The Carolinas Food Industry Council welcomed more than 1,400 grocery industry representatives to its 22nd annual convention, held July 19-22 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event offered educational seminars, industry updates and networking opportunities for retailers and suppliers from across the Carolinas.
Attendees included hundreds of suppliers who met with leaders from the region’s largest grocery chains and independent grocers to explore new products, marketing innovations and operational strategies. In total, 980 one-on-one retailer meetings were conducted, offering platinum, gold and crystal sponsors opportunities to engage directly with retail decision-makers.
Keynotes and awards
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne delivered the keynote address. Mills was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, losing portions of both legs and both arms, and is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. He shared his story of resilience and purpose with attendees. Economist Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics also presented, equipping attendees with information to prepare for the future.
During the annual awards ceremony, CFIC President Larry Wilson honored Coca-Cola Consolidated as the 2026 Outstanding Supplier of the Year, accepted by Patrick Renegar, senior director of grocery and large store. Mt. Olive Pickle Co. received the Outstanding Local Supplier of the Year award, presented to National Sales Manager Chad Marsh.
The CFIC board also announced $100,000 in scholarships awarded to 40 students through the Retail Consumer Alliance Foundation and a $50,000 award to Feeding the Carolinas.
Executives from the Southeast’s largest grocery chains, including Food City, Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods, along with MDI, shared insights into upcoming initiatives and promotional strategies. Independent grocers heard industry updates from IGA, the National Grocers Association and CFIC’s legislative team.
Monday afternoon’s beachside Innovation Showcase featured samples from Athletic Brewing, B&G Foods, Chilly Water, Ethica Wines, Freixenet-Mionetto, Garner Foods, Heartland, Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs, Phusion Projects, Prestige Wine Imports and Twang, with meals and product sampling from sponsors continuing throughout the event.
Wilson passes gavel after 55 years in industry
At meeting, Wilson, SVP of Carlie C’s IGA, was honored for his 55 years of industry service. The convention marked his final industry event as he begins retirement. Wilson passed the gavel to Sam Walton, VP of industry support for Alex Lee Retail, who takes on the role of CFIC president for 2026-27.
Additional officers installed were Jeff Gregory, The Butcher’s Market, first VP; Paul Han, Super G Mart, second VP; Adam Barnhardt, MDI, third VP; Lynn Willard, Lowcountry Grocers, treasurer; Allen Jackson, Piggly Wiggly Pinetops, chaplain; and Wilson, ex-officio, alongside CFIC Executive Director Lindsey Kueffner.
Elected directors were Jeet Brahmbhatt, Fresh Foods LLC; Brian Dozier, Montgomery Foods; Greg Floyd, Piggly Wiggly; Matt Gagnon, Harris Teeter; Gene Faller, Food Lion; Robert Ingle II, Ingles Markets; Omar Jorge, Compare Foods; Travis Kinlaw, Kinlaw’s Supermarket; Tim Lowe, Lowes Foods; Elwyn Murray, Carlie C’s IGA; John Owens, C&S Retail Services; David Smith, Piggly Wiggly; Clark Stephens, Quality Foods; John Triplett, B&T Foods; William Wilder Jr., Piggly Wiggly; Bobby Winebarger, Piggly Wiggly North Carolina; and Jim Wright, Floco Foods.
The Carolinas Food Industry Council is an advocate for grocery retailers and suppliers across North Carolina and South Carolina, fostering collaboration, education and innovation within the industry.
CFIC Annual Convention 2026
