Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News

U.S. Private Label Sales Hit Record $282.8B In 2025

U.S. store brand sales reached a record $282.8 billion in 2025, climbing 3.3 percent compared to 1.2 percent growth for national brands, according to year-end Circana Unify+ data released Jan. 20 by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). The $9 billion increase marks store brands’ continued momentum in capturing market share across all retail channels. […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Executive News, National, News

FMI Names Shawgo To Lead Digital Transformation Strategy

FMI – The Food Industry Association has appointed Jennifer Shawgo senior director, technology strategy and programs, a new role designed to accelerate responsible digital transformation across the food retail sector. Shawgo, who brings two decades of cross-sector experience spanning distribution, software startups and association leadership, will lead programs, partnerships and member engagement connecting technology and […]

Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News

American Bakers Association Pledges To Phase Out Potassium Bromate

The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced its new “Baked Goods Ingredient Pledge,” a voluntary industry commitment to complete the phase out of potassium bromate from baked goods across the United States. The initiative builds on the momentum of ABA’s previous voluntary commitments: the “Baked Goods in Schools Pledge” and the “Baked Goods FD&C Colors […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National, News

FMI, NGA Back Reintroduced Credit Card Competition Act

Grocery industry trade associations are renewing calls for credit card swipe fee reform following the reintroduction of the Credit Card Competition Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing competition in the marketplace and reducing costs for merchants and consumers. The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association voiced support for the bill’s […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News

PLMA Expands SalesStar Partnership With New Online Training Tracks

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has expanded its partnership with SalesStar to deliver a new suite of online training programs tailored to private brand manufacturers, brokers and suppliers. The expanded offering includes three cohort-based curricula – Mastering Enterprise Sales, Account Management and Category Leadership – designed to strengthen capabilities across key stages of the […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Independent Store News, News, Northeast

ASG SVP Scher Receives NJFC’s Trade Relations Award

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has named Ken Scher, SVP of business development at Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), as the recipient of its 2026 Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award. One of the organization’s highest honors, the award recognizes leadership and dedication in advancing trade relations within the food industry in the state. Scher will […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News, Organic Natural

INFRA Shares Executive Leadership Promotions To Support Growth

INFRA, a nationwide purchasing cooperative of independent natural food retailers and a leader in the natural foods industry, has shared two executive leadership promotions, reflecting the organization’s continued growth and deepened focus on serving its members. Danelle Rydel has been promoted to chief of member operations, while Jen LaValley has been promoted to CFO. “These […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, News

NCA Names 11th Future Leadership Program Class

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the 11th class of participants in its Future Leadership Program, a professional development initiative designed to support the next generation of leaders in the confectionery industry. The program – established to nurture emerging talent and strengthen leadership pipelines across companies involved in chocolate, candy and gum – brings […]