson Spice Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Phillips Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Private Label Manufacturers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sun Group of Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Truno Retail Technology Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tyson Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 Van’s Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

DECEMBER Close Date: Nov. 4 JANUARY Close Date: Dec. 5 If you have any questions or concerns regarding our SOUTHEAST edition, you can contact Tom Bachmann, VP-Southeast, at tbachmann@shelbypublishing.com or call him at 941-284-3147.

A STATEMENT OF EDITORIAL POLICY: The Shelby Report of the Southeast is a non-partisan, non-political, business publication dedicated to the service of the food distribution industry in all its varied elements.

It is a totally independent publication, completely free of any connection whatsoever with any particular segment or group within the industry or without. The publisher reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication. The Shelby Report of the Southeast (ISSN 0194-1968, USPS 054-690) is published monthly for $42.00 per year by Shelby Publishing Co., Inc. • 517 Green St. • Gainesville, GA 30501-3313 Periodical postage paid at Gainesville, GA and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Shelby Report of the Southeast • 517 Green St. • Gainesville, GA 30501

Carolinas Profile

from page 6

equipped to help retailers find those locally sourced items,” Kueffner said.

With local farms providing needed goods to grocers in both states, severe weather events can be devastating.

Hurricanes in recent years have been disastrous for the ag industry and the grocery industry as well.

“The recent hurricanes have had a hugely disruptive impact on the grocery industry in the Carolinas, and we’ve had a bad streak of them in the past few years. We had Matthew in 2016, Florence in 2018, and then Dorian just a few weeks ago. The hurricanes just disrupt everything,” Kueffner said. “The retail grocery industry is specifically impacted when stores are physically damaged, when they’re closed for a prolonged period of time, when they’ve lost all power due to power outages. That’s hard for the business and it’s hard for the community.”

Kueffner said the CFIC is well placed to help in storm situations, having a seat at the table at both states’ emergency operations centers. CFIC staff connects grocers with their local utility providers to minimize the time they are out of power.

“When a grocery store comes back online after an event like a hurricane, it’s a morale boost for the community that store serves. When a family can go to the grocery store and buy their groceries, it signals a return to normalcy or at least a light at the end of the tunnel for that community,” Kueffner said.

When Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, parts of Wilmington and parts of Myrtle Beach were isolated due to massive flooding. “Our staff was on the phone working with our grocers, working with the wholesalers and the trucking companies and the departments of transportation to help get those goods and relief supplies to the

receive service,” Walmart says.

Dallas residents can shop millions of items on Walmart. com and choose to pick up at the store using Walmart Pickup.

Many of the items ship for free and can be picked up through the store’s new Pickup Tower using a mobile device. Additionally, online grocery pickup customers will notice a renovated pick up area on the outside of the store equipped with a newly installed canopy.

areas that needed them most,” Kueffner said. “We’re all really proud of that work. It’s work we obviously wish we didn’t have to do because there’s devastation, but it’s something where we’re able to do our part there.”

Legislation varies

CFIC has a large task in keeping abreast of legislative issues that may affect grocers in both states. It has three full-time lobbyists in North Carolina and one full-time lobbyist supported by two contract lobbyists in South Carolina, Kueffner said.

North Carolina’s legislature is still in session but is winding down. In North Carolina, Kueffner said CFIC was “able to negotiate a higher fee for returned checks, successfully advocated for a number of provisions in an omnibus alcohol reform bill, and we also worked with a broad coalition on the Small Business Healthcare Act. That bill increases opportunities for small employers to find affordable health insurance through an association health plan…”

The South Carolina legislature adjourned in May. The CFIC “successfully worked a bill that allowed for 90-day prescription refills of maintenance medications rather than having to go back to the pharmacy every month,” Kueffner said. “We also worked with legislators to remove a provision in a bill that would have doubled the felony threshold in the state. That would have effectively given organized retail crime gangs a raise and would have made South Carolina a target for those theft rings.”

Also in South Carolina, CFIC is continuing to navigate “the complexities of the local plastic bag bans,” Kueffner said. “We’re continuing to work to balance the environmental concerns with the practical concerns that a business operator has.”